Taking Amtrak to Glacier National Park is probably the best way to get there. The Empire Builder follows the old Great Northern route through Northern Montana and drops you right at the park (no mountain driving, no hunting for parking). You’re on one of North America’s most scenic stretches of track en route. So how do you plan your trip?
Updated November 2026: The Izaak Walton Inn in Essex has closed (March 2026) and is now for sale. This guide now focuses on West Glacier, East Glacier Park, and Whitefish (for train access to the park) and accounts for the park’s new ticketed shuttle system.
Which Train Serves Glacier National Park?
The Empire Builder runs daily from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest, running along the northern edge of Montana and skirting the southern edge of the park.
The train stops at several 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, which sits right behind the depot. Seasonal stop, open mid-spring to mid-fall.
- Browning (BRO) – The east-side stop when East Glacier Park is closed, roughly October to April. It’s about 15 miles east of the park on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Services are limited, so arrange your ride in advance.
- Essex (ESM) – A flag stop near the park’s southern boundary. It once served the historic Izaak Walton Inn, which closed in 2026. With no services at the stop, it’s not a practical choice for most visitors right now.
- Whitefish (WFH) – About 25 miles west of the park, with a staffed station, a walkable downtown, rental cars, and plenty of year-round lodging.
For most visitors, West Glacier is the best choice. It’s closest to Lake McDonald and Going-to-the-Sun Road and has the most ground transportation options.
Understanding Empire Builder Train Numbers
When booking your train tickets, you’ll see four train numbers: 7, 8, 27, and 28. They look confusing at first, but the logic is simple. The Empire Builder runs as one train between Chicago and Spokane, then splits into a Seattle section and a Portland section.
Trains 7 and 27 are westbound from Chicago. They run as one train from Chicago to Spokane, where they split. Train 7 continues to Seattle, and Train 27 heads to Portland. Both pass Glacier in the evening.
Trains 8 and 28 are eastbound to Chicago. Train 8 departs Seattle, and Train 28 departs Portland. They combine in Spokane and run as one train to Chicago. Both pass Glacier in the morning, which is ideal for daytime park views.
Kev’s Tip: If you’re boarding west of Spokane, your starting city decides your train number. If you’re traveling between Chicago and Glacier, 7 and 27 (or 8 and 28) are the same physical train. Amtrak sometimes shows them with different fares or sleeper availability, so check both and book whichever works best.
Connecting to the Empire Builder
How you reach the Empire Builder depends on where you’re starting.
Flying In
If you’re short on time or traveling internationally, flying to one of the Empire Builder’s endpoints (or Milwaukee) is often the easiest option.
Fly into Chicago (ORD or MDW)
Fly into O’Hare or Midway, then take public transit, a taxi, or a rideshare to Chicago Union Station (CHI).
- From O’Hare (ORD):
- Take the CTA Blue Line from the station between Terminals 1, 2, and 3 to the Clinton stop. From there, it’s a 0.2-mile walk to Union Station.
- On weekdays, Metra’s North Central Service runs from the Airport Transit Center directly into Union Station. It’s the fastest and most comfortable option when the schedule works.
- From Midway (MDW):
- Follow the signs for a short indoor walk to the CTA station. Take the Orange Line to the Quincy stop, then walk about 0.3 miles to Union Station.
Fly into Milwaukee (MKE)
Fly into Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport and take the shuttle to the Milwaukee Airport Amtrak Station. From there, take the Hiawatha or Borealis to the Milwaukee Intermodal Station, then board the Empire Builder. It’s a good way to skip O’Hare and Chicago. If you’d rather board in Chicago, for example, to make a connection or start from Union Station, take the Hiawatha south instead. But book early flights to make sure you have time.
Fly into Seattle (SEA)
From Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, take the 1 Line light rail to the International District/Chinatown station (about 40 minutes, $3). King Street Station is right across the street.
