Hi, I am planning a trip to Glacier National Park next July and was thinking of taking the Empire Builder train from West Glacier to East Glacier Amtrak stations. My problem is that the return train does not leave until 7 p.m. which means I am stuck in East Glacier for 9 hours. Are there any companies that offer a shuttle service back to the West Glacier station? Can I rent a car at the station to get back?
Yes, the Glacier Lodge at East Glacier offers several options for you:
OPTION 1:
You could pay their nominal shuttle bus fee to go from Glacier Lodge north to the St Mary Lodge, where you can pick up the West Bound free park shuttle. As an example, they only charge $8 to go from Many Glacier Hotel to St Mary Lodge.
Source link:
http://www.moon.com/...rcial-van-tours
OPTION 2:
You could reserve a Red Bus seat from Glacier Lodge on their western tour, which would take you to Lake Macdonald Lodge, and then to West Glacier where you could exit.
Source map link:
http://www.glacierpa...20Big%20Sky.JPG
OPTION 3: (my favorite)
Arrive by train at East Glacier, and either walk or take the free hotel shuttle to the main entrance of the Glacier Lodge. Enjoy the full day at this magnificent historic lodge including:
- First enjoying a morning breakfast at the Lodge
- Cuddling up with your favorite book(s) in their fabulous Great Room, which is massive with huge ceiling, piano, and fellow guests from all over the world.
- Taking in a delicious Lunch.
- Play a round of golf, or take some lessons. (Your wife could also take in the SPA too)
- A late afternoon return to the Great Room for more of that special time.
- An early dinner enjoying their fabulous steaks.
- Check with the free shuttle to make sure the eastbound train is on time. If not, the staff will keep track and shuttle you to the station 15 minutes before arrival.
- Another Option: Reserve one of their hotel rooms for the day as an area where you can conk out for a nap and private time.
PERSONAL NOTE:
My wife and I picked up the eastbound train at Whitefish, Montana to Essex, Montana (a nice little day trip that cost a total of $40 for the two of us). Essex, which skirts the park and is home to the Issac Walton Inn, has no station, but is available to all passengers either arriving or departing. We spent the entire day at the Inn eating and reading and conversing with other visitors from around the world. After dinner, we caught the westbound train back to Whitefish, and had an enjoyable day-date.
If you love the travel of trains and the conversations with other in dining or view cars, then you will enjoy relaxing for a full day at these lodges. (Sometimes we just need to plan a good chunk of quiet time in our lives, and not plan every minute to be filled with "something".
PHOTOS AROUND THE LODGE:
MAP OF RED BUS ROUTE - SHOWING PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF POINTS.