Did you know that in addition to operating in 46 U.S. states, Amtrak serves three Canadian provinces? Much like when driving or flying over the border, passengers on these international trains need to pass through customs, which can often lead to time-consuming delays. But one popular route recently implemented a new screening process that promises to make crossing back into the States from Canada far more rider-friendly. Take a look at which Amtrak riders are eligible.

Preclearance Added to Amtrak’s Cascades Route

Amtrak’s Cascades route connects Vancouver, British Columbia, to Eugene, Oregon, passing through Washington state along the way. For years, southbound travelers on this route were subject to two separate passport checks — one upon boarding in Vancouver, and another in Blaine, Washington, which is the first stop south of the U.S. border. That stop in Blaine could add time-consuming delays to rides, as customs agents were required to board the train and check everyone’s passports.

But earlier this summer, ahead of the 2026 World Cup, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency began offering a preclearance program at Pacific Central Station in Vancouver. The initial goal was to make it easier to travel between stadiums in Seattle and Vancouver, but with the World Cup now behind us, the program will remain in place indefinitely.

Documents are now checked before travelers board, eliminating the need for customs officers to board the train after it crosses back into the U.S. With preclearance, Amtrak now advises U.S. and Canadian citizens leaving Vancouver to arrive at least 60 minutes prior to departure, allowing ample time to clear customs. For other citizens, it’s advised to arrive even earlier, as additional processing and security screening steps may be required.

In a statement, Amtrak president Roger Harris said that this new program will make “cross-border travel faster, easier, and more seamless from the moment passengers arrive at the station.” Gone are the days of waiting for customs agents to walk up the aisle and examine everyone’s papers, as you can now freely proceed back to your destination in the U.S. as soon as you board the train.

However, this preclearance program is available only for trains departing Vancouver. If you’re traveling in the opposite direction from the U.S. to Vancouver, you should continue to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. The train staff will check your passport prior to boarding (or once you’re aboard the train), and you’ll be handed customs forms to be completed before your arrival. After arriving in Vancouver (the only stop in Canada), you’ll still need to pass through Canadian customs at the station.

Other Cross-Border Routes

Besides Vancouver, the only other Canadian cities with current Amtrak service are Toronto and Montreal. Unfortunately, neither of those routes offers preclearance yet, though implementing this program may be in the cards down the line.

When traveling to or from Toronto on the Maple Leaf route, make sure to arrive no later than 30 minutes before departure. Once you reach the U.S.-Canadian border near Niagara Falls, passengers heading in either direction will be asked to disembark the train with their luggage so they can pass through customs. When every traveler has been cleared by customs, you’ll be permitted to reboard the train and continue on to your destination.

If heading to or from Montreal aboard the Adirondack route, expect U.S. or Canadian customs officers (depending on the direction you’re traveling) to hop aboard near the border and inspect everyone’s travel documents. While customs officers will speak with each passenger for only a few moments, it can add up on a crowded train — it’s not uncommon for the train to stop for more than an hour before continuing onward.

If you’re traveling by plane between the U.S. and Canada, it’s a different story. While Vancouver is the first train station to offer it, most major Canadian airports already offer preclearance facilities. This means travelers heading back to the U.S. will clear customs before their flight departs, rather than after landing in the U.S. The list of participating airports includes Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport, and more. 

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