Seattle to Chicago and St. Louis Train Journey in March 2027

Afternoon — King Street Station and boarding

Begin at King Street Station in Pioneer Square, arriving 45–60 minutes before the scheduled Amtrak Empire Builder departure. From downtown, the station is easy to reach by Link light rail, bus, or a short taxi/rideshare trip; if someone is dropping you off, use the station entrance on South Jackson Street rather than trying to park on the busy surrounding streets. Amtrak departure procedures can be relaxed but change quickly, so check the departure board, confirm whether your bags are being checked through to Chicago, and keep identification, medications, valuables, and a light jacket in your carry-on. The station itself has limited food options, so pick up coffee, water, and travel snacks nearby before boarding.

Evening and overnight — settling into the Empire Builder

Once aboard the Amtrak Empire Builder, get comfortable and spend some time in the observation car, where broad windows make the early part of the trip much more enjoyable than watching scenery from a standard seat. The train’s café offers snacks, drinks, and simple meals; sleeper passengers generally have dining arrangements included or available according to the current service schedule, while coach travelers should treat the café as convenient rather than gourmet and bring a few preferred snacks. Keep your ticket and small essentials accessible, and download entertainment before departure because connectivity can be inconsistent across the route.

The journey to Chicago takes roughly 46 hours, so resist the temptation to stay awake for every mile. A roomette or bedroom makes the overnight portion considerably easier, but a reserved coach seat is workable with a travel pillow, layers, and an eye mask. The most scenic stretches are best enjoyed during daylight, while the observation car can become busy around mealtimes; step out for fresh air only during scheduled station stops and follow crew instructions. Tomorrow is primarily an arrival and settling-in day, so use this first evening to establish a comfortable routine rather than trying to maximize sleep or sightseeing.

Morning — Arrival and hotel transfer

After arriving in Chicago, make Chicago Union Station your first practical stop: collect your bags, use the restrooms, and take a few minutes to get oriented before heading to your hotel. The station is in the West Loop, and a taxi or rideshare is usually easiest with luggage; allow 10–20 minutes to reach most central hotels, depending on traffic. If your room is not ready, leave your bags with the hotel and start sightseeing light—Chicago’s March weather can be chilly and windy, so keep your coat handy.

Lunch — Deep dish in River North

Head to Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria in River North for the Chicago classic: deep dish generally takes 30–45 minutes to bake, so order once seated rather than waiting until you are hungry. Budget roughly $15–30 per person, and share one pizza if you also want an appetizer or dessert. From the West Loop, a rideshare is simplest; from Union Station, it is roughly a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride. After lunch, walk or take the Brown, Pink, or Green Line toward the Loop—this keeps the afternoon compact.

Afternoon — Millennium Park and the Cultural Center

Spend about an hour in Millennium Park, photographing Cloud Gate and the Jay Pritzker Pavilion; the park is open daily, though winter conditions can make the paths slippery. Then cross Michigan Avenue to the Chicago Cultural Center, where the free interior is a welcome warm-up and the Tiffany glass dome is the highlight. It is typically open Tuesday–Sunday during daytime hours, but check the March 2027 schedule before going, as occasional events affect access. Allow about 45 minutes here, with no admission charge.

Late afternoon — Riverwalk

Finish with an easy stroll along the Chicago Riverwalk, reached from the Cultural Center in roughly 10–15 minutes on foot. Walk west or east as far as the weather feels comfortable, taking in the downtown bridges and river-level views; some concessions and restrooms may have reduced hours in March, so treat this as a scenic walk rather than a full waterfront outing. From here, your hotel is usually a short walk, train ride, or rideshare away—an intentionally gentle finish after the morning travel.

Morning — Art Institute of Chicago

Start at the Art Institute of Chicago when it opens, usually at 11 a.m. on Wednesdays; verify the 2027 schedule and reserve timed admission ahead, especially if you want a relaxed visit. Allow about three hours for the Impressionist rooms, modern art, and American galleries, but don’t try to cover every wing. The museum sits beside Millennium Park, and the nearby Washington/Wabash and Adams/Wabash ‘L’ stations are the easiest transit stops; admission is generally around $32 for adults, with special exhibitions sometimes costing extra.

