Search

No longer offered

Vacations By Rail has withdrawn this trip from sale. We keep the page for reference and comparison. Live alternatives are under Similar journeys below.

Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Glacier National Park & Seattle

Seven-day round-trip from Seattle on Amtrak's Empire Builder to Glacier National Park

Illustration of Glacier National Park & Seattle

Vacations By Rail's Glacier National Park & Seattle is a 7-day independent rail vacation that pairs Amtrak's Empire Builder with stays in two historic lodges inside Glacier National Park. You depart Seattle on Day 1, traveling east aboard the Empire Builder with an overnight in a sleeping car; the train passes Mount Rainier and Puget Sound before crossing into Montana. After arriving at East Glacier Park on Day 2, you stay two nights at Glacier Park Lodge, a Swiss chalet-style lodge built in the 1920s. You then move to St. Mary's Lodge for two more nights, spending days on a boat cruise across St. Mary Lake and riding vintage red open-air buses along Going-to-the-Sun Road to the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Two free days let you explore the park's alpine meadows, lakes and mountains on your own. The trip returns you to Seattle on Day 7 via another overnight train journey. This package suits first-time rail travelers wanting a structured itinerary, independent explorers who value free time, and repeat Amtrak passengers seeking a signature American train experience.

What to know before you look closer

  • The Going-to-the-Sun Road drive is subject to seasonal closures; confirm its status when booking.
  • One review mentions being downgraded to a roomette on the return train; sleeping-car accommodations may vary from what is initially booked.
  • Flights and airport transfers in Seattle are not included.
  • Meals are included only onboard the train when you have a sleeping accommodation; other meals are your responsibility.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Train

    Depart Seattle aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder

    Board at Seattle's King Street Station for a 4:40 pm departure east, leaving Mount Rainier, the Space Needle and Puget Sound behind; Sightseer Lounge sunset views and a Trails and Rails ranger presentation.

  2. Day 2overnight: Glacier Park Lodge

    Arrive East Glacier Park, Montana

    Scheduled arrival 9:54 am. First overnight at Glacier Park Lodge, modeled after a Swiss chalet, with heated outdoor pool and nine-hole golf course.

  3. Day 3overnight: St. Mary Lodge

    St. Mary's Lake Boat Cruise

    Arrive at St. Mary Hotel near the eastern entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road; boat ride on St. Mary Lake showcasing alpine beauty.

  4. Day 4overnight: St. Mary Lodge

    Going-to-the-Sun Road

    Vintage red open-air bus along Going-to-the-Sun Road to the top of the Continental Divide at Logan Pass. Subject to change based on seasonal road closures.

  5. Day 5overnight: Glacier Park Lodge

    Transfer to Glacier Park Lodge

    Free day to explore alpine meadows, lakes and mountains, with a chance to spot bears and bighorn sheep.

  6. Day 6overnight: Train

    Depart for Seattle

    Final free day in the park, exploring the 700+ miles of hiking trails; transfer to the Amtrak station for a 6:45 pm departure.

  7. Day 7

    Arrival in the 'Emerald City'

    Mt. Rainier signals the approach to Seattle; arrival at 10:25 am, where the adventure concludes.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Depart Seattle's King Street Station at 4:40 pm aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder; watch Mount Rainier, the Space Needle and Puget Sound recede as you settle into the Sightseer Lounge for sunset views and a Trails and Rails ranger presentation.
  • Day 2Arrive in East Glacier Park at 9:54 am and check into Glacier Park Lodge, a Swiss chalet-style lodge with a heated outdoor pool.
  • Day 3Cruise St. Mary Lake near the eastern entrance to Going-to-the-Sun Road to see alpine scenery and the park's mountains.
  • Day 4Ride vintage red open-air Red Jammer buses along Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass at the Continental Divide.

Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 4 nights
  • Rail travel on Amtrak (2 nights on train)
  • Round-trip transfers from Glacier Park Lodge to St Mary Lodge
  • Meals onboard train when including train sleeping accommodations

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance (not included but can be arranged)
  • Flights and Airport transfers

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Round-trip travel on Amtrak's Empire Builder between Seattle and East Glacier Park is included, with two nights sleeping on the train in Coach, Roomette, or Bedroom class.
Is this an escorted or independent trip?
Independent. Vacations By Rail provides a well-planned itinerary, but you travel on your own with no tour manager.
Which hotels are included?
Four nights: two nights at Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier Park and two nights at St. Mary's Lodge in St. Mary.
What activities are included?
Round-trip transfers between the two lodges, a boat cruise on St. Mary Lake, and a ride on vintage Red Jammer buses along Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass. Two free days to explore the park are also included.
When does this trip run?
Vacations By Rail does not publish specific departure dates in the available information; contact them directly to confirm availability.
How much walking is involved?
Days include boat rides and bus tours that require minimal walking. Two free days allow you to choose from 700+ miles of hiking trails, or relax at the lodges.

Similar journeys