Amtrak · Chicago, IL – Seattle, WA
Empire Builder · Seattle Cell Service & Coverage Map
Modeled coverage on board the Empire Builder · Seattle, Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA. On the train, AT&T has the most solid coverage at 75% of the route, ahead of Verizon (68%) and T-Mobile (60%). Amber stretches are spotty: signal often works but may drop. AT&T's longest true dead zone runs about 69 miles between Whitefish and Libby.
FCC data as of Dec 31, 2025
Released Oct 13, 2026
2,196 route miles · 40 stations
Modeled, not measured
The whole line at a glance
Seattle, WA on the left, Chicago, IL on the right. Scroll sideways on a phone. Hover a band for its mileposts. Verizon, on the train.
← Seattle, WAChicago, IL →
Carriers compared on the train
| Carrier | Coverage mix | Solid | Spotty | 5G | Dead-zone miles | Longest gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AT&T Best on board | 75% | 15% | 43% | 228 | 69.1 mi | |
| Verizon | 68% | 19% | 21% | 279 | 80.0 mi | |
| T-Mobile | 60% | 26% | 51% | 298 | 59.4 mi |
Coverage summary
Verizon · On the train (in-vehicle model)
68%
of the route has solid Verizon service on the train, plus 19% spotty
21%
has modeled 5G; 12% at the faster 35/3 Mbps tier
80.0 mi
longest dead zone (no signal in either model), between Williston and Wolf Point
93 mi
longest unbroken covered stretch, between St. Paul and St. Cloud
- 5G NR · 35/3 Mbps 12.1%
- 5G NR · 7/1 Mbps 8.6%
- 4G LTE 47.1%
- Spotty (outdoor-strength only) 19.5%
- No modeled coverage 12.7%
- Not yet processed 0.0%
Plan downloads and calls around Williston–Wolf Point (81.4 mi without coverage), Whitefish–Libby (73.2 mi without coverage), Wolf Point–Glasgow (35.7 mi without coverage).
Verizon · Outdoor model
87%
of the route has solid Verizon service outdoors
53%
has modeled 5G; 45% at the faster 35/3 Mbps tier
80.0 mi
longest dead zone (no signal in either model), between Williston and Wolf Point
642 mi
longest unbroken covered stretch, between Winona and Red Wing
- 5G NR · 35/3 Mbps 45.3%
- 5G NR · 7/1 Mbps 8.1%
- 4G LTE 33.9%
- No modeled coverage 12.7%
- Not yet processed 0.0%
Plan downloads and calls around Williston–Wolf Point (81.4 mi without coverage), Whitefish–Libby (73.2 mi without coverage), Wolf Point–Glasgow (35.7 mi without coverage).
AT&T · On the train (in-vehicle model)
75%
of the route has solid AT&T service on the train, plus 15% spotty
43%
has modeled 5G; 35% at the faster 35/3 Mbps tier
69.1 mi
longest dead zone (no signal in either model), between Whitefish and Libby
149 mi
longest unbroken covered stretch, between St. Paul and St. Cloud
- 5G NR · 35/3 Mbps 34.6%
- 5G NR · 7/1 Mbps 8.4%
- 4G LTE 32.0%
- Spotty (outdoor-strength only) 14.5%
- No modeled coverage 10.4%
- Not yet processed 0.0%
Plan downloads and calls around Whitefish–Libby (69.1 mi without coverage), Spokane–Ephrata (34.5 mi without coverage), Essex–West Glacier (24.7 mi without coverage).
AT&T · Outdoor model
90%
of the route has solid AT&T service outdoors
61%
has modeled 5G; 50% at the faster 35/3 Mbps tier
69.1 mi
longest dead zone (no signal in either model), between Whitefish and Libby
437 mi
longest unbroken covered stretch, between St. Cloud and Staples
- 5G NR · 35/3 Mbps 50.2%
- 5G NR · 7/1 Mbps 11.2%
- 4G LTE 28.0%
- No modeled coverage 10.5%
- Not yet processed 0.0%
Plan downloads and calls around Whitefish–Libby (69.1 mi without coverage), Spokane–Ephrata (34.4 mi without coverage), Essex–West Glacier (24.8 mi without coverage).
T-Mobile · On the train (in-vehicle model)
60%
of the route has solid T-Mobile service on the train, plus 26% spotty
51%
has modeled 5G; 35% at the faster 35/3 Mbps tier
59.4 mi
longest dead zone (no signal in either model), between Whitefish and Libby
82 mi
longest unbroken covered stretch, between St. Paul and St. Cloud
- 5G NR · 35/3 Mbps 35.3%
- 5G NR · 7/1 Mbps 16.1%
- 4G LTE 8.9%
- Spotty (outdoor-strength only) 26.1%
- No modeled coverage 13.6%
- Not yet processed 0.0%
Plan downloads and calls around Whitefish–Libby (77.5 mi without coverage), Leavenworth–Everett (35.3 mi without coverage), Williston–Wolf Point (34.6 mi without coverage).
T-Mobile · Outdoor model
86%
of the route has solid T-Mobile service outdoors
80%
has modeled 5G; 72% at the faster 35/3 Mbps tier
72.0 mi
longest dead zone (no signal in either model), between Whitefish and Libby
182 mi
longest unbroken covered stretch, between St. Paul and St. Cloud
- 5G NR · 35/3 Mbps 71.8%
- 5G NR · 7/1 Mbps 8.7%
- 4G LTE 5.6%
- No modeled coverage 13.9%
- Not yet processed 0.0%
Plan downloads and calls around Whitefish–Libby (78.4 mi without coverage), Williston–Wolf Point (35.3 mi without coverage), Leavenworth–Everett (35.2 mi without coverage).
When you'll lose signal
Dead zones of 3 miles or more, with the scheduled time you'll pass through each one, from Amtrak's current timetable. Real trains run late, so treat these as a guide. Follows the carrier and model selected on the map.
