Check It Out: Riding Amtrak’s Empire Builder To Montana

I Rode Amtrak From Chicago, Illinois To Havre, Montana

Last Friday (5/31/24), I boarded the Empire Builder in Chicago, Illinois and took an overnight trip to Havre, Montana.  I was on the train for about 25-26 hours.

I Booked A Roomette On The Empire Builder

I'm not really a socializer, so I got myself a little room on the train.  It's called a Roomette and it's the smallest room you can rent that is still considered first class.

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Amtrak says a Roomette is suitable for 2 adults.  I can see that working out, but after my experience, I will stick with a Roomette for each person travelling.  It was really comfortable for me, but I was travelling alone.  As you can see, it's not loaded with extra space.

When you book a room on Amtrak, not only do you get privacy, every room comes with:

• 3 meals a day and non-alcoholic beverages included in your fare
• One alcoholic beverage with your supper
• Priority boarding
• A car attendant who will bring you things and make up your beds at night, then put them back to seats in the morning
• Access to private lounges in train stations that have them
• The ability to dine in your private car
• Access to private bathrooms in your car
• Some sleeper cars have bathrooms in them.  My roomette did not

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The Metropolitan Lounge, Union Station, Chicago

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I'm not going to lie, this place is AMAZING.  You get access if you have a sleeper car or you have to buy a pass to get in.  When I was there the pass was $35. Here's what you get in the lounge:

• Good snacks/coffee/drinks.  I mean GOOD
• Plenty of private seating
• Free Wifi
• Private bathrooms

I was in this lounge for around 3 to 4 hours, and it was really, really nice.  Another real bonus for having your sleeper car.

Check out the gallery below to see my Amtrak experience.  I hope to do it again to go to Washington DC in a couple of years. 🔻🔻🔻🔻