Booking Amtrak In Montana..!!
Montana – the “Big Sky Country” – is a state synonymous with vast open spaces, majestic mountains, and a rugged, untamed beauty. While many explore its wonders by car, there’s a uniquely enchanting way to experience Montana: by train.
Amtrak’s legendary Empire Builder route slices through the northern half of Montana, offering unparalleled views of Glacier National Park, rolling plains, and charming small towns. Whether you’re planning a grand cross-country adventure or a specific trip to a Montana destination, understanding the state’s Amtrak stations is key.
This complete guide will walk you through every Amtrak station in Montana, from west to east, providing a glimpse into each town and crucial information like distances to key cities and airports.
Understanding the Empire Builder in Montana
The Empire Builder operates daily, connecting Chicago and Minneapolis/St. Paul with Spokane, Seattle, and Portland. Its journey through Montana covers approximately 700 miles, passing through 12 dedicated stations. Be prepared for occasional delays (it’s “Montana time,” after all!), but also for some of the most spectacular scenery you’ll ever witness from a train window.
The Montana Stations, West to East:
1. Libby, Montana (LIB)
Nestled in the heart of the Kootenai National Forest, Libby is a gateway to outdoor recreation. The station here is a modest but welcoming stop, reflecting the town’s small-town charm.
- Station Type: Unstaffed, but with a waiting room and platform.
- Nearby Attractions: Kootenai Falls, Libby Dam, Cabinet Mountains Wilderness.
| Destination | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kalispell, MT | 90 | 1h 45m |
| Glacier Park Intl. (FCA) | 95 | 1h 50m |
| Missoula, MT | 110 | 2h 00m |
| Spokane, WA | 115 | 2h 15m |
| Coeur d’Alene, ID | 125 | 2h 30m |
2. Whitefish, Montana (WFH)
Often considered the jewel of the Empire Builder’s Montana stops, Whitefish is a vibrant resort town and a primary gateway to Glacier National Park. The station is bustling, often staffed, and serves as a hub for shuttle services to the park and Glacier Park International Airport.
- Station Type: Staffed, with baggage service, waiting room, and restrooms.
- Nearby Attractions: Whitefish Mountain Resort, Whitefish Lake, Glacier National Park (west entrance).
| Destination | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Kalispell, MT | 15 | 0h 20m |
| Glacier Park Intl. (FCA) | 10 | 0h 15m |
| West Glacier (GNP) | 28 | 0h 40m |
| Missoula, MT | 130 | 2h 15m |
| Spokane, WA | 200 | 3h 30m |
3. West Glacier, Montana (WGL)
This is it – your direct access point to the breathtaking West Entrance of Glacier National Park. The station is rustic and perfectly situated to immerse you in the park quickly. Note that services can be seasonal.
- Station Type: Unstaffed (seasonal agent may be present). Covered shelter only.
- Nearby Attractions: Glacier National Park (Apgar Village, Lake McDonald, Going-to-the-Sun Road).
| Destination | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whitefish, MT | 28 | 0h 40m |
| Kalispell, MT | 40 | 0h 50m |
| Glacier Park Intl. (FCA) | 35 | 0h 45m |
| East Glacier Park | 60 (via GNP in summer) | 1h 30m (via GNP) |
4. Essex, Montana (ESX)
A unique flag stop, Essex is primarily known for the historic Izaak Walton Inn, a railway resort that caters to train enthusiasts and Glacier visitors looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience. You must notify the conductor if you wish to alight here.
- Station Type: Unstaffed flag stop, platform only.
- Nearby Attractions: Izaak Walton Inn, Glacier National Park (less explored sections).
| Destination | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| West Glacier, MT | 20 | 0h 30m |
| East Glacier Park, MT | 40 | 0h 50m |
| Kalispell, MT | 60 | 1h 15m |
| Glacier Park Intl. (FCA) | 55 | 1h 10m |
5. East Glacier Park, Montana (EGP)
Serving the lesser-visited (but equally stunning) East Entrance of Glacier National Park, this station is seasonal, typically operating from late spring to early fall. It’s home to the historic Glacier Park Lodge.
- Station Type: Staffed seasonally, with a waiting room.
- Nearby Attractions: Glacier National Park (Two Medicine Valley, St. Mary Lake), Museum of the Plains Indian (Browning).
| Destination | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| West Glacier, MT | 60 (via GNP in summer) | 1h 30m (via GNP) |
| Browning, MT | 12 | 0h 15m |
| St. Mary, MT (GNP) | 35 | 0h 45m |
| Great Falls, MT | 110 | 1h 50m |
| Shelby, MT | 60 | 1h 00m |
6. Shelby, Montana (SBY)
Located in north-central Montana, Shelby is an agricultural hub and an important crossroads. It’s often a stop for travelers heading north to the Canadian border or south towards Great Falls.
- Station Type: Unstaffed, but with a waiting room.
