If you want to travel by train from Minneapolis to Portland, you can take the Amtrak Empire Builder, which leaves from Saint Paul Union Depot and ends at Portland Union Station. The Empire Builder travels about 1,800 rail miles and takes about 38-40 hours. It crosses three time zones and passes through North Dakota, Montana, Glacier National Park, Spokane and the Columbia River Gorge. There is one direct train per day in each direction and no transfers are needed between the Twin Cities and Portland.
This guide covers all aspects of planning this trip, including schedules, travel times, stations, stops, prices, onboard amenities, flying and driving comparisons, tips for first-time rail travelers, and the most common questions.
Why Take the Train From Minneapolis to Portland?
The flight from Minneapolis to Portland is just a 4-hour direct flight. So, why would you take almost 2 days on the train? Well, for many travelers,s the journey is the destination. The Empire Builder route is one of the most picturesque in the U.S.
- You see the real American Northwest. The train traverses the farmland of western Minnesota and open plains of North Dakota before rising through Montana next to Glacier National Park. The train follows the Columbia River through a dramatic gorge and cuts through the Cascade Mountains in Washington before ending in Portland and Seattle. The scenery from 35,000 feet is unremarkable.
- It is relaxing. You avoid long security lines, cramped middle seats, baggage fees, and airport shuttles. The long-distance Amtrak trains have wider coach seats that recline more than airline seats, ats with more legroom.
- A trip on the train can replace a hotel night. As the train takes two nights to cover the distance, a sleeper car gives you a bed and meals. You pay for the convenience of traveling and sleeping at the same time.
- It can help ease travel stress. You can travel with less stress and move more efficiently than driving. You avoid more than 1600 miles of highway and related travel costs and weather.
- It is good for those who don’t like flying. It is better than flying for people who are anxious about flying, have too much stuff, or want to travel slower.
- Flexible schedules help. People like photographers, remote workers, students and retirees can take the train at their leisure thanks to the slow schedule. People on holiday family trips also can use it thanks to the flexible seating.
Minneapolis to Portland by Train
| Detail | Information |
| Train name | Empire Builder |
| Operator | Amtrak |
| Departure station | Saint Paul Union Depot (Twin Cities) |
| Arrival station | Portland Union Station |
| Frequency | One train daily in each direction |
| Approximate travel time | 38 to 40 hours |
| Approximate distance | About 1,800 rail miles |
| Time zones crossed | Central, Mountain, Pacific |
| Accommodation types | Coach seat, Roomette, Bedroom, Accessible Bedroom |
| Food service | Dining car, Cafe car, sleeper meals included |
Which Amtrak Trains Run From Minneapolis to Portland?
Only one Amtrak train serves this route: the Empire Builder. Westbound, it is Train 7; eastbound, it is Train 28, from Portland. The Empire Builder serves a number of cities in the Pacific Northwest and is one of Amtrak’s busiest long-distance routes.
How the Empire Builder Is Organized
The train starts in Chicago, heads to St. Paul, and then cuts northwest across the country. In Spokane, Washington, it splits with the Seattle section and the Portland section. The Portland section heads down the Washington side of the Columbia River to Vancouver, Washington and then into Portland.
From St. Paul, you just need to sit in the sectionyou’rer assigned to. Amtrak deals with the split at Spokane. The Portland section cars are already grouped. Make sure your ticket has PDX on it.
Why There Is No “Minneapolis Station” for This Train
Many travelers search “train from Minneapolis to Portland” and seek a Minneapolis station. Amtrak’s Twin Cities station is located at St. Paul’s Union Depot, roughly 10 miles from Minneapolis. The older Midway station that served the Twin Cities closed when Amtrak moved to Union Depot. Amtrak’s booking system lists the St. Paul-Minneapolis (STP) station as part of its route.
Getting to Saint Paul Union Depot From Minneapolis
| Option | Notes |
| Metro Green Line light rail | Runs between downtown Minneapolis and downtown Saint Paul, and the line serves the Union Depot area |
| Taxi or rideshare | Typically the fastest door-to-door option, especially with luggage |
| Driving | Parking is available near the station; check current rates and rules |
| Airport connection | Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport connects to the Twin Cities by light rail |
Plan to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before your departure if you plan to check baggage, or board a sleeping car.
Other Trains You May Connect With
Some travelers connect other lines to the Empire Builder. The Amtrak Cascades in Portland connects to Vancouver and Seattle. The Coast Starlight runs from Portland to Los Angeles. Eastbound, the Empire Builder connects in Chicago with trains going to the East Coast, the South and the Midwest.
