Empire Builder discussion
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In studying the Sold Out Cascades I noticed an interesting side effect of the Builder cancellations. Space that was sold out on the Cascades opened up and then the next day they were Sold Out again. Further evidence that the demand is greater than the supply.7 and 8 are all running now, weather seems acceptable next couple days. I still plan to be on 7 leaving CHI Wed. Can't wait, I haven't been out of the state of Maine in 7 years or more.
The space that opened up looked about right for Builder connections at this time of year for Kelso-Longview, Centralia, Olympia-Lacey and Tacoma.
I was on 28 / 8 eastbound EB from PDX to CHI on Jan 20, three weeks before your trip, Trampy. Same thing happened to us - No sightseeer lounge in the consist, so deprived of the main reason one makes this trip, especially with a daytime transit of Glacier National Park. As we were in a Bedroom, it was fairly easy to see out both sides of the train, but still, not the same without the SSL. Amtrak scrambled to feed the coach passengers with free food at every mealtime. Saw lots of Subway, Pizza Hut and other hot food brought on board throughout the trip. Access to the diner for sleeper passengers was a bit more challenging, but the staff rose to the occasion.
Sorry to change the subject but I have a question: Next year my wife and I are planning to fly to Kelispell from SFO. Then somehow get to Glacier Lodge (East), stay 3 days and then take the Builder to Seattle. The question is, how do I get to Glacier Lodge from Kelispell? Anyone know? Thanks.
I am on 7 heading to Portland. No sightseer car. They substituted another Coach car. Disappointing. Glad I m in a sleeper. Coach passengers are stuck in their seats for the three days and walking through the Coaches I saw many seat checks destined to Sea and Pdx. Why is this happening so often?
trimetbusfan
OBS Chief
28 leaving Portland today (3/5) had a 38000 series diner instead of a sightseeing car.
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Public transportation can be pretty sparse. I suggest that you call Pursuit which runs Glacier Park Lodge and they may have transportation information from Kalispell to East Glacier. Also check with Xanterra which operates most of the lodging inside the Park.
One option of course would be to spend your first night in Whitefish and catch the eastbound Empire Builder to East Glacier the next morning. It is an exceptionally scenic trip and the station at East Glacier (Glacier Park) ir right across from the hotel in easy walking distance.
You can rent a car at the Kalispell airport. I believe Enterprise is still there.
Siegmund
OBS Chief
If you can get to West Glacier there will be shuttles to take you across to East Glacier. But it varies year to year whether there is a bus from Kalispell to West Glacier or not. (The Park Service pays for service inside the park, Flathead county pays - or doesnt - for service west of the park.)
Cab from the airport to Whitefish and then the train from Whitefish to East Glacier may well be the easiest option.
Cab from the airport to Whitefish and then the train from Whitefish to East Glacier may well be the easiest option.
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fI agree and that is what I would do. Grouse Mountain Lodge in Whitefish is owned by Pursuit which also owns Glacier Park Lodge so I would stay at Grouse Mountain the first night. They have a shuttle that can pick you up at the airport and then take you to the train station the next morning to take the train to East Glacier.
Be aware that Glacier Park Lodge is not within Glacier Park and if you want to visit the Park you will need to reserve a red bus tour offered by Xanterra or rent a car at East Glacier. (But if you rent a car at East Glacier or anyplace else, you have to have a vehicle reservation to enter the Park and that is another story as the Park website will indicate.)
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Keep in mind that the westbound Builder now arrives at East Glacier at around 7:50 PM. I would like to see a much earlier arrival for the EB.
https://is.gd/7MRBnV
Here is info on the shuttle service within Glacier Park. On the east side, it doesn't start at East Glacier but at St Marys visitor center (east side) and Apgar (west side) which is an Amtrak stop. You would need a taxi at each end for Glacier Park Lodge or Whitefish. The shuttle bus goes along the "Going to the Sun" road so it wouldn't be a quick trip but very scenic. I would think there must be a bus service between East Glacier and Whitefish along highway 2, just below the park. There is a taxi service between Whitefish and Kalispell (about a 30 min ride).
I am planning an Empire Builder trip from Portland to Whitefish, this summer. I will be staying at the Grouse Mountain Lodge, in Whitefish, and they offer a shuttle between their lodge, the Amtrak station, and Kalispell.
There is way to avoid the logistics of airport to Whitefish to east Glacier although it would add a day to your trip and additional expense. Fly to Minneapolis/St Paul instead of Kalispell and take the EB to East Glacier! Gives you more train time and a chance to see the Great Plains.
A quick check of air fares in June showed it was actually around $100 cheaper to MSP (Sun Country Airlines). But then a room on Amtrak isn’t cheap.
Thanks for information on Kalispell. One final question: This might seem like a dumb question for someone like myself who has experience with Amtrak trains being late. What is the likelihood of a delay on the Builder going from Seattle to East Glacier and the reverse trip?
A toss up between Strong and a Lock!
For 8, it really mostly depends on the incoming consist of 7. If 7 gets in by around noon so they have time to turn the consist by scheduled departure, chances are it will be on time or pretty close to it. It isn't really that far and BNSF usually handles it pretty well.
The return on 7 is more problematic, since it will have had 1500 miles or so to stack up delays in. An hour or two late at Whitefish can be pretty routine. Note that there is pad at Spokane and Seattle, so even if the train is an hour or so late at Whitefish, it can still be on time or close to it at Seattle
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Multiple bad ordered lounges creating a shortage along with shops struggling to keep up. Unfortunately not a good answer but it is what it is at this point. Hopefully they can get them fixed up for summer.
Thanks for St Paul/Minneapolis tip! I think that will work for me.
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Empire 8 running late because the train arriving from Chicago (7 departed 3/8) was 5 hours late and they need to clean it up for turn around.
TimePeace
Disillusioned.
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Thanks
D.
Septa9739
Lead Service Attendant
Does anyone know how reliable the builder is for same day connections in CHI? I’m think specifically about 8-30/48
Maglev
Conductor
The one time I had a connection to 48 from 8, I was just going MSP-CHI on 8. I had a $5 Flix Bus (or something) booking in case the Empire Builder was late.
I think it's best to avoid stress during travel and book a day between trains.
I think it's best to avoid stress during travel and book a day between trains.
According to ASMAD, 8 missed connection with 48 13 out of 72 times, or 18% in the last 3 months.
8 missed the connection with 30 29 out of 68 times, or 43%.
The connection with 48 is reasonably reliable, making it about 4 out of 5 times in the recent past. 30 is a crapshoot, missing nearly half the time. If you were to book a same day connection, do it to 48.
I have made the 8 to 48 connection and I had plenty of time to walk down Adams to the Berghoff for dinner.
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