The road to Artist Point (the final section of SR 542) and Highway 20 (starting at Ross Dam Trailhead) are both closed for the season.

Take the Amtrak to Bellingham

Train lovers, it's time to celebrate. The Amtrak Cascades line has resumed its daily service between Seattle and Vancouver, B.C., meaning you can once again travel by Amtrak train straight into Bellingham from Seattle or Vancouver. 

In March 2023, Amtrak Cascades added a second daily roundtrip that runs between Vancouver BC and Portland, OR, with stops in Bellingham - this means you can plan a day trip to Bellingham using just the train!

Four trains currently serve Bellingham: a morning and evening train going north to Vancouver B.C., and a morning and evening train going south to Seattle (with additional stops at Mt. Vernon, Stanwood, Everett, and Edmonds). There also are two daily Amtrak buses that travel north and south between Bellingham and Seattle.

Check out Amtrak's Rider's Guide for information about baggage, border crossings, accessibility, and more. 

View the Train Schedule

Taking the Amtrak Cascades is a great way to get to Bellingham without a car. You can take the Amtrak to Bellingham from Seattle for a quick journey without any I-5 traffic. Once you're here, you can also use the Amtrak Cascades line to travel north into Vancouver, B.C. 

Once you're in Bellingham, there are plenty of ways to get around the area by bus, bike, e-bike, or foot. Here are some resources to help you navigate your way around the area.

Ground Transport Options
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US/Canada Border Info

The Amtrak station is located in historic Fairhaven Village, toward the south end of Bellingham. The station is in walking distance of a variety of trip-worthy destinations and attractions. 

Head up from the station on Harris Avenue into the heart of downtown Fairhaven Village, where you'll find locally owned shops, restaurants, and bars housed in beautiful Victorian-era buildings. Stop in at Village Books and Paper Dreams, the local independent bookstore, to grab a book and a souvenir. Have a craft cocktail at Galloway's, or grab lunch at The Black Cat

Looking for a hotel near the train station? The Fairhaven Village Inn offers convenient accommodations with views of the bay. 

Also in easy reach of the Amtrak station is Marine Park, where you'll score a great view of the water and can wave hello to the train tracks that delivered you into town.

It's true! You can bring your small dog or cat on the Amtrak to Bellingham. 

  • Pets + their carrier must weigh 20 pounds or less. 
  • Maximum travel time is 7 hours.
  • Extra pet fare applies.
  • Pets are NOT allowed into Canada. 

A great way to explore Bellingham is on two wheels. Luckily, you can bring your bike on the train (e-bikes are welcome, too). Just remember to: 

  • Make a reservation for you and your bike - When you book your ticket, choose the option for "Add Bike to Trip."
  • Rack your bike - There are only 10 bike racks available on every Amtrak Cascades train, so make sure you reserve yours early. 
  • Box your bike - If the bike rack space is sold out, you can opt to box your bike (except at unstaffed stations).
        We acknowledge that Whatcom County is located on the unceded territory of the Coast Salish Peoples. They cared for the lands that included what we’d call the Puget Sound region, Vancouver Island and British Columbia since time immemorial. This gives us the great obligation and opportunity to learn how to care for our surrounding areas and all the natural and human resources we require to live. We express our deepest respect and gratitude for our indigenous neighbors, the Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe, for their enduring care and protection of our shared lands and waterways.
Bellingham Whatcom County Tourism
Visitor Center Located at I-5 Exit 253 - Check Hours
904 Potter Street, Bellingham, WA 98229
Phone: 360-671-3990
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