What are the pros and cons of different ways of getting from Seattle to Spokane?

The train is a really nice trip, especially through the Cascades. The downfall is that you get in early in the AM! If you don’t mind getting there that early, I highly recommend it.

@finkelitis: I lived in the Spokane area for 6 years. Here’s my warning about the current Amtrak situation: It’s always very, very late. My friends and I have been stuck waiting for it for up to 8 hours. The Amtrak just isn’t dependable these days. Also, with the extremely heavy snowfall in Spokane right now (the whole city has been shut down), the Amtrak might be even later than usual.

The plane ride is only 30 minutes long and usually pretty cheap. Make sure Spokane’s airport is functioning, though!

Good luck, and have fun in Spokane!

That’s a pretty big concern, juniper. Thanks. What about doing ride share? Do you think the passes will be all right?

Huh, I really don’t know much about ride share at all. I’ve never tried it. Sorry about that…maybe another flutherer has some info on that?

The passes are definitely not all right at the moment. At the wsdot website you can find general pass information and view the restrictions on Snowqualmie pass (I-90) specifically. Right now traction tires are required and the road conditions are “compact snow and ice.”

Well, actually it says “comact snow and ice,” but they mean compact.

Hard to say how the roads will be after Christmas. But sounds iffy—unless you can find a rideshare with a very safe vehicle.

This sounds like the train might actually be the best way. Unless planes are all right in this weather. They’re just a little pricey.

Trains are typically more expensive than planes, given the time you spend on them and the reliability of unforeseen discomfort. Too bad. They could be great.

I don’t want you to do rideshare because I’m a friend of your mom’s and I don’t know who the other driver is or whether s/he knows how to drive in this weather. Squeak squeak squeak (that is me being mousy and nervous).

Finkelitis, you might be screwed on trains too. Amtrak has had lots of cancellations this season—lots in Portland and Seattle. Here’s Google News for Seattle Amtrak. It’s doesn’t look good. Good luck, though.

I would still take the plane. They are so much faster, and are way better than trying the passes right now. I haven’t been let down by the planes yet. Maybe a little delayed, but still overall faster than the alternatives, as well as not too expensive.

Thanks all! I took the bus, and drove back with a friend. All went well.