The only direct train to Seattle from the Minneapolis area is Amtrak’s Empire Builder (Train 7). It departs from Saint Paul-Minneapolis Union Depot and takes approximately 37-38 hours to cross North Dakota and Montana’s Glacier National Park nd the Cascade Mountains, t reach Seattle King Street Station. The train runs daily.
The train does not stop in downtown Minneapolis. The station is in Saint Paul about 10 miles east and is reached by Metro Green Line light rail, taxi, or a ride share.
Why Take the Train from Minneapolis to Seattle?
One of the most scenic and longest train routes in the US is Minneapolis to Seattle. This route enables passengers to avoid sitting for hours on end on highways and in airport terminals. You can enjoy views of the northern Plains and the winding Missouri River before reaching the edge of Glacier National Park, and down through the Cascades to Puget Sound. For many passengers, this journey is as enjoyable as the final destination of Seattle.
- Scenery: Prairie sunsets, the Rocky Mountains at Marias Pass, the Flathead River and evergreen forests.
- Comfort: Large reclining seats, plenty of legroom and no airport security lines.
- Sleeping option: Roomettes and bedrooms turn the two-night journey into a restful trip.
- No transfers: One direct train takes you all the way to Seattle.
- Baggage: Generous allowances compared with most airlines.
This itinerary is perfect for travelers who enjoy slow travel. This is great for families with older children, and great for remote workers who can take a break for a couple of days. This is not as suitable for travelers who need to get to a certain location by a certain time, as trains are known to run behind schedule and cause delays.
Which Amtrak Trains Run from Minneapolis to Seattle?
The Empire Builder serves as the only Amtrak long-distance train along this corridor. Westbound passengers are on either Train 7 (the Seattle section) or Train 27 (the Portland section). They both travel together from Chicago to Spokane, Washington, where the cars are split. Trains 8 and 28, which travel together eastbound to Chicago, are reunited at Spokane.
| Train | Route | Frequency | Note |
| Empire Builder 7 | Chicago – Saint Paul – Spokane – Seattle | Daily | Westbound to Seattle |
| Empire Builder 27 | Chicago – Saint Paul – Spokane – Portland | Daily | Splits from Train 7 at Spokane |
| Empire Builder 8 | Seattle – Spokane – Saint Paul – Chicago | Daily | Eastbound return |
Make sure you are on the cars headed for Seattle before Spokane. The cars are split, and crew members announce it. They are also clearly marked.
Minneapolis to Seattle Train Schedule: Departure Times and Frequency
Only one westbound train leaves daily. Train 7 normally leaves the Saint Paul-Minneapolis Union Depot at 10:15-10:30 PM Central Time, so you board the train at night and spend your first night on board. You spend the next day, or the entire crossing of the Plains and Montana, on the train, arriving in Seattle the next morning, or midday, Pacific Time. Eastbound Train 8 leaves Seattle in the afternoon.
Train 7 shares tracks with freight trains, so its timetable changes frequently. Always check your time for your trip on the Amtrak website or app.
| Item | Details |
| Departure station | Saint Paul–Minneapolis Union Depot (MSP) |
| Typical westbound departure | Late evening, about 10:15–10:30 PM CT |
| Arrival | Seattle King Street Station (SEA), second morning or midday after boarding |
| Frequency | Daily, all year |
| Time zones crossed | Central, Mountain, Pacific |
Sample Timeline of the Journey
This timeline shows what a typical trip looks like. Exact times vary with the season and delays.
| When | What you pass | What to do |
| Day 1, late evening | Board at Saint Paul Union Depot | Settle in, eat, and go to sleep |
| Day 2, morning | Western Minnesota and North Dakota (Fargo area) | Have breakfast, watch the prairie |
| Day 2, afternoon | Montana plains, Havre and Shelby | Lounge car, lunch, photos of big skies |
| Day 2, evening | Glacier National Park area | Dinner and mountain views, daylight permitting |
| Day 3, morning | Spokane, Wenatchee and the Cascades | Pack up, watch the descent to Puget Sound |
| Day 3, arrival | Seattle King Street Station | Collect bags and head into the city |
Minneapolis to Seattle Train Travel Time: How Long Does It Take?
The estimated journey time is 37-38 hours, because you lose two hours as you cross from Central to Pacific time zones. There are delays nearly every day because of freight backlogs on the BNSF lines. This can be made even worse by wintery conditions in the mountains and by maintenance on the lines. Because of this, avoid making same-day connections, or very time-restricted connections at either end.
| Travel option | Approx. time |
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 37–38 hours |
| Drive (about 1,650 miles) | 24–26 hours of driving |
| Bus | 34–40 hours |
| Nonstop flight | About 3.5–4 hours |
Seattle King Street Station Guide for Passengers
King Street Station is a historic landmark located at 303 S Jackson St with a classic waiting room and a tall clock tower. It is on the edge of Pioneer Square, International District and downtown.
