The Amtrak Empire Builder in Montana is a well-known long-distance passenger train. Considering you can go all the way from Seattle to Chicago and back, there's no doubt that this is one of the most scenic train rides in Montana offers some amazing scenery. In fact, you'll see more of the U.S. from your window than you would if you made the trip by car. The Empire Builder passes through the Big Sky State, taking you from Browning to Wolf Point before barreling on to North Dakota, making it one of the longest Montana train rides you can take. This means you'll pass Whitefish, Glacier National Park, and many other areas that aren't always easy to drive to - especially in the dead of winter. But you won't have to worry about that, because the Amtrak Empire Builder operates all year and is one of the best scenic train rides in Montana.
The Amtrak Empire Builder was introduced in 1929.
It was the flagship passenger train of the Great Northern Railway and its successor, the Burlington Northern Railroad. Amtrak took it over in 1971.
This is, by far, Amtrak's most popular long-distance train.
The end-to-end travel time of the route is 45–46 hours. But of course, you can ride through Montana, alone, in substantially less time.
The route is timed so that you'll pass through Glacier National Park during the daylight hours.
When it gets dark early in the winter months, that isn't always possible, but it's amazing to see all the snow-capped mountains and the trees dusted with white powder.
Of course, you'll be taking it all in from inside your cozy train car.
If you ride the entirety of the Montana route, you'll end up in Cut Bank, known as the coldest spot in the nation.
Fortunately, it does not always hit record-breaking low winter temps.
You'll never forget the unbelievable views you'll get from the Empire Builder, especially in the winter.
If you have a case of cabin fever, find the nearest Amtrak station on the route and book yourself a ride.
See what it’s like to ride on the Amtrak Empire Builder:
Ready to see a true winter wonderland? When you're ready to take one of these incredible train rides in Montana, check out the full Empire Builder schedule. Have you ever been on the Amtrak Empire Builder in Montana? Let us know about your experience in the comments. In the warmer months, take a road trip to the charming small town of Whitefish, Montana.
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