Amtrak in North Dakota offers travelers an authentic experience as they journey through America’s heartland on the iconic Empire Builder route. Whether you’re traveling across the continent or visiting local destinations, Amtrak serves seven stations throughout the state. This train makes key stops along one of America’s most scenic long-distance routes, allowing you to explore the beautiful state of North Dakota!
Whether this is your first Amtrak adventure or it has been some time since your last trip, this page provides the essential information you need to begin your research and planning. You will find links to help you explore topics vital to your success!
Quick Overview: Amtrak in North Dakota at a Glance
- Route: Empire Builder (Chicago ↔ Seattle/Portland)
- Stations: 7 stations across the state
- Daily Service: One train each direction
- Travel Direction: East to Chicago, West to Seattle/Portland
- Best Scenery in North Dakota: Agricultural plains, prairie landscapes, and small-town America
North Dakota Amtrak Stations: West to East
I strive to provide the most current information, but sometimes things change faster than I can update it. Please click the links for each station to find the address and the most up-to-date information.
Williston, ND (WTN)
- Location: 1 South Main Street, Williston, ND 58801-6057
- Western North Dakota, heart of the Bakken oil region
- Amenities: A staffed station that features a basic enclosed waiting area and offers available parking.
- Eastbound Departure: Approximately 7:21 PM daily
- Westbound Departure: Approximately 11:59 AM daily
- Local Attractions: Williston Basin Speedway, Lewis and Clark State Park, Fort Union Trading Post nearby
Stanley, ND (STN)
- Location: Main Street & Railroad Avenue, Stanley, ND 58784
- Small agricultural community
- Amenities: The station is unstaffed and lacks a ticket kiosk; however, it offers an indoor waiting room and parking.
- Eastbound Departure: Approximately 10:53 PM daily
- Westbound Departure: Approximately 10:46 AM daily
- Travel Tip: This is one of the smaller stations – perfect for experiencing small-town prairie hospitality
Minot, ND (MOT)
- Location: 400 1st Avenue S.W., Minot, ND 58701
- North Dakota’s “Magic City” and central regional hub
- Amenities: A staffed station featuring an enclosed waiting area, an accessible platform, and parking facilities.
- Eastbound Departure: Approximately 10:53 PM daily
- Westbound Departure: Approximately 9:51 AM daily
- Local Attractions: Scandinavian Heritage Park, Dakota Territory Air Museum, Roosevelt Park Zoo
- Why Stop Here: Minot is the largest city between Spokane and Minneapolis along the Empire Builder route.
Rugby, ND (RUG)
- Location: 201 West Dewey Street, Rugby, ND 58368
- Geographical center of North America
- Amenities: Basic station with parking
- Eastbound Departure: Approximately 11:49 PM daily
- Westbound Departure: Approximately 7:53 AM daily
- Unique Feature: Visit the Geographical Center of North America monument, just miles from the station
Devils Lake, ND (DVL)
- Location: Railroad Avenue and Third Street, Devils Lake, ND 58301
- The Largest natural lake in the North Dakota region
- Amenities: An unstaffed station with an enclosed waiting area, accessible platform, parking, and no wheelchair service
- Eastbound Departure: Approximately 12:44 AM daily
- Westbound Departure: Approximately 6:59 AM daily
- Local Attractions: Devils Lake recreation area for fishing and Fort Totten Historic Site
Grand Forks, ND (GFK)
- Location: 5555 DeMers Avenue, Grand Forks, ND 58201
- University City near the Minnesota border
- Amenities: Full station facilities with enclosed waiting area and parking
- Eastbound Departure: Approximately 2:10 AM daily
- Westbound Departure: Approximately 5:34 AM daily
- Local Attractions: University of North Dakota, Grand Forks Air Force Base, downtown historic district
Fargo, ND (FAR)
- Location: 420 4th Street North, Fargo, ND 58102
- North Dakota’s largest city
- Amenities: Enclosed waiting area, accessible platform, parking, wheelchair available, no Wi-Fi
- Eastbound Departure: Approximately 3:29 AM daily
- Westbound Departure: Approximately 4:13 AM daily
- Local Attractions: Plains Art Museum, Red River Zoo, historic downtown, Fargo Theatre
- Gateway City: Major regional hub with the best connections to other transportation
Planning Your Adventure on Amtrak in North Dakota
Best Times to Travel
Is there a best time to travel on the Empire Builder to, from, or through North Dakota? The answer depends on your preferences and the experiences you seek.
