Missoula, Montana is the states second largest city and one of the most scenic 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 residents of the Missoula area, utilizing a combination of Amtrak and buses is the cheapest way to travel to other parts of the country. Here are five tips/hints for effectively traveling to/from Missoula by land:
One: If you are going westbound to Missoula, ignore Amtraks recommendation to connect with the train at Whitefish. On Amtraks 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, Rimrocks schedule does not work well with Amtraks westbound timetable.