Three stations, three different trips
East Glacier Park is seasonal, open roughly late April to late September, and sits opposite Glacier Park Lodge on the eastern side of the divide — the drier, windier, more dramatic half of the park.
West Glacier is open year round and is minutes from Apgar Village and Lake McDonald, the classic postcard side.
Whitefish is a real town with restaurants, hotels and car rental, 25 miles from the west entrance. It is the practical choice for most first-timers.
When to book
Summer sleeping-car space on the Empire Builder is effectively gone by March. Coach lasts longer but the good departures still sell out by May. If Glacier is your plan, treat February as the booking month.
Getting around without a car
- Free park shuttle runs the Going-to-the-Sun Road in season
- Xanterra lodge shuttles connect the major hotels
- Whitefish has car rental if you want independence
- East Glacier to Two Medicine is walkable-adjacent with a short shuttle
- Book lodge accommodation before rail — lodges sell out first
Marias Pass
The train crosses the Continental Divide at Marias Pass, 5,213 feet, on the southern boundary of the park. Westbound this happens in the late afternoon in summer — one of the finest hours on the entire American network.
Want this handled for you?
Everything in this guide is something our agents do on every call as a matter of routine. Call +1 (888) 821-4679 and describe the trip — most bookings are confirmed in under five minutes.
Published June 8, 2026. Rail schedules, fares, equipment and carrier policies change frequently. This guide reflects our understanding at the time of writing and is provided for general information only — always confirm current details with your agent before travelling.