If your travel dates are flexible, this guide will help you choose the ideal time based on your interests and plans.
- Spring (April-May): Mild weather, agricultural landscapes awakening
- Summer (June-August): Peak travel season, longest daylight hours for scenery
- Fall (September-October): Harvest season, beautiful autumn colors in late September
- Winter (November-March): Experience a genuine prairie winter, keeping in mind that there may be potential weather-related delays.
What to Expect on the Empire Builder in North Dakota
The Empire Builder traverses North Dakota on BNSF Railway tracks, offering passengers expansive views of agricultural lands, small farming communities, and the iconic American prairie.
The journey across the state takes approximately 8-10 hours, depending on your boarding and departure points.
Scenic Highlights:
- Vast wheat and sunflower fields
- Small grain elevators dotting the horizon
- Prairie grasslands and agricultural operations
- Authentic small-town railroad stations
- Big sky country landscapes
Booking Tips for Amtrak in North Dakota Travel
Advance Reservations:
Book 2-4 months ahead for better prices and seat selection, especially during the summer months. Sometimes that is not enough! With Amtrak, you can book up to eleven months in advance.
Which Empire Builder Train Number Should I Book on Amtrak in North Dakota?
Depending on where you are booking your Amtrak in North Dakota adventure, you’ll notice what appears to be two different trains departing at the same time. If you are booking a destination or starting point west of Spokane, you will have fewer options; this is not a significant issue.
Here’s what’s actually happening: the Empire Builder operates as a single train between Chicago and Spokane, then splits into two sections. You can learn more in my post on trains with multiple train numbers.
Train Numbers Explained
Even-numbered trains travel east, while odd-numbered trains head west.
- Trains 7/8: The Seattle section
- Trains 27/28: The Portland section
For travelers in North Dakota, both train sections are part of the same service and follow the same schedule. If you’re traveling from Fargo to Milwaukee, for example, you can take either train 8 or 28. They are the same train at that point in the journey and have already combined after passing through Spokane.
Booking Strategy
Do not plan to buy your train ticket on the train. Not all train stations are staffed or have ticket machines, so be sure to book in advance at Amtrak.com, through their app, or by calling 1-800-USA-Rail.
Choose the option with the best price, as the train service is consistent throughout North Dakota.
If you are booking a sleeper room, please note that the Portland section (cars 27 and 28) is at the rear of the combined train. This means you will need to walk further to reach the dining car. However, if you prefer, the sleeping car attendants can arrange for a meal to be delivered to your room.
Accommodation Options
Please click the links for more information on each of Amtrak’s accommodations.
- Coach: Comfortable reclining seats, perfect for daytime travel
- Business Class: Not available on the Empire Builder
- Sleeping Car: Roomettes, bedrooms, family bedrooms, and accessible rooms are available for overnight journeys. If you can swing it, I highly recommend a room for cross-country travel. The rooms may be small, but they are cozy and inviting.
Best Seats
Reserve seats on the north side of the train (left side when traveling east, right side when traveling west) for the best views of the prairie. However, there are beautiful sights to see on both sides of the train, and you can always walk to the Sightseer Lounge to enjoy great views from either side.
Food on the Empire Builder
The Empire Builder offers Amtrak’s traditional dining, prepared on board as sit-down meals. If you have a sleeper accommodation, meals are included with your reservation. If space allows, coach passengers may purchase meals in the dining car. The dining car has set-priced meals for coach passengers.
