Amtrak Debuts North America’s First Passenger Rail Preclearance Facility

Vancouver, B.C. facility now offers U.S. preclearance, simplifying cross-border travel on Amtrak Cascades

VANCOUVER, B.C. – Amtrak marked a milestone in North American passenger rail today as customers traveling from Vancouver, B.C. on the Amtrak Cascades can now complete U.S. preclearance before boarding. The new experience at Pacific Central Station creates a more streamlined experience for customers traveling into the United States.

While preclearance has long been available at select airports, Pacific Central Station becomes the first rail station in North America to offer this capability, representing a new chapter for rail travel.

“This is a historic moment for passenger rail in North America,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “Launching the continent’s first rail preclearance facility reflects what’s possible when strong partners come together with a shared focus on the customer experience. This improvement makes cross-border travel faster, easier, and more seamless from the moment passengers arrive at the station.”

Delivered in partnership with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), VIA Rail, and numerous agencies in both countries that include U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Canada Border Services Agency, Transport Canada, and Public Safety Canada, the preclearance process consolidates inspection, security, and customs procedures into a single step prior to departure.

Trains departing Vancouver will now proceed directly into the United States without stopping for en route border screening, enhancing overall trip quality and operational efficiency.

To support preclearance, targeted upgrades were completed within the station to accommodate enhanced customs and security operations. The launch also aligns with growing international travel demand ahead of major global sporting events in the Pacific Northwest.

Looking ahead, Amtrak Cascades customers will continue to benefit from ongoing investment designed to improve comfort, reliability, and the overall travel experience, including the introduction of new Airo trainsets later this year.

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“We are pleased to see this great example of cross-border cooperation, and just in time for the World Cup,” U.S. Consul General in Vancouver Shawn Crowley said. “The agreement for full preclearance at the Vancouver station will assist with quicker and more secure travel. We hope additional improvements at the Pacific Central Station will accommodate Amtrak’s new trains and further improve travel in the Pacific Northwest.”

“The launch of U.S. preclearance at Vancouver’s Pacific Central Station marks a major milestone in making cross-border travel and trade between our two countries safer, faster, and more efficient,” said The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety. “I want to thank officials in both countries and all partners and agencies for their leadership and collaboration in strengthening the security of our shared border and bringing this streamlined rail service to life.”

“This is an exciting announcement for Washington state and our friends in Canada. Now that passengers and trains can do preclearance in Vancouver, B.C. instead of processing at the border, it makes train service more convenient and reliable for everyone,” said Senator Patty Murray. “Heading into the summer and the FIFA World Cup, this will make it so much easier for Americans, Canadians, and soccer fans from around the world to travel between our cities and countries. This development will also boost the entire Pacific Northwest economy because public transportation is crucial to supporting local businesses and creating better connections between communities. I will keep being the best partner I can be in the other Washington to support investments in public transit.”

“With seven World Cup matches in Vancouver and six in Seattle, making travel as frictionless as possible between the two venues will be great for fans during the games — and for the whole region in the long run,” said Senator Maria Cantwell. “Easing travel and transportation between our two markets will also enhance the benefits of the USMCA for our cross-border supply chains and business.”

“This agreement will reduce delays along the state-supported Cascades route and is happening just in time for what is sure to be an increase in rail travel between Vancouver and Seattle for the World Cup,” said Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), the top Democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “For Cascades route train passengers, this could not have happened soon enough! I applaud the efforts of Amtrak, Washington State DOT, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Canada Border Services Agency in completing the upgrades at Pacific Central Station so that Southbound trains no longer need to stop in Blaine for a second customs processing.”

“This is a milestone year for train travel in the Pacific Northwest. We’re pleased to offer Amtrak Cascades passengers a better cross-border experience, particularly as we welcome visitors from around the world as part of the international soccer games happening in both Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia this summer,” said Washington Secretary of Transportation Julie Meredith. “In addition, we’re going to introduce new Amtrak Cascades trains later in 2026, with significantly more seats and onboard amenities. As a result, we’re anticipating record-breaking ridership in the year ahead and a bright future for rail travel throughout our region.”