Portland to Seattle: Drive, Train, or Fly? A Full Comparison

Portland and Seattle are close enough that people second-guess how to make the trip every time: drive it yourself, take the train, or fly? Each has a real trade-off. Here's how they actually compare, door to door.

Driving (About 3 Hours)

I-5 covers the roughly 173 miles between the two cities in about 3 hours without heavy traffic. It's the most flexible option — you control the schedule, can stop along the way, and go straight to your destination instead of a station or airport. The trade-off is that someone has to drive the whole way, both directions, and I-5 traffic around Tacoma and south Seattle can add real time during rush hour.

Amtrak Cascades (About 3.5 Hours)

The train takes about 3.5 hours between Portland's Union Station and Seattle's King Street Station, with six round trips running daily. One-way fares typically run $27–58 depending on how far ahead you book — midweek trains and tickets bought 3–6 weeks out tend to land at the lower end. It's relaxed and you can work or sleep, but you're on the train's schedule, and you'll need a separate ride to and from each station.

Flying (Fast in the Air, Slower Overall)

The flight itself is short, under an hour in the air. But once you add TSA security, boarding, baggage claim, and getting to and from both airports, a flight often takes as long door-to-door as driving or the train — sometimes longer, especially if your final destination isn't near Sea-Tac or PDX.

Private Car Service (About 3 Hours, Zero Hassle)

A private car service covers the same ~3-hour drive as driving yourself, but you're not the one behind the wheel. It's door-to-door — no station, no security line, no parking — and for groups or families, it's often cheaper per person than separate plane tickets or train fares. You can work, nap, or take calls the whole way.

Quick Comparison

• Driving: About 3 hours, most flexible, you drive both ways.
• Amtrak Cascades: About 3.5 hours, $27-58 one-way, six trains daily, station-to-station only.
• Flying: Under an hour in the air, often 3+ hours door-to-door once airport time is added.
• Private car service: About 3 hours, door-to-door, no driving or waiting.

Which Makes Sense for You?

• Solo traveler on a budget: the train is hard to beat.
• Business trip with calls to take or work to do: a private car service, so the drive isn't wasted time.
• Family or group: a private car service often costs less per person than separate train or plane tickets, with everyone traveling together.
• Flying into or out of Sea-Tac for a connection: flying still makes sense — just budget real time for the airport.

Book Your Portland to Seattle Ride

Portland Private Town Car offers private, door-to-door car service between Portland and Seattle, including Sea-Tac Airport, in a Cadillac Escalade or Mercedes Sprinter with a professional chauffeur. Call or text (503) 867-9527, or see our Portland to Seattle Car Service → page for details.