Both Empire Builder and Delaware are part of the United States rail network. But does Amtrak’s Empire Builder go to Delaware? While there is no direct Amtrak stop in Delaware, passengers can still get there by using the connecting route. The Empire Builder long-distance route connects the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest. Delaware is located on the East Coast. Therefore, it is not included in the Empire Builder’s route. To reach Delaware, passengers should take the Empire Builder to Chicago and then transfer to other trains that go toward the East Coast.
Why Does Amtrak’s Empire Builder Not Go to Delaware?
The Empire Builder route is in the northern and western and Delaware is on the East Coast. The Amtrak routes to Delaware are:
- Acela
- Northeast Regional
- Silver Star
- Silver Meteor
- Cardinal
- Crescent
- Palmetto
- Carolinian
- Vermonter
Hence, there is no direct stop or route connecting the Empire Builder to Delaware.
Amtrak Empire Builder Routes
The Empire Builder is a long-distance train that runs between Chicago and the Pacific Northwest (Seattle/Portland). The Empire Builder train stops list is as follows:
- Illinois
- Wisconsin
- Minnesota
- North Dakota
- Montana
- Idaho
- Washington
- Oregon
Note: Follow the Amtrak routes map for connections.
Amtrak Routes to Delaware
Amtrak primarily serves Delaware through Wilmington and Newark on the busy Northeast Corridor, with many trains running regularly.
Key Routes:
- Acela
- Northeast Regional
Long-Distance Routes:
- Silver Meteor
- Silver Star
- Cardinal
- Crescent
- Carolinian
- Palmetto
- Vermonter
How to Go to Delaware Through the Amtrak Empire Builder?
Since both routes are on opposite sides of the United States, traveling between them requires a long-distance train journey with connections. The complete journey usually takes 46 hours.
- To travel from the Empire Builder to Delaware, go to Amtrak Chicago Union Station, the last stop (eastern end) of the Empire Builder.
- If the journey starts in Seattle, Portland, or Minneapolis, take the Empire Builder going toward Chicago.
- After reaching Chicago, take the Capitol Limited from Chicago to Washington, D.C.
- From there, board the Northeast Regional or Acela Train.
- Another option is the Cardinal, which goes from Chicago to New York City and stops directly in Delaware, but it only runs three times a week.
- The main station in Delaware is Wilmington Station. Another stop is Newark Station, which is served by Northeast Regional trains.
Note: Read how to find the Amtrak train stations near me.
Tips for Smooth Travel
Here are a few simple travel tips for a smooth journey:
- Book the tickets early to secure better deals.
- Check the discount coupons while booking tickets online.
- Choose longer layovers to avoid missing connections.
- Use the Amtrak app or the Amtrak official website to check the train status.
- Carry essential items for long journeys.
Final Words!
Amtrak’s Empire Builder does not go to Delaware directly because both are located on opposite sides of the United States. However, it is still easy to reach Delaware with connections. Take Empire Builder to Chicago and then switch to East Coast routes continue the journey to Delaware. Proper planning and following a few simple tips make the journey comfortable.
FAQs
No, the train does not directly go to Delaware.
The eastbound trains start in Seattle or Portland, while the westbound train starts at Union Station in Chicago.
The Acela, Northeast Regional, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Cardinal, Crescent, Carolinian, Palmetto, and Vermonter stop in Delaware.
The full journey from Chicago to the West Coast takes about 46 hours.
Chicago is the main hub for connections.
Washington, D.C., or New York City is the major hub to transfer to Delaware.
There are two major stations: Wilmington and Newark.
