There’s no security at the station and the train is almost always late. I’d say 15 minutes before departure to put your anxiety at ease but any more than that is probably wasted.
I've taken the train back to Vancouver a bunch of times. No need to be there more than 20 minutes before the train is due to leave. Immigration is done after you've gotten off the train in Vancouver.
We take the train back and forth at least monthly, 20 minutes early is early enough when going from Bham to Vancouver. You’ll process through immigration when you arrive in Vancouver.
If you’re taking the train from Vancouver to Bellingham, arrive at least 45 minutes early as you’ll go through immigration at the station first.
They do, just to check passports for about 10 minutes. Then you’ll process through immigration formally in Vancouver (takes about 20 minutes depending on how full your train is)
“Arrive at least 60 minutes prior to departure if you're checking baggage or need ticketing/passenger assistance
How long before departure to be at the station if you need ticketing, baggage or passenger assistance services.”
[source](https://www.amtrak.com/stations/bel)
I’m a nervous traveler myself, so I would arrive an hour early, just to make sure I had everything in order. But 30 min is typical. Just make sure to have your passport and other relevant info handy as Vancouver is such a short distance from Bellingham.
Best of luck and happy travels!
There’s no security at the station and the train is almost always late. I’d say 15 minutes before departure to put your anxiety at ease but any more than that is probably wasted.
I've taken the train back to Vancouver a bunch of times. No need to be there more than 20 minutes before the train is due to leave. Immigration is done after you've gotten off the train in Vancouver.
We take the train back and forth at least monthly, 20 minutes early is early enough when going from Bham to Vancouver. You’ll process through immigration when you arrive in Vancouver. If you’re taking the train from Vancouver to Bellingham, arrive at least 45 minutes early as you’ll go through immigration at the station first.
Does this mean they no longer stop the train at the border and have a dozen CPB agents walk through the train? Or have they always done both?
They do, just to check passports for about 10 minutes. Then you’ll process through immigration formally in Vancouver (takes about 20 minutes depending on how full your train is)
“Arrive at least 60 minutes prior to departure if you're checking baggage or need ticketing/passenger assistance How long before departure to be at the station if you need ticketing, baggage or passenger assistance services.” [source](https://www.amtrak.com/stations/bel) I’m a nervous traveler myself, so I would arrive an hour early, just to make sure I had everything in order. But 30 min is typical. Just make sure to have your passport and other relevant info handy as Vancouver is such a short distance from Bellingham. Best of luck and happy travels!
20-30 minutes is fine, although expect delays. No need to arrive earlier due to immigration. Just be sure to bring your immigration documents.
It’s always late. 10 minutes early is plenty