The Amtrak Empire Builder is a daily Superliner train that travels between the Midwest’s heartland and the scenic landscapes of the Pacific Northwest. The train provides service between Chicago, Seattle, and Portland, with several stops in between, including the vibrant cities of St. Paul/Minneapolis and Spokane.
This train expands its reach by splitting or converging, depending on the travel direction, allowing it to serve both Seattle and Portland. You can learn more about this in the article about trains with multiple route numbers.
This page provides the schedule for this train and explains its offerings.
It’s important to note that while this train travels between Chicago and Milwaukee, you cannot use it for those destinations. Check out the Hiawatha or the Borealis to travel between these cities or intermediate stops. The Borealis also serves as an alternative to the Empire Builder for all stops between Chicago and the Twin Cities.
An Overview Of The Amtrak Empire Builder Route
The Empire Builder takes you alongside the mighty Mississippi River, providing glimpses of charming small towns and expansive farmlands of Wisconsin and Minnesota.
As the train heads westward, it ascends into the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains, providing passengers with breathtaking mountain views.
The passage through Glacier National Park in Montana is a standout. The park features snow-capped peaks, dense forests, and pristine lakes. Watch for wildlife; the park is home to various animals, including bears and elk.
For those interested, a map depicts the areas you will pass during the day and night. Take a look!
The Borealis – “The Baby Builder”
In May 2024, a new day train called the Borealis began operating between Chicago and the Twin Cities.
This train covers all the stops between The Builder and the intermediate stops of the Hiawatha. If you plan to travel between those cities, I highly recommend checking out the Borealis as an alternative to the Empire Builder. It’s a convenient and comfortable option.
The Empire Builders on-time performance
Travel delays are an unavoidable aspect of traveling, regardless of the mode of transportation. Delays can happen due to Amtrak’s fault, natural disasters, unexpected circumstances, and other factors, including host railroads.
Between August 2023 and 2024, the average passenger’s on-time performance was 54.7%, with an average delay of 110 minutes.
In July 2024, the passee’s on-time performance averaged 49.3%, with an average delay of only 102 minutes.
Host railroads, particularly those spanning 15 miles or more, play a significant role in Amtrak’s on-time performance. Here are the top two reasons why they have caused delays.
The Empire Builder’s Host Railroads
- Metra caused delays with commuter rail traffic interference and slow orders.
- CPKS caused delays with freight train interference and slow orders.
- BNSF caused delays with freight train interference and slow orders.
The info for this section comes from the Amtrak Host Railroad Report, August 2024.
If you plan trips on other Amtrak trains, I have a page listing the on-time performances for all Amtrak long-distance trains.
Coach seating on the Empire Builder
The Empire Builder provides coach seating with various amenities, including comfortable reclining seats with ample legroom, a fold-down tray, and a seat back pocket. For added comfort, there are foot and leg rests.
Each seat has individual reading lights and 120v grounded electric outlets on the wall. You will want to bring an extension cord to plug more than one thing in and make accessing the power in an aisle seat easier.
There are no middle seats; you can find storage above your seat and luggage storage on the lower level.
You will find bathrooms on the lower level of the car.
Empire Builder coach car layout
There are a few different layouts, but this is the basic one.
Sleeper car (rooms) on the Empire Builder
Amtrak sleeper car accommodation is an excellent option if you are looking for a comfortable and private place to sleep and enjoy your train journey.
All rooms include traditional dining meals; more on that further down. Lounge access is available in Chicago, St. Paul, and Portland, OR; you need to show your ticket indicating your sleeper car reservation.
Additionally, each room has a dedicated car attendant, seats during the day and beds for a good night’s sleep, drapes on the windows to ensure privacy and block out light, a closet or hook to hang clothing (with hangers provided by Amtrak), cupholders, a table between the seats, and night and reading lights. Amtrak provides pillows, sheets, and blankets.
Passengers will also have access to upper—and lower-level bathrooms. As a passenger in these cars, you have access to the shower on the lower level; bedrooms have showers in their rooms. Amtrak provides soap, washcloths, and towels; they do not provide hair dryers or curling irons. From my latest experience, there has been shampoo, but it has not always been consistent.
