Rail travel to Glacier National Park is so easy whether you are coming from the west coast cities of Seattle/Portland or the midwestern cities of Chicago or Minneapolis. For those lucky enough to live along the route of the Empire Builder, this fast, efficient train offers an adventurous alternative to driving or flying.

With a 4:45pm departure from Seattle, the Empire Builder whisks you across the states of Washington, Idaho and Montana, delivering you to the West Glacier station at 8:16am the next morning. The westbound train leaves Chicago at 2:15pm, covering Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and North Dakota, arriving West Glacier station at 8:23pm the next evening.

For guests staying in Glacier National Park, tranfers can be arranged in advance from the station, ensuring a smooth start to your vacation. Whether you choose to stay at the historic Lake Mc Donald Lodge or lakefront at the Village Inn, Glacier National Park will be just outside your doorstep. Departing daily from either hotel, the Scenic Red Bus “Jammer” Tours offer a wide variety of sightseeing tours covering Glacier National Park and the Going to the Sun Road. These vintage, open-top tour coaches are a fun and inexpensive way to tour in style. West Glacier also offers whitewater rafting, helicopter rides, guided hiking, fishing and horseback riding.

The Empire Builder offers convenient return departures from West Glacier; 8:23pm heading toward Seattle with an arrival the next morning at 10:20am and 8:16am if you are heading east, arriving Chicago the next day at 3:55pm. This Superliner train offers modern accomodations for day and night travel as well as a full service dining car. The Sightseer Lounge/Cafe car offers panaramic windows for superb viewing with snack and beverage service. During the summer months, rangers from the Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park will be on board with movies and presentations as part of the “Rails and Trails” program.

We, at TMI Tours, are the experts at arranging vacations for Glacier National Park whether you are travelling by rail, air or car. Call Rhonda or Linda at 1-800-975-7775 or email us at info@tmitours.com. We will put together an unforgettable family rail vacation for you this summer.