Amtrak in Idaho: Routes, Stations, & Tips

If you’re planning a trip to or through the Gem State, you might be wondering: Does Amtrak go there? The answer is yes! Amtrak service in Idaho is limited compared to other states, but the one route that serves the state is a stunner. The Empire Builder carries you through mountains, lakes, and some of the most scenic stretches of the Amtrak system.

This guide covers everything you need to know about riding Amtrak in Idaho—from routes and stations to what you can expect on board.

Does Amtrak Go to Idaho?

Yes! Amtrak service in Idaho is provided by the Empire Builder, a long-distance train that runs daily between Chicago, Seattle, and Portland. This train splits (or comes together) in Spokane, WA, allowing it to serve both the Seattle and Portland markets.

The train’s one stop in Idaho is in Sandpoint, in the state’s north.

While options are limited, this route connects Idaho travelers to destinations across the northern U.S., including Glacier National Park, Minneapolis, Milwaukee, Chicago, Seattle, and Portland.

Learn more: Amtrak’s Empire Builder Schedule and Guide

Amtrak in Idaho: Routes

Empire Builder (Chicago – Seattle/Portland)

• Idaho Stop: Sandpoint, ID
• Frequency: One daily train in both directions
• Destinations: Travel east to Glacier National Park and Chicago or west to Spokane, Seattle, and Portland.

This is one of Amtrak’s most scenic rides, especially as you roll through Idaho’s panhandle along Lake Pend Oreille and into Montana’s Rocky Mountains.

What to Expect On Board the Empire Builder

Since Idaho is served by a long-distance train, you’ll find more than just coach seats:

Coach Class

• Spacious seating with extra legroom
• Great for budget-friendly travel
• Read more: Amtrak Coach Class

Sleeper Cars

If you’d like more comfort for your trip, sleeping accommodations include:

• Roomettes
  • Great for one, cozy for two
• Bedrooms
  • Great for two; the room includes a sink, shower, and restroom.
• Family Bedrooms
  • If you are traveling with kids, this room could be great for you!
• Accessible Bedrooms
  • An excellent option for those with mobility challenges.

Food on the Train

• Café Car
  • Available to all passengers, offering snacks, drinks, and light meals
• Traditional Dining
  • Complimentary for sleeping car passengers, with meal options for coach passengers.

Scenery

Northern Idaho offers incredible lake and mountain views; don’t forget your camera!

Amtrak in Idaho Station

Sandpoint, ID (SPT)

• Location
  • 450 Railroad Depot Rd, Sandpoint, ID
• Station Type
  • Unstaffed station with a platform with a shelter
• Travel Tip
  • Train times here are very early in the morning (or very late at night, depending on your perspective), so plan your transportation to and from the station in advance.
    • The eastbound train arrives at 2:50 am
    • The westbound train arrives at 12:55 am

Note: Trains are sometimes late. You can check your train’s status before you leave for the station and while you are at the station.

Tips for Traveling Amtrak in Idaho

• Know the schedule
  • Sandpoint has only one train per day in each direction, so flexibility is helpful.
  • If you miss the train in either direction, you will need to wait until the next day to depart.
• Consider a sleeper car
  • Overnight rides are more comfortable with a bed and meals included.
• Pack light
  • Amtrak has generous luggage rules compared to airlines, but the lighter you travel, the easier it is. The stop does not have checked bag service.
  • The best advice I can offer is to bring an extension cord, which is helpful for coach and sleeper-car passengers.
• Stay connected:
  • Wi-Fi isn’t available on the Empire Builder or at the station, so plan accordingly.

Future Possibilities for more Amtrak in Idaho

There’s talk of restoring service through southern Idaho, including cities like Boise and Pocatello, via the proposed North Coast Hiawatha route. While not confirmed, it’s something train fans are watching closely.

Final Thoughts About Amtrak in Idaho

Idaho may not have an extensive Amtrak network. Still, the Empire Builder’s stop in Sandpoint connects the state to some of the most scenic and historic rail routes in the U.S. Whether you’re boarding in Sandpoint or passing through on your way west or east, traveling by train is a relaxing and memorable way to experience the Gem State.

Although my experiences with Amtrak in Idaho occurred while I was sleeping, that does not mean it is not a great way to visit the state or a convenient option for traveling from Idaho to other places in the USA.

Safe travels & Happy Planning!

Kev