Fly into Portland (PDX)
From Portland International Airport, take the MAX Red Line to the Old Town/Chinatown stop ($2.80), then walk about 10 minutes to Portland Union Station. You can also take a taxi or rideshare.
Coming by Train
From the East, South, or Midwest
Chicago is Amtrak’s long-distance hub. You can connect to the Empire Builder from the Lake Shore Limited, Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Floridian (Capitol Limited), Southwest Chief, California Zephyr, and Texas Eagle, as well as Amtrak’s regional trains.
If you’re in Wisconsin or Minnesota, you may not need to go through Chicago at all. The Empire Builder stops in Milwaukee, the Wisconsin Dells, La Crosse, and St. Paul, among other stations.
Kev’s Tip: Long-distance trains can run late. If your Chicago connection is tight, book it on a single reservation, so Amtrak will rebook you if you miss it, or give yourself a night in Chicago.
From California or the Southwest
Take the Coast Starlight north to Portland, then connect to Train 28, the Portland section of the Empire Builder.
Kev’s Tip: The Coast Starlight’s on-time record is spotty, and the connection to Train 28 isn’t long. An overnight in Portland takes the stress out of the trip.
From Elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest
Amtrak Cascades runs between Eugene, Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver, BC, connecting with the Empire Builder in both Portland and Seattle.
Getting from the Station to Your Accommodations
This is where planning matters. Unlike city stations with plenty of taxis and rideshares, these are small mountain stops with limited transportation. Arrange your ride before you board, especially outside the summer season.
West Glacier
West Glacier gives you the most options. Several lodging properties are within walking distance of the station.
From mid-May through late September, Xanterra runs a West Side Shuttle between the station, the Village Inn at Apgar, and Lake McDonald Lodge, with luggage included. In 2026, adult fares were $10 each way to the Village Inn and $18 to Lake McDonald Lodge. The shuttle runs once each morning, timed to the eastbound train, and can adjust for delays until midnight. Seats are limited, so you must book by phone with Glacier National Park Lodges at (855) 733-4522. You can’t book it online.
Kev’s Tip: The shuttle doesn’t run in the afternoon or evening, so it won’t meet the westbound train. If you’re arriving on Train 7 or 27, stay within walking distance of the station or arrange a pickup with your lodge before your trip.
East Glacier Park
The historic Glacier Park Lodge sits right behind the depot, and the small village is walkable, so you can easily get to East Glacier Park without a car. To reach Two Medicine, Many Glacier, or St. Mary, you’ll need a guided tour, arranged transportation, or a rental car.
The station is seasonal and generally open from mid-spring through mid-fall.
Browning
When East Glacier Park closes for the season, generally October through April, the Empire Builder stops in Browning instead. Browning is about 15 miles east of the park on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. Don’t expect taxis or rideshares here; have your ride arranged before you arrive.
Essex
Essex once served guests of the historic Izaak Walton Inn, a 1939 Great Northern Railway hotel. The inn closed in March 2026 after its parent company ran into financial trouble, and the property was later listed for sale. The Empire Builder still makes a flag stop at Essex, but there’s no station building, shelter, or nearby services.
Kev’s Tip: Unless someone is meeting you at the platform and you’ve arranged your stay, skip Essex for now and book West Glacier, East Glacier Park, or Whitefish instead.
Whitefish
Whitefish is about 25 miles from the park’s west entrance, so you’ll need a rental car, a guided tour, or arranged transportation to get there. In return, you get a staffed station, a walkable downtown with restaurants and shops, and plenty of year-round lodging, which makes it the most practical base outside of summer. If you’re renting a car, book early. Summer availability in the Flathead Valley can be tight.
Good news for drivers: Glacier didn’t require vehicle reservations anywhere in the park in 2026, though summer Logan Pass parking was limited to three hours and entrance fees still applied. Policies change, so check the National Park Service website before your trip.