Lunch — The Gage

Walk across Michigan Avenue to The Gage for a polished but comfortable lunch, roughly $25–50 per person before drinks and tip. It’s a convenient pause rather than a destination requiring a separate cross-town trip, and the menu is broad enough for a leisurely midday meal. Reserve if possible, since its location opposite Millennium Park makes it popular with museum visitors and office workers.

Afternoon — Chicago Architecture Center and River Cruise

After lunch, walk north along Michigan Avenue toward the Chicago Architecture Center, near the DuSable Bridge and Riverwalk—about 15–20 minutes, or a short rideshare if the weather is raw. Spend about 90 minutes with the city models and exhibits before boarding the Chicago Architecture Center River Cruise. The cruise is the best way to understand Chicago’s skyline, but March operations can be limited or weather-dependent; check the 2027 calendar and dress warmly, since the river breeze is noticeably colder than street level. If sailings are running, arrive 20–30 minutes early at the designated dock and keep your ticket details handy.

Early Evening — Garrett Popcorn Shops

Finish at Garrett Popcorn Shops downtown for a small bag of the classic Chicago Mix—caramel and cheese popcorn together. Choose the nearest open location to your cruise’s return point, and expect roughly $6–15 depending on size. This is an easy snack to carry back toward your hotel, and it leaves the rest of the evening open rather than forcing another reservation after a full day on your feet.

Morning — Conservatory and Zoo

Start at Lincoln Park Conservatory, ideally around 9 a.m. when it opens; confirm the 2027 schedule, since hours can vary seasonally. Admission is generally free, though timed reservations may be required. The warm, humid greenhouse is especially welcome in March, and an hour is enough to enjoy the fern room, palms, and seasonal displays without rushing. From there, walk a few minutes north through Lincoln Park to Lincoln Park Zoo, one of the country’s oldest free urban zoos. Plan about two hours, wear shoes suitable for outdoor paths, and remember that some animal buildings may open later than the grounds.

Lunch and Lakefront

Walk or take a short rideshare to Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! for lunch. The lively Spanish restaurant is a good fit here—order several tapas to share, with sangria if you are not driving, and allow roughly $25–50 per person before drinks and gratuity. Reservations are sensible for midday, particularly on a weekend. After lunch, continue east toward North Avenue Beach for a relaxed hour along the lakefront. In March, expect wind and cold rather than beach weather, but the open views toward the Chicago skyline are excellent; bring a warm layer and check the lakefront path conditions before setting out.

Evening — Comedy in Old Town

Head south into Old Town for your evening performance at Second City. From North Avenue Beach, it is roughly a 15–20-minute walk inland, or a short bus or rideshare trip depending on weather. Arrive 30–45 minutes before showtime for check-in and seating; performances commonly run about two hours, and tickets often range from $35–75 depending on the show and seat. The theater has food and drinks, but if you want dinner beforehand, eat near Lincoln Park rather than trying to squeeze in a full meal after the show. The neighborhood is easy to explore on foot afterward, though March evenings can be icy and windy, so use a rideshare back to your hotel if the weather turns.

Morning — Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

Take the Metra Electric from Millennium Station to 55th–56th–57th Street, then walk or take a short rideshare to the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. Allow roughly 35–45 minutes from the Loop, and aim to arrive near opening, typically 9:30 a.m.; confirm 2027 hours and reserve admission online. Plan about three hours for the submarine, transportation exhibits, and large-scale engineering displays. General admission is often around $20–30, with special experiences extra. The museum is enormous, so choose a few anchor exhibits rather than trying to cover every gallery.

Lunch and Afternoon — Pecking Order, Promontory Point, and University of Chicago

Walk or rideshare to Pecking Order in Hyde Park for Korean fried chicken and other casual plates; budget about $15–30 per person and check the current opening time, since lunch hours can vary. Afterward, head east to Promontory Point, a particularly good place to slow down: follow the limestone shoreline, look back toward the downtown skyline, and bring a warm layer because March wind off Lake Michigan can be sharp. Continue west into the University of Chicago campus for a relaxed architectural walk through Gothic courtyards and the surrounding residential streets. Give yourself about 90 minutes here, with no need to force a formal route—Midorai and 57th Street are pleasant streets for browsing if you want a coffee or bookshop stop.

