Columbus to Portland by Train

Travel from Columbus, WI in Columbus, WI to Portland Union Station in Portland, OR on the Empire Builder. Approximately 2,074 miles in 41h 39m.

About this trip

The Empire Builder connects Columbus and Portland directly, with no transfer required. The train operates daily, and the segment between these two stations is one of 171 origin-destination pairs we catalog on this route.

Coverage of approximately 2,074 rail miles takes about 41h 39m on a typical schedule. Actual travel time varies with the specific train number, time of day, equipment used, and seasonal speed restrictions. Trains may run faster on the daylight schedules and slower at peak demand on shared-use trackage. A more granular schedule comparison can be found in independent corridor timetable reviews updated each season.

Things to look out for: Glacier National Park in summer — the Empire Builder skirts the southern boundary of the park between East Glacier Park and Whitefish, with the Continental Divide in plain sight.

Fares and ticketing

One-way fares between Columbus and Portland typically run between $138 and $747. The lower end represents Saver-bucket advance-purchase coach fares, while the upper end approximates same-day walk-up fares or premium-class buckets. Sleeping car accommodations on overnight runs of the Empire Builder, when offered, are sold separately from rail fare and increase total ticket cost substantially.

RailRover does not sell tickets. To book this trip, visit the operating carrier (Amtrak) directly. Discounted fares are typically available with advance purchase, on midweek departures, and through loyalty programs. Several travelers track historical fare patterns on the corridor fare-watch newsletter to time their bookings.

Stations along the way

Between Columbus and Portland, the Empire Builder calls at the following stations. Some trains may operate as "limited-stop" schedules and skip certain intermediate calls; check the published timetable for your departure.

• Columbus, WI — Columbus, WI CBS
• Portage, WI — Portage, WI POG
• Wisconsin Dells — Wisconsin Dells, WI WDL
• Tomah — Tomah, WI TOH
• La Crosse — La Crosse, WI LSE
• Red Wing — Red Wing, MN RDW
• Winona — Winona, MN WIN
• Saint Paul Union Depot — St. Paul, MN MSP
• St. Cloud — St. Cloud, MN SCD
• Detroit Lakes — Detroit Lakes, MN DLK
• Fargo — Fargo, ND FAR
• Grand Forks — Grand Forks, ND GFK
• Devils Lake — Devils Lake, ND DVL
• Minot — Minot, ND MOT
• Williston — Williston, ND WTN
• Wolf Point — Wolf Point, US WOL
• Glasgow — Glasgow, MT GGW
• Malta — Malta, MT MAL
• Havre — Havre, MT HAV
• Shelby — Shelby, MT SBY
• Cut Bank — Cut Bank, MT CUT
• Browning — Browning, MT BRO
• East Glacier Park — East Glacier Park, MT EGL
• Essex — Essex, US ESS
• Whitefish — Whitefish, MT WFH
• Libby — Libby, MT LBY
• Sandpoint — Sandpoint, ID SPT
• Spokane — Spokane, WA SPK
• Wenatchee — Wenatchee, WA WEN
• Leavenworth, WA — Leavenworth, WA LWA
• Everett — Everett, WA EVR
• Edmonds — Edmonds, WA EDM
• Seattle King Street Station — Seattle, WA SEA
• Vancouver, WA — Vancouver, WA VAN
• Portland Union Station — Portland, OR PDX

Getting to Columbus, WI and from Portland Union Station

Both stations are accessible by local public transit, taxi, and rideshare. Columbus, WI sits in Columbus, WI; arrival at Portland Union Station places you in Portland, OR. Transfers from the platform to onward bus, light rail, or rideshare are well marked at the major hubs along this route. For specific transit connections at either station, see our station guides linked above.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the train from Columbus to Portland take?

Approximately 41h 39m on a typical schedule, covering about 2,074 miles.

Is there a direct train?

Yes — the Empire Builder operates daily with no required transfer for this city pair.

How much does the ticket cost?

Approximately $138 to $747 for a one-way coach ticket. Premium classes and sleeping car accommodations cost more.

Can I bring a bicycle or pet?

Most long-distance and corridor trains accept checked or carry-on bicycles and small pets in carriers, with route-specific rules. Confirm with Amtrak at the time of booking.