Amtrak: Empire Builder

shellyvix
Jan 11
3 min read

Updated: Jun 3

36 Hours St. Paul to Seattle & 2 Days in Seattle

Amtrak Empire Builder

Union Depot Saint Paul: Rang in New Year 2025 by checking off one of Nana's bucket list items, riding the Amtrak Empire Builder from Saint Paul's Union Station to Seattle. Departure time was 11:15pm. Our coach seats were HUGE, they almost fully recline, and we were comfy as can be to start the 36 hour adventure to Seattle.

Day 1 & 2 on the Train: We woke up in North Dakota and had a full day on the train. There were some nice views, but darkness fell just as we entered Glacier National Park, so a summer trip this direction would afford more viewing hours. We brought snacks and ramen noodles and ate meals in the observation car with a few snacks from the cafe downstairs.

The train went from St. Paul to...

NORTH DAKOTA: Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, Williston

MONTANA: south of Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Malta, Havre, Shelby, Browning, East Glacier Park, Whitefish

IDAHO: Sandpoint

WASHINGTON: Spokane, Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Everett, Edmonds, Seattle

Hotel (2 nights): Crowne Plaza Seattle-Downtown King Suite with Space Needle View - $250/night booked for free with an IHG annual free night certificate from my IHG Premier Personal & Business cards.

Day 2 - Arrival in Seattle: Arrived at Seattle's King Street Station at 11am and walked, for some much needed exercise, 25 minutes to our hotel up Seattle's hilly streets. We checked in and walked a few blocks for a delicious lunch at Red Bowl.

Day 3 - Seattle: In the birthplace of Starbucks, we headed to breakfast at the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, a worthwhile stop with excellent food. From there, we walked to the Pike Place Market which is a must see while in Seattle. There are great shops, excellent views and amazing eats. We stopped by the original Starbucks, located right on site and then headed to White Heron Cellars for a glass of wine and chocolate tasting with views of the Great Wheel. To end the night, we walked to the Gum Wall and took a ride on the Great Wheel for more spectacular views.

Day 4 - Seattle: The kids loved the Starbucks Reserve Roastery so much, we walked back our last day in Seattle for lunch. The route from our hotel took us through a park and down a healthy flight of stairs, sometimes in the rain. Seattle is a great city well worth a visit!

GETTING THERE

Similar to airline tickets, Amtrak tickets vary in price, but I was able to purchase Nana's ticket for $190 and the rest of our tickets were $235 each. I believe it has to do with batch ticketing and there were not 4 tickets available at Nana's low price. Because Sienna and Jackson are under 18, I had to purchase theirs with an adult.

We flew home from Seattle to Minneapolis nonstop on Sun Country Airlines for $104/person.

PACKING SUGGESTIONS

Travel light: use a Samsonite Underseat Carry-On or backpack and packing cubes or vacuum sealed bags
Bring a crossbody bag, travel wallet, portable charger, toiletry bag
If you are riding in coach, bring food and beverage, as you are not guaranteed to have food available on the train, and the Cafe Car Menu may not satisfy you
Bring a blanket and an airline pillow or a large scarf that can be used as a pillow