The sleeper car accommodations offered on the Builder
You can reserve these accommodations for yourself or with a friend, and if you book a room as a single, no one will share it with you.
- Roomettes
- Smallest of the rooms
- Rooms 1-10 on the upper and 11-14 on the lower level.
- Bedrooms
- Twice the space of a roomette
- These rooms are only on the upper level.
- Family Bedroom
- For two adults and two smaller kids.
- On the lower level, with access to a shower down the hall from this room.
- Accessible room
- Accommodations for passengers with mobility issues.
- On the lower level
The layout can vary, but these are the basics. If your roomette number is 20 or larger, you could be in a transdorm car.
Luggage: Carry on and checked
- Amtrak’s checked baggage service allows:
- Two bags up to 50 lbs and 75 linear inches per person for free.
- Charges apply for additional and oversized luggage.
- You can check up to four bags.
- Not all locations can handle checked baggage.
- Your first and last station must offer checked bag service to check a bag.
- Click the station links below to see if they provide checked baggage service.
Each passenger may carry on:
- One personal item, 25 lbs. (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches
- Two carry-on pieces of luggage, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each
If you transfer to the Pacific Surfliner at some point along your journey, the baggage size for that train is up to 28 x 22 x 11 inches each.
Charges apply for additional and oversized luggage; check out Amtrak’s carry-on bag policy for more information.
Pets and service animals on the Empire Builder
- Amtrak allows dogs and cats:
- Up to 20 pounds combined weight of pet and carrier,
- For trips up to seven hours.
- Your pet needs to be on your reservation.
- Paperwork is required and completed before you arrive at the station.
- Amtrak will email you an online form after your reservation is complete, or you can find it in the My Trip sections on Amtrak.com or the Amtrak app.
- Find more info in Amtrak’s pet policy.
If you have a service or comfort animal, please read the Amtrak service animal policy before booking.
Wi-Fi and the Empire Builder
This train does not have Wi-Fi, and cell service dead spots are along the route.
Accessibility on the Builder
A Wheelchair Ramp assists passengers with a wheeled mobility device in boarding and detraining. Lower-level coach seating and accessible bedrooms are also available for those with mobility needs.
Food offerings on the Empire Builder
Two food cars are on the Empire Builder; one offers grab-and-go food, while the other offers sit-down dining.
Amtrak Empire Builder Cafe Car
Our café offers a diverse menu, including hot and cold meals, snacks, and a selection of hot, cold, and adult beverages.
The Café is open to all customers from early morning until late at night, but it closes during the day for the attendants’ breaks. The cafe is not available on trains 7/8 between Seattle and Spokane.
Check out my Amtrak Cafe Car post for more info and current menus.
The location of the Cafe Car
To find the café, you need to head to the lower level of the Sightseer lounge car, which separates the coach cars for each train section. If you are in the Seattle section (cars 7 or 8), walk towards the back of the train. On the other hand, if you are in the Portland section (cars 27 or 28), walk towards the front of the train.
Amtrak Empire Builder Dining Car
Dining car meals are complimentary for customers with sleeping accommodations or at set prices for coach passengers. Amtrak can limit seating for coach passengers based on availability.
The Empire Builder train provides a traditional dining experience to its passengers. The meals are chef-prepared and come with table service. Passengers in the sleeping cars can opt to have their meals delivered to their rooms.
The dining options include breakfast, lunch, and a three-course dinner with selections for kids. Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages come with meals, and Amtrak offers the first drink with dinner for free!
A wide array of wine, beer, and spirits is available. You can consume them with your meal or return them to your room.
For more information and menus, check out my post on Amtrak Traditional Dining.
The location of the Empire Builder’s dining car
The dining car is on the Seattle side (cars 7/8) between the coach and sleeper cars. If you are on train 27 or 28 headed towards Portland, you’ll have to pass through all the coach cars to reach the dining car.
Please note that traditional dining is unavailable on train 27/28 between Portland, OR, and Spokane, WA. If you’re a sleeper passenger, your car attendant will provide you with food or further instructions.
Dining car meals are available by day.
