Don’t get us wrong, we love a road trip—but swapping expressway traffic for glacier views and a seat you don’t have to steer? That sounds pretty compelling.
Enter Amtrak’s Empire Builder, a daily train connecting Chicago with the Pacific Northwest. The approximately 46-hour trip takes you past the Mississippi River, across North Dakota’s wide-open plains, and into Montana’s mountain country before continuing to Seattle or Portland.
The route has even earned a spot in The Independent’s bucket-list train journeys showcasing America’s most breathtaking scenery. And with river valleys, mountain passes, and a panoramic Sightseer Lounge in the mix, it’s easy to see the appeal.
Here’s what to know before hopping aboard.
Where does the Empire Builder go?
The Empire Builder leaves from Chicago’s Union Station and travels roughly 2,200 miles to the Pacific Northwest. In Spokane, Washington, the train splits into two sections: one continues to Seattle, while the other heads toward Portland. You’ll choose your destination when booking—this isn’t one continuous ride through both cities.
Start with chai near Union Station
Before boarding, make a stop at Swadesi at 328 S. Jefferson Street. The Indian-inspired café serves masala chai, coffee, and sweet and savory bites, with a pastry menu that includes a rasmalai-inspired croissant filled with pistachio cream—a much more exciting send-off than another grab-and-go granola bar.
Watch the Midwest give way to wide-open plains
After leaving Chicago, the route brings Mississippi River scenery before reaching the Twin Cities area, where the train stops at St. Paul’s Union Depot.
Next comes North Dakota, with expansive plains and the Gassman Coulee Trestle west of Minot among the route’s highlights.
Take in Montana’s mountain scenery
Montana brings one of the journey’s biggest draws: the landscapes around Glacier National Park. Amtrak describes the route as passing by the park, with views of East Glacier Park and West Glacier.
Choose your Pacific Northwest finale
The train divides in Spokane, so your final stretch depends on the destination you book:
- Portland-bound passengers travel through the Columbia River Gorge toward Portland Union Station, with Amtrak highlighting scenery including Beacon Rock and Mount Hood.
- Seattle-bound passengers continue through the Cascade Mountains before arriving at King Street Station. Once there, Pike Place Market makes an inviting first stop for coffee and a wander.
What’s it like on board?
There are several ways to settle in:
- Coach: A standard seat for travelers who don’t need a private sleeping compartment. Upper- and lower-level coach seating are listed among the train’s accommodations.
- Roomette: Two seats convert into upper and lower beds at night, with access to shared restroom and shower facilities.
- Bedroom: A roomier option with a sofa and separate chair by day, sleeping accommodations at night, and an in-room restroom and shower.
- Family Room: Designed for up to two adults and two children ages 2–12, with four sleeping berths and shared restroom and shower facilities.
Meals are included with private-room accommodations. One detail worth knowing: traditional dining-car service isn’t offered between Spokane and Portland; Amtrak provides a cold catered meal on that section instead.
For a change of scenery without leaving the train, head to the Sightseer Lounge and its expansive windows. Amtrak lists the lounge as operating between Chicago and Portland, so Seattle-bound passengers shouldn’t expect it to continue with their section after Spokane.
What to know before booking
Before planning the rest of your itinerary, check the schedule and prices for your specific departure. If you want the most affordable ticket, prices start at just $145 the 2nd week in January.
The full journey takes approximately 46 hours each way, making this more of an extended escape than a conventional weekend trip.
