Vancouver Railway.

Vancouver Station (known as Pacific Central Station) is the city's main transport hub for intercity rail and bus services. The majestic historic Beaux-Arts building serves as the terminus for legendary cross-continent trains and routes leading to the USA. The atmosphere inside combines classic early 20th-century architecture with the functionality of a modern terminal.

It is important for passengers to know that the station is compact and intuitive. The central hall unites waiting areas and ticket counters. Boarding gates are clearly marked: VIA Rail and Amtrak trains depart from different tracks, access to which opens only after boarding is announced. A light rail station is located nearby, making transfers to city transport extremely convenient.

• Official Website: It is recommended to use the carrier websites (VIA Rail or Amtrak) for up-to-date information.
• Information Desk Phone: +1 888-842-7245 (VIA Rail general line).
• Address: 1150 Station Street, Vancouver, BC, V6A 4C7, Canada.
• Opening Hours: The building is open daily from 04:30 to 23:30 (timings may change during holidays).
• Luggage Storage: Baggage storage service is available for ticketed passengers (fee applies).
• Accessibility: The station is fully equipped for passengers with reduced mobility, featuring ramps and accessible restrooms.

Getting to Pacific Central Station is very simple thanks to its convenient location near the city centre.

Public Transport: The fastest way is to use the SkyTrain light rail system (Expo Line). You need to exit at Main Street–Science World station, which is just a 2-minute walk from the station entrance. The trip from the very centre (Waterfront) will take about 5–7 minutes.

Taxi and Transfers: Taxis and services like Uber or Lyft can drop you off right at the main entrance on Station Street. A trip from the city centre will take 10–15 minutes depending on traffic.

On Foot: If you are in the Science World area or the southern part of Chinatown, you can walk to the station in 10–15 minutes, enjoying views of Thornton Park.

The station offers a necessary range of services for a comfortable wait for your journey. The spacious waiting hall with high ceilings has ample seating. Ticket counters for VIA Rail, Amtrak, and bus operators are available for purchasing and exchanging travel documents.

Available amenities include:

• Wi-Fi: Free internet access within the terminal.
• ATMs: Located in the main hall.
• Luggage: There is a luggage weighing and check-in service, as well as storage lockers (often only for ticketed passengers).
• Restrooms: Clean restrooms, including cubicles for people with disabilities.

Dining options directly inside the station building are quite limited. Usually, a small café or fast-food outlet operates here (for example, A&W or a coffee shop), where you can buy burgers, coffee, and pastries. This is suitable for a quick snack before departure.

If you have time to spare, it is better to go outside. Literally across the road is a McDonald's, and within a 5-10 minute walk, near the metro station, you can find more diverse cafés and pizzerias. The average bill for lunch near the station will be around 15–25 CAD.

The history of Pacific Central Station began in 1919. The building was constructed for the Canadian Northern Pacific Railway and is a fine example of Neoclassical architecture of that time. In 1991, the station received the status of a heritage railway station of Canada.

A major reconstruction in the early 1990s became a crucial stage. As a result of the transformation, the station became a unified hub, taking over functions previously performed by the old Waterfront station. Today, it is a key point connecting Vancouver with Eastern Canada (via the legendary "The Canadian" train) and with the USA (Amtrak Cascades route).

Arrival: It is recommended to arrive at the station at least 60 minutes before the train departs. For passengers heading to the USA (Seattle, Portland), it is worth arriving even earlier, as US border control and customs are cleared right in the station building before boarding.

Tickets and Boarding: Keep your tickets and passport (for international trips) close at hand. Access to the platform is organized and allowed only after an invitation from staff.

Luggage: Carefully check the baggage allowance of your carrier. There are scales at the station to avoid surcharges for excess weight.

Safety: The area around the station is safe during the day, but late at night, it is better to use a taxi or go directly to the metro, avoiding walks along remote streets.