Verizon · On the train
Train 8 · toward Chicago
| Dead zone | Length | Scheduled time (local) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 5.8 mi | 11:45 PM – 11:52 PM PDT | ~8 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 11.7 mi | 4:24 AM – 4:40 AM MDT | ~15 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 60.0 mi | 5:20 AM – 6:31 AM MDT | ~71 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 11.3 mi | 6:31 AM – 6:45 AM MDT | ~13 min |
| near Essex, MT | 40.5 mi | 8:05 AM – 9:05 AM MDT | ~60 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 80.0 mi | 3:57 PM – 5:17 PM MDT | ~80 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 36.7 mi | 5:19 PM – 6:57 PM MDT | ~38 min |
Train 7 · toward Seattle
| Dead zone | Length | Scheduled time (local) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 36.7 mi | 12:19 PM – 11:52 AM CDT | ~33 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 80.0 mi | 11:54 AM – 1:06 PM MDT | ~73 min |
| near Essex, MT | 40.5 mi | 8:08 PM – 9:17 PM MDT | ~69 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 11.3 mi | 10:43 PM – 10:54 PM MDT | ~12 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 60.0 mi | 10:55 PM – 11:56 PM MDT | ~61 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 11.7 mi | 12:35 AM – 12:50 AM MDT | ~15 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 5.8 mi | 3:54 AM – 4:01 AM PDT | ~6 min |
Verizon · Outdoor model
Train 8 · toward Chicago
| Dead zone | Length | Scheduled time (local) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 5.8 mi | 11:45 PM – 11:52 PM PDT | ~8 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 11.7 mi | 4:24 AM – 4:40 AM MDT | ~15 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 60.0 mi | 5:20 AM – 6:31 AM MDT | ~71 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 11.3 mi | 6:31 AM – 6:45 AM MDT | ~13 min |
| near Essex, MT | 40.5 mi | 8:05 AM – 9:05 AM MDT | ~60 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 80.0 mi | 3:57 PM – 5:17 PM MDT | ~80 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 36.7 mi | 5:19 PM – 6:57 PM MDT | ~38 min |
Train 7 · toward Seattle
| Dead zone | Length | Scheduled time (local) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 36.7 mi | 12:19 PM – 11:52 AM CDT | ~33 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 80.0 mi | 11:54 AM – 1:06 PM MDT | ~73 min |
| near Essex, MT | 40.5 mi | 8:08 PM – 9:17 PM MDT | ~69 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 11.3 mi | 10:43 PM – 10:54 PM MDT | ~12 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 60.0 mi | 10:55 PM – 11:56 PM MDT | ~61 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 11.7 mi | 12:35 AM – 12:50 AM MDT | ~15 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 5.8 mi | 3:54 AM – 4:01 AM PDT | ~6 min |
AT&T · On the train
Train 8 · toward Chicago
| Dead zone | Length | Scheduled time (local) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 6.9 mi | 7:17 PM – 7:27 PM PDT | ~10 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.9 mi | 7:28 PM – 7:34 PM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 3.2 mi | 10:25 PM – 10:29 PM PDT | ~4 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 5.3 mi | 11:09 PM – 11:16 PM PDT | ~7 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 8.7 mi | 11:17 PM – 11:29 PM PDT | ~12 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 3.1 mi | 11:32 PM – 11:36 PM PDT | ~4 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 5.3 mi | 11:45 PM – 11:52 PM PDT | ~7 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 3.4 mi | 2:46 AM – 2:50 AM PDT | ~4 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 13.8 mi | 4:25 AM – 4:43 AM MDT | ~18 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 69.1 mi | 5:23 AM – 6:45 AM MDT | ~82 min |
| near Essex, MT | 41.7 mi | 7:59 AM – 9:01 AM MDT | ~62 min |
| between Browning and Essex | 3.3 mi | 9:24 AM – 9:29 AM MDT | ~5 min |
| between Malta and Havre | 3.3 mi | 2:15 PM – 2:18 PM MDT | ~3 min |
| between Malta and Havre | 11.8 mi | 2:19 PM – 2:29 PM MDT | ~11 min |
Train 7 · toward Seattle
| Dead zone | Length | Scheduled time (local) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| between Malta and Havre | 11.8 mi | 2:35 PM – 2:48 PM MDT | ~13 min |
| between Malta and Havre | 3.3 mi | 2:49 PM – 2:52 PM MDT | ~4 min |
| between Browning and Essex | 3.3 mi | 7:39 PM – 7:45 PM MDT | ~6 min |
| near Essex, MT | 41.7 mi | 8:13 PM – 9:23 PM MDT | ~70 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 69.1 mi | 10:43 PM – 11:53 PM MDT | ~71 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 13.8 mi | 12:32 AM – 12:50 AM MDT | ~18 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 3.4 mi | 12:24 AM – 12:28 AM PDT | ~4 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 5.3 mi | 3:55 AM – 4:00 AM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 3.1 mi | 4:08 AM – 4:11 AM PDT | ~3 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 8.7 mi | 4:13 AM – 4:23 AM PDT | ~9 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 5.3 mi | 4:24 AM – 4:29 AM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 3.2 mi | 5:02 AM – 5:05 AM PDT | ~3 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.9 mi | 8:07 AM – 8:14 AM PDT | ~7 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 6.9 mi | 8:15 AM – 8:26 AM PDT | ~12 min |
