Amtrak · Long-Distance
Empire Builder
Chicago to Seattle in 46 hours across the Mississippi, the Great Plains and Glacier National Park — one of the great American overnight journeys.
Train numbers
7 / 8
End-to-end
46h 5m · 3,550 km
Frequency
Daily
On-time
~60%
Route & indicative timetable
Outbound departure 15:05 · return departs 16:55
- Chicago Union Station CHI
Chicago, Illinois
dep 15:05
- Milwaukee Intermodal Station MKE
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
arr 16:34 dep 16:34
- St. Paul Union Depot MSP
Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota
arr 22:55 dep 23:05
- Seattle King Street Station SEA
Seattle, Washington
arr 13:10 +2 days
Classes & indicative end-to-end fares
Coach
Reserved reclining seat
indicative
Roomette (Sleeper)
Private room for 1–2
indicative
Bedroom (Sleeper)
Private room with en-suite
indicative
- Coach: Reserved reclining seat · Power outlets · Big luggage allowance
- Roomette (Sleeper): Private room for 1–2 · All meals included · Beds + daytime seating
- Bedroom (Sleeper): Private room with en-suite · All meals included · Sleeps 2 adults
Onboard amenities
- • Glacier National Park is crossed in daylight westbound in summer.
- • Sleeper fares include all meals in the dining car.
Amtrak policies
- Baggage:
- Two personal items + two carry-on bags free (25 lb / 50 lb limits); up to four checked bags (two free) on routes with checked-baggage service.
- Pets:
- Dogs and cats up to 20 lb (pet + carrier) allowed on most routes up to 7 hours in a carrier, $29–$39 fee, book in advance — not on Auto Train or in sleepers.
- Bikes:
- Trainside or checked bike service on most routes for $10–$20; folding bikes ride free as carry-on. Reserve a bike space when booking.
- Refunds:
- Fully refundable up to 24h after purchase; after that, refundability depends on fare family (Flex fully refundable, Value 75% or eCredit, Saver 50% eCredit within window).
- Accessibility:
- Accessible seating/bedrooms on every train, wheelchair assistance at staffed stations, 10% rail-fare discount for passengers with a disability.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the Empire Builder take?
The full run from Chicago Union Station to Seattle King Street Station is scheduled at about 46h 5m. It operates daily.
How much is a ticket on the Empire Builder?
Indicative end-to-end fares start at $150 in Coach, rising through Roomette (Sleeper) and Bedroom (Sleeper). Fares are dynamic — we confirm exact pricing at booking.
Is food available on the Empire Builder?
Yes — a dining car serves full meals (included for sleeper passengers) and a café car sells snacks.
Can I take luggage on the Empire Builder?
Two personal items + two carry-on bags free (25 lb / 50 lb limits); up to four checked bags (two free) on routes with checked-baggage service.
Are pets allowed on the Empire Builder?
Dogs and cats up to 20 lb (pet + carrier) allowed on most routes up to 7 hours in a carrier, $29–$39 fee, book in advance — not on Auto Train or in sleepers.
More trains you might compare
Schedules and fares shown are indicative, compiled from official operator timetables. Rail operators adjust timings, fares and running days without notice — our rail desk confirms live availability and exact pricing before any booking is ticketed.