The Amtrak Empire Builder: A Complete Guide from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest

This train suits travelers who want to see the rugged northern states and cross the Continental Divide without driving. Following the former Great Northern Railway built by James J. Hill, nicknamed the Empire Builder, the train provides views of vast plains and mountain passes. It is an excellent choice for those visiting Glacier National Park (East Glacier) during the summer months. The route appeals to passengers who appreciate slow travel and dramatic shifts in geography, from the Mississippi River to the Cascade Mountains or the Columbia River Gorge. Families, solo travelers, and national park enthusiasts frequently choose this service for its scenery and relaxing pace.

Route overview

Operating daily as of 2026, the Empire Builder covers about 2,206 miles from Chicago to the Pacific Coast. The full journey takes about 45 to 46 hours end to end. The train departs Chicago Union Station and heads north through Milwaukee and Minneapolis-St. Paul. It then crosses the wide expanses of North Dakota and Montana. A defining feature of this route is the split at Spokane. The westbound train divides into separate sections. The Seattle branch heads to Seattle, crossing the Cascade Mountains. The Portland branch follows the Columbia River Gorge to Portland. Eastbound, the Seattle and Portland sections depart their respective coastal cities and join together in Spokane before continuing to Chicago. Winter weather on the northern plains can cause delays, so travelers should plan accordingly. Summer is particularly popular for accessing Glacier National Park. Whether you are riding the entire length or taking a shorter trip to Whitefish, this overnight train offers a comfortable way to cross the northern United States.

What you see, section by section

Chicago to St. Paul

Departing the Midwest hub of Chicago, the train heads north into Wisconsin. Passengers are treated to views of Wisconsin lakes and the popular Wisconsin Dells region. As the journey continues, the train begins a long run beside the Mississippi River from La Crosse to Red Wing. Westbound passengers usually see this river scenery in the afternoon or evening, while eastbound travelers catch it during the morning hours before arriving in St. Paul.

Minot to Havre

This section takes passengers across the open northern plains of North Dakota and Montana. Known as the Hi-Line, this area is defined by vast wheat country and very small towns dotting the landscape. The scenery here is expansive and minimal, offering a stark contrast to the mountains that follow. Winter weather on the northern plains can cause delays, but the wide open spaces provide a sense of the sheer scale of the American West.

East Glacier Park to Whitefish

The train skirts the southern edge of Glacier National Park, providing some of the best mountain views on the Amtrak network. The route climbs over the Continental Divide at Marias Pass, which is one of the lowest crossings of the Rockies in the US. East Glacier Park and West Glacier serve as summer gateways to the park, and the stop at Essex serves a lodge right next to the tracks.

Spokane to Seattle

After the train splits at Spokane, the Seattle section heads west toward the coast. Westbound passengers travel through the Cascades by night, passing through the Cascade Tunnel in the dark. By morning, the train runs along the Puget Sound shoreline between Everett and Seattle, offering excellent water views before arriving at Seattle King Street Station. Eastbound passengers will see the Puget Sound in the late afternoon before heading into the mountains.

Spokane to Portland

The Portland branch leaves Spokane and travels southwest toward the Columbia River. This section is famous for running through the Columbia River Gorge on the Washington side of the river. The gorge is best seen eastbound in the evening or westbound in the morning, depending on the time of year and available daylight. The train eventually crosses into Oregon, terminating at Portland Union Station.

Classes and onboard

• Coach with reclining seats and leg rests
• Superliner Roomette
• Superliner Bedroom
• Family Bedroom
• Accessible Bedroom
• Sightseer Lounge car
• Dining car

The Empire Builder is an Amtrak long distance train using bi-level Superliner equipment. Passengers can choose Coach with reclining seats and leg rests, which is a budget friendly option for the trip of 45 to 46 hours. For those wanting privacy and a flat bed, Amtrak sleeper accommodations include the Superliner Roomette, Superliner Bedroom, Family Bedroom, and Accessible Bedroom. Sleeper passengers have meals included in the Dining car. Coach passengers can purchase food on board at the Sightseer Lounge car, which also features large windows for viewing the scenery. The Sightseer Lounge is open to all passengers and is the best place to sit when crossing Marias Pass or traveling along the Mississippi River. Choosing between a Roomette and a Bedroom depends on your budget and whether you want an in-room toilet and shower, which the Bedroom provides.