Timing Your Visit
The Empire Builder runs daily, year-round, but Glacier can be a very different trip depending on the season. Summer offers the most access, spring and fall bring fewer crowds, and winter is beautiful but takes more planning. Before you go, check the National Park Service’s road conditions and your train’s schedule.
Summer (July–Mid-September)
Summer brings warm weather, long days, and access to most of the park. Going-to-the-Sun Road usually opens across the entire park by late June or early July, depending on snow removal, though some high trails can stay snowy well after that. It’s also the busiest and most expensive time to visit, so book early: your train (especially roomettes and bedrooms), lodging, rental cars, and tours.
With long summer days, both the westbound evening train and the eastbound morning train usually pass the park in daylight.
Kev’s Tip: The Empire Builder can run late, especially in busy travel periods. Don’t book an expensive tour or shuttle for the same day you arrive.
Spring and Fall (May–June and Late September–October)
These are great seasons if you like smaller crowds. Spring brings rushing waterfalls, and fall brings color and cooler temperatures.
The trade-offs: in spring, the upper part of Going-to-the-Sun Road may still be closed for snow removal, and the road typically closes to through traffic around mid-October, sometimes earlier if winter weather arrives. Many lodges, restaurants, shuttles, and tours close by late September. If you’re traveling without a car, confirm that your lodging and transportation will be operating before you book your train. Pack layers, since mountain temperatures change quickly.
As the days get shorter in the fall, the eastbound train is the better bet for seeing the park from the train.
Winter (November–April)
In winter, Glacier settles into a quiet, snow-covered landscape. Snow closes most park roads, and many visitor facilities shut down. Weather permitting, the stretch of Going-to-the-Sun Road from West Glacier to Lake McDonald Lodge is generally plowed, and much of the rest is accessible only on skis or snowshoes.
Whitefish is the most practical winter base, with year-round hotels, restaurants, rental cars, and skiing at Whitefish Mountain Resort. On the east side, Browning replaces East Glacier Park as the stop.
If you’re riding mainly for the scenery, take the eastbound train. In winter, the westbound train passes the park after dark.
Kev’s Tip: Winter is a beautiful time to ride the Empire Builder, even if you don’t plan to visit the park. Snow-covered mountains, forests, and rivers make this stretch memorable from the warmth of the train.
Booking Tips for Taking Amtrak to Glacier National Park
My best advice is to book early, especially for a summer trip or if you want a roomette or bedroom. Amtrak tickets go on sale up to 11 months in advance, and fares rise with demand. Summer trains and Glacier-area lodging both fill up fast.
Watch for Lower Fares
Amtrak fares can change after you buy your ticket. If you see a lower price for the same trip, you may be able to modify your reservation and get a refund or travel credit for the difference. Your options depend on the fare you bought, and not every ticket allows changes, so check the fare rules before you touch your reservation.
Amtrak also runs occasional sales and promotions. For more ideas, see my guide to saving money on Amtrak.
You Can Vary Your Stops
You don’t have to arrive and leave from the same station. For example, you could arrive at East Glacier Park, explore the east side, and leave from West Glacier, or add Whitefish to explore the surrounding area. Use Amtrak’s multi-city option to book it as one trip, or book separate one-way tickets.
Kev’s Tip: Plan how you’ll get between your stops before you buy your tickets. Glacier is big, and getting from the east side to the west side isn’t easy without a car.
What Are Your Train Options?
From Chicago, the trip takes about 30 hours, so a sleeper is worth considering. From Seattle or Portland, you’ll spend one night on the train.
Sleeping accommodations give you a private space, plus dining car meals, shower access, and other perks. Roomettes work well for solo travelers or two people who don’t mind a cozy space, and bedrooms add more room and an in-room bathroom.
Coach is the budget-friendly option, with reclining seats, generous legroom, and access to the café and Sightseer Lounge. It’s a good fit if you don’t mind sleeping in your seat.
