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 airline to the city flies directly to the Southwest.
For UM students and other Missoula-area residents, 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 going west to Missoula, ignore Amtrak’s recommendation to connect to 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, the Rimrock schedule does not work well with Amtrak’s westbound schedule.
Whitefish’s only bus leaves at 11:35 am and arrives in Missoula about 3 ½ hours later. That works fine if you’re coming from Washington state or Idaho and the train arrives in Whitefish at 7:26 am. Not convenient if you’re coming from the east and the train arrives in Whitefish at 9:16 PM. You will need to find a hotel before taking the bus home the next day.
Two: If you are coming from Missoula, you should not connect to Amtrak at Whitefish under any circumstances. Rimrock’s only bus from Missoula leaves at 8:00 am and arrives in Whitefish around 11:25 am. You will have already missed the eastbound Empire Builder train 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’s. Part of the beauty of connecting 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 5:05 am Greyhound bus 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: Getting online in Spokane is easy as Greyhound uses the Spokane train station as a depot. Since the connections are made in the middle of the night, this is very convenient.
Five: The Empire Builder is a train reserved for everyone. Whether you’re experiencing Amtrak’s enhanced bus service with in-seat dining and oversized pillows or the Superliner sleeping accommodations, you need to make reservations early. By purchasing your tickets in advance for Amtrak and Greyhound services, you may be able to receive discounted fares for advance purchase or special fares for students and seniors.
