Amtrak Empire Builder Route

America's Historic Northern Tier Rail Journey

The Empire Builder is celebrated for its spectacular scenery, winding past the shores of Lake Michigan, through the plains of North Dakota, and directly along the borders of Glacier National Park in Montana. It features double-decker Superliner cars.

Passengers can choose between spacious Coach class and private sleeper compartments (Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Family Bedrooms). Private room bookings include all onboard hot meals and access to station lounges.

Major Cities & Scenic Stops Served

The Empire Builder links the major urban centers and agricultural valleys of the Midwest and Pacific Northwest.

Key stops include Chicago Union Station, Milwaukee (WI), St. Paul-Minneapolis (MN), Fargo (ND), Minot (ND), East Glacier/West Glacier (MT), Spokane (WA), and Seattle or Portland.

At Spokane, the train is split or joined, with one section continuing west through the Cascade Range to Seattle and the other south along the Columbia River Gorge to Portland.

Onboard Travel Experience & Accommodations

The train operates with bi-level Superliner cars, offering spacious seating and excellent views from the upper deck.

Private Sleeper Cabins: Superliner Roomettes sleep up to 2 and feature private berths with shared shower facilities. Bedrooms offer double the space, an in-room sink, toilet, and private shower.

Dining & Café: Sleeper class passengers enjoy chef-prepared meals (including regional specialties) in the Dining Car. Coach passengers can purchase snacks, beverages, and regional craft beers in the Café Car.

Glacier National Park & Columbia River Gorge Highlights

Glacier National Park: The train stops directly at East Glacier Park and West Glacier stations, providing immediate slopeside access to park lodges and hiking trails.

Columbia River Gorge: The Portland section of the train runs directly along the Columbia River Gorge, providing spectacular canyon and waterfall views.

Sleeper Upgrades: A Roomette or Bedroom is highly recommended for this 2-night trip. It guarantees a private bed, quiet surroundings, and includes hot dinner, breakfast, and lunch, saving you dining costs.

Booking Tips & Sleeper Pricing

Glacier Stop Seasonality: East Glacier station is seasonal (open summer only); West Glacier is open year-round. Plan your park stops carefully based on travel season.

Advance Booking: Private sleeper cabins are highly popular and sell out weeks in advance. Book early to secure the lowest rates.

Who This Route Is Best For

Glacier Park Visitors: Perfect for hikers, campers, and families wanting to visit Glacier National Park by rail.

Scenic Vacationers: Ideal for anyone looking for a relaxed, comfortable transcontinental travel experience.

Why Book Your Amtrak Tickets via AmmTrain?

We are a dedicated travel support desk helping thousands of passengers manage their rail itineraries every month. We monitor active discounts, cross-verify promo codes against real-time availability, and coordinate group, sleeper class, or ADA boarding requirements without extra hassle. When booking through us, you get direct human support, priority modifications, and assistance navigating complex travel terms.