Amtrak route guide
Amtrak Empire Builder Tickets & Reservations
The Empire Builder follows the northern tier from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest, splitting at Spokane for Seattle and Portland. Glacier National Park is the headline, but the whole route is a lesson in big landscapes. Book Empire Builder tickets online or call a specialist to compare dates, fares, and private-room availability before you commit.
Talk to an Empire Builder specialist
Planning an Empire Builder trip? Let’s price it properly.
Fares, sleeper inventory, and fare rules can change quickly on this route. One call gets you a clear answer for your dates, your party, and the room you actually want.
(808) 857-3780Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week · No obligation
- Empire Builder route and date comparisons
- Roomette and Bedroom availability
- Fare rules before you pay
- Changes, cancellations, and ticket delivery
Why ride the Empire Builder?
The Empire Builder follows the northern tier from Chicago to the Pacific Northwest, splitting at Spokane for Seattle and Portland. Glacier National Park is the headline, but the whole route is a lesson in big landscapes.
Amtrak Empire Builder train tickets are sold for two sections, Seattle and Portland. If you are comparing Chicago to Seattle Amtrak tickets with Chicago to Portland Amtrak tickets, price both directions before choosing. An Empire Builder Amtrak private room makes more sense on the two-night trip, and an Amtrak Empire Builder sleeper car includes meals. We can quote the current Amtrak Empire Builder cost, handle Amtrak Empire Builder reservations, and explain the Empire Builder Amtrak booking process before you pay.
The route runs daily and takes about 46 hours end to end. Exact timings move with the season and operational changes, so confirm the departure and arrival times for your date before booking.
Scenery and onboard highlights
- Glacier National Park stops at East and West Glacier
- Columbia River Gorge on the Portland section
- Superliner sleeper cabins and dining car
- Same-day connections from Chicago and the Northwest
Cities and stations on the route
Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul–Minneapolis, Fargo, Minot, East Glacier, West Glacier, Spokane, Seattle, Portland.
Amtrak Empire Builder sleeper car and private rooms
An Amtrak Empire Builder sleeper car turns a long ride into a place to actually sleep, and an Amtrak Empire Builder private room gives you a door that closes. The train uses Superliner sleeping cars with Roomettes, Bedrooms, Family Bedrooms, and an Accessible Bedroom. Every sleeper reservation includes a private space, bedding, attendant service, and onboard meals on the overnight portion.
If you want the lowest private-room price, ask about an Empire Builder Roomette first. If you want more floor space and a private bathroom, compare the Bedroom. The difference in cost is usually smaller than travelers expect once included meals are counted. Our Amtrak accommodations guide explains the layouts, bathroom arrangements, and which room suits which trip.
Amtrak Empire Builder cost and fare rules
The train splits at Spokane. Confirm whether your destination is on the Seattle or Portland section when you book. Coach is the budget option; Roomettes and Bedrooms are dynamically priced and can sell out weeks ahead on popular dates. The sample fares below are starting points, not live quotes. For a current Empire Builder fare, call (808) 857-3780 and tell us your travel dates.
Sample fares
Empire Builder fares by city pair
Starting coach fares for common segments. Private rooms and peak dates are priced higher and quoted separately.
| From | To | Accommodation | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | Glacier National Park, MT | Coach | $189USD |
| Chicago, IL | Seattle, WA | Coach | $279USD |
| Chicago, IL | Portland, OR | Coach | $269USD |
| St. Paul, MN | Seattle, WA | Coach | $219USD |
Fares are per person, one way, unless marked as a vehicle fee. They are sample starting prices for budgeting, not confirmed quotes. Availability, season, direction, and accommodation type all affect the final price.
Want the fare for your exact dates? We can check availability while you're on the phone.
Call (808) 857-3780
Empire Builder booking desk
Ready to lock in your Empire Builder trip?
We'll compare the dates, the rooms, and the fare rules in one call — then send the confirmation and explain what happens if plans change.
Independent Amtrak booking assistance · Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Room choices
Roomette, Bedroom, or Coach on the Empire Builder
Every option gets you there. The right one depends on how long you're on board and how much privacy you want.
Lowest fareCoach
Reclining seats and legroom. Best for shorter segments or travelers who would rather spend the difference on the destination.
Best value sleeperRoomette
A private room for one or two with two berths at night. Meals are included on overnight trains.
Most spaceBedroom
Double the space of a Roomette, with a private toilet, sink, and shower inside the room.
FamiliesFamily Bedroom
Space for two adults and two children. Limited inventory, so book early on school breaks and holidays.
Keep planning
Other Amtrak routes to compare
If your dates are flexible, another route or direction can change the fare and the whole feel of the trip.
Empire Builder questions
Before you book
The answers travelers ask for most on this route. For everything else, call and ask a person.
Does the Empire Builder go to Glacier National Park?
Yes. The train stops at East Glacier Park and West Glacier. East Glacier is generally seasonal, while West Glacier is served year-round.
How long is the Empire Builder trip?
Chicago to Seattle or Portland is scheduled at about 46 hours, or two nights. The two sections split at Spokane, Washington.
Can I book an Empire Builder Roomette by phone?
Yes. Our reservation desk can check live Roomette and Bedroom availability, compare the Seattle and Portland sections, and confirm the fare before you pay.