- Transit: Link light rail (International District/Chinatown station) is a short walk away, and Sounder commuter trains use the same station.
- Connections: Amtrak Cascades trains run to Portland and Vancouver, BC.
- Services: Ticket counter, Quick-Trak kiosks, baggage help, restrooms and a waiting area.
- Getting there: Taxis and rideshares are available at the front of the building.
Key Stops Between Minneapolis and Seattle
The Empire Builder serves more than 40 stations. These are the main ones westbound.
| Region | Main stops | Why it matters |
| Minnesota | Saint Paul–Minneapolis, St. Cloud, Staples, Detroit Lakes | Lake country and the starting region |
| North Dakota | Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, Williston | Largest cities on the Plains, plus Bakken oil country |
| Montana | Havre, Shelby, East Glacier Park, West Glacier, Whitefish, Libby | Gateway to Glacier National Park |
| Idaho and Washington | Sandpoint, Spokane, Ephrata, Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Everett, Edmonds, Seattle | Cascade crossing and Puget Sound shoreline |
The parts of Glacier National Park that include East Glacier Park, Essex and West Glacier are the highlights. The route can be traveled in parts during the dark of night due to the long distances, so the season you travel is important.
Scenic Highlights Worth Watching For
Knowing what to look for is key to experiencing all that daylight has to offer. There are seasonal changes to which highlights you will see in light.
| Highlight | Where | Why it stands out |
| Prairie and wheat fields | North Dakota | Endless horizons and dramatic sunrises |
| Missouri River valley | Near Williston | River bluffs and wildlife |
| Marias Pass | Near East Glacier Park | Lowest crossing of the Continental Divide in the U.S. Rockies |
| Glacier National Park edge | Essex to West Glacier | Mountain peaks, forests and the Flathead River |
| Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound | Wenatchee to Everett and Edmonds | Mountain scenery and coastline views near the end |
Ticket Prices and Best Ways to Save Money on Amtrak
Like many airlines, Amtrak uses dynamic pricing, whereby fares increase as the train fills up. Coach is by far the least expensive option; sleeping car accommodations are significantly more expensive, but do provide more privacy and additional meals.
| Class | Typical one-way price (estimate) | Includes |
| Coach | About 120–250 | Reclining seat, outlets |
| Roomette (1–2 people) | About 600–1,200 | Private room, beds, meals |
| Bedroom | About 1,000–1,800+ | Larger room, private toilet and shower, meals |
These are estimates only. Check Amtrak.com for current fares.
- Book early, ideally 2–3 months ahead.
- Travel mid-week and outside peak summer and holiday periods.
- Use available discounts for seniors, students, children, veterans and AAA members.
- Use Amtrak Guest Rewards points for part of the fare.
- Watch for sales and compare coach and sleeper prices on the same date.
Baggage, Accessibility and Traveling with Children
Each Amtrak passenger is permitted two personal items, two carry-on bags, and checked baggage at staffed stations, subject to restrictions. Please contact Amtrak.com for the most current information regarding their policies. Some assistance for passengers with disabilities may be available, including reservations for seating and rooms. Families especially appreciate train travel because children can move about the train and eat on board. Younger children can also sleep on the train in a roomette or bedroom. Children under 2 years of age are permitted to travel at a reduced fare.
Onboard Amenities on the Minneapolis to Seattle Train
The Empire Builder uses double-decker Superliner cars with big windows, so even coach seats have wide views.
- Coach seats: Wide, reclining seats with leg rests and power outlets.
- Sleeping cars: Roomettes and bedrooms with bunks, linens, shared showers on the lower level and priority services.
- Dining car: Full meals, included for sleeping-car passengers and available for purchase by others.
- Café car: Snacks, sandwiches and drinks for everyone.
- Observation lounge: Panoramic windows, the best place to watch the scenery.
- Wi-Fi and cell service: Limited, especially in rural Montana and North Dakota.
Coach vs. Sleeping Car: Which Should You Choose?
Two nights on board is a long time in a seat. Many travelers manage in coach, but a sleeper changes the experience significantly.
| Feature | Coach | Roomette / Bedroom |
| Sleeping | Reclining seat | Flat bed or bunks |
| Meals | Buy in the dining or Café car | Included in dining car |
| Privacy | Shared car | Private room with door |
| Showers | Not available | Available in the sleeping car |
| Price | Lowest | Several times higher |
| Best for | Budget travelers | Couples, families, comfort seekers |
If the fare gap is large, coach with a neck pillow and blanket is a workable choice. If you can afford it, a roomette makes the overnight legs far easier.