Train From Minneapolis to Portland Train Schedule: Departure Times and Frequency
The Empire Builder departs daily, with just one trip per direction each day. It has the longest daily routed mileage of any train, and the Twin Cities departure time is in the evening. The arrival time into Portland is the morning or midday of the third day.
Typical Schedule Pattern
| Leg | Typical pattern |
| Depart Chicago | Early afternoon |
| Arrive Saint Paul Union Depot | Late evening |
| Depart Saint Paul | Late evening, shortly after arrival |
| Cross North Dakota | Overnight and early morning of day two |
| Cross Montana | Day two, including Glacier National Park |
| Arrive Spokane | Late night or early morning of day three |
| Arrive Portland | Morning to midday of day three (Pacific Time) |
Eastbound Pattern (Train 28)
The eastbound train leaves Portland in the late afternoon or early evening and gets to Saint Paul in the morning on the third day. Eastbound passengers can see the Columbia River Gorge in the evening and cross Montana during the day.
Important: Exact departure and arrival times change from time to time, and the Empire Builder timetable has been adjusted before to account for freight traffic on the BNSF tracks. Always confirm your date and time on Amtrak.com or the Amtrak app before you book or travel.
Why the Empire Builder Can Run Late
The Empire Builder shares tracks with freight trains owned by BNSF Railway and gives freight priority in many places. As a result, delays can be expected due to congestion from freight, track maintenance, weather, and even wildfires and floods. Book a hotel with an event or a connection on your arrival day if you expect delays. Do not book a flight or a non-refundable event on that day.
Tracking Your Train
Follow trains using the real-time feature on the Amtrak app or Amtrak’s online train status center. You can search either by train number (7 or 28) or by station.
Train From Minneapolis to Portland Travel Time: How Long Does It Take?
It usually takes about 38 to 40 hours to travel from Saint Paul to Portland by train. That means it takes about a day and a half of nonstop travel, broken up by two nights.
Travel Time Comparison
| Mode | Approximate time | Notes |
| Train (Empire Builder) | 38 to 40 hours | Direct, daily, two nights onboard |
| Flight | About 4 hours in the air | Plus airport time; some routes connect through Denver |
| Driving | About 27 hours | Around 1,680 miles; roughly three to four days of comfortable driving |
| Bus | 34+ hours | Needs transfers; no direct bus on the full route |
Time Zone Changes
The time zone changes on your trip that alter the length of the journey. Saint Paul is on Central Time. Montana is on Mountain Time. The Twin Cities are two hours ahead of Portland. Amtrak provides timetables in the local time of each of their stations. This means that when you arrive in Portland, your watch will be two hours ahead of local time, and you will have some extra time to settle in.
How the Journey Breaks Down
- Day 1 (evening): Board at St. Paul and settle into your seat or room and grab a late dinner or snack. Many travelers sleep through the Minnesota and eastern North Dakota stretch.
- Day 2: Cross North Dakota and enter Montana by mid-afternoon and reach the Glacier National Park area. Passengers eat meals in the Sightseeing Lounge car, the dining car, and their seats.
- Day 3 (morning): The train reaches Spokane the night before, splits and the Portland section heads through eastern Washington. The train then reaches the Columbia River and then Vancouver, Washington and Portland.
Tips for the Long Ride
Make sure to pack a charged phone, power bank, light blanket, comfortable clothes, headphones, snacks, book or tablet with offline content, full water bottle, and neck pillow. Coach seats are much more bearable with a neck pillow.
Portland Union Station for Passengers
You’ll arrive at beautiful, historic Portland Union Station, a West Coast landmark since 1896. Look up to see the lit “GO BY TRAIN” sign, and look around to see the many lovely design details of this impressive station. Don’t miss the clock tower up close!
| Detail | Information |
| Name | Portland Union Station |
| Address | 800 NW 6th Avenue, Portland, Oregon |
| Amtrak station code | PDX |
| Trains served | Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, Amtrak Cascades |
| Location | Northwest edge of downtown, near the Pearl District and Old Town |
Facilities at the Station
Situated in a large historic waiting hall, the station offers wooden benches, a ticket office, baggage service, restrooms, and amenities including vending machines and Wi-Fi. Amtrak Sleeping Car passengers can use the Metropolitan Lounge in Portland, which has various seating, beverages, snacks, and Wi-Fi, as well as assistance with baggage. Policies and amenities are subject to change, so please check Amtrak’s webpage for the latest information.