Evening — The Green Mill

From Hyde Park, a rideshare to The Green Mill in Uptown is the simplest option, usually 25–40 minutes depending on traffic; public transit takes longer, generally involving the Metra Electric or CTA connections. Check the evening’s lineup and cover charge in advance, and arrive before the music starts—seating is first-come, and the club’s intimate layout rewards getting there early. The historic room is best treated as the night’s main event: expect roughly $15–30 for admission depending on the performer, plus drinks, and keep conversation quiet during the set.

Morning — Chicago to St. Louis

Take a morning Amtrak Lincoln Service from Chicago Union Station to St. Louis Gateway Station, checking the 2027 timetable the day before because departure times can change. Arrive 30–45 minutes early, especially with luggage; the station is downtown, and a friend’s pickup or a rideshare should be arranged before boarding. The journey takes roughly five hours, so bring snacks and water—café-car service is not always available. After arriving, allow 15–20 minutes by rideshare to reach the riverfront and Gateway Arch National Park.

Afternoon — The Arch and downtown

Spend about two hours at Gateway Arch National Park, beginning with the underground Museum at the Gateway Arch before going up the Arch if timed tram tickets are available. Reserve tram admission ahead through the official site; the museum grounds are free, while tram tickets generally cost around $15–20 per adult. The riverfront can be windy in March, and the park’s broad lawns offer little shelter, so bring a warm layer. Afterward, walk west through downtown—roughly 15 minutes—to Citygarden Sculpture Park, a compact, open-air collection between Market Street and Chestnut Street. It is free and usually accessible during daylight hours, though fountains may still be seasonal in March; 45 minutes is enough for an easy circuit.

Evening — Downtown West dinner

From Citygarden Sculpture Park, walk or take a short rideshare west toward Downtown West for dinner at Pi Pizzeria. Allow about 15–20 minutes on foot, or less by car depending on traffic. The deep-dish-style St. Louis pizza is filling, so a small pie may be plenty for two people; budget roughly $15–30 per person, and check the current opening time or reserve if arriving during the dinner rush. After eating, keep the evening relaxed—March nights are often chilly—and head to your friend’s home by rideshare or arranged pickup rather than trying to navigate unfamiliar bus connections with luggage.

Morning — Missouri Botanical Garden

Start at Missouri Botanical Garden in Shaw when it opens, typically around 9 a.m.; check the 2027 calendar and reserve admission if timed entry is being used. Spend about 2½ hours wandering the Climatron and seasonal plant displays—the rainforest dome is the best warm-weather escape on a chilly March morning. The garden is compact enough to explore comfortably, but wear shoes with good grip and allow extra time for the outdoor paths. Admission is generally around $16–20 for adults, with parking available nearby; from central St. Louis, a rideshare usually takes 10–15 minutes outside peak traffic.

Lunch and The Hill

Head to Gioia’s Deli in The Hill, roughly a 10-minute drive from the garden, for a hot salami sandwich—the local specialty and the reason to come hungry. Expect about $15–25 per person; it is casual, counter-service dining, and lines can build at lunch. Afterward, walk a few blocks to St. Ambrose Catholic Church, whose red-brick Italian-American character fits the neighborhood’s old St. Louis identity. Allow around 30 minutes, keeping in mind that interior access may depend on services or parish events; be respectful if the church is in use. The Hill is easy to explore on foot, but a rideshare between stops is sensible if the weather is cold or wet.

Afternoon and Evening — Soulard

Continue to Anheuser-Busch Brewery in Soulard, about 10 minutes by car from The Hill. Book a tour ahead for the afternoon and allow roughly two hours; tour choices, prices, and age requirements vary, so confirm the 2027 schedule directly. Closed-toe shoes are a good idea, and brewery tours involve stairs and considerable walking. Afterward, settle in at John D. McGurk’s Irish Pub for dinner and live music—its courtyard atmosphere is especially lively, though March weather may mean indoor seating. Budget about $20–40 per person, and consider a rideshare rather than driving after the brewery; Soulard’s historic streets can be busy and parking tight in the evening.

