In the U.S., purchase at least three business days in advance. In Canada, purchase at least ten business days in advance. Of course, if you can't purchase tickets in advance, you can always purchase tickets from your favorite travel agent or by visiting a staffed Amtrak station. Like airlines, you will get lower fares by purchasing your tickets well in advance of your trip. Fares gradually rise by a few dollars as trains fill and as the departure date nears, so purchase your ticket as soon as you're confident of your travel schedule.
Lower fares are also more available on train schedules that are less popular.
On most Amtrak Cascades routes, Friday evenings, Sunday evenings and holidays are most popular. If you can adjust your travel schedule, explore midweek travel or morning trains for lower fares. Explore everyday discounts, available to seniors, kids, AAA members, the military and more. While the Amtrak Cascades offer ample overhead baggage space and baggage closets in every coach, your trip will be more comfortable if you minimize the amount of baggage you carry aboard. There is no baggage storage space beneath seats, so carry-on only those bags you can lift overhead.