Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Empire Builder Rail Experience from Seattle

Seven-day Empire Builder rail trip, Seattle to Chicago

Empire Builder Rail Experience from Seattle, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 7-day, 6-night independent rail vacation from Seattle to Chicago aboard the Empire Builder in Coach class. The trip opens with two nights in Seattle, taking in Space Needle views of Puget Sound, the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit, and a guided tour of neighborhoods from Pioneer Square to Pike Place Market. From there the Empire Builder carries travelers overnight across two nights, moving from the misty Pacific Northwest into the rolling plains of the Midwest, before arriving in Chicago for two more nights. The Chicago stay includes an Architecture River Tour and a hop-on, hop-off tour to Millennium Park and the Skydeck at Willis Tower. No tour manager travels with the group throughout; the included tours provide the guided portions of an otherwise independent trip. This suits travelers who want the Empire Builder's long-distance rail journey framed around two city stays, starting in Seattle and ending in Chicago.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel is chosen from 12 accommodation options across Seattle and Chicago, described as 'choices, not consecutive stays,' so the specific property and comfort tier depend on what you select.
  • Two of the trip's six nights are spent onboard the train in Coach seating rather than a hotel bed.
  • The operator publishes no departure dates or seasonal information for this package in the evidence provided.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Seattle

    Your Journey Begins in Seattle

    Welcome to Seattle! Begin your Seattle adventure by ascending the iconic Space Needle for sweeping views of the city skyline and Puget Sound, then by exploring the mesmerizing glass artworks at the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit. Conclude the day with a memorable dinner at one of Seattle's renowned restaurants, indulging in delicious Pacific Northwest cuisine.

  2. Day 2overnight: Seattle

    Seattle, WA

    Today, enjoy a guided tour to uncover the rich history and diverse culture of Seattle's neighborhoods, from Pioneer Square's historic charm to Pike Place Market's lively energy. After the tour, spend the afternoon immersing yourself in the city's unique vibe, perhaps revisiting favorite spots or discovering new hidden gems, before enjoying a leisurely dinner.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Start your day by checking out of your Seattle hotel and making your way to the train station to catch the Empire Builder to Chicago. Board the train and settle in for the journey ahead. Witness the breathtaking transition from the lush, misty landscapes of the Pacific Northwest to the vast, rolling plains of the Midwest.

  4. Day 4overnight: Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight Onboard Amtrak

    Overnight onboard Amtrak.

  5. Day 5overnight: Chicago

    Chicago, IL

    Arrive in the vibrant city of Chicago and check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. Today is a wonderful time to enjoy an Architecture River Tour, which is a fantastic introduction to the city's rich architectural heritage and history.

  6. Day 6overnight: Chicago

    Chicago, IL

    Kick off your day with the included Hop-on, Hop-off sightseeing tour and explore iconic landmarks. Explore Millennium Park, home to the iconic Cloud Gate sculpture, also known as "The Bean." If you have not already, head to Skydeck Chicago for the best views of the city from the 103rd floor of Willis Tower!

  7. Day 7rail

    Your Journey Ends in Chicago

    Check out of your hotel this morning and continue with your travels. If you'd like to extend your journey to another city, just ask your Rail Expert and we can help you make all the arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The Space Needle offers sweeping views of the Seattle skyline and Puget Sound, followed by a visit to the Chihuly Garden and Glass exhibit.
  • Day 2A guided tour covers Seattle's neighborhoods, from Pioneer Square's historic charm to Pike Place Market.
  • Day 3The Empire Builder departs Seattle for Chicago, crossing from the misty Pacific Northwest into the rolling plains of the Midwest.
  • Day 5An Architecture River Tour introduces Chicago's architectural heritage on arrival.
  • Day 6A hop-on, hop-off tour visits Millennium Park's Cloud Gate sculpture and the Skydeck Chicago on the 103rd floor of the Willis Tower.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak from Seattle to Chicago on the Empire Builder in Coach accommodations
  • 4 nights hotel accommodations; 2 nights onboard Amtrak

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. One-way Amtrak Coach travel is included from Seattle to Chicago on the Empire Builder.
How many nights are spent onboard the train?
Two, on days 3 and 4, traveling overnight from Seattle to Chicago.
Is it escorted or independent?
Independent. A guided tour of Seattle's neighborhoods and a hop-on, hop-off tour of Chicago are included, but no tour manager travels with the group throughout.
What is included in each city?
In Seattle, Space Needle and Chihuly Garden and Glass admission plus a guided neighborhood tour; in Chicago, a 2-day sightseeing pass including an Architecture River Cruise and Skydeck Chicago.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 12 accommodation options across Seattle and Chicago, including Hotel Andra Seattle and the Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel.

Similar journeys, different answers