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Vacations By Rail · Independent rail vacation

Glacier National Park Escape - Seattle Roundtrip

Five-day roundtrip from Seattle to Glacier National Park on Amtrak's Empire Builder

Illustration of Glacier National Park Escape - Seattle Roundtrip

Vacations By Rail operates this 5-day independent rail escape roundtrip from Seattle to East Glacier Park, the gateway to Glacier National Park. You depart Seattle on Day 1 aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder, spending your first night on the train with sunset views from the Sightseer Lounge and a Trails and Rails ranger presentation. Day 2 brings arrival at East Glacier Park at 9:54 am, where you settle into Glacier Park Lodge. On Day 3, the Big Sky Circle Tour drives you over Marias Pass and along the celebrated Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass, with wildlife viewing and optional lodge visits. Day 4 is free to explore the park's 700+ miles of hiking trails or revisit favorite spots before you return to the station for the overnight journey back to Seattle, arriving Day 5 at 10:25 am. This trip suits first-time rail travelers seeking independence, budget-conscious explorers, and those who want to experience one of North America's most visited national parks without the complexity of coordinating their own flights and transfers.

What to know before you look closer

  • The itinerary notes that the Big Sky Circle Tour is subject to change based on seasonal road closures; confirm the exact routing before booking.
  • Amtrak Roomette and Bedroom cars are available but coach seating is the base accommodation class; your sleeping car choice affects the final price.
  • One reviewer noted the train could be cleaner; confirm current maintenance standards directly with Vacations By Rail.

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 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 at East Glacier Park, gateway to 50 glaciers, 200+ lakes and 1.2 million acres of protected land.

  3. Day 3overnight: Glacier Park Lodge

    Big Sky Circle Tour

    Drive over Marias Pass, wildlife viewing at Goat Lick, visit the Izaak Walton Inn and Lake McDonald Lodge (optional lunch), then Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass and down into St. Mary Valley. Subject to change based on seasonal road closures.

  4. Day 4overnight: Train

    Return to Seattle

    Free day to revisit favorite spots or explore more of the park's 700+ miles of hiking trails; transfer to the Amtrak station for a 6:45 pm departure.

  5. Day 5

    Arrival in Seattle

    Mt. Rainier signals the approach to Seattle; arrival at King Street Station at 10:25 am, where the escape concludes.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Board at Seattle's King Street Station at 4:40 pm on Amtrak's Empire Builder, leaving Puget Sound behind with Sightseer Lounge sunset views and a Trails and Rails ranger presentation.
  • Day 2Arrive at East Glacier Park at 9:54 am, gateway to 50 glaciers, 200+ lakes, and 1.2 million acres of protected land.
  • Day 3Big Sky Circle Tour over Marias Pass with wildlife viewing at Goat Lick, then the Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass and St. Mary Valley.

Included

  • Hotel accommodations for 2 nights
  • Transportation aboard Amtrak (2 nights on train)
  • 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. The package includes two nights aboard Amtrak's Empire Builder (Seattle to East Glacier Park and return to Seattle), with meals included when you book a sleeper car.
Is this an escorted tour?
No. This is an independent rail vacation; you travel on your own following a well-planned itinerary with no tour manager.
What is included in the price?
Hotel accommodations for 2 nights at Glacier Park Lodge, transportation aboard Amtrak for 2 nights on train, and meals onboard the train when you book a sleeper car. Flights and airport transfers are not included.
When does the Big Sky Circle Tour happen?
Day 3. The tour travels over Marias Pass, includes wildlife viewing at Goat Lick, visits the Izaak Walton Inn and Lake McDonald Lodge, and drives the Going-to-the-Sun Road to Logan Pass. It is subject to seasonal road closures.
What can I do on Day 4?
You have a free day in the park. You can revisit favorite spots or explore more of Glacier's 700+ miles of hiking trails before your 6:45 pm departure to Seattle.

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