University of Montana, Missoula – Five Tips for Traveling to Missoula by Amtrak Train and Bus
Missoula, Montana, is the second largest city in the state and one of the most picturesque metropolitan areas in the country. The University of Montana provides an academic and cultural anchor to this western Montana city. Unfortunately, Missoula lost its Amtrak service in 1979 and the only low-fare carrier to the city flies directly southwest.
For UM students and other residents of the Missoula area, using a combination of Amtrak and buses is the cheapest way to travel to other parts of the country. Here are five tips / suggestions for effective travel to / from Missoula by land:
One: If you’re heading west to Missoula, ignore Amtrak’s recommendation to connect with the train at Whitefish. On the Amtrak schedule for the Empire Builder that runs between Chicago and Seattle / Portland, there is an indication that connecting service is available between Whitefish, MT and Missoula. Rimrock Stages, which is part of the Trailways system, provides the service. Unfortunately, Rimrock’s schedule does not work well with Amtrak’s westbound schedule.
The only bus from Whitefish leaves at 11:35 am and arrives in Missoula approximately 3.5 hours later. That works well if you are coming from Washington state or Idaho and the train arrives in Whitefish at 7:26 am. It is not convenient if you are coming from the east and the train arrives in Whitefish at 9:16 pm. You will need to get to a hotel before taking the bus home the next day.
Two: if you are coming from Missoula, you should not connect to Amtrak in Whitefish under any circumstances. Missoula’s only Rimrock bus leaves at 8:00 am and arrives in Whitefish around 11:25 am. You will have already missed the Empire Builder train heading east for the day. The westbound train will leave Whitefish about 10 hours later – a long wait!
Three: The best way to connect to Amtrak from Missoula is through Spokane, Washington. Greyhound Lines has a convenient schedule that works well with Amtrak. Part of the beauty of the connection through Spokane is that trains arrive and depart early in the morning from both directions. Therefore, if you are going to Missoula, your train will arrive in Spokane no later than 2:00 am. You can take the Greyhound bus at 5:05 am and arrive in Missoula at 10:30 am. From Missoula, there is a 9:10 pm bus that arrives in Spokane at 12:35 am. The first train leaves Spokane at 1:15 am.
Four: Connecting in Spokane is easy as Greyhound uses the Spokane train station as its depot. Since connections are made in the middle of the night, this is very convenient.
Five: The Empire Builder is a fully booked train. Whether you experience Amtrak’s enhanced bus service with sit-down dining and large pillows or Superliner sleeping accommodations, you must make reservations in advance. By purchasing your tickets in advance for Amtrak and Greyhound services, you may be able to receive discounted advance purchase rates or special rates for students and seniors.