Amtrak Texas Eagle Train: Stops, Stations, Route, Schedule, & Booking Tips!

Amtrak’s Texas Eagle is a long-distance passenger train that runs daily between Chicago, Illinois, and San Antonio, Texas, with stops in St. Louis, Little Rock, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin. The train connects with Sunset Limited in San Antonio three days a week before continuing to Los Angeles via El Paso and Tucson. The combined 2,728-mile (4,390-km) route is the longest in the United States and the second longest in the US after Canada.

Before 1988, the train was known simply as “The Eagle”.

History of the Texas Eagle Train

Originally introduced in 1948, the Texas Eagle has been a staple of American rail travel for decades. Its route has evolved over the years, connecting St. Louis, Missouri to Los Angeles, California. Known for its comfort and scenic views, the train has played an important role in connecting the Midwest and Southwest, helping both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Texas Eagle Train Schedule Highlights

• Between Chicago and San Antonio, there is one train each day.
• Three trains run weekly between San Antonio and Los Angeles.
• Trains leave Chicago in the afternoon.
• Trains leave Los Angeles at night.
• Overnight trains reached Arkansas.
• Travel time between Los Angeles and Palm Springs is approximately 2.5 hours.
• Travel time between Dallas and Austin is over 6 hours.
• Travel time between Dallas and San Antonio is approximately 8 hours.
• The travel time between Chicago and Austin is 28 hours.
• The travel time between Chicago and Dallas is 21.5 hours.

Visit Amtrak.com for the latest schedules and timetables.

Papular Stops and Stations

Popular Stops

1. Chicago
2. Springfield
3. St. Louis
4. Dallas
5. Fort Worth
6. Austin
7. San Antonio
8. Tucson
9. Palm Springs
10. Los Angeles

Train Stations Served by the Texas Eagle

• Chicago, IL – Union Station (CHI)
• Joliet, IL (JOL)
• Pontiac, IL (PON)
• Bloomington-Normal, IL (BNL)
• Lincoln, IL (LCN)
• Springfield, IL (SPI)
• Carlinville, IL (CRV)
• Alton, IL (ALN)
• St. Louis, MO – Gateway Station (STL)
• Arcadia, MO (ACD)
• Poplar Bluff, MO (PBF)
• Walnut Ridge, AR (WNR)
• Little Rock, AR – Union Station (LRK)
• Malvern, AR (MVN)
• Arkadelphia, AR (ARK)
• Hope, AR (HOP)
• Texarkana, AR (TXA)
• Marshall, TX (MHL)
• Longview, TX (LVW)
• Mineola, TX (MIN)
• Dallas, TX – Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station (DAL)
• Fort Worth, TX (FTW)
• Cleburne, TX (CBR)
• McGregor, TX (MCG)
• Temple, TX (TPL)
• Taylor, TX (TAY)
• Austin, TX (AUS)
• San Marcos, TX (SMC)
• San Antonio, TX (SAS)
• Del Rio, TX (DRT)
• Sanderson, TX (SND)
• Alpine, TX (ALP)
• El Paso, TX – Union Depot (ELP)
• Deming, NM (DEM)
• Lordsburg, NM (LDB)
• Benson, AZ (BEN)
• Tucson, AZ (TUS)
• Maricopa, AZ (MRC)
• Yuma, AZ (YUM)
• Palm Springs, CA – Amtrak Station (PSN)
• Ontario, CA (ONA)
• Pomona, CA (POS)
• Los Angeles, CA – Union Station (LAX)

Top Amtrak Texas Eagle routes

• St Louis to Chicago
• St Louis to Dallas
• San Antonio to Fort Worth
• Austin to Dallas
• Dallas to Longview
• Chicago to Springfield
• Normal to Chicago
• San Antonio to Austin
• Fort Worth to Austin

Amtrak Texas Eagle Top Destinations

• Train to Little Rock
• Train to Los Angeles
• Train to Alton
• Train to Chicago
• Train to Juliet
• Train to normal
• Train to Springfield
• Train to St. Louis
• Train to Austin
• Train to Cleburne
• Train to Dallas
• Train to Fort Worth
• Train to Longview
• Train to Marshall
• Train to San Antonio
• Train to San Marcos
• Train to Taylor
• Train to temple