AT&T · Outdoor model
Train 8 · toward Chicago
| Dead zone | Length | Scheduled time (local) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 7.0 mi | 7:17 PM – 7:28 PM PDT | ~10 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 4.0 mi | 7:28 PM – 7:34 PM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 3.3 mi | 10:25 PM – 10:29 PM PDT | ~4 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 5.5 mi | 11:09 PM – 11:16 PM PDT | ~7 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 8.7 mi | 11:17 PM – 11:29 PM PDT | ~12 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 3.1 mi | 11:32 PM – 11:36 PM PDT | ~4 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 5.3 mi | 11:45 PM – 11:52 PM PDT | ~7 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 3.2 mi | 2:46 AM – 2:50 AM PDT | ~4 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 14.0 mi | 4:25 AM – 4:43 AM MDT | ~18 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 69.1 mi | 5:23 AM – 6:45 AM MDT | ~82 min |
| near Essex, MT | 41.8 mi | 7:59 AM – 9:01 AM MDT | ~62 min |
| between Browning and Essex | 3.3 mi | 9:24 AM – 9:29 AM MDT | ~5 min |
| between Malta and Havre | 3.3 mi | 2:15 PM – 2:18 PM MDT | ~3 min |
| between Malta and Havre | 11.8 mi | 2:19 PM – 2:29 PM MDT | ~11 min |
Train 7 · toward Seattle
| Dead zone | Length | Scheduled time (local) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| between Malta and Havre | 11.8 mi | 2:35 PM – 2:48 PM MDT | ~13 min |
| between Malta and Havre | 3.3 mi | 2:49 PM – 2:52 PM MDT | ~4 min |
| between Browning and Essex | 3.3 mi | 7:39 PM – 7:45 PM MDT | ~6 min |
| near Essex, MT | 41.8 mi | 8:13 PM – 9:23 PM MDT | ~70 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 69.1 mi | 10:43 PM – 11:53 PM MDT | ~71 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 14.0 mi | 12:32 AM – 12:50 AM MDT | ~18 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 3.2 mi | 12:24 AM – 12:28 AM PDT | ~4 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 5.3 mi | 3:55 AM – 4:00 AM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 3.1 mi | 4:08 AM – 4:11 AM PDT | ~3 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 8.7 mi | 4:13 AM – 4:23 AM PDT | ~9 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 5.5 mi | 4:24 AM – 4:30 AM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 3.3 mi | 5:02 AM – 5:05 AM PDT | ~4 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 4.0 mi | 8:07 AM – 8:14 AM PDT | ~7 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 7.0 mi | 8:14 AM – 8:26 AM PDT | ~12 min |
T-Mobile · On the train
Train 8 · toward Chicago
| Dead zone | Length | Scheduled time (local) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.8 mi | 6:41 PM – 6:47 PM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.4 mi | 7:08 PM – 7:13 PM PDT | ~5 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 9.5 mi | 7:14 PM – 7:28 PM PDT | ~14 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.6 mi | 7:30 PM – 7:35 PM PDT | ~5 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.0 mi | 7:36 PM – 7:40 PM PDT | ~4 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 4.7 mi | 7:59 PM – 8:05 PM PDT | ~7 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 5.3 mi | 10:36 PM – 10:44 PM PDT | ~7 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 10.9 mi | 11:08 PM – 11:22 PM PDT | ~15 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 4.9 mi | 11:46 PM – 11:52 PM PDT | ~7 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 4.6 mi | 2:31 AM – 2:37 AM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 3.8 mi | 2:40 AM – 2:45 AM PDT | ~5 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 14.2 mi | 4:24 AM – 4:43 AM MDT | ~19 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 59.4 mi | 5:21 AM – 6:31 AM MDT | ~70 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 12.4 mi | 6:31 AM – 6:46 AM MDT | ~15 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 4.4 mi | 7:00 AM – 7:05 AM MDT | ~5 min |
| near Essex, MT | 47.8 mi | 8:00 AM – 9:10 AM MDT | ~70 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 8.1 mi | 5:06 PM – 5:14 PM MDT | ~8 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 9.1 mi | 6:35 PM – 6:45 PM CDT | ~9 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 8.0 mi | 6:47 PM – 6:55 PM CDT | ~8 min |
| between Stanley and Williston | 4.2 mi | 7:25 PM – 7:29 PM CDT | ~4 min |
| between Stanley and Williston | 3.9 mi | 8:03 PM – 8:07 PM CDT | ~4 min |
| between Stanley and Williston | 5.5 mi | 8:08 PM – 8:13 PM CDT | ~5 min |
Train 7 · toward Seattle
| Dead zone | Length | Scheduled time (local) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| between Stanley and Williston | 5.5 mi | 10:56 AM – 11:02 AM CDT | ~6 min |
| between Stanley and Williston | 3.9 mi | 11:03 AM – 11:07 AM CDT | ~4 min |
| between Stanley and Williston | 4.2 mi | 11:49 AM – 11:54 AM CDT | ~5 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 8.0 mi | 12:21 PM – 12:28 PM CDT | ~7 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 9.1 mi | 12:30 PM – 12:38 PM CDT | ~8 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 8.1 mi | 11:57 AM – 12:04 PM MDT | ~7 min |
