Montana is an ideal destination for train travel. Its vast distances, breathtaking mountain scenery, and charming small towns make an Amtrak trip through Big Sky Country truly unique, offering a perspective you can’t get from a car window or an airplane. Amtrak’s flagship route, the Empire Builder, connects Chicago to the Pacific Northwest, crosses northern Montana, and offers one of North America’s most spectacular train journeys. Discover more about Amtrak in Montana!
Updated October 2026: The Izaak Walton Inn in Essex is closed. See the Essex station section below for details and alternatives.
The Amtrak in Montana Route
Only one route runs through Montana: 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. In summer, westbound passengers can still catch mountain views with 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 from the depot, making it an ideal starting point for park adventures. 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 290 Izaak Walton Inn Road, Essex, MT 59916
Essex is best known for the Izaak Walton Inn, a historic 1939 Great Northern Railway hotel long favored by rail fans and cross-country skiers. However, the inn closed in March 2026 after its parent company, LOGE Camps, collapsed financially, and the property is now listed for sale. No reopening date has been announced.
The Empire Builder still serves Essex as a flag stop, which means the train stops only if someone is booked to get on or off. There’s no station building, no shelter, and with the inn closed, no food, lodging, or shuttle waiting for you. Essex is a tiny community, and the inn was the town’s only business.
Kev’s Tip: Unless someone is meeting you at the platform, don’t plan a trip to Essex right now. For train access to Glacier National Park, use West Glacier (west side, steps from the Belton Chalet), East Glacier Park (east side, seasonal service), or Whitefish (year-round, with the most lodging and services). Essex is still a gorgeous stretch of the ride, so enjoy it from your window.
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, with vintage photographs showcasing 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 most passengers use it as a service stop rather than a destination.
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 Great Northern Railway built the train depot between downtown and the Milk River in 1904. A statue of James J. Hill, known as the “Empire Builder,” stands in front of the depot, 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. Look 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, 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. The lower-level café also 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 Montana mountain scenery, both sides of the train offer great views, though the north side (left side eastbound, right side westbound) offers slightly better Glacier National Park vistas in some sections. That said, don’t stress too much; the scenery is spectacular from either side.
Plan for delays: Although Amtrak strives to maintain its schedule, delays can occur, particularly in winter when weather affects operations or during heavy freight traffic. Allow flexibility in your plans, especially if you have tight connections, reservations, or people waiting for you at your destination. Don’t forget you can always track your trains too!
Cell service and WiFi: The Empire Builder doesn’t provide WiFi, and cell service can be unreliable in mountainous areas. Embrace this opportunity for a digital detox and take in the beautiful scenery. 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 just in case I get cold, even in 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 transportation and an experience. Longer journeys offer coach seating, business class (where available), and private sleeping accommodations in roomettes or bedrooms.
Overnight travel includes meals in the dining car for sleeping car passengers, 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 for a larger Montana adventure. Take a day trip from Whitefish to East Glacier to discover different sides of Glacier National Park. Alternatively, you might start in Chicago or Seattle, spend several days exploring Glacier, then continue your travels west 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 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, chat with fellow passengers, enjoy a meal, or admire America’s breathtaking landscapes 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 taking the train to Glacier National Park or treating the ride as the main event, Montana’s Empire Builder offers an experience that belongs on every train traveler’s list.
Safe Travels and Happy Planning!
Kev
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