I traveled in coach on an Amtrak train from Vancouver to Seattle for $50. It was cheaper and less stressful than flying.

Business Insider's reporter took the Amtrak Cascades train from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seattle.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider I wouldn't even consider flying from Vancouver to Seattle now that I've taken the train.

I'd rather spend four hours in a coach seat on Amtrak than one on a basic economy flight.

Taking the train was also less than half the price, and I checked my bag for free.

Imagine traveling internationally without middle seats, popping ears, or TSA checkpoints .

Dream of bringing four suitcases for free, and picture ever-changing views out the window throughout the journey.

That was my reality on the Amtrak Cascades train, which runs through the Pacific Northwest and has coach and business-class seating.

I took it from Vancouver, British Columbia , to Seattle in May 2025.

My $50 train ride in coach was less than half the price of airfare and way more comfortable and enjoyable than any basic economy flight I've booked.

My ticket to ride the Amtrak train from Vancouver to Seattle was less than half the price of flying.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider When I planned my trip from Vancouver to Seattle, I looked at train and flight prices.

About a month before my trip, basic economy airfare was about $150 on airlines such as Delta and United, among others.

So I was shocked when I saw that the Amtrak train cost only $50 in coach.

Sure, it was four hours long, compared to the roughly one-hour flight time, but I love traveling by train.