- Nearby Attractions: Marias Museum of History & Art, oil and gas fields, Sweet Grass Hills.
| Destination | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT | 80 | 1h 20m |
| Glacier Park Intl. (FCA) | 120 | 2h 00m |
| Helena, MT | 170 | 2h 45m |
| Lethbridge, AB (Canada) | 90 | 1h 45m |
7. Havre, Montana (HAV)
Pronounced “HAV-er,” this city is a significant stop on the Hi-Line, Amtrak’s term for the route across northern Montana. Havre offers a glimpse into Montana’s ranching history and the unique “Havre Beneath the Streets” tours.
- Station Type: Staffed, with baggage service, waiting room, and restrooms.
- Nearby Attractions: Fort Assinniboine, Havre Beneath the Streets, Wahkpa Chu’gn Archaeological Site.
| Destination | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Great Falls, MT | 115 | 1h 50m |
| Helena, MT | 190 | 3h 15m |
| Billings, MT | 250 | 4h 00m |
| Glasgow, MT | 85 | 1h 20m |
8. Malta, Montana (MLT)
Malta is famous for its paleontological discoveries, particularly at the Great Plains Dinosaur Museum. It’s a small, friendly town representative of Montana’s agricultural heartland.
- Station Type: Unstaffed, platform and covered shelter.
- Nearby Attractions: Great Plains Dinosaur Museum, Bowdoin National Wildlife Refuge.
| Destination | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Glasgow, MT | 60 | 1h 00m |
| Havre, MT | 85 | 1h 20m |
| Great Falls, MT | 180 | 2h 50m |
| Billings, MT | 220 | 3h 30m |
9. Glasgow, Montana (GGW)
Glasgow, another “Hi-Line” town, boasts the mighty Fort Peck Dam nearby, one of the largest hydraulic fill dams in the world. It’s an agricultural center with a strong sense of community.
- Station Type: Unstaffed, covered shelter and platform.
- Nearby Attractions: Fort Peck Dam, Valley County Pioneer Museum, Missouri River.
| Destination | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Malta, MT | 60 | 1h 00m |
| Wolf Point, MT | 50 | 0h 50m |
| Billings, MT | 220 | 3h 30m |
| Great Falls, MT | 240 | 3h 45m |
10. Wolf Point, Montana (WPT)
Located on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Wolf Point offers a glimpse into Native American culture and history. The annual Wild Horse Stampede rodeo is a major draw.
- Station Type: Unstaffed, platform only.
- Nearby Attractions: Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Wild Horse Stampede (July).
| Destination | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Glasgow, MT | 50 | 0h 50m |
| Poplar, MT | 20 | 0h 25m |
| Billings, MT | 200 | 3h 15m |
| Williston, ND | 75 | 1h 15m |
11. Poplar, Montana (PPL)
Another stop on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation, Poplar is a small, rural community. Like many stops in eastern Montana, it provides a quiet pause on the long journey across the plains.
- Station Type: Unstaffed, platform only.
- Nearby Attractions: Fort Peck Indian Reservation.
| Destination | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Wolf Point, MT | 20 | 0h 25m |
| Culbertson, MT | 20 | 0h 25m |
| Williston, ND | 55 | 1h 00m |
| Glasgow, MT | 70 | 1h 10m |
12. Culbertson, Montana (CUL)
As the easternmost Amtrak station in Montana, Culbertson marks your departure from Big Sky Country. It’s a tiny, agricultural town, a final rural stop before the train crosses into North Dakota.
- Station Type: Unstaffed, platform only.
- Nearby Attractions: Rural plains, Yellowstone River (further south).
| Destination | Distance (Miles) | Estimated Drive Time |
|---|---|---|
| Poplar, MT | 20 | 0h 25m |
| Williston, ND | 35 | 0h 40m |
| Glasgow, MT | 90 | 1h 30m |
| Billings, MT | 250 | 4h 00m |
General Tips for Amtrak Travel in Montana:
- Book in Advance: Especially for peak season (summer) and sleeper cars, tickets sell out quickly.
- Expect Delays: Freight trains often take precedence, so build in buffer time if you have connecting flights or appointments.
- Dress in Layers: Temperatures can vary wildly throughout the day, especially if you’re venturing out.
- Bring Essentials: Snacks, water, a good book, headphones, and a portable charger are highly recommended, as cell service can be spotty.
- Window Seat: Always try to secure a window seat – the views are the main attraction! Consider booking a Sightseer Lounge visit.
- Check Station Amenities: Note whether a station is staffed or unstaffed, as this affects baggage service and available facilities.
- Be Prepared for the Elements: Montana weather is unpredictable. Even small walks from the station can expose you to sun, wind, or rain.
Embark on Your Montana Train Adventure!
Traveling through Montana on the Empire Builder is more than just a means of transportation; it’s an experience. It’s a chance to slow down, absorb the landscape, and witness the grandeur of the American West from a unique perspective. Whether you’re chasing the majestic peaks of Glacier National Park or exploring the historic towns of the Hi-Line, Amtrak offers an unforgettable journey across Big Sky Country.
So, when will you embark on your own Big Sky adventure by rail?