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Empire Builder Experience - Chicago to Seattle

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20262027
5 days Not yet on sale
4.2 stars(37 reviews)
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Marvel at the lush mountains and forests, vast plains and sparkling waterways as you cross the northern United States on Amtrak's iconic Empire Builder

Travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary

2027 Tour code: TU-EBEW-27

About the tour

Journey through beautiful scenes of the northern states to the Pacific Coast on this 2,200-mile rail journey featuring Amtrak's Empire Builder.

Your expedition begins in Chicago with an architecture tour from the Chicago River before boarding the Empire Builder for a two-night trip west. From the Mississippi River to the Bear Paw Mountains, Glacier National Park and the Cascades, the scenery is unbeatable as the train ventures toward Seattle, a lush "Emerald City" of possibilities.

This itinerary is also available from Seattle to Chicago based on your travel preference.

Highlights

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What’s included

Itinerary

Day 1 - Welcome to the Midwest

Your cross-country expedition begins today in the bustling city of Chicago. As you arrive, transfer to your hotel on your own to check in for the night before joining a Chicago architecture cruise*.

Uncover more than 130 years of architectural innovation while cruising through the city on the Chicago River. Transfer independently to the docks at the heart of the Magnificent Mile, and then settle in for a relaxing 90-minute cruise. Highlights of this excursion include a look at the former largest commercial building in the world, the Wrigley Building and the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Should you wish to explore another way, you could instead book an alternative tour (additional charges may apply).

When it comes time for dinner, Chicago is rife with unique culinary options, with restaurants featuring everything from iconic deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches to excellent worldwide cuisine. Overnight Chicago.

*Please note: The architecture cruise operates only between mid-April and the end of October. Departures between November and early April will have the Hop-on/Hop-off Tour as the standard inclusion with no cruise option.

Alternative Excursions

Chicago Hop-on/Hop-off Tour - Stepping aboard the double-decker sightseeing bus, enjoy a route that features 11 stops throughout the city and includes looks at everything from Millennium Park to the Art Institute of Chicago and Navy Pier. When you are ready to get a better look at an attraction that piques your interest, hop off the bus and spend as much time as you would like exploring.

Chicago Walking Food Tour - Set out with a guide on this three-hour walking tour exploring some of Chicago's most famous culinary offerings. You will see landmarks such as Millennium Park and the Palmer House Hotel as you follow your 1 1/2-mile route, and along the way, your guide will stop to allow you to taste deep-dish pizza, hot dogs, pastries and delicious chocolates. This journey captures all the senses.

Day 2 - Joining Amtrak’s Empire Builder to Seattle

With a leisurely start to your day, you might like to explore the shops on the Magnificent Mile or wander the paved walking path along the Lake Michigan waterfront. Around midday, make your own way to Chicago's historic Union Station, where your Amtrak train awaits. The Empire Builder is one of Amtrak's most iconic trains, traveling from Chicago to Seattle with remarkable views of Glacier National Park en route.

Step aboard the Empire Builder for your two-night journey into the Pacific Northwest, settling into your reclining Coach* seat beside a large picture window. As the city's skyline fades into the backdrop, the Empire Builder travels through the grasslands and prairies of the Midwest. Light meals, snacks and beverages are available for purchase, and if tables are available, you can enjoy dinner in the Dining Car. Overnight train.

*Please note: Upgrades to Roomettes and Bedrooms are available by speaking with a Rail Specialist. As Sleeping Car guests, travelers in these accommodations enjoy complimentary meals during their time on the Empire Builder.

Day 3 - Through stunning scenes of plains and mountains

Waking on the train this morning, look out your window to see passing scenes of North Dakota. Wildlife is abundant in this area, and it is not uncommon to spot bison, elk, prairie dogs, foxes, muskrats, white-tailed deer and bald eagles. Through the day, the flat landscape gives way to rolling hills, canyons, gorges and, eventually, rugged mountain terrain.

The highlights of today's route begin around midday as the Empire Builder crosses over the Gassman Coulee Trestle, built in 1988, and enters Montana. The beauty of Big Sky Country is complemented by distant vistas of the Bear Paw Mountains, and later in the day, Glacier National Park comes into view.

All service classes on the Empire Builder have access to the Sightseer Lounge, and its panoramic windows provide an incredible vantage point over the changing scenery. Overnight train.

