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Amtrak Empire Builder train tickets—Search & book deals

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About Amtrak Empire Builder

The Empire Builder is Amtrak’s long-distance passenger rail service that connects Chicago with the Pacific Northwest. Empire Builder trains run daily in either direction, stopping at 45 cities along the way, including Milwaukee, the Twin Cities, and Spokane. West of Spokane, the service is split between two separate routes – one to/from Seattle and one to/from Portland. With over 1,200 daily passengers, this is one of Amtrak’s most popular services. A full trip from Chicago to Seattle/Portland takes about 45-46 hours and covers over 2,200 miles.

The Empire Builder passenger train service was first introduced in 1929 by the Great Northern Railway that operated the route until 1970 when it was transformed into Burlington Northern. In 1971, Amtrak took over the route and has been its main passenger rail service operator ever since.

Contact Amtrak Empire Builder

Phone number:
1 (800) 872-7245

Amtrak Empire Builder Amenities

  • Air conditioning
  • Toilet
  • Extra legroom
  • Loyalty rewards
  • Power outlets
  • Snacks

Quickview

Amtrak Empire Builder train coverage

Daily Trips
245
stations
45
cities
45
countries
1
  • United States

What travelers are saying about Amtrak Empire Builder

Here’s what Wanderu users who have booked trips with Amtrak Empire Builder had to say about their travel experience.

Traveling During COVID-19

  • “They took COVID safety precautions seriously.”
    89%

Onboard Experience

  • “I’ll travel with them again just for the staff!”
    89%
  • “Really cheap tickets and really good service.”
    96%
  • “The train got there on time.”
    78%
  • “Seats were really comfy and spacious”
    94%
  • “The train was almost suspiciously clean”
    91%

Amtrak Empire Builder reviews from Wanderu customers

Overall review score for Amtrak Empire Builder Based on 459 reviews

4.7

Ratings (Out of 5)

Comfort
Timeliness
Staff
Value

Amtrak Empire Builder passenger reviews

  • AbdirahmanOctober 1, 2026Fargo – Milwaukee

    Pros My trip was nice and comfortable Cons Delaying the time

  • DonnaSeptember 24, 2026Leavenworth – Seattle

    Pros It's a beautiful ride

  • GaylSeptember 2, 2026Portland – Spokane

    Pros Riding the train along side of the Columbia River. Cons Perfect!

  • ArleenAugust 11, 2026Stanley – Havre

    Pros The train was on time and the weather weas 75 Degrees. this the frist time out of the other4 time I've road the train it's been late. Very enjoyable.! the bathrooms where clean!!! Cons I had noticed when I had found a seat . the seat in front of me had a reserved tag on it. the passanger never came back to their seat the whole 5 hrs I rode the train. Tips No I never wonder around. so all is good.

  • saydahJuly 17, 2026St Paul – Fargo

    Pros Reliable Cons Nothing Tips Affordable and reliable

Amtrak Empire Builder Routes & Network

Amtrak Empire Builder’s train network features 549 train routes that connect 45 cities serving 45 stations. On average, Amtrak Empire Builder performs about 245 train trips every day. The top cities to which Amtrak Empire Builder offers the highest number of daily train service include St Paul and Chicago.

Top Cities Served by Amtrak Empire Builder
CityDaily TripsEarliest trainLatest train
St Paul2612:44 AM10:53 PM
Chicago251:15 AM10:53 PM
Seattle1912:05 AM11:13 PM
Spokane1112:05 AM11:13 PM
Portland1212:55 AM11:13 PM
Wenatchee33:19 AM10:21 PM
Whitefish111:09 AM11:13 PM
Milwaukee141:15 AM5:09 PM
Fargo92:10 AM11:49 PM

Amtrak Empire Builder Cancellation Policy

All Amtrak Empire Builder tickets can be cancelled for a full refund within the first 24 hours after purchase. If more than 24 hours have passed, the cancellation policy and change fee structure for Amtrak bookings depend on the type of fare you purchased:

Saver Fare tickets: A 25% fee applies for any changes. If you cancel the trip, you will receive an eVoucher worth 75% of the original ticket price.

Value Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable up to 15 or more days before departure. If cancelled less than 14 days before departure, a 25% cancellation fee applies.

Flexible, Business and Premium Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable if cancelled or changed before departure.

Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable after the train has departed, so be sure to make your updates as soon as possible if your travel plans change.

If your Amtrak Empire Builder ticket is eligible for change or cancellation, you can do that by calling Amtrak’s customer service phone number at 1 (800) 872-7245. To cancel or change your booking online, simply go to www.amtrak.com and click on the “Modify Trip” tab in the upper right corner.

Wanderu also offers an affordable trip protection option by Allianz Global Assistance that you can purchase when booking your tickets. In addition to 24-hour assistance during your trip and coverage for lost or damaged baggage, trip protection can help you get your money back in case you need to cancel or change your trip. You can file a claim to have any Amtrak change or cancellation fees reimbursed if you cannot travel due to covered reasons such as illness, extreme weather, or required work shifts.

Amtrak Empire Builder Baggage Policy

Carry-On Baggage

  • One (1) personal item – max. weight: 25 lbs (12 kg), max. dimensions: 14 x 11 x 7 in (35 x 28 x 18 cm)

  • Two (2) carry-on items – max. weight: 50 lbs (23 kg), max. dimensions: 28 x 22 x 14 in (71 x 56 x 35 cm)

Additional Carry-On Rules:

  • Strollers and car seats do not count toward the carry-on limit.