Minneapolis to Seattle Train vs. Other Travel Options
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
| Train | 37–38 hours | Moderate (coach) to high (sleeper) | Scenery, comfort, no driving |
| Flight | About 4 hours | Low to moderate | Speed |
| Drive | 24–26 hours plus stops | Fuel and hotels | Flexibility and heavy luggage |
| Bus | 34–40 hours | Low | Tightest budgets |
Flying is faster; train travel gives you the ability to tour the US and see many beautiful sites that this country has to offer. Plus d, driving can get tedious, and train travel is more comfortable, so train travel wins.
Tips for First-Time Travelers on the Minneapolis to Seattle Route
- Go to Saint Paul Union Depot, not downtown Minneapolis.
- Arrive 30–45 minutes before departure with your e-ticket and photo ID.
- Pack a small day bag with chargers, medicine, toiletries and a change of clothes.
- Bring snacks, a refillable water bottle, a blanket and a neck pillow, as cars can get cold at night.
- Download shows, books and maps before you leave because signal is patchy.
- Choose seats on the side with the best views for your season, and spend time in the lounge car.
- Check train status on Amtrak.com before heading to the station and allow flexibility for delays.
What to Pack for Two Nights on the Train
- Phone and power bank, charging cables and headphones.
- Comfortable layers, socks and slip-on shoes.
- Toiletries, medicines, a toothbrush and wet wipes.
- Eye mask and earplugs for sleeping.
- Reusable bottle, snacks and a small cup or utensils.
- Book, tablet with downloaded shows, and a travel journal.
- Printed or saved copies of your booking and ID.
What to Do When You Arrive at Seattle King Street Station
- Pioneer Square: Historic district with galleries, cafés and the Smith Tower, a few minutes’ walk away.
- Pike Place Market and the waterfront: Reach them by a short ride or walk, including the Seattle Great Wheel.
- Space Needle and Seattle Center: Ride Link to Westlake, then take the Monorail.
- Museums: Museum of Pop Culture, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Seattle Art Museum.
- Ferries: Catch one to Bainbridge Island for skyline views.
Store heavy luggage before leaving the station if you will do sightseeing first, or if you will take the Link light rail to your hotel. King Street Station is near the waterfront and the stadiums, so book accommodation near there if you will walk. Save your hotel address offline to avoid stress after a long trip.
Booking Your Minneapolis to Seattle Amtrak Ticket
- Visit Amtrak.com or open the Amtrak app.
- Select Saint Paul–Minneapolis (MSP) as your origin and Seattle (SEA) as your destination.
- Choose your date and the Empire Builder.
- Pick coach, roomette or bedroom.
- Review fare rules, then pay and save your e-ticket.
Book your sleeping accommodations early for the summer and holidays because they sell out first. Cancellations and changes happen with your fare type.
Best Time to Travel from Minneapolis to Seattle by Train
| Season | What to expect |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Fewer crowds and lower fares. Mountains may still be snowy. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Longest daylight and best views in Glacier: highest fares and busiest trains. |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Pleasant weather, fall colors and good availability. |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Lowest fares and snowy landscapes, but more delays and little daylight. |
For the best mix of scenery, price and reliability, late spring and early fall are ideal.
What to Do if the Train Is Delayed
Delays are common with the long-distance routes. Remain near your car, listen to the announcements, and keep valuables with you if the train is running behind. Contact your flight/hotel to let them know of your expected delay. Amtrak staff can give you updates on the status of the train. The Amtrak app gives you real-time updates on the train. When you’re planning your arrival day, try to keep at least several hours of buffer time before your dinner reservation, tour, or flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a direct train from Minneapolis to Seattle?
Yes. Amtrak’s Empire Builder goes from the St. Paul-Minneapolis Union Depot to Seattle daily.
2. How long is the train ride from Minneapolis to Seattle?
Between 37 and 38 hours, depending on the schedule and delays.
3. Where does the train depart in Minneapolis?
The St. Paul-Minneapolis Union Depot, not in downtown Minneapolis.
4. What is the price for a ticket from Minneapolis to Seattle?
Coach tickets go for 120-250 one way. Roomette and bedroom fares are more. Prices change based on the date.
5. Does the train run every day?
Yes. There is one departure westbound and one departure eastbound daily.
6. Are there meals on the train?
Yes. Meals are provided to sleeping car passengers and are available to purchase in the Café.
7. Can you sleep on the train?
Yes. Coach seats recline and are provided with leg rests, and roomettes and bedrooms convert to beds.
8. Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes. However, it can be unreliable because of remote locations.
9. How much luggage can you bring?
You are permitted to bring 2 bags for free. Amtrak will transport your bags for free and allow you to bring additional items. Check with Amtrak for the most up-to-date information.
10. Is the train usually on time?
No. Expect delays, especially in winter.
