15 Things To Know Before Boarding The Amtrak Empire Builder

The Amtrak’s Empire Builder is more than a train ride. It’s a 2,200-mile adventure through some of the most stunning scenery in the United States. Before you settle into your seat and snap those window shots, go through these 15 details that can make all the difference. This information can make your journey ten times better. Ready to ride smarter? Let’s get moving.

Understand The Route And Key Stops

Empire Builder stretches over 2,200 miles between Chicago and Seattle or Portland. Major stops include Minneapolis, Fargo, Glacier National Park, and Spokane. Know the route and plan your rest times and sightseeing moments, especially during daylight crossings of rivers, mountains, and national park regions.

Choose The Best Direction For Your Travel Goals

Westbound trips give you daylight views of the Rockies and river valleys. If you board eastbound, overnight segments hit different regions. Pick your direction based on what scenery you want to be awake for. It also affects your meal timing and station layovers.

Compare Sleeping Options Early

Roomettes and bedrooms offer privacy, bedding, and meals but cost more than a coach. They book out fast in summer and around holidays. If you’re traveling overnight or need rest, reserve early. Amtrak doesn’t oversell sleepers, so last-minute upgrades are rarely an option.

Bring Items That Make Long Rides Better

Even with amenities, the ride is long. Try to pack your headphones, a neck pillow, a blanket, snacks, and hand wipes. Coach seats don’t recline flat, so sleepers lack some hotel comforts. You’ll feel the hours pass more quickly if you prep for boredom, dry air, late-night lights, and noise.

Expect Gaps In Cell Signal And Wi-Fi

Don’t count on reliable Wi-Fi—it’s not available on this train. Cell signal vanishes often, especially in Montana and North Dakota. So, download podcasts or movies before boarding. If you’re working remotely or streaming, plan offline activities. Delays may leave you disconnected even longer.

Visit The Sightseer Lounge For Unmatched Views

Equipped with curved glass and swivel chairs, the Sightseer Lounge offers a 360-degree view of changing scenery. It’s busiest during daylight hours through Montana and Washington. Many passengers spend hours here just watching the scenery roll by, mostly during the Glacier National Park segment.

Learn How Dining Works Before You Board

Coach passengers buy meals; sleeper-class riders eat complimentary entrees with table service. Cafe selections include snacks and microwavable items. Also, menu availability shifts with supply and demand, and breakfast ends surprisingly early. With only a few stations selling food, the onboard dining experience becomes more than just convenience.

Know The Luggage Rules And Restrictions

Each traveler may carry two 50-pound bags and two small personal items. Oversized items must be checked—if the station offers baggage service. Moreover, luggage access is restricted between stops, so forgetting to grab your charger or jacket could mean hours without either one.

Prepare For Schedule Flexibility

After boarding the train, timetables are more like suggestions than guarantees. Freight priority and harsh weather can delay trains by hours, especially west of Minneapolis. While the train crew communicates changes, passengers often learn of major shifts after they happen. But sometimes, a delay can lead to better daylight views of mountains.

Bring Backup Snacks And Hydration

Dining cars may close early, and options are limited late at night. So, a protein bar at midnight often beats any onboard option. Water bottle refill stations aren’t available in every car, and some riders report drink shortages during long-haul stretches through rural territory.

Prepare For Changing Weather Conditions

Empire Builder crosses plains, mountains, forests, and cities—each with its own climate. In summer, temperatures may shift 40 degrees between Chicago and Glacier. Coaches run cool, but outdoor stops can be hot or windy. You might notice the chill more after nightfall in Montana.

Use Real-Time Train Tracking Tools

Amtrak’s tracking page and mobile app display live locations and ETAs. What’s even better? These tools update faster than station signage. It’s one of Amtrak’s most reliable digital services. When departure boards go dark or staff disappears, the tracker becomes your best source of information. 

Keep Essentials Easily Accessible

Since checked bags vanish until your final stop, overhead bins work for carry-ons. However, not all cars offer consistent access. Power outlets are also shared, and most delays don’t allow time to retrieve items. If you forget your meds, you might just end up regretting it midway through.

Watch For Fresh Air Breaks At Longer Stops

You won’t be allowed to wander far, but several stops give 10–20 minutes to stretch. Conductors announce reboarding times. These breaks usually happen at staffed stations like Minot or Havre. Smoking is allowed outside, but only during designated stops, not in between or at random.

Know When Time Zones Will Change

This route passes through Central, Mountain, and Pacific time zones. Train clocks adjust automatically, but phones sometimes lag behind. With that, missed meals and confused wake-up calls are common. If your plans depend on timing, especially during transfers, note that your watch may not always match onboard announcements.