Where to Book
You can buy tickets on Amtrak.com, in the Amtrak app, or at a staffed Amtrak station. If you’d rather talk to someone, call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or work with an Amtrak-savvy travel agent. Before you finish, double-check your stations, dates, and accommodation type.
Onboard Amenities on the Empire Builder
The Empire Builder is a long-distance train built for long trips.
Seating and Sleeping Options
Coach seats are wider than airline seats, with generous legroom, leg rests, footrests, and plenty of recline for sleeping overnight. To set expectations, you won’t be able to lie flat.
Sleeper accommodations give you a private room, with dining car meals included in your fare:
Dining and Food Service
- The café is open to all passengers and offers grab-and-go sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. It is open from early in the morning to late at night.
- The dining car offers traditional table service for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Meals are included for sleeper passengers. Coach passengers can buy meals in the dining car when space is available.
Sightseer Lounge Car
The Sightseer Lounge is the train’s social hub, with floor-to-ceiling windows, swivel seats, and tables. It’s open to everyone and offers the best seats on the train for the Glacier segment.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity
There’s no Wi‑Fi on the Empire Builder, and cell service is spotty across Montana and through the mountains. Download anything you need before you board, then sit back and enjoy the scenery.
What to Bring
- Layers. The temperature on the train can swing.
- Something to do for the long stretches, although Montana’s scenery will keep you busy. If you need ideas, check out my entertainment ideas post.
- A refillable water bottle.
- Chargers and a short extension cord. Outlets are at every seat and in each room, but they aren’t always where you need them, and many rooms have only one.
Scenic Highlights of Taking Amtrak to Glacier National Park
The Empire Builder’s run along Glacier National Park is one of Amtrak’s most scenic stretches of track, with mountains, forests, and river valleys you won’t see from the highway.
Between East Glacier Park and West Glacier, the train crosses the Continental Divide at Marias Pass, following a route Great Northern Railway surveyor John F. Stevens discovered in 1889.
West of the pass, the tracks wind alongside the Middle Fork of the Flathead River, passing through deep canyons, over bridges, and through snowsheds. For much of this stretch, the train follows the park’s southern boundary.
Keep your camera ready. The scenery changes quickly, and some of the best views appear around bends in the tracks.
Which Direction Offers the Best Views?
If seeing Glacier National Park from the train is a priority, I recommend traveling eastbound when possible.
- Eastbound (Trains 8/28): The train passes through the Glacier area in the morning, offering the most reliable opportunity to enjoy the scenery in daylight.
- Westbound (Trains 7/27): The train passes through the area in the evening. You’ll have daylight for much of the scenic stretch around midsummer, but portions may be dark during other times of the year.
The exact amount of daylight depends on your travel date and whether your train is running on time.
Which Side of the Train Is Best?
Glacier National Park lies primarily north of the railroad tracks, making the following sides good choices for park views:
- Westbound: Right side of the train.
- Eastbound: Left side of the train.
However, the tracks curve through the mountains, and you’ll find beautiful scenery on both sides.
For the best overall experience, head to the Sightseer Lounge, where the large windows on both sides extend into the ceiling. It’s an excellent place to enjoy the mountain scenery without worrying about which side your Coach seat or sleeper room faces.
Kev’s Tip: The Sightseer Lounge is especially popular as the train approaches Glacier, so head there early if you want a window seat. It’s open to both Coach and sleeper passengers, and you don’t need to buy anything to sit there. The lounge rides at the front of the Portland section: if your ticket is for Train 7 or 8, walk toward the back of the train; if it’s for Train 27 or 28, walk forward.
Combining Amtrak Train Travel with Park Exploration
Taking Amtrak gets you to Glacier, but getting around the park takes planning. Its attractions are spread across a large mountain area, and your options depend on where you’re staying, what you want to see, and whether you want to drive. Here are three ways to explore after you step off the train.
Explore Glacier Without a Car
You can do a car-free trip, especially if you stay near West Glacier, Apgar, or Lake McDonald. Depending on the season, you can combine lodge transportation, the park shuttle, and guided tours.
