![Check It Out: Riding Amtrak’s Empire Builder To Montana](http://townsquare.media/site/1111/files/2024/06/attachment-cover2.jpg?w=980&q=75)
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
![KSEN AM 1150 logo](https://townsquare.media/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/KSENAM.png?w=100)
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. 🔻🔻🔻🔻
Amtrak Empire Builder from Chicago, Illinois to Havre, Montana
Gallery Credit: Tammie Toren
Amtrak Trains Montana to Illinois to California
Gallery Credit: Tammie Toren