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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Glacier National Park Escape - Chicago to Seattle

Five-day Chicago to Seattle by Amtrak with Glacier National Park stay

Illustration of Glacier National Park Escape - Chicago to Seattle

Vacations By Rail's Glacier National Park Escape is a 5-day independent journey from Chicago to Seattle, with a 2-night stay in the heart of Glacier National Park. You board Amtrak's Empire Builder in Chicago, spending the first night aboard as the train crosses Wisconsin, Minnesota, and North Dakota's grasslands. On Day 2, you arrive at East Glacier Park and settle into Glacier Park Lodge, which sits at the gateway to the park's 1.2 million protected acres. Day 3 features a coach tour through the park: a morning drive over Marias Pass with wildlife viewing at Goat Lick, a stop at the Izaak Walton Inn, and a journey along the Going-to-the-Sun Road at Logan Pass. On Day 4, you reboard the Empire Builder heading west toward Seattle, watching the Cascade Mountains and snow-capped volcanoes emerge. You arrive in Seattle at 10:20 am on Day 5. This trip suits independent travellers who want structured transport and lodging without a guide, and those seeking a multiday train journey with an active park experience woven in.

What to know before you look closer

  • Day 3 coach tour is subject to seasonal road closures; confirm availability for your travel dates.
  • Meals on the train are included only if you upgrade to private sleeping accommodations (roomette or bedroom); coach-class passengers must purchase meals separately.
  • Flights and airport transfers are not included; you arrange your own arrival in Chicago or Seattle.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Train

    Depart Chicago aboard the Empire Builder

    Board the Empire Builder heading west through the Wisconsin Dells and St. Paul-Minneapolis.

  2. Day 2overnight: Glacier Park Lodge

    East Glacier Park, Montana

    Wake in the grasslands of North Dakota; arrive this evening at Glacier National Park's ice-carved terrain of 50 glaciers, 200+ lakes and 1.2 million protected acres. Overnight at Glacier Park Lodge, with heated outdoor pool and nine-hole golf course.

  3. Day 3overnight: Glacier Park Lodge

    Big Sky Circle Tour

    Morning drive over Marias Pass, wildlife viewing at Goat Lick, stop at the Izaak Walton Inn, through cedar & hemlock forests to an optional lunch at Lake McDonald Lodge, then Going-to-the-Sun Road at Logan Pass and down the St. Mary Valley. Subject to change based on seasonal road closures.

  4. Day 4overnight: Train

    Transfer to the Amtrak Station

    Board the Empire Builder bound for Seattle this evening, watching the Cascade Mountains and snow-capped volcanoes come into view.

  5. Day 5rail

    Seattle

    The Empire Builder arrives in Seattle at 10:20 am, where the rail vacation concludes.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Arrive at East Glacier Park in the evening, surrounded by Glacier National Park's 50 glaciers, 200+ lakes, and 1.2 million protected acres of ice-carved terrain.
  • Day 3Big Sky Circle Tour drive over Marias Pass with wildlife viewing at Goat Lick, cedar and hemlock forests, and the Going-to-the-Sun Road at Logan Pass.
  • Day 4Board the Empire Builder in the evening with views of the Cascade Mountains and snow-capped volcanoes as you head toward Seattle.

Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 2 nights at Glacier Park Lodge
  • Rail Travel on Amtrak (2 nights on train)
  • Meals on the train included when upgrading to private sleeping accommodations

Not included

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

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes. The from-price of USD 1,495 includes rail travel on Amtrak's Empire Builder for two nights and 2 nights' hotel accommodation at Glacier Park Lodge.
Is this an escorted tour or independent travel?
This is independent travel. You follow a well-planned itinerary with no tour manager. On Day 3, a coach tour of Glacier National Park is arranged.
What trains are used?
Amtrak's Empire Builder, which runs Chicago to Seattle via East Glacier Park. You sleep on the train for two nights in coach, roomette, or bedroom accommodations.
Where do I stay?
Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier Park for 2 nights. The lodge has a heated outdoor pool and nine-hole golf course.
Are meals on the train included?
Meals on the train are included only when you upgrade to private sleeping accommodations (roomette or bedroom). Coach passengers purchase meals separately.
Can I reverse the direction and depart from Seattle?
Yes. The itinerary is reversible; you can travel from Seattle to Chicago instead.

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