Getting Around From the Station
Portland is one of the most transit-oriented cities in the country, and Union Station is situated on the transit network.
| Option | How it helps |
| MAX Light Rail | Nearby stops connect to downtown, the airport (Red Line) and the suburbs |
| Portland Streetcar | Serves the Pearl District, downtown and the South Waterfront |
| TriMet buses | Many lines run through downtown near the station |
| Taxi and rideshare | Available at the station curb |
| Walking | Downtown, the Pearl District and the waterfront are all walkable |
Accessibility
Portland’s Union Station is wheelchair accessible with a ramp and accessible restrooms. For other assistance, talk to Amtrak before travel for assistance with boarding and wheelchairs, or for an accessible sleeping room.
Key Stops Between Minneapolis and Portland
The Empire Builder stops at many different places, especially between St. Paul and Portland, where it serves small prairie towns, mountain gateways and river cities. Here are the major Portland stops.
| Station | State | Why it matters |
| St. Cloud | Minnesota | Gateway to central Minnesota |
| Staples | Minnesota | Small-town stop in the lakes region |
| Detroit Lakes | Minnesota | Popular lakes and resort area |
| Fargo | North Dakota | Largest city in North Dakota |
| Grand Forks | North Dakota | College town near the Minnesota border |
| Devils Lake | North Dakota | Near a large lake and wildlife areas |
| Rugby | North Dakota | Known for its location near the geographic center of North America |
| Minot | North Dakota | Major regional city and rail hub |
| Williston | North Dakota | Energy and agricultural center |
| Wolf Point | Montana | Located on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation |
| Glasgow | Montana | High plains town |
| Malta | Montana | Quiet prairie stop |
| Havre | Montana | Historic rail town |
| Shelby | Montana | Crossroads on the Hi-Line |
| Cut Bank | Montana | Gateway to the Rocky Mountain Front |
| Browning | Montana | On the Blackfeet Reservation |
| East Glacier Park | Montana | Entrance to Glacier National Park |
| Essex | Montana | Remote stop beside Glacier National Park |
| West Glacier | Montana | Main western entrance to Glacier National Park |
| Whitefish | Montana | Mountain town and ski resort |
| Libby | Montana | Forested valley town |
| Sandpoint | Idaho | Lakeside town on Lake Pend Oreille |
| Spokane | Washington | Where the Seattle and Portland sections separate |
| Pasco | Washington | Tri-Cities area on the Columbia River |
| Wishram | Washington | Small stop in the Columbia River Gorge |
| Bingen-White Salmon | Washington | Gorge town across from Hood River, Oregon |
| Vancouver | Washington | Just north of Portland |
| Portland | Oregon | Final stop at Portland Union Station |
Note that not every passenger can use every stop, and some small stations are unstaffed with limited services.
- Glacier National Park (East Glacier, Essex and West Glacier). This is one of the most scenic and most photographed parts of the trip. The train runs along the southern edge of the park, and many travelers get off at East Glacier or West Glacier to hike and then get back on the train the next day.
- Fargo and the Red River Valley. The flat valley is some of the most productive in the country. The Red River Valley is home to spectacular sunsets.
- The Hi-Line in Montana. This stretch of high plains and small towns shows the openness of this area.
- Spokane. The train often stops here for a while, and passengers are allowed off the train for a few minutes.
- The Columbia River. This area is beautiful with Mt. Hood, several waterfalls and cliffs. The gorge is only passable during the day, and the views are best during the Fall.
Where to Sit for the Best Views
Scenery is best viewed from the left side of the train (i.e. from the south) in certain sections and from the right side in others, but from the Sightseeing Lounge Car you can see both. For passengers interested in viewing the Columbia River, seats on that side of the train are best,t and an upper-level Superliner coach seat offers the best view.
