Las Vegas is a bright spot in the Nevada desert, loved by many. But, getting there by train is tricky because there’s no direct Amtrak station. The nearest station is in Kingman, Arizona, about 90 miles away. From there, you’ll need to drive for 1.5 hours to get to the city’s heart.
Key Takeaways
- Las Vegas does not have a direct Amtrak station, making rail travel to the city a bit more complex.
- The closest Amtrak station is in Kingman, Arizona, about 90 miles from Las Vegas.
- Travelers will need to rent a car and drive from the Kingman Amtrak station to reach Las Vegas, a journey of around 1.5 hours.
- Exploring alternative transportation options, such as bus or shuttle services, can be beneficial for those seeking a seamless rail-to-Las Vegas journey.
- With careful planning, visitors can still enjoy the convenience of Amtrak and the excitement of Las Vegas, the shining jewel of Nevada.
Current Status of Rail Service to Las Vegas
The history of rail to Las Vegas, Nevada, is exciting. It shows how the city has grown. From the Amtrak Desert Wind to Brightline West, getting to Las Vegas by train is changing.
Historical Rail Routes to Las Vegas
The Amtrak Desert Wind was a key route from 1979 to 1997. It linked Las Vegas to big cities. But, it stopped running because fewer people used it.
Recent Developments and Future Plans
The Brightline West project is bringing new hope. It plans to link Las Vegas to southern California. This will be faster and better for the planet than driving or flying. It’s still being planned, but it could start soon.
Alternative Connection Options
There aren’t many direct trains to Las Vegas now. But, you can take buses to Amtrak stations. Then, you can use the rail network. This is a good choice for those who want to travel by both bus and train.
| Transportation Option | Details |
|---|---|
| Bus Connections | Various bus services operate to connect travelers to the nearest Amtrak stations, providing access to the broader rail network. |
| Brightline West | The upcoming high-speed rail project aims to connect Las Vegas to southern California, offering a more sustainable and efficient travel option. |
The rail service to Las Vegas is changing. It shows the city’s growing needs and efforts to connect better. Even without direct trains, there are ways to get to Las Vegas.
Amtrak to Las Vegas: Connecting Routes and Services
Travelers looking to get to Las Vegas by Amtrak have several options. The Amtrak California Zephyr and Amtrak Southwest Chief are key routes to the city.
The California Zephyr runs daily from Chicago to Emeryville (San Francisco). It stops in Reno, Nevada. There, you can catch the Thruway bus service to Las Vegas. The Southwest Chief goes from Chicago to Los Angeles daily. It stops in Flagstaff, Arizona. From there, a Thruway bus takes you to Las Vegas.
- The Thruway bus service connects Amtrak stations to places not directly by train, like Las Vegas.
- Travelers can also find other connecting train ways. These include local or regional services from nearby Amtrak stations to Las Vegas.
Amtrak’s flexible options make traveling to Las Vegas easy and comfortable. Enjoy the journey and the city’s excitement.
Planning Your Journey from Major US Cities
Amtrak has many long-distance routes for traveling to Las Vegas. You can start from the West Coast, East Coast, or the Midwest. Each route offers a unique cross-country train travel experience.
West Coast Connections
West Coast travelers can reach Las Vegas on the Southwest Chief route. It starts in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Seattle. You’ll see the Mojave Desert and Red Rock Canyon along the way.
East Coast Travel Options
East Coasters can take the California Zephyr route to Las Vegas. It leaves from Chicago, Denver, and San Francisco. This train ride is both comfortable and scenic.
Midwest Route Possibilities
- The California Zephyr route connects Chicago and Omaha to Las Vegas.
- The Southwest Chief route starts in Chicago and goes through the Midwest to Las Vegas.
Amtrak’s wide network makes planning your trip to Las Vegas easy. You can relax and enjoy the views as you travel.
Transportation Options from Nearest Amtrak Stations
Getting to Las Vegas from the nearest Amtrak stations is easy. Many transportation services are ready to help. You can choose from shuttles, car rentals, taxis, or ride-sharing.
If you arrive at the Amtrak station in Kingman, Arizona, it’s just a 90-minute drive to Las Vegas. You can use shuttles, rent a car, or take a ride-share. Taxis are also available for a direct ride to your hotel.
Arriving at the Amtrak station in Flagstaff, Arizona, means you’re only 2 hours from Las Vegas. You can pick from shuttles, car rentals, or ride-sharing. Taxis are also there for a direct trip to your Las Vegas hotel.
FAQ
Direct Amtrak trains to Las Vegas are rare. But, you can use connecting routes and services to get there by train.
Amtrak has long-distance routes to Las Vegas from the West, East, and Midwest. Plan by looking at routes, travel times, and connections from your starting point.
After reaching the nearest Amtrak station to Las Vegas, you have many choices. You can take shuttles, rent cars, use taxis, ride-sharing, or public transport.
Las Vegas has a long rail history, with routes like the Desert Wind. It’s also getting a new high-speed rail, Brightline West, to improve rail links.
The California Zephyr and Southwest Chief are key Amtrak routes to Las Vegas. Thruway bus services also connect from various Amtrak stations.