| near Essex, MT | 47.8 mi | 8:02 PM – 9:23 PM MDT | ~81 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 4.4 mi | 10:26 PM – 10:30 PM MDT | ~5 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 12.4 mi | 10:42 PM – 10:54 PM MDT | ~13 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 59.4 mi | 10:55 PM – 11:56 PM MDT | ~61 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 14.2 mi | 12:32 AM – 12:50 AM MDT | ~19 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 3.8 mi | 12:30 AM – 12:35 AM PDT | ~5 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 4.6 mi | 12:37 AM – 12:43 AM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 4.9 mi | 3:54 AM – 4:00 AM PDT | ~5 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 10.9 mi | 4:19 AM – 4:31 AM PDT | ~12 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 5.3 mi | 4:50 AM – 4:56 AM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 4.7 mi | 7:30 AM – 7:38 AM PDT | ~8 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.0 mi | 8:00 AM – 8:05 AM PDT | ~5 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.6 mi | 8:05 AM – 8:11 AM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 9.5 mi | 8:14 AM – 8:30 AM PDT | ~16 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.4 mi | 8:32 AM – 8:37 AM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.8 mi | 9:02 AM – 9:08 AM PDT | ~6 min |
T-Mobile · Outdoor model
Train 8 · toward Chicago
| Dead zone | Length | Scheduled time (local) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 4.2 mi | 6:41 PM – 6:47 PM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.6 mi | 7:08 PM – 7:13 PM PDT | ~5 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 9.4 mi | 7:14 PM – 7:28 PM PDT | ~14 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.5 mi | 7:30 PM – 7:35 PM PDT | ~5 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.0 mi | 7:36 PM – 7:40 PM PDT | ~4 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.7 mi | 7:59 PM – 8:04 PM PDT | ~5 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 5.3 mi | 10:36 PM – 10:44 PM PDT | ~7 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 10.9 mi | 11:08 PM – 11:22 PM PDT | ~15 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 4.9 mi | 11:46 PM – 11:52 PM PDT | ~7 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 4.7 mi | 2:31 AM – 2:37 AM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 3.6 mi | 2:40 AM – 2:44 AM PDT | ~5 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 3.1 mi | 2:53 AM – 2:57 AM PDT | ~4 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 13.6 mi | 4:25 AM – 4:43 AM MDT | ~18 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 5.2 mi | 4:55 AM – 5:02 AM MDT | ~7 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 72.0 mi | 5:21 AM – 6:46 AM MDT | ~85 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 5.0 mi | 6:59 AM – 7:05 AM MDT | ~6 min |
| near Essex, MT | 47.8 mi | 8:00 AM – 9:10 AM MDT | ~70 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 8.1 mi | 5:06 PM – 5:14 PM MDT | ~8 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 9.1 mi | 6:35 PM – 6:45 PM CDT | ~9 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 11.1 mi | 6:47 PM – 6:58 PM CDT | ~11 min |
| between Stanley and Williston | 4.2 mi | 7:25 PM – 7:29 PM CDT | ~4 min |
| between Stanley and Williston | 3.9 mi | 8:03 PM – 8:07 PM CDT | ~4 min |
| between Stanley and Williston | 5.6 mi | 8:08 PM – 8:13 PM CDT | ~5 min |
Train 7 · toward Seattle
| Dead zone | Length | Scheduled time (local) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| between Stanley and Williston | 5.6 mi | 10:56 AM – 11:02 AM CDT | ~6 min |
| between Stanley and Williston | 3.9 mi | 11:03 AM – 11:07 AM CDT | ~4 min |
| between Stanley and Williston | 4.2 mi | 11:49 AM – 11:54 AM CDT | ~5 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 11.1 mi | 12:18 PM – 12:28 PM CDT | ~10 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 9.1 mi | 12:30 PM – 12:38 PM CDT | ~8 min |
| between Williston and Wolf Point | 8.1 mi | 11:57 AM – 12:04 PM MDT | ~7 min |
| near Essex, MT | 47.8 mi | 8:02 PM – 9:23 PM MDT | ~81 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 5.0 mi | 10:26 PM – 10:31 PM MDT | ~5 min |
| between Whitefish and Libby | 72.0 mi | 10:42 PM – 11:56 PM MDT | ~74 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 5.2 mi | 12:13 AM – 12:19 AM MDT | ~7 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 13.6 mi | 12:32 AM – 12:49 AM MDT | ~18 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 3.1 mi | 12:17 AM – 12:21 AM PDT | ~4 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 3.6 mi | 12:30 AM – 12:35 AM PDT | ~5 min |
| between Libby and Sandpoint | 4.7 mi | 12:37 AM – 12:43 AM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 4.9 mi | 3:54 AM – 4:00 AM PDT | ~5 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 10.9 mi | 4:19 AM – 4:31 AM PDT | ~12 min |
| between Spokane and Ephrata | 5.3 mi | 4:50 AM – 4:56 AM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.7 mi | 7:32 AM – 7:38 AM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.0 mi | 8:00 AM – 8:05 AM PDT | ~5 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.5 mi | 8:05 AM – 8:11 AM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 9.4 mi | 8:14 AM – 8:30 AM PDT | ~16 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 3.6 mi | 8:32 AM – 8:37 AM PDT | ~6 min |
| between Leavenworth and Everett | 4.2 mi | 9:01 AM – 9:08 AM PDT | ~7 min |
State by state
How coverage changes as the Empire Builder · Seattle crosses each state.