Ticket Prices and Best Ways to Save Money on Amtrak
Dynamic pricing means that Amtrak sets prices based on a number of factors, including how far in advance the ticket is purchased and how full the train is. Tickets for the Empire Builder from St. Paul to Portland are usually in the low hundreds for coach seats, and cheaper tickets are released for purchase in advance. Recently, fares have been tracked as low as $337. However, fares are typically in the low 400s. Prices change constantly, so check Amtrak.com for the most current prices.
| Accommodation | What you get | Typical price level |
| Coach seat | Reclining seat with extra legroom, seat-back tray, power outlet | Lowest price; low to mid hundreds of dollars one-way |
| Roomette | Two seats that convert to bunks, sleeper meals, private space | Often several times the cost of coach |
| Bedroom | Larger private room with sofa, bed and in-room toilet and shower | Highest price |
| Accessible Bedroom | Wheelchair-accessible private room | Priced like a bedroom; contact Amtrak |
Rooms are priced per room, not per person. Prices go up in the summer and around holidays. Sleeping car tickets include meals in the dining car.
Ways to Save Money
- Book in advance. Amtrak releases tickets about 11 months in advance,e and the lowest fares are usually snapped up quickly. Booking several months in advance can mean savings.
- Consider mid-week and off-season travel. Fares in the off-season, fall, winter and early spring are generally lower than in the summer. Traveling in the winter may have delays due to weather.
- Look for discounts. Amtrak offers various discounts such as for children, seniors, veterans and members of different organizations. Discounts vary by route. Check Amtrak.com for more information and offers.
- Get rewarded for travel. Amtrak has a Guest Rewards program for frequent travelers. Earn points for every trip that can later be redeemed for travel.
- Consider a USA Rail Pass. If you are planning a multi-stop journey, a USA Rail Pass may save you money.
- Coach vs. Sleeper. For a traveler on a budget, coach is generally the best value, but a roomette, which replaces 2 nights of hotel stays, may be the better value long term.
- Watch for sales. Amtrak has promotions that offer sales for travel. Sign up for their email list for notifications.
| Cost | Notes |
| Meals (coach) | Not included; buy in the dining car or cafe, or bring your own food |
| Baggage | Carry-on items are included; checked baggage is available at some stations |
| Pets | Amtrak does not allow pets on the Empire Builder except service animals |
| Seat selection | Coach seating is generally assigned or open depending on current policy |
Onboard Amenities on the Train From Minneapolis to Portland
Double-decker Superliner cars are used in the Empire Builder. The amenities that you will have on this train depend on whether you travel coach or in a sleeper.
Coach Class
Coach seats have a lot of legroom and are adjustable. They also have a footrest and can fully recline. Each seat has its own power outlet, and there are overhead luggage racks and large windows. Coach cars have restrooms, and the upper level is usually quieter.
Sleeping Car Accommodations
- Roomette: Fits one or two people, and has two seats that convert to upper and lower beds. A call button gets you the attendant, who provides the linens and pillow. The car has shared showers and toilets.
- Bedroom: Larger, with a sofa, a chair, a bed, and a private shower and toilet. Has more storage space.
Passengers of sleeping cars get access to the Metropolitan Lounge (if available) and the lounge on the platform, as well as meals and priority boarding.
Dining Car
The Empire Builder has a dining car with table service. Sleeper passengers eat there as part of their ticket, and currently, coach passengers can also dine there and pay for meals, depending on Amtrak policy. The dining car menu offers vegetarian options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Because seating is often with strangers, it is an easy way to socialize with other passengers.
Cafe Car
The cafe car has snacks, meals, drinks, and alcohol for sale, and is the quickest and easiest way for coach or sleeper passengers to get a light meal.
Sightseeing Lounge
The upper level of this car offers huge curved windows and swivel seats for easy sightseeing. Plan to take some good photos in this car. Seats are first come, first served.
Wi-Fi and Charging
Amtrak has unreliable Wi-Fi, especially over the remote, sparsely populated parts of North Dakota and Montana. If you plan to work and need to upload/download large files, plan to do this before your trip. Bring a battery pack to charge your electronics if outlets are being used.
| Amenity | Coach | Sleeper |
| Reclining seat | Yes | Seats convert to bed |
| Meals included | No | Yes |
| Private room | No | Yes |
| Power outlets | Yes | Yes |
| Access to Sightseeing Lounge | Yes | Yes |
| Access to dining car | Yes (pay) | Yes (included) |
| Showers | No | Yes |
Train From Minneapolis to Portland vs. Other Travel Options
Traveling between the Twin Cities and Portland has trade-offs with every method of travel. What is most important to you will help decide the best option.
