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Empire Builder

Since the early days of Amtrak, the Empire Builder has been presenting the immense beauty of America's northern states. Travelers are treated to expansive vistas of the Midwestern prairies, views of the Rocky Mountains, glimpses at glaciers, and scenes of stunning cityscapes as the train traverses the heart of the country. In all, the route covers over 2,200 miles and occurs over two days and one night of travel.

Passengers may select from three departure dates per week and enjoy a host of onboard amenities, including access to a double-decker car that features a domed glass Sightseer Lounge on the upper level and a Café Car on the lower level. In the Sightseer Lounge, panoramic windows line the train car, curving up onto the roof for unimpeded views of the passing scenery. The chairs in the Lounge swivel to allow guests to converse with one another or to look outside. Single chairs and groups of up to five are available, as are seats at tables. In the lower-level Café Car, booths sit beside picture windows, offering another perspective on the incredible scenery.

While Amtrak's Empire Builder offers modern amenities and an impressive route that highlights both the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest, the course it follows is anything but new. By one line or another, trains have traversed the route between Chicago and the West Coast on these rails since 1929. A journey on the Empire Builder makes it obvious why this expedition has remained popular for nearly 100 years.

Our customers love our Empire Builder tours

America's Treasures & Natural Wonders

13 Dec 2022

ANNE SCOTT

“The scenery was of course spectacular. We were blessed with an outstanding tour director and equally outstanding driver!

Collected by Trustpilot

Glacier National Park & Seattle

26 Sep 2022

KATHLEEN TURNBULL

“Our trip was cancelled because of potential railway strike. We are waiting to hear about reimbursement.

Collected by Trustpilot

Lodges of Glacier National Park - 8 Days

21 Sep 2022

TEDDY LINDSEY

“All three lodges were unique. The rooms were spacious, the beds were comfortable, and the towels were soft. The food in each of the dining rooms was very good.

Collected by Trustpilot

Glacier, Yellowstone & Jackson

10 Sep 2022

VICKI DIANE CUNNINGHAM

“Wonderful trip! Our tour guide and driver were excellent and the itinerary diverse and beautiful.

Collected by Trustpilot

Calgary Stampede, Canadian Rockies & Glacier

25 Jul 2022

CARLA DE TOMASO

“You’re trips are always wonderful

Collected by Trustpilot

Glacier National Park Escape - Chicago to Seattle

17 Sep 2021

RKCharlton

“We enjoyed the experience through Vacations by Rail.

Collected by Trustpilot

Empire Builder Experience - Chicago to Seattle

14 Nov 2022

Donna Sewall

“I would have preferred anyone of the other rooms because A, which I had, was the worst configured of them all.

Collected by Trustpilot

Glacier National Park & Chicago

31 Jul 2022

Donna Herdman

“Your lack of contact with the lodges nearly lost us both the lake cruise and the logan pass drive. They arranged private transportation for us in both cases. We should have had .ore complete information from you. Both lodges went out of their to help us.

Collected by Trustpilot

Empire Builder with Glacier National Park - Chicago to Seattle

29 Jul 2022

ROBERT BRYCE KERR

“Overall we had a great time, and all the travel logistics (including the St Mary's boat trip and the Crown of the Continent tour and shuttles between lodges) were well handled. The Amtrak portion was as expected and proceeded with any major glitches. The lodges were fantastic, although I do wish I had sprung for upgraded rooms on both. The shuttles generally worked well as scheduled. The major gripe I have is that the timing of the shuttles was not optimum. For example, the shuttle from St. Mary's back to East Glacier did not allow sufficient time to go into the park beforehand, nor do much after getting to East Glacier. A late afternoon time would have been MUCH better. Also an extra day at St. Mary's in lieu of the first day at Glacier Park Lodge would have been preferred as it is so convenient to jump on the hiking shuttles from there. In addition, more information about possible activities provided prior to the trip would have been appreciated, especially for the first (full) day at Glacier Park Lodge, e.g. shuttles available into the park for sightseeing, hiking, and boat tours.

Collected by Trustpilot

Empire Builder

21 results matching: Amtrak's Empire Builder

Worldwide Rail Vacations 2023

Worldwide Rail Vacations 2023