Verizon · On the train
| State | Miles | Coverage mix | Solid | Spotty | Dead zone | Longest gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 48 | 95% | 5% | 0 mi | — | |
| Wisconsin | 235 | 84% | 16% | 0 mi | — | |
| Minnesota | 377 | 83% | 17% | 0 mi | — | |
| North Dakota | 421 | 94% | 6% | 0 mi | — | |
| Montana | 672 | 43% | 21% | 243 mi | 80.0 mi | |
| Idaho | 100 | 64% | 33% | 4 mi | 3.2 mi | |
| Washington | 343 | 54% | 36% | 32 mi | 5.8 mi |
Verizon · Outdoor model
| State | Miles | Coverage mix | Solid | Spotty | Dead zone | Longest gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 48 | 100% | 0% | 0 mi | — | |
| Wisconsin | 235 | 100% | 0% | 0 mi | — | |
| Minnesota | 377 | 100% | 0% | 0 mi | — | |
| North Dakota | 421 | 100% | 0% | 0 mi | — | |
| Montana | 672 | 64% | 0% | 243 mi | 80.0 mi | |
| Idaho | 100 | 96% | 0% | 4 mi | 3.2 mi | |
| Washington | 343 | 91% | 0% | 32 mi | 5.8 mi |
AT&T · On the train
| State | Miles | Coverage mix | Solid | Spotty | Dead zone | Longest gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 48 | 99% | 1% | 0 mi | — | |
| Wisconsin | 235 | 87% | 12% | 3 mi | 1.5 mi | |
| Minnesota | 377 | 90% | 9% | 5 mi | 2.3 mi | |
| North Dakota | 421 | 98% | 2% | 1 mi | — | |
| Montana | 672 | 54% | 23% | 157 mi | 69.1 mi | |
| Idaho | 100 | 70% | 22% | 9 mi | 3.4 mi | |
| Washington | 343 | 63% | 21% | 54 mi | 8.7 mi |
AT&T · Outdoor model
| State | Miles | Coverage mix | Solid | Spotty | Dead zone | Longest gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 48 | 100% | 0% | 0 mi | — | |
| Wisconsin | 235 | 99% | 0% | 3 mi | 1.5 mi | |
| Minnesota | 377 | 99% | 0% | 4 mi | 2.3 mi | |
| North Dakota | 421 | 100% | 0% | 1 mi | — | |
| Montana | 672 | 77% | 0% | 157 mi | 69.1 mi | |
| Idaho | 100 | 90% | 0% | 10 mi | 3.2 mi | |
| Washington | 343 | 84% | 0% | 55 mi | 8.7 mi |
T-Mobile · On the train
| State | Miles | Coverage mix | Solid | Spotty | Dead zone | Longest gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 48 | 96% | 4% | 0 mi | — | |
| Wisconsin | 235 | 77% | 22% | 3 mi | 1.3 mi | |
| Minnesota | 377 | 71% | 27% | 6 mi | 1.9 mi | |
| North Dakota | 421 | 57% | 36% | 30 mi | 5.5 mi | |
| Montana | 672 | 50% | 23% | 180 mi | 59.4 mi | |
| Idaho | 100 | 49% | 33% | 18 mi | 4.6 mi | |
| Washington | 343 | 59% | 23% | 62 mi | 10.9 mi |
T-Mobile · Outdoor model
| State | Miles | Coverage mix | Solid | Spotty | Dead zone | Longest gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 48 | 100% | 0% | 0 mi | — | |
| Wisconsin | 235 | 98% | 0% | 4 mi | 1.9 mi | |
| Minnesota | 377 | 98% | 0% | 6 mi | 2.0 mi | |
| North Dakota | 421 | 92% | 0% | 32 mi | 5.6 mi | |
| Montana | 672 | 73% | 0% | 182 mi | 72.0 mi | |
| Idaho | 100 | 81% | 0% | 19 mi | 4.7 mi | |
| Washington | 343 | 82% | 0% | 62 mi | 10.9 mi |
Station to station
In timetable order from Chicago, IL. Distances are along the track. Follows the carrier and model selected on the map.
| Segment | Miles | Coverage mix | Solid | 5G | Longest gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago → Glenview | 18 | 100% | 56% | — | |
| Glenview → Milwaukee | 68 | 96% | 40% | — | |
| Milwaukee → Columbus | 64 | 78% | 31% | — | |
| Columbus → Portage | 28 | 66% | 33% | — | |
| Portage → Wisconsin Dells | 17 | 100% | 3% | — | |
| Wisconsin Dells → Tomah | 45 | 91% | 15% | — | |
| Tomah → La Crosse | 41 | 77% | 21% | — | |
| La Crosse → Winona | 27 | 36% | 7% | — | |
| Winona → Red Wing | 62 | 79% | 25% | — | |
| Red Wing → St. Paul | 40 | 79% | 35% | — | |
| St. Paul → St. Cloud | 74 | 100% | 62% | — | |
| St. Cloud → Staples | 65 | 81% | 29% | — | |
| Staples → Detroit Lakes | 62 | 92% | 28% | — | |
| Detroit Lakes → Fargo | 48 | 83% | 18% | 0.3 mi | |
| Fargo → Grand Forks | 75 | 98% | 42% | — | |
| Grand Forks → Devils Lake | 85 | 96% | 27% | — | |
| Devils Lake → Rugby | 57 | 96% | 28% | — | |
| Rugby → Minot | 61 | 88% | 28% | — | |
| Minot → Stanley | 53 | 93% | 31% | — | |
| Stanley → Williston | 66 | 94% | 19% | — | |
| Williston → Wolf Point | 106 | 21% | 3% | 44.7 mi | |
| Wolf Point → Glasgow | 49 | 12% | 2% | 35.2 mi | |
| Glasgow → Malta | 65 | 78% | 23% | — | |
| Malta → Havre | 87 | 87% | 11% | — | |
| Havre → Shelby | 104 | 81% | 18% | — | |
| Shelby → Cut Bank | 24 | 47% | 31% | 0.7 mi | |
| Cut Bank → Browning | 33 | 35% | 5% | 0.3 mi | |
| Browning → Essex | 43 | 20% | 1% | 19.6 mi | |
| Essex → West Glacier | 27 | 2% | 0% | 20.9 mi | |
| West Glacier → Whitefish | 23 | 93% | 27% | — | |
| Whitefish → Libby | 102 | 8% | 2% | 60.0 mi | |
| Libby → Sandpoint | 84 | 33% | 3% | 11.7 mi | |
| Sandpoint → Spokane | 66 | 93% | 23% | — | |