Onboard Experience

Types of Accommodations

The Texas Eagle Train offers a range of accommodations designed to meet diverse passenger needs:

• Coach Class: Features spacious, reclining seats with ample legroom, individual reading lights, fold-down tray tables, and power outlets. Coach passengers have access to the lounge car and can purchase food in the dining car.
• Roomettes: Compact private rooms with two seats that convert into beds, providing privacy and comfort. Roomette passengers enjoy access to the Metropolitan Lounge at Chicago Union Station, complimentary meals, and dedicated sleeping car attendant service.
• Bedrooms: Larger than the dormitories, the bedrooms include a couch and chair that convert to upper and lower berths, a private sink, vanity, and an enclosed toilet and shower.
• Family Bedrooms: Spanning the entire width of the lower level, these rooms can accommodate two adults and two children with windows on either side of the train.
• Accessible Bedrooms: Designed for passengers with mobility impairments, these rooms are located on the ground floor and include an accessible toilet.

Dining Options and Menus

The Texas Eagle Train provides various dining options:

• Dining Car: Offers traditional food service with freshly prepared meals including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu includes items like pancakes and sausage for breakfast and chicken enchiladas or beef burgundy for lunch or dinner.
• Flexible Dining: Available to private room customers, offering hot, ready-to-serve meals with flexible meal times. The menu includes a selection of wines, beers, and spirits, with the first drink free during dinner.
• Cafe Car: Open to all passengers, offering a variety of food, snacks, and beverages for purchase.

Amenities and Services Available

The Texas Eagle Train is equipped with several amenities to enhance passenger comfort:

• Lounge Car: Features comfortable seating and roll-up windows for beautiful views of the scenery. It’s a great place to relax, socialize, or enjoy the view.
• Observation Car: Via San Antonio is available on the west side of the trail, offering 360-degree views of the landscape.
• WiFi: Complimentary WiFi is available in certain areas of the train.
• Restrooms: Located on both levels of the train with accessible toilets on the lower level.
• Baggage Service: Checked baggage service is available at select stations.

Unique Features of the Texas Eagle Train

The Texas Eagle Train offers several unique features that enhance the travel experience:

• Scenic Routes: The train passes through diverse scenery, including the Mississippi River, the Ozarks, and the wide open spaces of Texas.
• National Park Service Trails and Rails Program: In certain sections, volunteers provide informative commentary about the areas the train passes through.
• Longest Train Ride: The Texas Eagle is America’s longest train ride, covering 2,278 miles from Chicago to Los Angeles.
• Historical Significance: The train has a rich history and has been an important link between the Midwest and Southwest for decades.

Booking and Travel Tips for the Texas Eagle Train

How to Book Tickets Texas Eagle Train?

Online Booking through Amtrak’s Website

• Go to the Amtrak website and enter your trip details, including departure and arrival stations, travel dates, and number of passengers.
• Select Texas Eagle Train from the available options and choose your preferred service (coach, room, bedroom, etc.).
• Complete the booking process by entering passenger information and payment details.

Using the Amtrak App

• Download the Amtrak app from the App Store or Google Play.
• Open the app and enter your travel details.
• Choose Texas Eagle Train and choose the accommodation of your choice.
• Complete the booking process in the app.

Phone Reservations

• Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).
• Provide your travel details and preferences to a customer service representative.
• They will assist you in booking your tickets and provide you with any additional information you may need.

Best Times to Travel

• Spring and Fall: These seasons offer mild weather and beautiful scenery, making them ideal for train travel.
• Weekdays: Traveling during the week can be less crowded and sometimes cheaper than traveling on weekends.
• Advance Booking: Booking your tickets 2-3 weeks in advance can help you secure better prices and preferred accommodation.

Tips for a Comfortable Journey

• Pack Light: Bring only the essentials to keep your luggage manageable. Use a checked baggage service for larger items.
• Stay Hydrated and Bring Snacks: While dining and cafeterias serve meals and snacks, it may be convenient to bring your own water and snacks.
• Dress Comfortably: Wear layers to adjust to varying temperatures on the train.
• Bring Entertainment: Books, magazines, or downloaded movies can help pass the time during the journey.
• Use the Lounge and Observation Cars: Take advantage of these areas to stretch your legs, socialize and enjoy the scenic views.