If you are traveling in coach or a sleeper, you can enjoy snacks, drinks, or meals at the café car on the lower level of the Sightseer Lounge. The café offers a variety of grab-and-go snacks, meals, and beverages.
Connecting Transportation
- Fargo: Best connected station with rental cars, regional bus service, and air connections at Hector International Airport
- Minot: Regional bus connections and rental car availability
- Grand Forks: University shuttle connections and regional transportation
- Other Stations: Limited local transportation – arrange rides or rental cars in advance
Practical Travel Information For Taking Amtrak in North Dakota
- Time Zone: North Dakota operates on Central Time (CT)
- Weather Considerations: Prairie weather can be unpredictable, so dress in layers and check forecasts
- Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi is unavailable at stations or on board
- Cell Service: Generally good along the route, with some rural gaps
Delays and Reliability of Amtrak in North Dakota
The Empire Builder may experience delays, especially during winter weather or due to heavy freight train traffic on the busy BNSF corridor. Although passenger trains are legally supposed to receive priority scheduling, this doesn’t always occur, either intentionally or unintentionally. Regardless of the reason, such delays can affect your travel plans.
There are several ways to track Amtrak trains and check whether your train is on time or delayed. Visit my article on tracking Amtrak trains to learn more.
Build flexibility into your schedule, especially for connecting transportation.
Popular North Dakota Destinations You Can Visit by Amtrak in North Dakota
Agricultural Tourism
Experience authentic farming communities and the agricultural heartland that feeds America. Small stations like Stanley and Rugby offer glimpses into rural prairie life.
Historical Exploration
Visit Fort Union Trading Post near Williston, Fort Totten Historic Site near Devils Lake, and explore the Lewis and Clark Trail connections throughout the state.
University Visits
Grand Forks offers easy access to the University of North Dakota campus and a college-town atmosphere.
Outdoor Recreation
Devils Lake offers excellent fishing and water recreation. The Western stations provide access to the Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park (though additional transportation is required).
Money-Saving Tips for Riding Amtrak in North Dakota
- Flexible Dates: Mid-week travel often costs less than weekend departures
- Off-Peak Seasons: Spring and fall offer lower prices than the summer peak season
- Student Discounts: Available for students with a valid ID
- Senior Discounts: 10% discount for passengers 65+
- Military Discounts: 10% discount for active duty military and veterans
Learn more about saving money on Amtrak!
Frequently Asked Questions About Amtrak in North Dakota
Q: How long does it take to cross North Dakota by train?
A: Approximately 8-10 hours from Fargo to Williston, depending on stops and delays.
Q: Can I bring my car on the train?
A: No auto train service is available on the Empire Builder route.
Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Small pets can travel in carriers according to Amtrak’s pet policies. You and your pet must make reservations in advance and complete the required paperwork.
If you have a service or support animal, please consult Amtrak’s rules and regulations before booking and contact Amtrak with any questions.
Q: What’s the best station for first-time visitors?
A: Fargo offers the most amenities and onward transportation options, while Minot provides a good mid-route experience.
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The Bottom Line about Amtrak in North Dakota
Amtrak’s stations in North Dakota provide an authentic way to experience America’s agricultural heartland aboard the historic Empire Builder train.
Whether you’re crossing the continent or exploring regional destinations, the seven stations in the Peace Garden State are essential stops along one of the most scenic long-distance routes in the country. Most stations offer early-morning and late-evening departures, so plan your schedule accordingly. If you’re traveling overnight, consider booking one of Amtrak’s sleeping accommodations to enhance your journey. Get ready to enjoy the vast beauty of the American prairie from the comfort of your train seat.
Amtrak in North Dakota connects rail travelers to the heart of the continent, offering adventure and authentic American experiences in the central region.
Safe Travels & Happy Planning!
Kev
Disclaimer: The links on this page are not necessarily endorsements, but I provide them to assist in your research.
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