Empire Builder

[johnnie]

I am taking a trip to Seattle in March and wanted to know if the EB is consistently on time. I will be arriving in Seattle at 10:20 am and will be leaving that same day back to PGH. It leaves Seattle at 4:45 pm but I don't want to miss the train back because I have a sleeper both ways. Is 6 and half hours enough time for a layover?

Also, I am going to get into Chicago at 3:40 pm and the Capitol Limited leaves for PGH at 5:35 pm. Am I going to have enough time to catch the train or will I get stuck in Chicago.

Any information will be very helpful.

Thanks.

 

[denmarks]

The last couple of days it was late by up to 2 hours probably due to the landslides near Seattle. It is usually between 15 minutes early and late at either end. Go to amtrak.com and you can see the status for up to 5 days in the past.

I'll be on that train in April. My concern is the Coast Starlight.

 

[WICT106]

Due to the cooperation from the landlords along the routes of # 7 & 8, the empire Builder is one of Amtrak's most punctual trains. It is one of the trains where I would not hesitate to suggest to those who want to experience what a train can be like when it is firing on (close to) all of the cylinders. The Capitol Ltd. is a good train as well, but the landlords over the route of the Capitol can be a lot more indifferent to Amtrak's presence on their tracks.

For some additonal comments regarding the Empire Builder see this article in the Midwest High Speed Rail Assocaition's web site.

I've come to the suspicion that it is the Empire Builder which is now Amtrak's premier train, instead of the Coast Star "late."

Shame that you will be disembarking before the crossing of the Allegheny Mtns. That section of track is one of the more scenic routes in the Eastern U. S.

 

[AmtrakFan]

6.5 Hours is enough time not to miss the train in Seattle but 8 to 30 you should be ok.

 

[Trogdor]

If I am understanding your post correctly, you will be arriving in Seattle on the Empire Builder, and leaving that same day.

If that is the case, you definitely will not have anything to worry about, because the Empire Builder can't leave Seattle before it arrives. Even if your train arrived into Seattle late, it would take them at least 3-4 hours, perhaps longer, to service the train before sending it back east.

Your Chicago connection might be a bit more cause to worry. However, Amtrak guarantees the connection, meaning that if you get to Chicago too late to catch the Capitol Limited, they will take care of you and make sure you get to your destination.