Portland, Oregon Question

terpkristin · 07-29-2015, 08:41 PM

I'll be in Portland visiting my brother (briefly) at the end of August before heading to Seattle for PAX. My plan (for now) is to take the train from Portland to Seattle. I realize it will be a little longer than flying but I'm not worried about that. Is anybody here familiar with that ride? What train company actually does the route? Does the train fill up far in advance (should I try to reserve a ticket now or can I wait til the week before, for example)?

On a related note, are there any hotels to stay away from in the PDX area?

/tk

digamma · 07-29-2015, 09:04 PM

Amtrak.

Amtrak.com

thesloppy · 07-29-2015, 09:27 PM

I find boltbus to usually be easier/faster (and cheaper) than the train for that trip, but it can depend on traffic, and the train experience can be fun.

I don't know anything about hotels unfortunately. Lots of folks swear by airbnb for in-town lodging, since hotels tend to be downtown or on the outskirts.

path12 · 07-30-2015, 10:49 AM

I've made that train trip a few times. About three-four hours, I've not seen it super crowded.

cartman · 07-30-2015, 10:58 AM

You should crash at Lathum's new place

chinaski · 07-30-2015, 11:28 AM

The ride is really pretty in spots, I recommend it. Bolt is cheap and i've heard great things about it from friends.

Hotels, yes, there are many to stay away from. Dont get anything near the airport, especially anything farther out than 82nd. Go for a nice looking AirBnB or a simple bed and breakfast in inner SE or NE. Downtown hotels are nice, but can be very expensive. If you want real cheap and easy access to downtown, i like the Palms. Its an old school motel that was once really seedy, but now good(ish). Its cheap and right on the max, 15 mins from downtown and in real close proximity to good bars and food.

terpkristin · 07-30-2015, 06:03 PM

Thanks, all, and keep the suggestions coming.

I think train is the way I'm going to go. I thought it might be pretty and it sounds like it does have some pretty spots, and it should be more relaxing for me than some other options. I'm not in a particular hurry and don't mind spending the money. I certainly don't want to drive (myself) if I can avoid it.

It SOUNDS like I can wait a bit on the ticket but I'll keep an eye out on Amtrak's website and if I see things being crazy, then I'll jump on getting a ticket or two (still not clear if/when my brother will know if he's coming with me to Seattle).

/tk

07-29-2015, 09:27 PM	#3
thesloppy Pro Starter Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: PDX	I find boltbus to usually be easier/faster (and cheaper) than the train for that trip, but it can depend on traffic, and the train experience can be fun. I don't know anything about hotels unfortunately. Lots of folks swear by airbnb for in-town lodging, since hotels tend to be downtown or on the outskirts. __________________ Last edited by thesloppy : Today at 05:35 PM.

07-30-2015, 10:49 AM	#4
path12 Coordinator Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Seattle, WA	I've made that train trip a few times. About three-four hours, I've not seen it super crowded. __________________ We have always been at war with Eastasia.

07-30-2015, 10:58 AM	#5
cartman Death Herald Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Le stelle la notte sono grandi e luminose nel cuore profondo del Texas	You should crash at Lathum's new place __________________ Thinkin' of a master plan 'Cuz ain't nuthin' but sweat inside my hand So I dig into my pocket, all my money is spent So I dig deeper but still comin' up with lint

07-30-2015, 11:28 AM	#6
chinaski College Prospect Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Portland, Oregon	The ride is really pretty in spots, I recommend it. Bolt is cheap and i've heard great things about it from friends. Hotels, yes, there are many to stay away from. Dont get anything near the airport, especially anything farther out than 82nd. Go for a nice looking AirBnB or a simple bed and breakfast in inner SE or NE. Downtown hotels are nice, but can be very expensive. If you want real cheap and easy access to downtown, i like the Palms. Its an old school motel that was once really seedy, but now good(ish). Its cheap and right on the max, 15 mins from downtown and in real close proximity to good bars and food. __________________ CCFL - Buffalo Bills IHOF - Houston Mustangs GML - San Diego

07-30-2015, 06:03 PM	#7
terpkristin Grizzled Veteran Join Date: May 2003 Location: Ashburn, VA	Thanks, all, and keep the suggestions coming. I think train is the way I'm going to go. I thought it might be pretty and it sounds like it does have some pretty spots, and it should be more relaxing for me than some other options. I'm not in a particular hurry and don't mind spending the money. I certainly don't want to drive (myself) if I can avoid it. It SOUNDS like I can wait a bit on the ticket but I'll keep an eye out on Amtrak's website and if I see things being crazy, then I'll jump on getting a ticket or two (still not clear if/when my brother will know if he's coming with me to Seattle). /tk __________________ GO TERPS! https://www.flickr.com/photos/terpkristin https://twitter.com/terpkristin

07-29-2015, 09:04 PM	#2
digamma Torchbearer Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: On Lake Harriet	Amtrak. Amtrak.com

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