Special Deals and Discounts

• Amtrak Deals: Visit the Amtrak Deals page for current promotions, including SmartFares and limited-time offers.
• Amtrak Guest Rewards: Join the Amtrak Guest Rewards program to earn points on your trip, which can be redeemed for future trips, upgrades and more.
• Discounts for Seniors, Students, and Military: Amtrak offers discounts for seniors (65+), students and military personnel. Be sure to check eligibility and apply these discounts when booking.
• BOGO Offers: Keep an eye out for Buy One Get One (BOGO) offers, which can provide significant savings on your trip.

Cost

Amtrak ticket prices vary by ticket type, distance traveled, time of year and how early you book. Coach seats are the most economical, followed by staterooms and bedrooms.

Here are the projected prices in full (through 2022) for the Texas Eagles:

• $100 to $200 for a coach set.
• $600-$1000 for a roomette
• $1,400 for a family bedroom.
• Bedrooms cost between $1,400 and $2,000.

When you reserve sleeping accommodations, meals and coffee are included, and sleeping accommodations cost less than $1,000 if you travel between Chicago and Dallas, Fort Worth, or San Antonio.

Environmental Impact of the Texas Eagle Train

Benefits of Train Travel for the Environment

Train travel is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transportation. Here are some key benefits:

• Lower Carbon Emissions: Trains emit significantly less CO2 than cars and airplanes. For example, train travel emits about 66-80% less carbon than air travel and cars.
• Energy Efficiency: Trains use less energy per passenger mile than cars and planes. They are smooth and fast powered by electricity, which can be obtained from renewable energy.
• Reduced Noise Pollution: Trains produce less noise pollution than road and air traffic, contributing to a quieter environment.
• Land Use Efficiency: Railways require less land than highways and airports, preserving more natural habitats and reducing urban sprawl.

Comparison with Other Modes of Transportation

When comparing the environmental impact of different transportation modes, trains come out ahead in several ways:

• Planes: Air travel has the highest carbon footprint per passenger kilometer. Short-haul flights are particularly carbon-intensive, emitting around 255 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometer.
• Cars: Driving alone in a mid-size car emits about 192 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometer. Even with two passengers, emissions are still higher than trains.
• Buses: While buses are more efficient than cars, they still emit more CO2 per passenger kilometer than trains.
• Electric Vehicles (EVs): EVs emit less than gasoline or diesel cars, but trains still outperform them in terms of energy efficiency and emissions per passenger kilometer.

Amtrak’s Sustainability Initiatives

Amtrak is committed to sustainability and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact:

• Net-Zero Emissions by 2045: Amtrak has committed to achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions across its network by 2045. This includes reducing emissions from operations and increasing the use of renewable energy.
• Energy Efficiency Upgrades: Amtrak has invested in energy-efficient technologies and practices, such as better train handling and more efficient engines, reducing fuel and energy use year after year.
• Environmental Compliance: Amtrak’s environmental and sustainability management system ensures compliance with environmental laws and promotes best practices to reduce environmental impact.
• Recycling and Waste Reduction: Amtrak has implemented recycling programs and initiatives to reduce waste, such as seat cushion recycling and retrofitting maintenance facilities to reduce energy consumption.
• Climate Adaptation: Amtrak focuses on understanding and mitigating the impacts of climate change on its operations, ensuring safe and reliable service in the face of changing weather conditions.

These initiatives demonstrate Amtrak’s commitment to operating sustainably and reducing its environmental impact.

Personal Stories and Testimonials

Many people who travel on the Texas Eagle Train love the beautiful scenery and the special feeling of taking a long train ride. They like the comfortable sleeping cars and the opportunity to meet other people in the lounge and dining cars.

Travelers have shared many stories about their travels, from watching the sun rise in the desert to enjoying spectacular views from the observation car. Some travelers recommend bringing things like blankets and pillows for extra comfort, especially if you’re in coach class.

People often talk about how friendly and helpful the crew is, how easy things are on board, and how fun the trip is. Although there may be delays at times, many travelers find the trip worthwhile and will remember it for a long time.

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