This graph illustrates the daily meals served in the Empire Builder dining car.
| DIRECTION | CITY SECTIONS | DAY OF TRAVEL | MEALS OFFERED |
|---|---|---|---|
| #7/#27 Westbound | Chicago, IL – St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN | 1 | Dinner |
| #7/#27 Westbound | St, Cloud, MN – Sandpoint, ID | 2 | Breakfast, lunch, & dinner |
| #7 Westbound | Spokane, WA – Seattle, WA | 3 | Breakfast |
| #27 Westbound | Spokane, WA -Portland, OR | 3 | Breakfast* |
| #8 Eastbound | Seattle, WA – Ephrata, WA | 1 | Dinner |
| #28 Eastbound | Portland, OR – Pasco, WA | 1 | Dinner* |
| #8/#28 Eastbound | Spokane, WA – Devils Lake, ND | 2 | Breakfast, lunch, & dinner |
| #8/#28 Eastbound | Grand Forks, ND – Chicago, IL | 3 | Breakfast & lunch |
How does the Empire Builder have two West Coast ending/starting points?
How does the Empire Builder have two West Coast destinations or starting points? It is easy; the Builder runs as two trains between Spokane and Seattle/Portland. It is one of Amtrak’s trains that split/come together during its route.
The Empire Builder schedule is the same for 7/27 and 8/28 trains traveling between Chicago, IL, and Spokane, WA.
Do You Find This Information Helpful?
Join my email list to get the latest travel tips, Amtrak insights, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox. If you enjoy this information, consider one of the many ways you can support my work, and I appreciate it! Plus, if you join my Patreon at $5 or more, you’ll receive a postcard I created and mailed directly to your home as a thank you!
You can also find Travels with Kev on Facebook!
Amtrak Empire Builder Schedule
See where the Empire Builder can take you (and when you get there too)! The information in this section comes from Amtrak.com.
Amtrak can make changes at any time, and the last time I checked this info was July 2024.
| Train 7/27 Westbound | Communities Served | – | Train 8/28 Eastbound |
|---|---|---|---|
| Read Down | Daily Train | Miles | Last Stop |
| 3:05p | Chicago, IL Union Station (CHI) (CT) | 0 | 4:45p |
| 3:29p | Glenview, IL (GLN) (Metra) | 17 | 4:12p |
| 4:35p | 4:45p | Milwaukee, WI Downtown (MKE) | 85 | 2:57p | 3:05p |
| 5:55p | Columbus, WI (CBS) (Madison) | 150 | 1:47p |
| 6:24p | Portage, WI (POG) | 178 | 1:17p |
| 6:42p | Wisconsin Dells, WI (WDL) | 195 | 12:58p |
| 7:20p | Tomah, WI (TOH) | 240 | 12:16p |
| 8:04p | La Crosse, WI * Amtrak Station (LSE) | 281 | 11:37a |
| 8:34p | 8:40p | Winona, MN (WIN) | 308 | 10:54a | 11:01a |
| 9:42p | Red Wing, MN (RDW) | 371 | 9:44a |
| 10:56p | 11:13p | St. Paul-Minneapolis, MN* Union Depot (MSP) | 410 | 8:33a | 8:50a |
| 1:09a | St. Cloud, MN (SCD) | 486 | 6:32a |
| 2:10a | Staples, MN (SPL) | 552 | 5:27a |
| 3:06a | Detroit Lakes, MN (DLK) | 614 | 4:27a |
| 4:13a | Fargo, ND (FAR) | 662 | 3:21a | 3:29a |
| 5:34a | Grand Forks, ND (GFK) | 737 | 2:10a |
| 6:59a | Devils Lake, ND (DVL) | 822 | 12:44a |
| 7:53a | Rugby, ND (RUG) | 879 | 11:49p |
| 9:06a | 9:51a | Minot, ND (MOT) | 940 | 10:08p | 10:53p |
| 10:46a | Stanley, ND (STN) | 994 | 8:22p |
| 11:59a | Williston, ND (WTN) (CT) | 1061 | 7:21p |
| 12:34p | Wolf Point, MT (WPT) (MT) | 1168 | 4:32p |
| 1:20p | Glasgow, MT (GGW) | 1217 | 3:44p |
| 2:20p | Malta, MT (MAL) | 1283 | 2:43p |
| 3:54p | 4:15p | Havre, MT (HAV) | 1370 | 1:05p | 1:24p |
| 6:21p | Shelby, MT (SBY) * | 1475 | 11:28a |
| 6:51p | Cut Bank, MT (CUT) | 1499 | 10:27a |
