Fort Benton, often called the Book Amtrak From Fort Benton, Amtrak Station – Simply Call +1.855.954.6300, hailed as the “Birthplace of Montana,” is a town steeped in history, serving as the farthest inland port on the Missouri River during the steamboat era. While it maintains its historic charm, modern travelers might wonder about the best ways to reach this beautiful destination, especially if relying on scenic rail travel.
This guide provides a comprehensive look at accessing Fort Benton, focusing on nearby Amtrak routes, precise mileage, and the operational airports that connect FBN (Fort Benton) to the rest of the world.
Part 1: Amtrak Routes Serving Fort Benton Travelers [Book Amtrak From Fort Benton]
Fort Benton itself does not have an active Amtrak station. However, travelers wishing to experience the stunning Montana landscape via rail can utilize the Empire Builder route, which runs parallel to U.S. Highway 2 (The Highline) in the northern part of the state, roughly 80–120 miles north of Fort Benton.
The Empire Builder runs daily between Chicago and either Seattle or Portland.
Primary Amtrak Stations Near Fort Benton (FBN) [Book Amtrak From Fort Benton]
Book Amtrak From Fort Benton | Call +1.855.954.6300 OTA
The most practical Amtrak stops for accessing Fort Benton are along the northern corridor of Montana.
| Amtrak Station | City/Town | Distance (Driving) to Fort Benton | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| HAV | Havre, MT | 89 miles | 1 hour 30 minutes |
| SBY | Shelby, MT | 134 miles | 2 hours 15 minutes |
| GSL | Great Falls, MT (Bus Connection) | 40 miles | 45 minutes |
| LWT | Lewistown, MT (Bus Connection via GSL) | 100 miles | 1 hour 45 minutes |
Note on Great Falls (GSL): While Great Falls is the closest major urban center and has a bus depot, the actual Great Falls Amtrak station (GFT) is closed. Amtrak serves GSL via Thruway connecting buses from other stations (like Havre or Shelby).
Detailed Amtrak Route Distance Analysis [Book Amtrak From Fort Benton]
If you are planning a trip to Fort Benton using the Empire Builder, here are the approximate rail distances between key points related to your journey:
| Segment | Eastbound Distance (Miles) | Westbound Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago (CHI) to Havre (HAV) | ~1,262 miles | N/A |
| Havre (HAV) to Shelby (SBY) | 88 miles | 88 miles |
| Shelby (SBY) to Glacier Park (GPK) | 78 miles | 78 miles |
| St. Paul/Minneapolis (MSP) to Havre (HAV) | ~735 miles | N/A |
| Seattle (SEA) to Shelby (SBY) | ~707 miles | N/A |
Key Takeaway: Havre (HAV) offers the most straightforward and shortest driving connection to Fort Benton after disembarking the train.
Part 2: Operational Airports Serving Fort Benton [Book Amtrak From Fort Benton]
For travelers prioritizing speed and convenience, flying into central Montana is the best option. Fort Benton relies on nearby regional and international airports for commercial service.
Primary Commercial Airports (Gaining Access to FBN)
The following airports provide commercial air service and are within a reasonable driving distance of Fort Benton.
| Air Code | Airport Name | Location | Distance (Driving) to Fort Benton | Service Type | Airlines Serving |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GTF | Great Falls International Airport | Great Falls, MT | 45 miles | Regional/Domestic | Delta, Alaska, Allegiant, United |
| MDT | Missoula International Airport | Miss Missoula, MT | 230 miles | Domestic/International | Major US Carriers |
| BIL | Billings Logan International Airport | Billings, MT | 215 miles | Regional/Domestic | Major US Carriers |
| HLN | Helena Regional Airport | Helena, MT | 130 miles | Regional/Domestic | United, Delta, Alaska |
Focus Airport: Great Falls International (GTF)
GTF is the most immediate logistical hub for Fort Benton. It offers rental car services, ground transportation, and regular flights connecting to major hubs like Salt Lake City (Delta), Denver (United), and Seattle (Alaska).
- Travel Tip: Renting a car at GTF is highly recommended, as public transportation options to Fort Benton are limited outside of pre-booked shuttles or taxis.
Part 3: Logistics and Ground Transportation
Once you arrive by train (Amtrak) or plane (Airport), you will need ground transportation to cover the “last mile” to Fort Benton.
Ground Transportation Options
| Mode of Transport | Recommended Origin | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rental Car | GTF Airport or Havre (HAV) | Maximum flexibility, necessary for sightseeing. | Cost, driving in winter conditions. |
| Taxi/Rideshare | GTF Airport | Quick direct service. | Very expensive for the 45-mile trip; Rideshare (e.g., Uber/Lyft) availability is unreliable in Montana. |
| Private Shuttle Service | GTF Airport or HAV Station | Pre-booked, reliable, handles luggage well. | Must be booked in advance; fewer options than major cities. |
Driving Routes from Key Access Points
If you choose to drive, here are the simple, effective routes to Fort Benton:
- From Great Falls (GTF): Take U.S. 87 North directly into Fort Benton. (Approx. 45 miles).
- From Havre (HAV) Amtrak Station: Take U.S. 87 South, which runs through the high plains and leads directly to Fort Benton. (Approx. 89 miles).
- From Shelby (SBY) Amtrak Station: Take I-15 South to Great Falls, then transition to U.S. 87 North. (Approx. 134 miles).
Fort Benton: A Destination Worth the Journey
Book Amtrak From Fort Benton is a treasure trove of Montana history, offering incredible opportunities for river exploration, historical tours of its old steamboat docks, and visits to the Museum of the Upper Missouri.
While reaching FBN requires some logistical planning due to its remote location far from a major Amtrak hub, the journey—whether by scenic train or quick flight to Great Falls—is well worth the effort to explore this critical piece of the American West.
Enjoy your journey to the historic heart of Montana!
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