Amtrak EMPIRE BUILDER Sleeper Train (Seattle to Chicago)
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Published 2023-03-11
Thanks to a delay, we saw more than most passengers would expect, including some of the most stunning scenery we’ve ever encountered in Northern Idaho.
The entire Amtrak Empire Builder route is scheduled to take 46 hours, but our trip ended up taking a lot longer. We were supposed to leave Seattle at 4:55 in the afternoon, but didn’t get going until nearly 8:00 at night.
The Amtrak Empire Builder is certainly one of Amtrak’s most iconic routes, passing through the very heart of Glacier National Park. My first experience onboard an Amtrak overnight sleeper train was this route, but Westbound back in 2020. It felt incredible to be back onboard!
In this video, you’ll see the unmatched scenery and spectacular sights along the route, get a tour of Amtrak’s Bedroom, learn the history of this route, and we’ll even answer some of the most frequently asked questions we get asked about Amtrak Train Travel.
We’ll also showcase Amtrak’s Traditional Dining, which has (finally) returned to their long-haul western routes like the Empire Builder!
The Amtrak Empire Builder route traces its heritage back to 1929 when it was the flagship route of the vaunted “Great Northern Railway.” In the early part of the 20th century, railroad companies were the airlines of their time. Perhaps none were as storied as the Great Northern Railway.
The Amtrak Empire Builder is the latest incarnation of a route The Great Northern Railway operated. This is the northernmost transcontinental railway in the country and was also the only privately funded transcontinental railroad in the nation’s history. Unlike every other one, it was built without any federal funding.
Today, Amtrak is the only passenger operator the Empire Builder route and, as with nearly all of Amtrak’s operations, we competed with freight traffic, which always takes priority because the freight lines own the track on this route. Amtrak is just borrowing it for the Empire Builder, which means delays are very possible. But, it turns out, our delay was the best thing that could have happened on this journey…
Watch this video to see one of the most luxurious experiences available on the rails in the United States: Amtrak’s Empire Builder in an Amtrak Bedroom!
0:00 Introduction
2:04 Boarding the Amtrak Empire Builder
3:28 Wake Up Day Two
7:14 Getting Ready on Amtrak
11:44 Amtrak Bedroom Tour
16:28 Amtrak Dinner
19:37 Amtrak FAQ's
28:44 Bloopers
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MUSIC:
I Will Be Gone (Instrumental Version) - Vicki Vox
First Glimpse of You - Victor Lundberg
A Sweet Dream - Victor Lundberg
A Dance in the Sun - Erik Fernholm
The Sun Will Shine (Instrumental Version) - The Eastern Plain
Free Mind - Wildflowers
Summer Love (Instrumental Version) - Kylie Dailey
Calming Rain - Candelion
Swaying - Candelion
I Wish (Instrumental Version) - Mindme
If I Wrote You a Song (Instrumental Version) - Melanie Bell
Songs for a Mockingbird (Instrumental Version) - Gabriel Kelley
This Poor Love Song (Instrumental Version) - Sture Zetterberg
On and On (Instrumental Version) - Lars Eriksson
All Comments (21)
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Whoa, thank you so much for the shoutout, I really appreciate it!!!! It's fitting that I'm typing this from on board the Amtrak Palmetto 😂
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My grandpa is buried just north of Sand Point, so it was nice you guys mentioned it and showed just a tiny clip of it. I miss him
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My father worked for Amtrak. I used to travel from Spokane to Chicago on the Empire Builder every summer. Great memories!
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Jeb's humble and positive attitude is why I keep coming back, and Suzanne is also a top notch travel buddy. All the best, cheers guys.
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I've taken the Amtrak from NY to FL and back again many times, and love it. I always have a sleeper unit. It helps to think of it as a "glamping" experience. Bring food, a small blanket, a book,, maybe a tablet or some device, and be flexible-minded about your schedule.
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I love how you can take multiple inconveniences that would piss anyone else off and make the best of it.
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Good call ... taking some wine on board! I love to sit in my roomette, and sip wine. They do the driving, and I relax and enjoy seeing the country go by.
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My wife and I took the same trip many years ago. We had a blast. One lesson I learned was pack light, less is more.
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As a huge fan and also an Amtrak Employee aboard Amtrak’s Empire Builder. Thank you for this awesome video of the train I work on!!!! Hope you had a wonderful experience!!!!!
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I can't BELIEVE Amtrak schedules trains to pass through that incredible Idaho scenery at night!
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I really enjoy how you both travel together and show what it means to find joy in the smallest moments. I am looking forward to making this trip with my wife one day!
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Montana in the winter is not matched in it’s beauty. Did Yellowstone tour two February ago, and it was a life changing event. The beauty is only magnified by the amazing snow cover.
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As a former Minnesotan, I enjoyed those views!
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I am a mobility impaired senior citizen and traveled the City of New Orleans by myself in an accessible room. No problems. Staff was attentive and very helpful.....if you want to take a trip, do it.....very well worth it.....
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I am sure the life lesson you mentioned is that you should always look for silver linings in every situation. Wow! That was some incredible landscape. Thank you for sharing it with us. Peace to all
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"She didn't say 'Uno'" LOL(!!) 🙂 ... As always, Thank You Both for the informative and entertaining videos. Traveling always presents unexpected setbacks, and your thoughtful videos with thorough evaluations prevent countless unsavory surprises for vacationers. Very Well Done(!!) 🙂 ...
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Seeing this video inspired me to take the Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle in September!!!
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I’ve been on The Empire Builder about ten times. It’s why I love trains.
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I grew up on trains...any situation is acceptable. It is really a mindset. As an adult, I gave up flying, except for emergencies, and settled back to always give myself time and enjoy the journey, meeting new people from all over the world, and getting work done as our great country rolls by in all it differences and greatness. No other way to achieve this !
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I used to ride the Empire Builder from Wisconsin Dells to St. Paul monthly when I went to school in Minneapolis. The views of SW Wisconsin and the Mississippi River throughout Minnesota are pretty remarkable.