| 7:28p | Browning, MT (BRO) W | 1532 | 9:52a |
| 7:48p | East Glacier Park, MT (GPK) W | 1547 | 9:36a |
| 8:44p | Essex, MT (ESM) Izaak Walton Inn | 1576 | 8:37a |
| 9:27p | West Glacier, MT (WGL) (Apgar) | 1603 | 7:57a |
| 10:06p | 10:21p | Whitefish, MT (WFH) | 1626 | 7:11a | 7:26a |
| 12:05a | Libby, MT (LIB) (MT) | 1728 | 5:11a |
| 12:55a | Sandpoint, ID (SPT) (PT) | 1813 | 2:20a |
| 2:44a | Spokane, WA * Amtrak Station (SPK) | 1897 | 12:37a |
| – | Train separates or comes together. | – | – |
| Train 7 | Train to/from Seattle Skip this section for 27-28 | Miles | Train 8 |
| 3:19a | Spokane, WA * Amtrak Station (SPK) | 1879 | 1:15a |
| 5:28a | Ephrata, WA (EPH) | 1998 | 9:58p |
| 6:35a | 6:45a | Wenatchee, WA * Amtrak Station (WEN) | 2050 | 8:51p | 8:57p |
| 7:18a | Leavenworth, WA Icicle Station (LWA) | 2072 | 8:17p |
| 10:03a | Everett, WA (EVR) | 2171 | 5:55p |
| 10:35a | Edmonds, WA (EDM) | 2188 | 5:27p |
| 11:29a | Seattle, WA * King Street Station (SEA) (PT) | 2255 | 4:55p |
| Last Stop | Stations | Miles | Read Up |
| Train 27 | Train to/from Portland | Miles | Train 28 |
| 3:49a | Spokane, WA * Amtrak Station (SPK) | 1879 | 12:17a |
| 6:40a | Pasco, WA (PSC) * | 2025 | 9:06p |
| 8:35a | Wishram, WA (WIH) (The Dallas) | 2150 | 6:59p |
| 9:10a | Bingen-White Salmon, WA (BNG) | 2180 | 6:24p |
| 10:35a | Vancouver, WA (VAN) | 2254 | 5:09p |
| 11:17a | Portland, OR Union Station (PDX) (PT) | 2255 | 4:45p |
| Last Stop | Stations | Miles | Read Up |
Abbreviations
R = Receive passengers only; this means you can board the train, but you cannot buy a ticket on this train to this station.
D = Depart only; you can buy a ticket to this station but not from this station, and this train may leave early from this stop.
W = Seasonal station from October to April.
* = Stations with Amtrak Connecting Services.
Printable Amtrak Empire Builder Schedule
Amtrak offers you custom schedules for free! You can get the needed times or a schedule that includes connecting trains or services. Learn how to print Amtrak schedules! You can also learn how to print out route schedules from that link.
Kev’s thoughts on the Empire Builder
“The Empire Builder is a great way to travel between the Northwest and the Midwest. I’ve taken this train a few times and had a great time. I even met a local celebrity in the dining car. One of my favorite parts of the ride was traveling along the Mississippi and through my state by rail!”
If you’re in the sleeping car on the Portland sections of the train (27/28), it’s a hike to the dining car. The same applies to Seattle sleeper car passengers who want to go to the cafe car (between Chicago and Spokane). So, if you’re going only some of the way, consider that when booking.
This page has more information that can help you, including thoughts on boarding Amtrak, ways to save money when booking, and things to consider when you get a sold-out message.
Thanks for reading and allowing me to help you do your research! If you enjoyed this post and got something out of it, consider supporting Travels with Kev.
Get train travel tips and updates!
If you are on Facebook, check out my page for updates.
Also, consider joining my email list today for exclusive access to my latest articles, travel tips, and Amtrak news.
Take advantage of the latest updates and exciting travel opportunities.
See what will appear in your inbox, and sign up now to stay in the loop!
