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.

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.

-via Press Release