Empire Builder Train
3 Day Rail Journey, Roomette – from £599
Chicago | St. Paul | Minneapolis | Spokane | Portland | Seattle
The Empire Builder runs daily between Chicago and an option of either Portland or Seattle. Experience the rugged splendour of the American West.
- Choose Coach Class, a Roomette or a spacious Bedroom
- Enjoy traditional dining and café service
- Break your journey at any of the 40+ stops between the destinations
- Choose to continue on to either Portland or Seattle
Book your Empire Builder tickets, flights and hotels in one place.
Your Rail Journey
Traveling between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest along major portions of the Lewis and Clark trail, the mighty Empire Builder takes you on an exciting adventure through majestic wilderness, following the footsteps of early pioneers.
From Chicago, you’ll have magnificent views of the Mississippi and see the glowing night skyline of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Awake the next morning as you cross the North Dakota plains and travel over the spectacular Gassman Coulee Trestle. Skirting the Missouri, you’ll cross into the Big Sky country in Montana, passing by a travelers favorite, Glacier National Park.
From Spokane, you can continue on to Seattle or head down the Columbia River Gorge toward Portland for spectacular views of Mt. Hood and Beacon Rock.
Roomettes & Bedrooms
Roomettes and Bedrooms are ideal for one to four passengers, with comfortable seats on either side of a big picture window. At night, the seats convert to single beds with upper berths folding down from above.
Roomettes and Bedrooms include:
- Complimentary meals, served in the Dining Car
- Electrical outlets and reading lights
- Fresh towels and bed linens
- Shower and restroom in-room (Bedroom) or in-car (Roomette)
- Dedicated First Class attendant
- Priority boarding
- Complimentary lounge access before your trip (available at major stations)
Coach Class Travel
Coach Class offers an economical way to travel from New Orleans to Los Angeles whilst taking in the beautiful scenery along the way. Coach Class includes:
- Comfortable reclining seats, with ample legroom
- A fold-down tray for dining
- Individual reading light
- Electrical sockets by your seat
Empire Builder Timetable
The Empire Builder departs daily in either direction. There are 40 stops between the destinations, with tickets available for all or part of the journey.
Chicago to Portland/Seattle Timetable
| Selected Stops | Arrives | Departs |
| Chicago | – | 15:05 |
| St. Paul/Minneapolis | 22:56 | 23:13 |
| Spokane | 02:44 (+2 days) | 03:49 (Portland)
03:19 (Seattle) (+2 days) |
| Portland | 11:17 | – |
| Seattle | 11:29 |
Timetable correct as of February 2025.
Choice of Seattle or Portland from Spokane station.
Seattle/Portland to Chicago Timetable
| Selected Stops | Arrives | Departs |
| Seattle | – | 16:45 |
| Portland- | – | 16:45 |
| Spokane | 00:17 (Portland)
00:37 (Seattle) (+1 day) |
01:15 (+1 day) |
| St. Paul/Minneapolis | 08:33 (+2 days) | 08:50 (+2 days) |
| Chicago | 16:45 | – |
Timetable correct as of February 2025.
From either Portland or Seattle to Spokane.
Train Tickets, Flights & More
With FREEDOM, you can book everything you need for your America rail holiday in one place; your Empire Builder tickets for 2025 or 2026, flights, hotels, day tours and activities.
Please note, advanced booking is recommended, especially during summer months.
Empire Builder Train
3 Day Rail Journey, Roomette – from £599
Include this 3 Day Rail Journey, Roomette in an America holiday designed for youPlease note, train departure and arrival times may change. Please call Freedom Destinations to confirm departure dates and availability. Seasonal variations may apply.
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