Rail travel

Grand vistas in Montana, the Rockies

The scenery is endless as Amtrak’s Empire Builder rolls through Montana and the Rockies

Amtrak’s Empire Builder

The route: Empire Builder travels between Chicago and Seattle/ Portland, a 46-hour trip. I boarded in Minneapolis and went as far as East Glacier National Park, about 21 hours. The East Glacier station is open only seasonally, but the Essex and West Glacier stations are open year-round.

Sleeping car: Recommended. Although it costs more than a regular seat, it helps you sleep and has perks — your own private roomette or compartment, free meals, cabin service, wine tasting and more. Book far ahead for best selection. Besides the roomette, you also can choose a family cabin or a larger sleeping cabin.

Cost: Book up to 11 months in advance. Right now, round-trip fare for two people from Chicago to West Glacier in July 2013, including a roomette that sleeps two (upper and lower bunk), is $1,184 if you use your AAA card. (www.amtrak.com, 800-872-7245 )

Information: Download the timetable for the Empire Builder at www.amtrak.com/ccurl/348/668/Empire-Builder-Schedule-050712,0.pdf.

TOURS

I made my own arrangements, but there are package tours. Examples:

Amtrak Vacations: “Northern Border and Pacific Northwest” — eight days and includes Empire Builder from Chicago to Glacier National Park, with three days at the park, then train to Seattle. Includes lodging, tours and more. From $2,299 per person. (www.amtrakvacations.com, 800-268-7252)

Vacations by Rail: “Empire Builder with Glacier National Park” — seven days, one way on the Empire Builder from Chicago to Glacier, then on to Seattle. From $1,845 per person with roomette. (www.vacationsbyrail.com, 877-929-7245)

By Ellen Creager

Detroit Free Press

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