Montana is an ideal destination for train travel. Its vast distances, breathtaking mountain scenery, and charming small towns make experiencing Big Sky Country from the comfort of an Amtrak train truly unique, offering a perspective that you can’t achieve from a car window or an airplane. The Empire Builder, Amtrak’s flagship route connecting Chicago to the Pacific Northwest, crosses the entire northern part of Montana and provides one of the most spectacular train journeys in North America. Discover more about Amtrak in Montana!
The Amtrak in Montana Route
There is only one route: the Empire Builder. The train enters Montana from the east after crossing North Dakota, then exits into Idaho on its way to Washington state. The train runs daily in both directions, providing ample scheduling flexibility. The Montana portion of the journey takes you through wide-open prairies, along pristine rivers, over the Continental Divide, and right along the southern boundary of Glacier National Park.
One key thing to understand about timing is that the Empire Builder passes through Montana’s Rocky Mountains during daylight hours when traveling eastbound, but reaches the mountains in the early evening when heading westbound. If you’re riding specifically to see the mountain scenery, eastbound is your best bet, especially outside summer months when sunset comes earlier. During summer, westbound passengers can still catch the mountain views in the extended daylight.
Montana Stations on the Empire Builder
The Empire Builder makes several stops across Montana, each offering its own unique appeal.
Libby (LIB) – Unstaffed Station Building with waiting room
The station is located at: 100 Mineral Avenue, Libby, MT 59923-1933
Libby serves as a gateway to Montana’s northwest corner, with the stunning Cabinet Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop. This region is quieter and less visited, making it ideal for those seeking to get off the beaten path.
Whitefish (WFH) – Staffed Station Building with waiting room
The station is located at 500 Depot Street, Whitefish, MT 59937-2567
Whitefish is a year-round destination for outdoor activities. In winter, it is famous for skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort, while in summer it attracts hikers, bikers, and visitors heading to nearby Glacier National Park. The town features a walkable downtown area filled with restaurants and shops. Morning trains depart around 8 AM, and evening trains arrive around 8 PM.
West Glacier (WGL) – Unstaffed Platform only, no shelter
The station is located at 12544 US Highway 2 East, West Glacier, MT 59936.
West Glacier is located at the western entrance of Glacier National Park. The historic Belton Chalet is just steps away from the depot, making it an ideal starting point for your adventures in the park. This area serves as a popular base camp for exploring the western side of Glacier National Park.
Essex (ESM) – Unstaffed Platform only, no shelter
The station is located at Izaak Walton Inn, 290 Izaak Walton Inn Road, Essex, MT 59916-9710
Essex is a small community best known for the Izaak Walton Inn, a historic railroad hotel beloved by railroad enthusiasts and cross-country skiers. Even if you’re not staying overnight, it’s a charming whistle-stop.
East Glacier Park (GPK) – Staffed Station Building with waiting room
The station is located at 400 Highway 49 North, East Glacier Park, MT 59434
East Glacier Park is home to a historic station located across from the Glacier Park Lodge, built by the Great Northern Railway to encourage tourism. This station is the closest one to the park’s east side and provides access to the Two Medicine area. The station is also worth exploring, featuring vintage photographs that showcase early rail travel to the region.
Browning (BRO) – Unstaffed Platform with Shelter
The station is located at Heart Butte Road and Depot Road, Browning, MT 59417
Browning is a seasonal stop from October to April, providing access to the eastern side of Glacier National Park and the Blackfeet Indian Reservation.
Cut Bank (CUT) – Unstaffed Station Building with waiting room
The station is located at 101 BNSF Industrial Site, Cut Bank, MT 59427-2934
Cut Bank is a small agricultural community and serves as a strategic stop for travelers exploring Montana’s Hi-Line region.
Shelby (SBY) – Staffed Station Building with waiting room
The station is located at 230 West Central Avenue, Shelby, MT 59474-2050
Shelby is near the Canadian border, providing another access point for travelers, though it primarily serves as a service stop rather than a destination for most passengers.
Havre (HAV) – Staffed Station Building with waiting room
The station is located at 235 Main Street, Havre, MT 59501-3599
Havre is the largest town along Montana’s Hi-Line and serves as a regional hub for longer itineraries across the state. The train depot, situated between downtown and the Milk River, was built in 1904 by the Great Northern Railway. In front of the depot stands a statue of James J. Hill, known as the “Empire Builder,” after whom the train is named.
