Amtrak Vacations
Glacier National Park and Seattle Roundtrip from Chicago
Chicago roundtrip rail trip to Glacier National Park and Seattle
9 daysfrom $2,599
33% rail
Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation
Glacier National Park and Mount Rainier Discovery
Chicago to Seattle by Empire Builder via Glacier National Park
Amtrak Vacations runs this independent 9-day, 8-night Glacier National Park and Mount Rainier Discovery from Chicago to Seattle aboard the Empire Builder. Day one starts in Chicago with included admission to Skydeck Chicago, before an overnight train ride across the North Dakota plains and Montana's Big Sky Country to Glacier National Park. Three nights there include a Big Sky Circle tour past Maria's Pass, Goat Lick, and Logan Pass on the Going-to-the-Sun Road, plus a Two Medicine Valley boat cruise. A second overnight train ride continues to Seattle, where included admission to the Space Needle and a visit to the Smith Tower fill the arrival day, followed by a day trip to Mount Rainier National Park to see its waterfalls and forests. This suits travelers who want two national parks and two cities linked by the Empire Builder, one of the country's most scenic long-distance train routes.
What to know before you look closer
- Hotels in Chicago and Seattle are chosen from several named options across comfort tiers, from the Holiday Inn to the Waldorf Astoria in Chicago, and the Hampton Inn & Suites to the Kimpton Hotel Vintage in Seattle, so your actual hotel depends on what you book.
- The Glacier National Park sightseeing tour runs seasonally, July to September, and the Two Medicine Valley boat cruise is also seasonal, so both may not be available on every departure date.
- 6 meals are included, 3 breakfasts and 3 dinners, all in Glacier National Park; other meals, including in Chicago and Seattle, are on your own.
Day by day
- Day 1overnight: Chicago
Chicago, IL
Your journey begins in bustling Chicago. When it comes to the Windy City, there are a few must-do experiences you won't want to miss, including visiting Skydeck Chicago and getting a bird's eye view of the entire city. Use your included admission and take it all in.
- Day 2railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Board Amtrak's Empire Builder for an overnight train journey to Glacier National Park! Along the way, enjoy wild landscapes, the North Dakota plains and the Big Sky country in Montana.
- Day 3railovernight: Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, MT
Today you'll arrive in Glacier National Park. Your hotel is located just a short stroll behind the train station. If you prefer not to walk, a shuttle will transfer you to the hotel. After getting settled in, step out and get to know the town before resting up for your exploration of the national park tomorrow.
- Day 4overnight: Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, MT
Have breakfast at Glacier Park Lodge before taking your included Big Sky Circle tour and discovering all the allure of this treasured national park. Visit Maria's Pass, Goat Lick, the historic Izaak Walton Inn, Going-to-the-Sun Road at Logan Pass, and many more must-see highlights. Come evening, enjoy dinner back at Glacier Park Lodge.
- Day 5overnight: Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park, MT
After having breakfast at Glacier Park Lodge, you'll take your included transfer into the park for a Two Medicine Valley boat cruise. Get ready for an exciting day and don't forget your camera!
- Day 6railovernight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Catch the Empire Builder train once more for your departure West toward Seattle and continue reveling in one of the country's most beloved long-distance train routes.
- Day 7overnight: Seattle
Seattle, WA
Welcome to the Pacific Northwest! Upon arrival, start seeing the city's most popular sights. Use your included admission to the Space Needle and visit the Smith Tower, a local best-kept secret.
- Day 8overnight: Seattle
Day Trip to Mount Rainer National Park
Embark on a day trip to one of the most beautiful places in Washington: Mount Rainier. There's a reason millions of people visit this national park each year! Stunning landscapes, waterfalls, forests, and wildlife await.
- Day 9
Your Journeys Ends in Seattle
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 2An overnight ride on the Empire Builder passes the North Dakota plains and Montana's Big Sky Country on the way to Glacier National Park.
- Day 4The Big Sky Circle tour visits Maria's Pass, Goat Lick, the historic Izaak Walton Inn, and Logan Pass on the Going-to-the-Sun Road.
- Day 5A Two Medicine Valley boat cruise inside Glacier National Park is the day's highlight.
- Day 7Arrival in Seattle comes with included admission to the Space Needle and a visit to the Smith Tower.
- Day 8A day trip to Mount Rainier National Park takes in its landscapes, waterfalls, and forests.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Chicago to Glacier National Park; Glacier National Park to Seattle on the Empire Builder
- 6 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights onboard Amtrak
- 6 meals included (3 breakfasts, 3 dinners)
Questions travellers ask
- Is train travel included?
- Yes, one-way Amtrak Coach travel from Chicago to Glacier National Park and on to Seattle aboard the Empire Builder is included, with 2 nights onboard.
- Is this trip guided or independent?
- It is sold as an independent rail vacation. The included park tours, the Big Sky Circle tour, the Two Medicine Valley boat cruise, and the Mount Rainier day trip, are organized, with free time otherwise.
- Which train is used?
- The Empire Builder, in Coach class, for both the Chicago to Glacier National Park and Glacier National Park to Seattle legs.
- What is included?
- One-way Empire Builder travel from Chicago to Seattle via Glacier National Park, 6 nights' hotel accommodations plus 2 nights onboard the train, and 6 meals (3 breakfasts, 3 dinners).
- Are the park tours seasonal?
- Yes. The Glacier National Park sightseeing tour runs July to September, and the Two Medicine Valley boat cruise is also seasonal.
- What hotels are used?
- Chicago and Seattle hotels are chosen from several named options, including the Waldorf Astoria and Kimpton Gray Hotel in Chicago and the Kimpton Hotel Vintage in Seattle, while Glacier National Park stays are at the Glacier Park Lodge.
