Train to Glacier National Park 2023-2024
Take a ride on an iconic Empire Builder to explore the park in an authentic way
Best time: all year round
Glacier National Park has become a tourist destination ever since it got connected to the Great Northern Railway in the late 19th century. Despite Montana's rugged terrain, the railway was constructed in the 1890s under the supervision of James Jerome Hill, a Canadian-American railroad executive who was nicknamed the "Empire Builder." And despite the recent loss of popularity of railroad transportation in the US, you can still experience the beauty of Glacier Country aboard a train. Amtrak's Empire Builder runs through the park all year round, making stops in East and West Glacier.
Empire Builder departs from Chicago and Seattle, making an epic journey with stops in Portland, Minneapolis, Browning, Cut Bank, Essex, Whitefish, and Libby. The whole route covers 2,206 miles (3,550 km). Amtrak Glacier experience includes dining and champagne. The train is equipped with a panoramic observation car with floor to ceiling windows. You can either book a round-trip or a one-way journey. Tour packages can also include lodge accommodations, guided excursions, and various activities. During any season, you can sit back in the comfort of your compartment and enjoy the stunning mountain views.
