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There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Whitefish to Spokane. Traveling by train from Whitefish to Spokane usually takes 5 hours and 23 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 152 mi (245 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 23m |
| Lowest price | $38.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Empire Builder |
| Train lines | 1 |
Average score for trains from Whitefish to Spokane
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Overall it was such a lovely journey and I would do it again.
4.0
Pros: Everyone was friendly. Cons: Turn the air conditioner down in the evening. I had shorts and a T shirt on and was cold with most people covering up with blankets, which you shouldn't need in the summer. Tips: Bring a blanket.
Amtrak Empire Builder is the one and only train line which connects Whitefish to Spokane. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Empire Builder | 2 | 5h 24m | $55.25 |
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.
The distance between Whitefish and Spokane is approximately 152 miles, or 245 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 23 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 from Whitefish to Spokane are the most crowded on Friday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Whitefish at 10:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Whitefish twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Spokane with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Spokane to Whitefish.
As the second-largest city in the state, Spokane is a family-friendly Washington destination that offers plenty of fun for everyone. The first thing you should do is explore the numerous lakes that the city is blessed with. Offering idyllic views as well as the chance to enjoy outdoor recreational activities, the local lakes allow you to fill an entire day with plenty of fun. The best choice would be Lake Pend Oreille, which features still water and a calm vibe. While you’re in town, check out Riverfront Park. Voted one of the most beautiful urban parks in the U.S. by National Geographic, the park sits on the bank of the Spokane River, offering a great chance for you to unwind and get lost in nature. If you seek a cultural experience, Corbin Art Center might just have what you need.
Spokane greets its hungry visitors with plenty of farm-to-table restaurants, which offer the freshest produce. Some local favorites you should check out include Gander & Ryegrass, Spencer’s for Steaks and Chops, or Churchill’s Steakhouse.
Spokane’s main hub of transportation is the bus & train station at 221 W 1st Ave right in the heart of the city’s downtown area. From there, you can catch buses to various cities like Seattle, Missoula and Portland, as well as trains to San Francisco, Chicago and Salt Lake City, among many other places. Spokane is served by Amtrak’s Empire Builder line. The city’s main airport is Spokane International Airport, situated 5 miles west of downtown.
There is one train station in Whitefish.
Whitefish Cmnty Library
Image credit: Paul Sableman
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Nick Bramhall
Link to image attributionThe Spokane Intermodal Center on 1st Ave is Spokane’s primary hub for bus and train service. The city’s original train station was built at this location in 1891, and the red brick building has since been remodeled and expanded to include intercity bus service, too. Today, passengers can catch the iconic Amtrak Empire Builder train along its route from Chicago to Seattle or Portland, or hop on a FlixBus US or Jefferson Lines bus heading to destinations throughout the Northwest. The station is just north of I-90 and centrally located in Spokane, within a mile of the sprawling Riverfront Park, the Spokane Convention Center, and Gonzaga University.
Spokane International Airport
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