Morning — Forest Park and Saint Louis Art Museum

Begin in the Central West End with a relaxed walk or drive through Forest Park, one of St. Louis’s best places to spend a mild March morning. Allow about an hour for the park’s broad paths and grand civic landscape; driving is easiest if you want to cover more ground, while walking works well around the eastern and cultural-institution areas. Continue to the Saint Louis Art Museum, where you can spend roughly two hours with the collection, including European, American, and modern works in a beautiful Beaux-Arts building. General admission is free, though special exhibitions may charge separately; typical museum hours begin around 10 a.m., but confirm the 2027 schedule before setting out. The park is easiest by rideshare or car, and parking is generally available near the museum.

Midday and Afternoon — Benton Park to Soulard

Head south to The Mud House in Benton Park for coffee and a casual lunch, budgeting approximately $15–30 per person. It is a good reset after the museum rather than a rushed stop, and the neighborhood’s brick streets and historic houses are pleasant for a short wander afterward. From there, continue to Soulard Farmers Market, usually a quick rideshare trip away or about a 20-minute walk depending on your exact starting point. Check that the market is open on this Monday, since its schedule is more limited than on its busiest weekend days; if operating, allow about an hour to browse the produce, specialty foods, and neighborhood stalls. Bring a little cash, although many vendors accept cards.

Late Afternoon — City Museum

Finish at City Museum in Downtown West, allowing at least 2½ hours for its surreal tunnels, slides, salvaged architectural pieces, and interactive installations. Wear sturdy closed-toe shoes and clothes you can move in—the experience is much more physical than a conventional museum, and some sections involve climbing or tight passages. Admission is commonly around $20–30, with additional considerations for special attractions; purchase tickets ahead if available and verify current hours, as weekday opening times can vary. From Soulard, plan on roughly 10–15 minutes by rideshare, traffic permitting. Afterward, return to your friend’s home for a low-key final evening; City Museum is close to downtown restaurants if you prefer dinner out, but you will likely appreciate an easy meal after the climbing and exploring.

Morning — Breakfast in Lafayette Square

Start at Park Avenue Coffee in Lafayette Square for breakfast and one last taste of St. Louis’s signature gooey butter cake. Budget about $10–20 per person for coffee, breakfast, and cake; check the 2027 opening time before setting out, as morning hours can vary. The café is a good place to keep things unhurried, but avoid a large order if you have a long flight ahead.

After breakfast, spend roughly 45 minutes walking through Lafayette Square, one of St. Louis’s most attractive historic neighborhoods. Follow the streets around the central park and admire the colorful Victorian townhouses; early spring can be cool and breezy, so keep your coat handy. This is best treated as a final neighborhood stroll rather than a major sightseeing stop, and it is convenient if you are staying downtown or in the nearby south-of-downtown area.

Late Morning — To the airport

Leave Lafayette Square with enough time to reach St. Louis Lambert International Airport at least two hours before your scheduled departure. A rideshare or taxi is simplest with luggage; allow approximately 20–30 minutes in normal traffic, but add extra time during weekday congestion. MetroLink is the budget alternative, though check the 2027 service schedule and allow additional time for the walk, transfer, and luggage. At the airport, confirm your terminal and gate—most flights use Terminal 1 or Terminal 2 depending on the airline—and keep snacks and an empty water bottle accessible for the journey.

Afternoon and Evening — Flight to Seattle

Fly from St. Louis Lambert International Airport to Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, allowing roughly 5–7 hours total depending on whether your itinerary is nonstop or connects en route. Verify the March 2027 schedule and baggage rules shortly before departure; if you have a connection, avoid booking an overly tight transfer. On arrival at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport, use Link light rail for central Seattle if you are traveling light, or choose a taxi or rideshare for door-to-door service with luggage.