The park’s shuttle is separate from the lodge shuttle that serves the train station. In summer 2026, Glacier replaced its first-come, first-served shuttle with a ticketed express shuttle to Logan Pass, running July 1 through Labor Day from the Apgar Visitor Center and Lake McDonald Lodge on the west side. Tickets were booked in advance on Recreation.gov, and the express made fewer stops; it didn’t serve Avalanche Lake or Trail of the Cedars. Because it was a pilot program, check the National Park Service shuttle page for the current setup before you plan your days.
Kev’s Tip: Without a car, where you stay makes all the difference. Choose lodging near the places and transportation you plan to use, and check which trailheads the shuttle actually reaches before you book.
Take a Guided Tour
Guided tours let you see Glacier without worrying about driving or parking. The park’s best-known tours are the Red Bus Tours, which use historic buses with roll-back canvas tops. Depending on the tour and road conditions, you can ride Going-to-the-Sun Road and other scenic areas while learning the park’s history. Other authorized operators offer sightseeing trips and transportation to select destinations.
Kev’s Tip: If you’re traveling without a car, look for tours that leave from your lodge or offer pickups nearby. A great tour isn’t much help if you can’t get to its starting point.
Rent a Car for More Flexibility
To explore several parts of the park, such as Many Glacier, Two Medicine, and St. Mary, a rental car gives you the most flexibility, especially when shuttle service is limited. Whitefish is the most practical place to rent one. Keep in mind that some roads are seasonal, parking can be tight, and mountain driving takes time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amtrak to Glacier National Park
Which Amtrak station is closest to Glacier National Park?
West Glacier (WGL) is the closest station to the park’s west entrance and the best choice for most visitors, with lodging within walking distance. On the east side, East Glacier Park (GPK) sits next to the historic Glacier Park Lodge but is open only from mid-spring to mid-fall. Whitefish (WFH), about 25 miles away, offers year-round lodging, restaurants, and rental cars.
Do I need a car if I take Amtrak to Glacier National Park?
Not necessarily. If you stay near West Glacier, Apgar, or Lake McDonald, you can use lodge transportation, the park’s seasonal shuttle, and guided tours. To reach areas like Many Glacier and Two Medicine, a rental car or arranged transportation is the easiest option.
Does the Empire Builder stop near Glacier National Park in winter?
Yes. The Empire Builder runs daily year-round and stops at West Glacier and Whitefish all winter. East Glacier Park is seasonal, so the train stops at Browning instead from roughly October to April.
How long is the Amtrak ride from Chicago to Glacier National Park?
The Empire Builder takes about 30 hours from Chicago to Glacier, with one night aboard the train. From Seattle or Portland, it’s also an overnight trip. Many travelers book a roomette or bedroom, which includes meals in the dining car.
Which side of the Empire Builder has the best views of Glacier National Park?
The park lies mostly north of the tracks: the right side heading west and the left side heading east. The Sightseer Lounge, with large windows on both sides, is the best spot either way. Eastbound trains pass the park in the morning, which gives the most reliable daylight views.
Do I need a reservation to drive Going-to-the-Sun Road?
Glacier did not require vehicle reservations anywhere in the park in 2026, though Logan Pass parking was limited to three hours in the summer and the park shuttle required tickets. Policies change from year to year, so check the National Park Service website before your trip. Entrance fees still apply.
Final Thoughts on Taking Amtrak to Glacier National Park
Amtrak isn’t the fastest way to Glacier National Park, but the journey is part of the adventure. You’ll cross the Continental Divide on the route that helped put Glacier on the map and step off the train near the park, with no mountain driving required.
A little planning goes a long way. Pick the right station for your season, arrange your ride from the platform, and choose lodging that fits how you want to explore. Do that, and the Empire Builder is one of the most memorable ways to see this corner of Montana.
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Safe Travels and Happy Planning!
Kev
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