Enjoy A Scenic Overnight Train Trip Through Montana

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There’s nothing more incredible than taking in the sights of Montana. From wide open spaces to mountain tops covered in snow, the views here are nothing short of magnificent. If you’re an avid hiker you’ve likely seen many of these views on your adventures. Even some scenic road trips will present a whole new side of the state. While both of these are great ways to take in the landscape, one of my new favorites is through an epic train ride. The next time you want to take a grand (but easy to plan!) adventure check out one of the best scenic train rides in Montana.

Amtrak's Empire Builder offers service from Chicago to either Portland, Oregon, or Seattle. This beloved route has been around since 1929 and is a favorite due, in part, to the incredible views.

The route originally operated under the Great Northern Railway, but was taken over in 1971 by Amtrak.

The trip from end to end takes about 45 hours, but you can choose to take just a portion, too. Of course, we think the portion of the train ride through Montana is the best.

This overnight train trip through Montana makes stops at 11 different stations between Libby in the west and Wolf Point in the east. Of course, you can hop on and off anywhere you'd like. The train pictured here is on Two Medicine Trestle in East Glacier.

The route is one of the most beautiful for many reasons, but the mountains of Montana are truly the main draw here. You'll find incredible views on all Montana train trips, but this one feels special.

The route even travels through Glacier National Park. This portion of the journey is timed to take place during the day for optimal viewing.

And there's certainly no better way to see the park than from the floor-to-ceiling windows of the train's lounge car.

The dining rooms also offer access to all the scenery.

One of the best elements of this overnight train trip through Montana is the day-in-the-life views right outside. Mountains are great, but the small towns along the way are also charming.

Additionally, the food can't be beat. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks are all available.

There are a few room choices, but even the most basic offers everything you need for a comfortable night's sleep. Roomettes even have enough space for getting some work done.

Imagine waking up to these views! I've been on quite a few trains, but the train rides near me aren't nearly as impressive as this one!

The trip is easily combined with other Amtrak routes, so be sure to check out the website linked below for more information on how to make this the trip of a lifetime.

The views of Glacier National Park are almost too stunning to believe. To check them out, take a look at this stunning video:

The Amtrak Empire Builder runs throughout the year, so you can make plans for your journey any time you’d like. Check out Amtrak’s Empire Builder website for availability and rates, plus the ability to book. And, after enjoying one of the best scenic train rides in Montana, you might want to find other ways to experience the state. For that, we recommend the tours and activities available through Viator.

This is undoubtedly one of the most unique journeys you can take in the state. But, if you’d like to manage your own schedule you might want to consider a Montana road trip.

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Scenic Train Rides in Montana

Michelle S. | August 24, 2023

What are the best road trips through Montana?

The best road trips through Montana offer plenty to see and lots of fun. Here are a few you'll want to put on your list to check out:

The Montana Dinosaur-Themed Road Trip: From museums to natural wonders, there's plenty of evidence of dinosaurs here in Montana. This trip is perfect for those who like to imagine what life was like back in the Mesozoic Era.
The Montana Old School Chocolate Shop Road Trip: Anyone with a sweet tooth will want to hop in the car to take in the best chocolate shops in the state. This road trip leads to six of the best.
The Ultimate Southern Montana Waterfalls Road Trip: Nature lovers will want to make this road trip a priority. Leading to eight of the most beautiful falls in the state, this is an incredible trip to take.

What are the best day trips in Montana?

The best day trips in Montana are great for seeing parts of the state you've never visited. Make the following spots a priority and you'll find a new love for Big Sky Country:

The Montana Donut Trail Day Trip: For the tastiest trip of all, head out to the five shops on this list that can be reached in one day.
Hamilton, Ravalli County: Located just about an hour from Missoula, the small town of Hamilton has lots of charm and history.
Tongue River State Park, Decker: Located off-the-beaten-path this reservoir is a great place for a fun day out in the summer.

Enjoy A Scenic Train Ride And Spend The Night In A Roomette On This Montana Railroad Trip

Michelle

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Scenic Train Rides in Montana

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