I’m going to introduce you to one of the longest rail journeys in the United States: the Amtrak Texas Eagle which not only provides people with connections between major states and cities but is also a very scenic train ride which provides you with a plethora of amazing views and experiences. In this post I’ll be showing you all the info you need before you ride on this train.
Basic info:
- Name: Amtrak Texas Eagle
- Locations: Stations are located in Chicago, San Antonio, LA, St. Louis and Dallas
- Ticket prices: Around $150-$700+ per person (details below)
- Duration: Up to 3 days
- Reviews: Typically 3 out of 5 stars (most riders aren’t big fans of the accommodations but like the views)
Details on the ride:
The Amtrak Texas eagle serves as a connecting rail between Chicago to San Antonio, and three times a week it extends to Los Angeles, offering a long-distance ride rich in views and comfort. It knits together big cities like Chicago, St. Louis, Dallas, and smaller communities, providing an essential services for both leisure and business travelers.
Ticketing details:
First off, tickets for the Texas Eagle can be conveniently purchased online at Amtrak’s official website, which is user-friendly, or through their mobile app. For those who prefer a more personal touch, ticketing is also available at Amtrak station kiosks and ticket counters, or by calling Amtrak directly.
Ticket pricing for the Texas Eagle starts at a base price of $146 for coach class and $766 for a sleeper car, though discounts and sales might reduce these prices. The Texas Eagle features various accommodations, including:
- Lower/upper level coach class seats
- Superliner Roomette
- Superliner Bedroom
- Superliner Bedroom Suite
- Superliner Family Room
- Superliner Accessible Bedroom
For dining, passengers have options such as flexible dining, traditional dining (available between San Antonio and Los Angeles only), and café service, with meal offerings varying depending on the direction of travel. The Texas Eagle doesn’t provide WiFi, as most cross-country routes don’t due to connectivity challenges in various areas.
If you’re someone who rides the rails frequently, Amtrak offers discounts through their Guest Rewards program. Additionally, they also provide special rates for seniors, military personnel, and students. Group discounts are available as well if you’re traveling with a party.
Children aged 2-12 typically receive half-off fares with a paid adult, while those under the age of two ride free on a parent’s lap. Choose something economical and comfortable as it’s going to make all the difference in your travel experience.
When it comes to changes and cancellations, Amtrak is typically flexible, although fees may apply depending on ticket type and timing. Read the fare terms closely or ask an Amtrak representative for guidance if you need it.
Duration and distance info:
The Texas Eagle spans one of the longest routes in the Amtrak system, connecting the heartland of America from Chicago, Illinois, to San Antonio, Texas, with a continuation to Los Angeles, California, three times a week via the Sunset Limited.
Traverse through seven states and covering an impressive distance of over 1,300 miles to San Antonio and over 2,700 miles if you’re venturing all the way to Los Angeles. The trip from Chicago to San Antonio takes around 32 hours, while the full journey all the way to the coast clocks in at 65 hours. These durations do not account for any delays, which, while uncommon, can occasionally extend travel times.
Major stops along the route:
- Chicago
- St. Louis (Missouri)
- Little Rock (Arkansas)
- Dallas (Texas)
- San Antonio (Texas)
- Los Angeles (California)
- And other notable cities.
Each city offers its unique flavor and culture, making the Texas Eagle not just a mode of transport, but a tour through the richness of American diversity.
Since schedules can vary and layovers might lengthen the duration of your travel, it’s good to plan ahead. Utilize Amtrak’s online tools or consult with station agents to tailor your trip according to your preferences, whether you’re hopping off to explore cities along the way or cruising straight to your final destination.
Sights along the trip:
Numbers and schedules aside, let’s talk real experiences. Riders often share that the stretch through the Ozarks can’t be missed. Other than this, the scenery as you enter Texas and then (if you elect to go further) head west to Los Angeles will have you pass some amazing mountain ranges.
So, you’re looking at the Texas Eagle route and wondering what kind of views you’re in for. Believe me, it’s a journey that’ll sweep you off your feet with its diverse landscape. Think rolling plains, bustling cities, and serene rivers.
Best times to go:
Now, when’s the best time to hop on board? That really depends on what you’re looking to get out of the trip. For most business travelers, anytime works but if you’re looking for a more scenic experience or possibly disembarking along the route to explore some of the cities/places that I mentioned above, you have quite a few awesome options to consider:
- If you’re into warmer weather and lush greenery, spring and summer rides are ideal.
- Fall, on the other hand, will likely give you the best views and it’s best to start your trip around November to catch the peak fall foliage of the more southern states on the route.
- Winter has its charm too, with fewer crowds and peaceful, snowy landscapes, especially in northern Texas and up toward Illinois.
Things to know before going:
To finish up I want to mention that the reviews for the Amtrak Texas Eagle are quite mixed (Tripadvisor reviews) and based on what I have seen, the more negative ones really just talk about the accommodations not being as grand as they’d like whereas the positive ones really enjoy the ride and the sights they see on the way, so this is something I’d take into consideration before you go.
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