| Spokane → Ephrata | 119 | 43% | 10% | 5.8 mi | |
| Ephrata → Wenatchee | 52 | 76% | 23% | 2.1 mi | |
| Wenatchee → Leavenworth | 22 | 96% | 59% | — | |
| Leavenworth → Everett | 98 | 36% | 6% | 2.7 mi | |
| Everett → Edmonds | 17 | 70% | 24% | — | |
| Edmonds → Seattle | 17 | 52% | 23% | — |
| Segment | Miles | Coverage mix | Solid | 5G | Longest gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago → Glenview | 18 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| Glenview → Milwaukee | 68 | 100% | 99% | — | |
| Milwaukee → Columbus | 64 | 100% | 89% | — | |
| Columbus → Portage | 28 | 100% | 71% | — | |
| Portage → Wisconsin Dells | 17 | 100% | 39% | — | |
| Wisconsin Dells → Tomah | 45 | 100% | 77% | — | |
| Tomah → La Crosse | 41 | 100% | 47% | — | |
| La Crosse → Winona | 27 | 100% | 59% | — | |
| Winona → Red Wing | 62 | 100% | 51% | — | |
| Red Wing → St. Paul | 40 | 100% | 91% | — | |
| St. Paul → St. Cloud | 74 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| St. Cloud → Staples | 65 | 100% | 56% | — | |
| Staples → Detroit Lakes | 62 | 100% | 77% | — | |
| Detroit Lakes → Fargo | 48 | 99% | 44% | 0.3 mi | |
| Fargo → Grand Forks | 75 | 100% | 91% | — | |
| Grand Forks → Devils Lake | 85 | 100% | 77% | — | |
| Devils Lake → Rugby | 57 | 100% | 91% | — | |
| Rugby → Minot | 61 | 100% | 85% | — | |
| Minot → Stanley | 53 | 100% | 55% | — | |
| Stanley → Williston | 66 | 100% | 26% | — | |
| Williston → Wolf Point | 106 | 23% | 7% | 44.7 mi | |
| Wolf Point → Glasgow | 49 | 28% | 10% | 35.2 mi | |
| Glasgow → Malta | 65 | 100% | 63% | — | |
| Malta → Havre | 87 | 100% | 35% | — | |
| Havre → Shelby | 104 | 100% | 46% | — | |
| Shelby → Cut Bank | 24 | 96% | 63% | 0.7 mi | |
| Cut Bank → Browning | 33 | 99% | 60% | 0.3 mi | |
| Browning → Essex | 43 | 54% | 15% | 19.6 mi | |
| Essex → West Glacier | 27 | 21% | 2% | 20.9 mi | |
| West Glacier → Whitefish | 23 | 100% | 88% | — | |
| Whitefish → Libby | 102 | 28% | 7% | 60.0 mi | |
| Libby → Sandpoint | 84 | 83% | 15% | 11.7 mi | |
| Sandpoint → Spokane | 66 | 100% | 73% | — | |
| Spokane → Ephrata | 119 | 85% | 27% | 5.8 mi | |
| Ephrata → Wenatchee | 52 | 93% | 54% | 2.1 mi | |
| Wenatchee → Leavenworth | 22 | 100% | 97% | — | |
| Leavenworth → Everett | 98 | 89% | 25% | 2.7 mi | |
| Everett → Edmonds | 17 | 100% | 98% | — | |
| Edmonds → Seattle | 17 | 100% | 95% | — |
| Segment | Miles | Coverage mix | Solid | 5G | Longest gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago → Glenview | 18 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| Glenview → Milwaukee | 68 | 98% | 88% | — | |
| Milwaukee → Columbus | 64 | 95% | 75% | — | |
| Columbus → Portage | 28 | 49% | 21% | 1.5 mi | |
| Portage → Wisconsin Dells | 17 | 92% | 32% | — | |
| Wisconsin Dells → Tomah | 45 | 94% | 55% | — | |
| Tomah → La Crosse | 41 | 77% | 34% | — | |
| La Crosse → Winona | 27 | 50% | 4% | 2.3 mi | |
| Winona → Red Wing | 62 | 87% | 14% | — | |
| Red Wing → St. Paul | 40 | 92% | 50% | — | |
| St. Paul → St. Cloud | 74 | 100% | 99% | — | |
| St. Cloud → Staples | 65 | 88% | 74% | 0.8 mi | |
| Staples → Detroit Lakes | 62 | 92% | 34% | — | |
| Detroit Lakes → Fargo | 48 | 98% | 83% | — | |
| Fargo → Grand Forks | 75 | 100% | 91% | — | |
| Grand Forks → Devils Lake | 85 | 98% | 50% | 0.4 mi | |
| Devils Lake → Rugby | 57 | 96% | 7% | — | |
| Rugby → Minot | 61 | 100% | 75% | — | |
| Minot → Stanley | 53 | 98% | 77% | — | |
| Stanley → Williston | 66 | 96% | 82% | — | |
| Williston → Wolf Point | 106 | 86% | 13% | 0.6 mi | |
| Wolf Point → Glasgow | 49 | 95% | 9% | — | |
| Glasgow → Malta | 65 | 87% | 20% | 0.7 mi | |
| Malta → Havre | 87 | 55% | 0% | 11.8 mi | |
| Havre → Shelby | 104 | 58% | 9% | 2.3 mi | |
| Shelby → Cut Bank | 24 | 55% | 38% | 1.0 mi | |
| Cut Bank → Browning | 33 | 63% | 42% | — | |
| Browning → Essex | 43 | 17% | 7% | 17.0 mi | |
| Essex → West Glacier | 27 | 0% | 0% | 24.7 mi | |
| West Glacier → Whitefish | 23 | 79% | 70% | 0.3 mi | |
| Whitefish → Libby | 102 | 10% | 6% | 69.1 mi | |
| Libby → Sandpoint | 84 | 41% | 33% | 13.8 mi | |
| Sandpoint → Spokane | 66 | 96% | 79% | — | |
| Spokane → Ephrata | 119 | 41% | 31% | 8.7 mi | |
| Ephrata → Wenatchee | 52 | 93% | 63% | 0.5 mi | |
| Wenatchee → Leavenworth | 22 | 95% | 84% | — | |
| Leavenworth → Everett | 98 | 50% | 30% | 6.9 mi | |
| Everett → Edmonds | 17 | 96% | 32% | — | |
| Edmonds → Seattle | 17 | 90% | 56% | — |
| Segment | Miles | Coverage mix | Solid | 5G | Longest gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago → Glenview | 18 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| Glenview → Milwaukee | 68 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| Milwaukee → Columbus | 64 | 100% | 97% | — | |