Day 4 - Crossing the Cascade Mountains to Seattle

Scenes of rivers and alpine foothills frame the horizon as the train enters the beautiful state of Washington this morning. As the route proceeds toward Seattle, sweeping views of the Cascade Mountains surround the tracks, and the Empire Builder passes through delightful mountain villages, including the charming town of Leavenworth.

When you see Mount Rainier looming in the distance, you have reached the final stretch of your route to Seattle. On arrival, transfer independently to your downtown hotel to check in for the night, and then you are free to get acquainted with this delightful coastal city.

Pike Place Market, the Space Needle and Pioneer Square are top attractions, and Seattle's vibrant music and theater scene gives you plenty to explore. You could spend your afternoon perusing local art galleries, touring one-of-a-kind museums or relaxing with some of the best coffee in the country. Seattle is renowned for its fresh fish and seafood offerings, and for dinner, you could try it in one of the city's fantastic restaurants. Overnight Seattle.

Day 5 - Traveling home

Bookended by instantly recognizable cities and filled with glorious natural scenes, this rail journey has been a memorable presentation of the United States from beginning to end. You saw Chicago's beautiful skyline and witnessed changing landscapes from the mighty Mississippi to imposing mountain ranges aboard one of America's most scenic long-distance trains, the Empire Builder.

After spending a free afternoon in Seattle, your journey comes to a close this morning. You can transfer to Seattle's airport at your leisure to begin your return travels home.

There is so much to see and do in this coastal city. Should you wish to add extra nights or excursions to explore Seattle and its surroundings, speak with a Rail Specialist.

Additional information

Hotel Accommodations

Hotels are centrally located, 3.5 to 4-star properties, selected based on quality and availability.

Pricing Plans

Amtrak accommodations are available in Coach class, Roomette and Bedroom. 

Coach accommodations include a reclining seat with leg rest and access to the Sightseer Lounge car.

Roomette accommodations include a private cabin that features two comfortable seats beside a picture window during the day, which converts to an upper and lower berth at night.

Bedroom accommodations feature a sofa and chair by day and upper and lower berth by night. Bedroom accommodations also include a sink and self-enclosed toilet and shower.

Upgrades to Roomette and Bedroom sleeping accommodations include all meals aboard the train.

Please note

Please be aware Amtrak may experience occasional schedule changes and service disruptions.  Great Rail Journeys recommends visiting the Amtrak web site prior to your departure for the latest information.

Arrival and Departure times are subject to change without notice. Please be advised that passengers traveling on Empire Builder Trains may encounter delays of approximately three to six hours due to heavy congestion, speed restrictions and other operating conditions.

Departure times

Departure times vary based on selected rail vacation. This information will be provided in your final documents. For more information please speak with your rail specialist.

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

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Amtrak's Empire Builder

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Reviews

4.2 stars4.2 / 5 · 37 reviews

  1. 5 stars
    (16)
  2. 4 stars
    (14)
  3. 3 stars
    (4)
  4. 2 stars
    (2)
  5. 1 star
    (1)

BARRIE CARVETH

5 stars

Submitted 18/Jul

Smooth, fantastic staff, good dood

Collected by Trustpilot

Mae Corwin

5 stars

Submitted 16 Oct 2025

Wow! Loved our trip on the Empire Builder and will definitely do another trip with vacations by rail.

Collected by Trustpilot

DANIEL COUGHLIN

5 stars

Submitted 24 Sep 2025

Staff was terrific in making accommodations and trip enjoyable. Facilities were clean, and we were able to relax throughout trip.

Collected by Trustpilot

EMMA MCDOWELL

5 stars

Submitted 19 Sep 2025

Wonderful experience.

Collected by Trustpilot

CELIA MARKS

5 stars

Submitted 29 Apr 2025

I had the bedroom beds to hard food great service great experience great. Just need better beds

from Great Rail Journeys
Hello Celia! Thank you for your wonderful review. We're thrilled to hear you had such a great experience, and we'll definitely pass your feedback along to Amtrak as well. Looking forward to our next adventure together!
1 comment

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ANGELA DAWN TROUBLEFIELD

5 stars

Submitted 11 Apr 2025

We had an amazing time. All the attendees were very friendly and welcoming to us. I would recommend everyone to take this trip at least once as we saw a lot of beautiful sights and met nice people from all over.

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