Glacier National Park is one of the crown jewels of America’s national park system. Traveling there by train adds an exciting dimension to your trip. This guide will help you plan an Amtrak trip to Glacier National Park. The Empire Builder route offers one of the most scenic train journeys in North America, bringing you directly to the park’s entrance without the stress of driving through the mountains. So, let’s dig in and learn how to take Amtrak to Glacier National Park.
Which Train Serves Glacier National Park?
The Empire Builder provides daily service between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, traveling through northern Montana. This route follows the historic Great Northern Railway line, which significantly helped establish Glacier as a tourist destination over a century ago.
The train stops at three stations near the park:
- West Glacier (WGL) – The primary gateway, located right at the park’s west entrance
- East Glacier Park (GPK) – Access to the park’s east side and the historic Glacier Park Lodge
- Essex (ESM) – A stop near the southern boundary, primarily serving the Izaak Walton Inn
For most visitors, West Glacier is the best choice. It’s closest to Going-to-the-Sun Road and Lake McDonald, with more ground transportation options.
Understanding Empire Builder Train Numbers
When booking your train tickets, you’ll encounter train numbers 7, 8, 27, and 28.
These train numbers might seem complicated, but they’re actually simpler than they appear. To clarify, trains 7 and 27 operate as a single service after departing Spokane, WA, while trains 8 and 28 run as a single service between Chicago and Spokane.
Trains 7 & 27 are westbound from Chicago. Train 7 goes to Seattle, while Train 27 heads to Portland. They travel together until Spokane, where they split. Both pass through Glacier in the late afternoon and evening. Therefore, whichever option is more affordable may be the right one for you.
Trains 8 & 28 are eastbound. Train 8 departs from Seattle, while Train 28 departs from Portland. They join in Spokane before continuing to Chicago. These trains pass through Glacier in the morning and early afternoon—much better for daytime viewing of the park. If you’re boarding before Spokane, your starting city determines which train you take. However, if you’re boarding at Glacier or east of it, either train works equally well, so choose the one with the lower fare.
Connecting to the Empire Builder
Your connection to the Empire Builder depends on where you’re starting from.
Flying to Connect
If you’re short on time or traveling internationally, flying is often the most convenient option. Here are your main airport choices:
Midwest
Chicago (ORD or MDW): Fly into O’Hare or Midway, and then take a rideshare, taxi, or the listed public transportation to Chicago Union Station (CUS).
- ORD to CUS
- Board the Blue Line at the station between Terminals 1, 2, and 3, and take it to the Clinton Stop. From there, it is a 0.2-mile walk to the station.
- If you’re traveling during the week, consider taking Metra’s North Central Service, which serves the Airport Transportation Center.
- This option is the fastest and most comfortable, taking you directly to CUS.
- MDW to CUS
- Walk to the CTA stop; it is a short, indoor walk. Go down the stairs and board the Orange Line to the Quincy stop, then walk .3 miles to the station.
Milwaukee (MKE): Fly into General Mitchell International Airport and take a shuttle to the Milwaukee Airport Amtrak Station. From there, board the Hiawatha or Borealis train to the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, and then connect to the Empire Builder.
Northwest
Seattle (SEA): Arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, then take the 1 LINE light rail (about 40 minutes, $3) or a taxi/rideshare to Seattle King Street Station.
Portland (PDX): Arrive at Portland International Airport, then take the MAX Red Line to Portland Union Station (about 31 minutes, $2.80). Alternatively, you can take a taxi or rideshare.
Midwest, East Coast, or South
Chicago functions as Amtrak’s central hub for long-distance trains. Depending on where you’re traveling from, you can connect to several long-distance routes, including the Lake Shore Limited, Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Floridian, Southwest Chief, California Zephyr, and Texas Eagle, as well as Amtrak’s regional or connecting services.
West Coast or Southwest
Connect with the Coast Starlight northbound to Portland, then transfer to the “28” Empire Builder.
Pacific Northwest
The Cascades Service connects Seattle, Edmonds, Portland, and Vancouver, WA, with convenient transfers to the Empire Builder.
Getting from the Station to Your Accommodations
Here’s where planning matters. Unlike urban stations with abundant taxis and ride-sharing services, these are remote mountain stops with limited amenities.
West Glacier provides the most choices for visitors. The station is within walking distance of several lodges, and during the summer months (typically from early July to early September), a free park shuttle system connects to Apgar Village. Some lodges and tour operators also offer pickup services, so confirm this when making your reservation.
East Glacier Park is situated near the village center and the Glacier Park Lodge. The lodge provides a shuttle service for guests, but you must arrange it in advance. The station operates seasonally, generally from May to September.
Essex is mainly a stop for the Izaak Walton Inn. If you’re staying there, share your train details so they can meet you.
Timing Your Visit
The Empire Builder operates daily, year-round, but your experience varies significantly by season.