| Columbus → Portage | 28 | 90% | 61% | 1.5 mi | |
| Portage → Wisconsin Dells | 17 | 100% | 67% | — | |
| Wisconsin Dells → Tomah | 45 | 100% | 86% | — | |
| Tomah → La Crosse | 41 | 100% | 54% | — | |
| La Crosse → Winona | 27 | 85% | 10% | 2.3 mi | |
| Winona → Red Wing | 62 | 100% | 19% | — | |
| Red Wing → St. Paul | 40 | 100% | 83% | — | |
| St. Paul → St. Cloud | 74 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| St. Cloud → Staples | 65 | 100% | 92% | — | |
| Staples → Detroit Lakes | 62 | 100% | 70% | — | |
| Detroit Lakes → Fargo | 48 | 100% | 99% | — | |
| Fargo → Grand Forks | 75 | 100% | 99% | — | |
| Grand Forks → Devils Lake | 85 | 100% | 81% | 0.4 mi | |
| Devils Lake → Rugby | 57 | 100% | 35% | — | |
| Rugby → Minot | 61 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| Minot → Stanley | 53 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| Stanley → Williston | 66 | 100% | 98% | — | |
| Williston → Wolf Point | 106 | 98% | 21% | 0.6 mi | |
| Wolf Point → Glasgow | 49 | 100% | 33% | — | |
| Glasgow → Malta | 65 | 99% | 34% | 0.7 mi | |
| Malta → Havre | 87 | 79% | 0% | 11.8 mi | |
| Havre → Shelby | 104 | 95% | 20% | 2.3 mi | |
| Shelby → Cut Bank | 24 | 89% | 71% | 2.0 mi | |
| Cut Bank → Browning | 33 | 100% | 86% | — | |
| Browning → Essex | 43 | 48% | 9% | 17.0 mi | |
| Essex → West Glacier | 27 | 7% | 7% | 24.8 mi | |
| West Glacier → Whitefish | 23 | 99% | 96% | 0.3 mi | |
| Whitefish → Libby | 102 | 32% | 19% | 69.1 mi | |
| Libby → Sandpoint | 84 | 75% | 57% | 14.0 mi | |
| Sandpoint → Spokane | 66 | 99% | 95% | 0.7 mi | |
| Spokane → Ephrata | 119 | 71% | 49% | 8.7 mi | |
| Ephrata → Wenatchee | 52 | 95% | 87% | 0.8 mi | |
| Wenatchee → Leavenworth | 22 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| Leavenworth → Everett | 98 | 81% | 57% | 7.0 mi | |
| Everett → Edmonds | 17 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| Edmonds → Seattle | 17 | 100% | 100% | — |
| Segment | Miles | Coverage mix | Solid | 5G | Longest gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago → Glenview | 18 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| Glenview → Milwaukee | 68 | 90% | 83% | — | |
| Milwaukee → Columbus | 64 | 82% | 72% | 0.4 mi | |
| Columbus → Portage | 28 | 69% | 57% | 1.3 mi | |
| Portage → Wisconsin Dells | 17 | 46% | 25% | — | |
| Wisconsin Dells → Tomah | 45 | 85% | 62% | — | |
| Tomah → La Crosse | 41 | 69% | 66% | 0.6 mi | |
| La Crosse → Winona | 27 | 43% | 31% | — | |
| Winona → Red Wing | 62 | 71% | 51% | 0.7 mi | |
| Red Wing → St. Paul | 40 | 80% | 68% | — | |
| St. Paul → St. Cloud | 74 | 98% | 94% | — | |
| St. Cloud → Staples | 65 | 68% | 60% | 1.5 mi | |
| Staples → Detroit Lakes | 62 | 63% | 52% | — | |
| Detroit Lakes → Fargo | 48 | 55% | 52% | 1.9 mi | |
| Fargo → Grand Forks | 75 | 76% | 68% | — | |
| Grand Forks → Devils Lake | 85 | 59% | 45% | 1.9 mi | |
| Devils Lake → Rugby | 57 | 56% | 50% | 1.0 mi | |
| Rugby → Minot | 61 | 58% | 52% | — | |
| Minot → Stanley | 53 | 71% | 68% | 0.8 mi | |
| Stanley → Williston | 66 | 31% | 26% | 5.5 mi | |
| Williston → Wolf Point | 106 | 38% | 29% | 9.1 mi | |
| Wolf Point → Glasgow | 49 | 72% | 50% | — | |
| Glasgow → Malta | 65 | 60% | 42% | 2.0 mi | |
| Malta → Havre | 87 | 75% | 63% | 1.4 mi | |
| Havre → Shelby | 104 | 77% | 60% | 2.5 mi | |
| Shelby → Cut Bank | 24 | 53% | 37% | 1.4 mi | |
| Cut Bank → Browning | 33 | 71% | 64% | — | |
| Browning → Essex | 43 | 26% | 23% | 23.5 mi | |
| Essex → West Glacier | 27 | 0% | 0% | 24.3 mi | |
| West Glacier → Whitefish | 23 | 83% | 80% | — | |
| Whitefish → Libby | 102 | 7% | 7% | 59.4 mi | |
| Libby → Sandpoint | 84 | 22% | 20% | 14.2 mi | |
| Sandpoint → Spokane | 66 | 84% | 81% | — | |
| Spokane → Ephrata | 119 | 39% | 33% | 10.9 mi | |
| Ephrata → Wenatchee | 52 | 88% | 77% | 0.5 mi | |
| Wenatchee → Leavenworth | 22 | 100% | 98% | — | |
| Leavenworth → Everett | 98 | 43% | 35% | 9.5 mi | |
| Everett → Edmonds | 17 | 100% | 90% | — | |
| Edmonds → Seattle | 17 | 89% | 62% | — |
| Segment | Miles | Coverage mix | Solid | 5G | Longest gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago → Glenview | 18 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| Glenview → Milwaukee | 68 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| Milwaukee → Columbus | 64 | 98% | 96% | 1.2 mi | |
| Columbus → Portage | 28 | 93% | 72% | 1.9 mi | |
| Portage → Wisconsin Dells | 17 | 100% | 87% | — | |
| Wisconsin Dells → Tomah | 45 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| Tomah → La Crosse | 41 | 99% | 78% | 0.6 mi | |
