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Cheap train tickets from Portland to Whitefish

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Portland to Whitefish Train Schedule

Trip Summary

There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Portland to Whitefish. Traveling by train from Portland to Whitefish usually takes 16 hours and 29 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Empire Builder train can make the trip in 13 hours and 26 minutes.

Distance441 mi (709 km)
Fastest train13h 26m
Lowest priceMX$1,130.78
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Empire Builder
Train lines2

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Portland to Whitefish

(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Carmelina

January 11, 2026- Visiting family

Amtrak Empire Builder

Pros: It was my first ride and everyone was helpful got information across the where, how, and what times available or when the train stopped they gave travelers how long where to go and Smoke cigarettes and was given opportunity to get off at each stop to smoke on the Plat form, very comfortable even in coach, lots of walking around able to sit In the community area with huge windows and the beautiful sense best ride I've ever experienced traveling from Portland Oregon to visit my family in Pablo Montana, taking the train to Whitefish Montana was by far my best trip, when driving was not am optional flying to strict and luggage to few, train travel is the best. Cons: Having the kitchen and bar opened longer maybe separate family's from single travelers. Tips: Just make sure to bring a small pillow and a throw if traveling toward Montana during the Hollidays cold weather.

What is the price of a train ticket from Portland to Whitefish?

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Portland to Whitefish was MX$1,781.83. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Portland and Whitefish. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Whitefish if you book your train tickets at least 16 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra MX$1,576.23.

Monthly avg. prices

MX$2,998MX$2,399MX$1,799MX$1,199MX$600FMAMJJASONDJ
Ticket prices for the train from Portland to Whitefish often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only MX$2,107. If you're thinking of traveling from Portland to Whitefish during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of MX$2,604 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

MX$3,427MX$2,741MX$2,056MX$1,371MX$6853020100

By booking your train trip from Portland to Whitefish on Wanderu at least 16 days ahead of time, you can save about MX$1,576.23 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Portland to Whitefish?

2 train services operate from Portland to Whitefish. Amtrak Empire Builder usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak221h 38mMX$3,047.61
Amtrak Empire Builder213h 27mMX$2,132.20

  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Portland to Whitefish every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from MX$1,628.

  • The Amtrak Empire Builder is a long-distance passenger rail service that has been in operation since 1929. The full 2,200-mile route takes 45 hours to connect Chicago with the Pacific Northwest. Don’t let the length of the trip intimidate you; the Empire Builder is one of Amtrak’s most popular services, and often rated as the most scenic train route in the country. The sightseer lounge, home to enormous windows, is the perfect place to drink in the incredible views of the Mississippi River, the North Dakota Plains, Glacier National Park, and the Columbia River Gorge. Overnight trips on the Empire Builder include the option to book sleeper cabins, for a more comfortable journey and included meals. All passengers can purchase meals or snacks in the cafe car.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Portland to Whitefish

The distance between Portland and Whitefish is approximately 441 miles, or 709 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours and 29 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 hours and 26 minutes.

Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Trains departing from Portland to Whitefish tend to have the most passengers on Thursday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Thursday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Portland at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Portland to Whitefish. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Whitefish to Portland.

City Information

Portland

Portland, OR - PDX-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Portland, OR - PDX-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Portland, OR - PDX-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Portland is the largest city in Oregon and accordingly one of the state's best vacation destinations. Also known as the City of Roses, this city along the Willamette River wows visitors with its diverse street food, quirky counterculture, and sprawling bookstores such as the world-famous Powell's Books.

Portland is the 5th best city in the United States for outdoor activities, thanks in part to open-air grounds like the expansive Forest Park. Gardens are also excellent outdoor date locales for couples on a romantic getaway: stop and smell the roses at either the International Rose Test Garden or the Portland Japanese Garden.

Once you've gotten hungry from a long day wandering outside, nearly every block downtown has a plethora of food trucks waiting to tickle your taste buds. Or, kick back at one of the many breweries in the #3 best city for craft beer in the United States. Unique locations like McMenamin's brewpubs in renovated cinemas or historic hotels do their part to "keep Portland weird."

As the biggest city in Oregon, Portland is a hub for travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. Amtrak train service and various bus services operate primarily out of Union Station, conveniently-located downtown, and nearby Portland International Airport makes it easy to travel to Portland from near and far.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Portland?

Union Station - 800 NW 6th Ave - PDXAMT-0

Image credit: Ian Sane

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Union Station

Located in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown area at 800 Northwest Sixth Avenue, Union Station features a glowing neon sign encouraging you to “Go By Train.” Union Station serves several iconic Amtrak routes including the Cascades through the Pacific Northwest, the scenic Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle, and the long-distance Empire Builder which travels all the way to Chicago. Along with train service, Union Station serves intercity bus service via Greyhound, and connects to the Portland Streetcar, MAX Light Rail, and several local TriMet buses. There is a restaurant and bar onsite, as well as a Metropolitan Lounge reserved for Amtrak’s first- and business-class passengers.

All train stations in Portland:

  • Union Station

Where is the train station in Whitefish?

Main arrival station: Whitefish (Community Library)

Whitefish has one train station.

Train stations in Whitefish:

  • Whitefish (Community Library)

Get around town with Moovit

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