Montana, located in the western United States, is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, expansive plains, and numerous national parks. The most famous tourist attraction in Montana is Yellowstone National Park, which spreads into Montana from Wyoming. There are usually freight trains in Montana. Passenger services are limited to only one long-distance train operated by Amtrak and two seasonal tourist trains.
There are no commuter rails in Montana.
Long-distance trains in Montana
There is only one long-distance train in Montana – Empire Builder from Chicago to Portland has multiple stops in the state.
Amtrak stations in Montana:
Browning (BRO)
Cut Bank (CUT)
East Glacier Park (GPK)
Essex (ESM)
Glasgow (GGW)
Havre (HAV)
Libby (LIB)
Malta (MAL)
Shelby (SBY)
West Glacier (WGL)
Whitefish (WFH)
Wolf Point (WPT)
In the past, Amtrak’s North Coast Limited from Chicago, Illinois to Seattle, Washington passed through the state of Montana. The train was discountinued in 1979.
From 1921 to 1971 the Union Pacific Railroad ran Butte Special passenger train between Salt Lake City, Utah and Butte, Montana.
Tourist trains in Montana
Currently, there are only two tourist trains in Montana.
Alder Gulch Shortline – a narrow-gauge railway (762 mm) from Virginia City to Nevada City (2.5 km). Operates weekdays from late May to mid September. The train ride is approximately 15 minutes long. The line was built in 1964. Train does not run in bad weather
Alder Gulch Shortline – official website
Charlie Russell Chew Choo – all inclusive dining trains from Kingston Junction do Denton, approximately 28 miles (45 km) through the mountains and prairies of central Montana, over three trestles and through the historic Hoosac Tunnel. Dining trains operate on a few days each month from May to October or by charter. All trains board at the Hanover Boarding Station, which is 10 miles and approximately 20-25 minutes from Main St, Lewistown. Ticket prices are relatively high.
Charlie Russell Chew Choo – official website
Related articles:
Railways in the United States of America by state