| La Crosse → Winona | 27 | 100% | 91% | — | |
| Winona → Red Wing | 62 | 99% | 96% | 0.7 mi | |
| Red Wing → St. Paul | 40 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| St. Paul → St. Cloud | 74 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| St. Cloud → Staples | 65 | 98% | 97% | 1.6 mi | |
| Staples → Detroit Lakes | 62 | 100% | 99% | — | |
| Detroit Lakes → Fargo | 48 | 91% | 90% | 2.0 mi | |
| Fargo → Grand Forks | 75 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| Grand Forks → Devils Lake | 85 | 96% | 89% | 2.0 mi | |
| Devils Lake → Rugby | 57 | 95% | 90% | 1.0 mi | |
| Rugby → Minot | 61 | 100% | 98% | 0.3 mi | |
| Minot → Stanley | 53 | 98% | 95% | 0.6 mi | |
| Stanley → Williston | 66 | 70% | 55% | 5.6 mi | |
| Williston → Wolf Point | 106 | 67% | 47% | 11.1 mi | |
| Wolf Point → Glasgow | 49 | 100% | 99% | — | |
| Glasgow → Malta | 65 | 97% | 91% | 2.0 mi | |
| Malta → Havre | 87 | 98% | 91% | 1.4 mi | |
| Havre → Shelby | 104 | 97% | 89% | 2.5 mi | |
| Shelby → Cut Bank | 24 | 94% | 88% | 1.4 mi | |
| Cut Bank → Browning | 33 | 100% | 98% | — | |
| Browning → Essex | 43 | 40% | 36% | 23.5 mi | |
| Essex → West Glacier | 27 | 9% | 3% | 24.3 mi | |
| West Glacier → Whitefish | 23 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| Whitefish → Libby | 102 | 23% | 18% | 72.0 mi | |
| Libby → Sandpoint | 84 | 58% | 52% | 13.6 mi | |
| Sandpoint → Spokane | 66 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| Spokane → Ephrata | 119 | 78% | 65% | 10.9 mi | |
| Ephrata → Wenatchee | 52 | 98% | 97% | 0.7 mi | |
| Wenatchee → Leavenworth | 22 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| Leavenworth → Everett | 98 | 64% | 58% | 9.4 mi | |
| Everett → Edmonds | 17 | 100% | 100% | — | |
| Edmonds → Seattle | 17 | 100% | 100% | — |
Connecting routes
Other Amtrak routes that share stations with the Empire Builder · Seattle, ranked by how many stations they share. Coverage is the best carrier on board.
- Empire Builder · Portland
Other branch · 34 shared stationsAT&T 77% - Borealis
11 shared stationsAT&T 86% - Amtrak Cascades
at Everett, Edmonds, SeattleAT&T 93% - Hiawatha
at Milwaukee, Glenview, ChicagoAT&T 99% - Blue Water
at ChicagoAT&T 94% - California Zephyr
at ChicagoAT&T 76% - Cardinal
at ChicagoAT&T 82% - Carl Sandburg
at ChicagoAT&T 85% - City of New Orleans
at ChicagoAT&T 86% - Coast Starlight
at SeattleAT&T 83% - Floridian
at ChicagoAT&T 84% - Illini
at ChicagoAT&T 97%
Empire Builder · Seattle cell service FAQ
Does the Empire Builder · Seattle have cell service?
For most of the trip, yes. Inside the train, solid coverage (the FCC's in-vehicle model) reaches 75% for AT&T, 68% for Verizon, 60% for T-Mobile of the 2,196-mile route from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA. Much of the rest is spotty rather than dead: AT&T has some signal on 90%, Verizon has some signal on 87%, T-Mobile has some signal on 86%.
Which carrier is best on the Empire Builder · Seattle?
AT&T has the most modeled on-train coverage (75%), with 5G on 43% of the route. Verizon covers 68% and T-Mobile covers 60%.
Where is the longest dead zone on the Empire Builder · Seattle?
AT&T: about 69 miles between Whitefish and Libby. Verizon: about 80 miles between Williston and Wolf Point. T-Mobile: about 59 miles between Whitefish and Libby.
Does Amtrak Wi-Fi work on the Empire Builder · Seattle?
Amtrak Wi-Fi relies on cellular networks, so it generally weakens or drops in the same places your phone does. Expect it to be unreliable through the dead zones shown on this map.
How accurate is this coverage map?
It reflects carrier-reported modeled coverage published by the FCC (data as of Dec 31, 2025). It is not an onboard measurement. BarTrakr shows the FCC's in-vehicle model by default; the outdoor model is available with the Outdoor switch.
Can I use BarTrakr on the train without signal?
Yes. Tap “Save for offline” before you board. The route, coverage data and map background up to zoom 10 are stored on your device, and live tracking uses your phone's GPS, which works without cell service.
About this data
- Coverage: FCC Broadband Data Collection mobile coverage for Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, release D25 (as of Dec 31, 2025, published Oct 13, 2026).
- Route: U.S. DOT / BTS National Transportation Atlas Database, Amtrak Routes. Stations and stop order: Amtrak GTFS.
- On the train: colored where the FCC in-vehicle model shows coverage; amber (spotty) where only the outdoor model does; red where neither does.
- Stretches shorter than a quarter mile are merged into their neighbors; at train speed they last only seconds.