Summer (July-September) brings the best weather and full park access, including Going-to-the-Sun Road. This is peak season, so book your train and park accommodations early. The train can run late in summer because of freight traffic and the single-track nature of much of the route, so build flexibility into your plans.
Spring and Fall (May-June, October) typically have fewer crowds and may offer lower fares, but Going-to-the-Sun Road may be partially or fully closed. Check the park’s website for current road status. The scenery remains spectacular, and you’ll find even better wildlife viewing during the quieter seasons.
Winter is for the truly adventurous. The park is inaccessible, except for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Still, if you’re staying at the Izaak Walton Inn for a winter retreat, the train ride through snowy Montana is unforgettable.
Booking Tips for Taking Amtrak to Glacier National Park
My best advice is to book as early as possible. However, keep an eye on the price, as Amtrak often allows price adjustments when you call. I do have a guide on saving money on Amtrak. Sometimes there are sales where you can bring a friend for free or get a discount on tickets.
You Can Vary Your Stops
You can be dropped off at one station and picked up at another, which expands your options.
Begin at the station nearest your accommodation. If you plan a multi-day visit and wish to explore both sides of the park, consider starting at one station and ending at another.
What Are Your Train Options?
Sleeper accommodations make sense for this route, especially if you’re coming from Chicago (a 32-hour journey) or Seattle/Portland (16-18 hours). You’ll arrive more rested and ready to explore. Roomettes and bedrooms include meals in the dining car, which helps justify the cost.
Coach is perfectly comfortable for shorter segments. The seats are spacious, featuring leg rests, seat trays, reading lights, and footrests. For food, the café is open, and the dining car is available to passengers when space allows. The Sightseer Lounge features panoramic windows with stunning views of Montana’s scenery.
More on that in the next section.
Where To Book
You can book your tickets through Amtrak.com or the app.
If you need help or want someone to guide you through the process, call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-Rail. If you prefer, some travel agents can help you book your trip.
Onboard Amenities Aboard the Train
The Empire Builder is a long-distance train with amenities designed for extended journeys.
- Seating and Sleeping Options
- Coach seats
- These seats are wider than standard airline seats, with ample legroom, footrests, and a comfortable recline for overnight travel.
- Sleeper accommodations
- Coach seats
- Dining and Food Service
- The café car is open to all passengers
- Café Cars offers a wide selection of grab-and-go sandwiches, snacks, and beverages.
- The dining car offers traditional table service, featuring breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- If space is available, coach passengers can dine in the dining car at set meal prices.
- Meals served in the dining car are included in the fare for passengers in sleeper cars.
- The café car is open to all passengers
- Sightseer Lounge Car
- This area serves as the train’s social hub, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, angled seats, and tables.
- The lounge car offers scenic views, opportunities to meet fellow travelers, and access for all passengers.
- Wi-fi & Connectivity
- Amtrak does not provide WiFi on this train.
- Cell service is unreliable in Montana and other mountainous areas.
- Plan to disconnect and appreciate the scenery rather than rely on internet access.
- What to Bring
- The train’s temperature can fluctuate, so wear layers.
- Provide entertainment for longer segments, although the scenery in Montana offers plenty of natural distractions.
- A refillable water bottle is handy.
- Bring chargers and extension cords. Outlets are available at every seat and in each room.
Scenic Highlights of Taking Amtrak to Glacier National Park
The Empire Builder route through Glacier National Park is renowned for its stunning scenery.
During daylight hours, the train travels alongside the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, passing through landscapes that have remained essentially unchanged since Lewis and Clark. For approximately 60 miles, the train runs along the park’s southern boundary, so be sure to have your camera ready.
Westbound trains typically pass through this section in the late afternoon and evening, while eastbound trains run through it in the morning and early afternoon. You can check the schedule for your specific train on the Amtrak website or app.
The Sightseer Lounge is the perfect place during the park segment. With windows on both sides and overhead, you won’t miss any of the views, no matter which side of the train you’re seated on.
Combining Amtrak Train Travel with Park Exploration
When you arrive, you’ll depend on the park’s complimentary shuttle system (available only during the summer), park tours, or rental vehicles to get around. Many visitors find that staying in one location and using the shuttles works well for a few days, especially around Lake McDonald and along the Going-to-the-Sun Road corridor.
If you want more mobility, consider a car-sharing service or renting from an agency in the gateway communities. Some visitors also book guided tours that include transportation, which simplifies logistics and planning.
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Final Thoughts On Amtrak to Glacier National Park
Taking Amtrak to Glacier may not be the fastest option, but it turns the journey into an adventure. You’ll arrive feeling relaxed, see landscapes that highways miss, and have a memorable story to share. Traveling by train requires more planning than driving, but for those willing to embrace a slower pace, it’s an excellent way to experience both the journey and the destination.
I have loved my years of train travel and finding new adventures beyond the rails.
Safe travels & happy planning!
Kev
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