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Amtrak Vacations · Rail vacation
Northwest Rail Journey
Seattle to Chicago rail trip via Portland and Glacier National Park
Amtrak Vacations runs this 8-day, 7-night rail vacation from Seattle to Chicago, with stops in Portland and a three-night stay near Glacier National Park, on the Coast Starlight and Empire Builder. A short rail journey along Puget Sound connects Seattle to Portland, where a full day includes a guided city tour of Washington Park, the Pearl District, and the craft beer scene. The Empire Builder then carries travelers overnight to Montana for three nights near Glacier National Park, including a sightseeing tour through mountain passes and glacial valleys and a Two Medicine Lake cruise for wildlife viewing. A final overnight on the Empire Builder returns travelers to Chicago. Only 2 of the 7 nights are spent onboard the train, so most of the trip is spent exploring Portland and Glacier National Park at a relaxed pace, with six meals included along the way. This suits travelers who want national park time and guided city touring more than a marathon rail journey.
What to know before you look closer
- The Big Sky Circle Tour and Two Medicine Valley Boat Cruise at Glacier National Park are seasonal: Big Sky does not run until late June, and the Two Medicine Valley Boat Cruise stops running in early September.
- The hotel is chosen from 13 accommodation options across tiers and cities, so the exact hotel depends on what's booked.
- All the Amtrak travel, including the 2 overnight legs, is Coach class seating rather than a sleeper cabin.
- The evidence includes no current departure dates for this trip; confirm availability directly with Amtrak Vacations.
Day by day
- Day 1railovernight: Portland
Your Journey Begins in Seattle
Connect to your train to Portland. Enjoy the short but scenic rail journey along Puget Sound and through the lush landscapes of Washington State. Upon arrival in Portland, check in to your hotel and spend the evening exploring the city's famous food scene or strolling the riverfront.
- Day 2overnight: Portland
Portland
Spend a full day getting to know Portland. A guided tour is included to help you learn this vibrant city's sites, neighborhoods, and landmarks. Take time to explore Washington Park, browse local shops in the Pearl District, or enjoy the vibrant craft beer culture.
- Day 3overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Board Amtrak's Empire Builder® and settle in for your overnight journey to Montana. Watch as the city gives way to rolling hills, high desert, and eventually mountain terrain.
- Day 4overnight: near Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park
Arrive at Glacier National Park and transfer to your nearby hotel for a three-night stay. Spend your first day soaking in the pristine alpine scenery, with time to relax and breathe in the mountain air.
- Day 5overnight: near Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park
Today, take in the highlights of the park on a sightseeing tour. Wind your way through mountain passes and glacial valleys, stopping at scenic viewpoints to admire the wilderness.
- Day 6overnight: near Glacier National Park
Glacier National Park
Today, explore the majesty of the national park by water. Cruise Two Medicine Lake, spotting for wildlife along its shores, gazing through its crystal waters, and marveling at the mountain majesty all around you.
- Day 7overnight: Onboard Amtrak
Overnight Onboard Amtrak
Board Amtrak® and travel overnight to Chicago.
- Day 8
Your Journey Ends in Chicago
Check out of your hotel and continue your travels.
The moments this trip is built around
- Day 1A short, scenic rail journey along Puget Sound connects Seattle to Portland.
- Day 2A guided city tour of Portland takes in Washington Park, the Pearl District, and the city's craft beer culture.
- Day 5A sightseeing tour of Glacier National Park winds through mountain passes and glacial valleys, stopping at scenic viewpoints.
- Day 6A cruise on Two Medicine Lake explores Glacier National Park by water, with wildlife viewing along its shores.
Included
- One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Seattle to Portland, OR on the Coast Starlight® and Portland, OR to Glacier National Park, Glacier National Park to Chicago on the Empire Builder®
- 5 nights' hotel accommodations; 2 nights onboard Amtrak
- 6 meals included (3 breakfasts and 3 dinners)
Questions travellers ask
- Is the train travel included?
- Yes. One-way Coach class travel on the Coast Starlight (Seattle to Portland) and the Empire Builder (Portland to Glacier National Park to Chicago).
- Is this trip escorted or independent?
- It's a rail vacation with guided touring included in Portland and at Glacier National Park, plus time built in to explore each destination at your own pace.
- Which trains are used?
- The Coast Starlight and the Empire Builder, both in Coach class.
- What hotels are used?
- 13 accommodation options across tiers and cities in Seattle and Portland; the exact hotel depends on what's booked.
- What is included besides rail and hotels?
- A guided city tour of Portland, a sightseeing tour of Glacier National Park, a Two Medicine Lake boat cruise, and 6 meals (3 breakfasts and 3 dinners).
- When does it run?
- The Big Sky Circle Tour does not run until late June, and the Two Medicine Valley Boat Cruise stops running in early September, so both are only available in that summer window.
