AMTRAK SCHOOLS ON TRAINS

Ride the Rails for next to nothing! Amtrak Cascades supports Schools on Trains. Take the Cascades anywhere between Bellingham and Portland for only $9. Cross over past Portland down to Eugene and it's only another $9. That's ROUND TRIP.

School (and homeschool) groups must have a minimum of 20 passengers and a maximum of 72. Families traveling with children under 5 will be charged FULL FARE and will not be counted as a chaperone. Groups larger than 72 will be charged FULL FARE for the 73rd and each successive passenger. The intention is to expose schoolchildren ages 5-18 to train travel.

Groups must pre-book their trips, and send in passenger lists in advance. Groups must maintain a minimum chaperone:student ration of 1:6.

This is an opportunity that many of us would otherwise not be able to afford!

For full information, see the SOT page at Amtrak Cascades. If you'd like to talk to someone who has experience setting up a homeschool SOT trip, contact Trudy or Lisa. Want to read what Trudy's passengers had to say? Click here.

Some tips from us on the ride:
There are no longer lockers in the Amtrak Union Station. Instead, the baggage claim area will store your bags for $2 apiece. That's $2 whether it's a suitcase or a small bookbag, so combine them if you can.

Each car has two tables. If you're planning to play cards or chess, be in the front of the line to get on.

Bring water. The air seemed very dry on the train. And bring your own headphones to listen to the movie. Otherwise, they're $4.

If your destination is Seattle, click here to read about things to do with your children. If Portland is your preference, click here.

Thinking about visiting OMSI or Pacific Science Center on your field trip? You might be interested in saving money on museums.

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