  • Overweight bags must be repacked so they are under 50 lbs. Boxes may be purchased at staffed stations to aid in repacking.

  • A $20 excess baggage fee will be charged for each carry-on and personal item above the quantity and size limits. A maximum of two excess bags are permitted per passenger.

Checked Baggage

  • Two (2) items for free – max. weight: 50 lbs (23 kg), max. dimensions: 75 in / 191 cm (length + width + height)

  • Up to two (2) additional items: $20 fee per item

  • Oversized baggage (76-100 inches total): $20 fee per item

Not all Amtrak Empire Builder routes offer checked baggage service. Check ahead before traveling.

Additional Checked Baggage Rules:

  • Your luggage should be checked at least 45 minutes before the train departs.

  • ID tags are required for all luggage.

  • All luggage must be in containers that are suitable for transport (storage tubs and plastic bags are not allowed).

Special Items

  • Bicycles up to 50 lbs (23 kg) may be checked for $20.

  • Folding bikes (max 34 x 15.5 x 48 inches / 86 x 39 x 122 cm) can be carried on board for free.

  • Skis & snowboards count as checked baggage if under 50 lbs (23 kg) and 75 linear inches (191 cm).

  • Wheelchairs, walkers, and CPAP machines can be brought onboard for free.

For more information, check out Amtrak's Baggage Policy page.

Amtrak Empire Builder Train Guide & FAQs

No, unfortunately Amtrak Empire Builder does not offer WiFi aboard its trains at this time. However, we find that a good book makes the time fly by and streaming services like Netflix allow you to download TV shows and movies that you can then watch during your trip. Plan ahead and you will stay entertained during the entire train ride.

Yes, there are power outlets onboard Amtrak Empire Builder trains. You can generally find one or two sockets per row of seats, so be a good traveller and check if your seat neighbor might want to charge up their devices as well. With the onboard power outlets, you can charge both a computer and USB devices with a USB power adapter that typically comes with most phones and tablets.

Since Amtrak Empire Builder might sometimes use replacement train vehicles, not all trips are guaranteed to have power points. We recommend bringing a power bank to charge your phone for all trips over 2 hours, just in case.

On a typical day, Amtrak Empire Builder has 245 scheduled train trips in total. However, the exact departure and arrival times vary depending on the day and route. The best way to find the exact schedule for your trip is to use the search tool on this page.

No, Amtrak Empire Builder does not offer will call tickets. You should purchase your tickets online and make sure you have everything you need to board before you arrive at the station.

Yes, Amtrak Empire Builder requires you to present an ID to an agent to be allowed to board the train. Make sure you have identification issued by a government agency that meets the carrier’s requirements. Alternative IDs, such as a college ID, won’t work.

Yes, there are bathrooms on Amtrak Empire Builder trains. The bathrooms are pretty basic and include a toilet, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Most bathrooms don’t have running water. As you will be using a bathroom on a moving vehicle, please use caution and hold on to a rail at all times.

Amtrak Empire Builder provides snacks to satisfy your hunger during your travels. Be sure to pack a credit card and some cash in case you get hungry.

Amtrak Empire Builder does not require a printed ticket to board the train. Instead, an eTicket is sent to you via email when you make your reservation. You can use your smartphone to show this eTicket to the ticketing agent as you board.

Amtrak Empire Builder goes the extra distance to deliver premium features to its customers.

Do you find yourself squished in a regular seat or just love having extra room to sprawl out? Well you’re in luck as Amtrak Empire Builder offers extra legroom seating. Since there is no standard of what extra legroom is, the extra space you get may vary between train lines, but getting extra is always good.

Yes, Amtrak Empire Builder allows minors 13-16 years of age to travel unaccompanied, with restrictions. Children aged 12 and under must travel with another person who is at least 18 years old.

Tickets for unaccompanied minors cannot be booked online and must be booked by calling Amtrak at +1 (800) 872-7245.

Cheap Amtrak Empire Builder tickets recently found on Wanderu

With 245 trips per day on Amtrak Empire Builder, there are a lot of great deals to uncover for the bargain hunter, and Amtrak Empire Builder tickets start at just SEK 78.59. Check out some of the latest and greatest deals snatched up by Wanderu users.

How do I get the best deal on Amtrak Empire Builder tickets?

Wanderu is the best place to score cheap Amtrak Empire Builder tickets with the lowest available fares every day. Plus, you can compare Amtrak Empire Builder prices with trips offered by other train companies to be sure you’re getting the best deal on your tickets!

Pro travelers know that booking your ticket well in advance is key to finding the lowest price. Ticket prices normally go up the closer you get to the travel date, so don’t miss out on a good deal when you see one. If you can be flexible with your travel date, you can also get cheap tickets by traveling on weekdays instead of weekends.

When you’re ready to book, type your departure city and destination city in the search bar above, select your travel date, and let Wanderu work its magic to show you all of the best bus and train ticket prices available for your trip. Pick the ticket that’s best for your budget, schedule, and preferences, and complete the booking right on Wanderu to secure your great deal.

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Top Amtrak Empire Builder Routes

Top Amtrak Empire Builder Destinations

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