The Scenic Highlights as You Travel on Amtrak in Montana
The highlight of the Montana journey is the passage through Glacier National Park. The train hugs the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, offering sweeping views that you cannot access by road. You’ll cross the Continental Divide at Marias Pass (elevation 5,216 feet), the route that American Indians traveled for thousands of years and that Lewis and Clark sought during their expedition. Keep an eye out for a monument honoring President Theodore Roosevelt at the summit.
The views include mountain peaks, glacial valleys, river gorges, and dense forests. Depending on the season and your luck, you might spot wildlife including deer, elk, bears, mountain goats, or eagles.
Practical Tips for Your Amtrak Journey in Montana
Where to Catch the Views: The Sightseer Lounge features panoramic windows showcasing Montana’s stunning scenery. To secure a seat during peak scenic stretches, particularly in Glacier, it’s advisable to arrive early, as the lounge can fill up quickly. If the lounge is full, both coach and sleeper cars also feature large windows for enjoying the views. Additionally, the café on the lower level of this car offers treats you can enjoy as you take in Montana’s beautiful landscapes from the train.
Photography tips: To minimize window glare and reflections, position your camera as close to the glass as possible. A lens hood can help reduce reflections. The best light for photography is typically in the morning for eastbound travel and in the late afternoon/evening for westbound travel.
North side versus south side: For the Montana mountain scenery, both sides of the train offer great views, though the north side (left side eastbound, right side westbound) gives you slightly better Glacier National Park vistas in some sections. That said, don’t stress too much about this; the scenery is spectacular from either side.
Plan for delays: Although Amtrak strives to maintain its schedule, delays can occur, particularly during winter when weather conditions affect operations or during periods of heavy freight traffic. It’s a good idea to allow for some flexibility in your plans, especially if you have tight connections, reservations, and people awaiting you at your destination. Don’t forget you can always track your trains too!
Cell service and WiFi: The Empire Builder does not provide WiFi, and cell service can be unreliable in the mountainous areas. Embrace this opportunity for a digital detox and take in the beautiful scenery around you. You will have cell coverage in towns and along most of the route through the plains. Before entering this area, ensure you have backup entertainment and download a few items beforehand.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions: Amtrak conductors and onboard staff are generally friendly and knowledgeable. They can tell you what’s coming up, point out landmarks, and share insider tips about the best viewing spots.
Weather considerations: Montana’s weather can be extreme and change rapidly. Even in summer, mountainous areas can feel cool, especially at night. In winter, blizzards and sub-zero temperatures are possible. I tend to bring a travel blanket with me just in case I get cold, even in the summer.
Ticketing and Accommodations
Tickets for Montana segments can be surprisingly affordable, especially for shorter trips. A ride from Whitefish to East Glacier costs about $16 and takes about 2 hours; it’s both a means of transportation and an experience in itself. Longer journeys offer coach seating, business class (where available), and private sleeping accommodations in roomettes or bedrooms.
For overnight travel, sleeping car accommodations include meals in the dining car, while coach passengers can purchase food from the café car. Sleeping car passengers also have access to a dedicated attendant, showers, horizontal sleeping options, and more.
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Making It a Montana Adventure
Many travelers choose the Empire Builder to embark on a larger Montana adventure. You can take a day trip from Whitefish to East Glacier to discover different sides of Glacier National Park. Alternatively, you might start your journey in Chicago or Seattle, spend several days exploring Glacier, and then continue your travels either westward or back east. The option to hop on and off at various stops (with separate tickets required for each segment) makes the Empire Builder a flexible way to explore Montana at your own pace.
Consider timing your trip for late spring through early fall for the fullest experience. Summer offers the longest daylight hours and the warmest weather, though it is also peak tourist season. September and early October can be magical, with fall colors, lighter crowds, and the possibility of early snow dusting the peaks—though be aware that some park facilities and lodges close after Labor Day.
The Bottom Line About Amtrak in Montana
Traveling on Amtrak through Montana is more than just reaching your destination; it’s about embracing the experience of train travel, where the journey becomes an adventure in itself. Instead of spending hours behind the wheel, you can relax with a book, engage in conversation with fellow passengers, enjoy a meal, or admire the breathtaking landscapes of America unfolding outside your window. The Empire Builder route in Montana exemplifies classic American rail travel, following historic paths that have connected the nation for almost a century while showcasing scenery that remains timeless and beautiful.
Whether you’re using the train as transportation for a Glacier National Park vacation or treating the ride itself as the main event, Montana’s Empire Builder service offers an experience that belongs on every train traveler’s list.
Safe Travels and Happy Planning!
Kev
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