| Factor | Train | Flight | Car | Bus |
| Total travel time | 38 to 40 hours | About 4 hours in the air, plus airport time | About 27 hours of driving | 34+ hours with transfers |
| Cost | Moderate to high, depending on room | Often $200 to $900 | Fuel, lodging and food | Often less than the train |
| Comfort | Spacious, can walk around | Tight seating | Flexible but tiring | Limited space |
| Scenery | Excellent | Limited | Good, but you must drive | Fair |
| Baggage | Generous | Fees may apply | Unlimited | Limited |
| Environmental impact | Lower per passenger | Higher | Depends on car and occupancy | Low |
| Best for | Scenic, relaxed travel | Speed | Flexibility and stops | Tight budgets |
When the Train Wins
- Enjoying scenic views
- Traveling with a large amount of luggage
- Taking your time
- Making the journey part of your vacation
If your goal is to travel comfortably to and from Glacier National Park, taking the train is a good option.
When Flying is Better
- Time constraints
- Taking a business trip
The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport has many direct flights to the Portland International Airport.
When Driving Makes Sense
- You have the time
- Want to make lots of stops (ex., National Parks)
- You are traveling with pets
- You want to make lots of stops (ex,. National Parks) and are traveling with a large group or with a lot of luggage.
Driving will take the longest. According to your itinerary,ary it will take approximately 27 hours of driving, not including all the stops you will have to make.
When the Bus is Useful
No direct buses run the entire route. Transfers and long trips are to be expected. The bus may be the cheapest option, but it is the least comfortable and least convenient for most travelers.
Tips for First-Time Travelers on the Train From Minneapolis to Portland Route
A train trip has many differences from other kinds of travel. Here are some things to think about to help you plan your trip on the Empire Builder.
- Book early. Fares and sleeping accommodations are both limited, and the more popular the dates, the less likely you are to get a seat.
- Choose the right accommodations. If you are traveling alone or on a tight budget, coach is the only option. For those traveling as a couple and looking for a good night’s rest, a roomette is a good option.
- Pack efficiently. Keep your essentials in a small bag that you will keep with you on the train. You can store your larger baggage on the lower level of the car.
- Bring your own food. While the train has a dining car and cafe car, delays can happen, and the train does have a long stretch between stops.
- Dress in layers. The coaches can be chilly, and the weather outside the windows can be very different from Minnesota to the Pacific Northwest.
- Download Media. While cell service and WiFi can be accessed in more populated areas, it is best to load your media beforehand.
- Give yourself extra time. While not always the case, delays can happen, especially with connections. Play it safe and give yourself an extra buffer, just in case.
- Get off the train at fresh-air stops. Listen to the conductor to find out if and when you can get off the train. Do not wander too far.
- Reserve seats in the Sightseeing Lounge, especially for the afternoons and evenings, for the best scenic views.
- Be considerate of your fellow passengers. Long train trips test everyone’s patience, and a little courtesy goes a long way. Keep voices and loud activities to a minimum.
- Keep your train tickets on you. While Amtrak uses Electronic ticketing, you may want a physical copy or screenshot for backup.
- Know where you are going. Double-check your seat assignment and ensure you are on a train bound for Portland.
What to Do When You Arrive at Portland Union Station
Portland is a friendly city with great walkability and easy access from the train. You can start exploring as soon as you step off the train!
| Attraction | What to expect |
| Pearl District | Galleries, boutiques, cafes and restaurants within a short walk |
| Powell’s City of Books | One of the largest independent bookstores in the world |
| Old Town and Chinatown | Historic streets, the Lan Su Chinese Garden and Saturday Market in season |
| Tom McCall Waterfront Park | Riverfront walking and cycling paths |
| Portland Saturday Market | Handmade goods and food stalls, open on weekends |
| Voodoo Doughnut | A famous local doughnut shop in Old Town |
- Columbia River Gorge: less than an hour away and home to hundreds of hiking trails and waterfalls. Multnomah Falls is the largest and can be seen from the road.
- Mt. Hood: 90 minutes from Portland and home to ski resorts in the winter and hiking in the summer.
- Oregon Coast: 2.5 hours from Portland and home to Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock.
- Willamette Valley: Home to a large wine region and beautiful landscapes.
- Food and Drink: Portland is known for craft beers and breweries, coffee, and farm-to-table restaurants. Food carts can be found around the city and offer a variety of different foods.
- Where to Stay: Union Station and the Pearl District are centrally located for the train and offer a variety of hotels. The Lloyd District and Downtown are also centrally located and offer a variety of hotels.
- Continue Your Journey: Amtrak Cascades to Seattle and Coast Starlight to California both depart from Portland. You can also take MAX light rail to the airport from the train station.
