Seattle Hotel then train to Vancouver ?

[Jassy]

1. Since you are not checking baggage, in theory you could get to the station with just enough time to walk through the station and get checked in (about 5-10 minutes). If you are on the platform just before the train leaves, you'll get on.

 

With that said, you obviously care about seats, so you should get there about an hour before so you can get toward the front of the check-in line and stand a better chance of getting seats on the Puget Sound side.

 

2. Customs and Immigration is done upon arrival in Vancouver, in the Vancouver station.

 

3. The "best" side of the train is the left side, which faces the water for the long sections of the run along Puget Sound. Seats are assigned when you check-in with the conductor at Seattle, so ask him. You'll line up with everyone else to get checked in (note that this is NOT the ticket counter, you don't even have to stop there. It is a podium in the waiting room).

 

Thank you for the great information, zephyr17!

 

Regarding check-in, we will be in Business Class -- is there a separate check-in line for that?

[zephyr17]

Yes, there is a separate check in line for Business Class, but if you want on the Sound side, you should still get there relatively early. Business Class is 2 + 1 seating with the "2" side on the Sound side, but if you check in late, you might get stuck with 2 singles.

 

The podium has 2 sides, both staffed, clearly marked "Business Class" and "Coach".