Booking Your Train From Minneapolis to Portland Amtrak Ticket
Booking a ticket on the Empire Builder is straightforward.
- Go to Amtrak.com or open the Amtrak app
- Enter “St. Paul-Minneapolis, MN (STP)” as your departure station
- Enter “Portland, OR (PDX)” as your destination
- Choose your travel date and the number of passengers
- Select the Empire Builder from the results
- Choose coach or a sleeping car accommodation
- Review the fare rules and enter passenger details
- Pay and receive your e-ticket by email and in the app
Other Ways to Book
Tickets can be booked via Amtrak’s reservation line, through a travel agent, or at staffed train stations. Amtrak tickets can also be purchased through authorized third-party booking websites, but bookings through Amtrak are usually easier to change or cancel.
Before You Book
Check how changes and cancellations are handled, and by when. Flexible fares typically allow for changes and cost more. A valid photo ID is required to travel in a sleeping car, and children under age 16 must be escorted by an adult.
Group and Special Travel
There are group discounts and special fares offered by Amtrak. For special travel needs, contact Amtrak to make special arrangements.
Baggage Basics
| Type | General guidance |
| Personal items | Typically two free |
| Carry-on bags | Typically two free, stored in racks or on the lower level |
| Checked baggage | Available at some stations, including larger ones; check availability at your station |
Rules and limits change, so confirm them on Amtrak.com before you pack.
Best Time to Travel From Minneapolis to Portland by Train
The best time to take the train depends on whether you are looking for the most scenic route, the lowest fares or the most reliable schedule.
| Season | Pros | Cons |
| Spring (April to May) | Lower fares, green landscapes, fewer crowds | Rain and some late snow in the mountains |
| Summer (June to August) | Best weather, long daylight hours, Glacier National Park at its best | Highest fares and busiest trains, possible wildfire smoke |
| Fall (September to October) | Beautiful colors, mild weather, good fares | Shorter days |
| Winter (November to March) | Lowest fares, snowy mountain scenes, quiet trains | Heavy snow can cause delays; less daylight to see the scenery |
Best Time for Scenery
Late June to September is when you get the most daylight in Glacier National Park and the Columbia River Gorge. Early fall is good because of weather and fall colors.
Best Time for Budget Travel
Late fall (Thanksgiving week aside), January and February bring the lowest fares. Weekdays are generally cheaper than weekends.
Best Time for Reliability
Late summer and early fall are more reliable than winter when snow in Montana can slow and stop trains.
Time of Day
Because the train leaves Saint Paul in the evening, you will be crossing Minnesota and North Dakota in the dark for the first part of the trip. The second day and a big part of the third day have the best scenery. If your train is delayed, you may see parts of the route at times different than planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a direct train from Minneapolis to Portland?
Yes. The Amtrak Empire Builder train leaves once a day from St. Paul Union Depot and goes directly to Portland Union Station.
2. Which Minneapolis station do I use?
Amtrak departs from St. Paul Union Depot. You can reach it from Minneapolis with public transit, a taxi, a rideshare, or a personal vehicle.
3. How long is the train ride from Minneapolis to Portland?
Expect 38 to 40 hours on the train, if on time, with two nights spent on the train as it crosses three time zones. Delays are very common, so be prepared for the unexpected.
4. How much are train tickets from Minneapolis to Portland?
Coach seats can be in the low hundreds of dollars. Sleeper tickets are more and include meals. Check Amtrak.com for the latest prices.
5. How often does it run?
The train departs once a day in each direction, every day of the year.
6. Are meals included on the train?
Sleeper class tickets provide a dining car meal. Coach class passengers will need to bring their own food or purchase it on the train. See current Amtrak policy on food for more info.
7. Do I need a sleeping car, or is coach enough?
For most people, coach is just fine. Sleeper class provides a bed, privacy, a couple of meals and showers, which may make the 2-day trip a bit nicer. Choose a sleeper class ticket based on your budget.
8. Is there Wi-Fi on the Empire Builder?
There may be Wi-Fi, but it’s likely slow and unreliable. Make sure to download anything you may need before you go.
9. Will I see Glacier National Park from the train?
Yes, the train passes along the edge of Glacier National Park. There are also stops at East and West Glacier and Essex.
10. What should I do if my train is delayed?
Be prepared for delays. Track your train on the Amtrak app and try to have plenty of time for your connections.
