Nestled just west of St. Louis, the charming city of Kirkwood, Missouri, holds a special place in the heart of train travel enthusiasts. Its historic Amtrak station, designated KWD, serves as a vital hub for passengers exploring the Midwest and beyond. Whether you’re planning a scenic day trip, connecting to a cross-country adventure, or simply curious about train travel, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Kirkwood’s Amtrak services, key routes, distances, and convenient airport access.
Kirkwood (KWD) Station: A Historic Gem
The Kirkwood Amtrak station isn’t just a place to catch a train; it’s a piece of living history. Built in 1893 by the St. Louis-San Francisco Railway (Frisco), the picturesque stone station boasts Tudor Revival architecture, reminiscent of a grand European stopping point. Today, it offers a comfortable and welcoming environment for travelers.
Station Amenities at KWD:
- Waiting Room: A comfortable space with seating.
- Restrooms: Available during operational hours.
- Ticket Kiosk (QVMS): For self-service ticket purchases and modifications. (Note: No staffed ticket counter.)
- Platform Access: Easy access to boarding platforms.
- Accessibility: The station and platforms are generally accessible.
- Parking: Limited paid parking is usually available nearby.
Located at 110 W Argonne Dr, Kirkwood, MO 63122, it’s conveniently situated in downtown Kirkwood, with shops and restaurants within walking distance.
Amtrak Railway Routes Serving Kirkwood (KWD)
Kirkwood is fortunate to be served by two significant Amtrak routes: the Missouri River Runner and the Texas Eagle. Additionally, it connects seamlessly with the Lincoln Service via St. Louis.
1. The Missouri River Runner
The Missouri River Runner is a regional service that primarily connects Missouri’s two largest cities: St. Louis and Kansas City, with multiple stops in between. It’s perfect for business travelers, students, and tourists looking to explore the heartland.
Key Features:
- Frequency: Typically two round trips daily.
- Service: Coach seating, unreserved. Cafe car available for snacks and beverages.
- Scenery: Follows the Missouri River for much of its journey, offering picturesque views.
Missouri River Runner: Key Stops & Approximate Distances from KWD
| Destination | Direction | Approx. Distance from KWD | Approx. Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis (STL) | East | 15 miles | 25-30 minutes |
| Washington (WSH) | West | 35 miles | 45-50 minutes |
| Hermann (HEM) | West | 65 miles | 1 hr 20 min |
| Jefferson City (JEF) | West | 100 miles | 2 hrs |
| Sedalia (SED) | West | 160 miles | 3 hrs 15 min |
| Warrensburg (WAR) | West | 195 miles | 3 hrs 50 min |
| Kansas City (KCY) | West | 260 miles | 5 hrs |
2. The Texas Eagle
The Texas Eagle is Amtrak’s long-distance service connecting Chicago to San Antonio, with a tri-weekly connection to Los Angeles. Kirkwood is a vital intermediate stop, offering access to destinations throughout the South and Southwest.
Key Features:
- Frequency: Daily service between Chicago and San Antonio. On specific days, a section of the train continues to Los Angeles.
- Service: Coach seating, business class, sleeping accommodations (Roomettes, Bedrooms), and a dining car for full meals (for sleeper car passengers and, space permitting, coach passengers).
- Reach: Connects Kirkwood to major cities like Chicago, St. Louis, Poplar Bluff, Little Rock, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio.
Texas Eagle: Key Stops & Approximate Distances from KWD
| Destination | Direction | Approx. Distance from KWD | Approx. Travel Time (from KWD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis (STL) | East | 15 miles | ~25-30 minutes |
| Chicago (CHI) | Northeast | 300 miles | ~5 hrs 30 min |
| Poplar Bluff (PBF) | South | 135 miles | ~2 hrs 45 min |
| Little Rock (LRK) | South | 250 miles | ~5 hrs |
| Dallas (DAL) | Southwest | 600 miles | ~11-12 hrs |
| Fort Worth (FTW) | Southwest | 630 miles | ~12-13 hrs |
| Austin (AUS) | Southwest | 710 miles | ~15-16 hrs |
| San Antonio (SAS) | Southwest | 770 miles | ~16-17 hrs |
| Los Angeles (LAX)* | Southwest | 2000+ miles | ~40-42 hrs |
Note: The Los Angeles connection operates tri-weekly from San Antonio, requiring a transfer onto Amtrak’s Sunset Limited.
3. Connecting Via St. Louis: The Lincoln Service
While the Lincoln Service does not directly stop in Kirkwood, it’s an important route for KWD travelers as it connects Chicago to St. Louis. Passengers originating from or traveling to destinations along the Lincoln Service route (e.g., Springfield, IL; Bloomington-Normal, IL) can easily connect to the Missouri River Runner or Texas Eagle at St. Louis Gateway Station (STL) for onward travel to Kirkwood.
Lincoln Service: Key Stops & Approximate Distances to St. Louis (STL)
| Destination | Direction | Approx. Distance to STL | Approx. Travel Time to STL |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago (CHI) | South | 280 miles | ~5 hrs 30 min |
| Joliet (JOL) | South | 240 miles | ~4 hrs 40 min |
| Bloomington-Normal (BNN) | South | 160 miles | ~3 hrs 15 min |
| Springfield (SPI) | South | 100 miles | ~2 hrs |
| Alton (ALN) | South | 20 miles | ~30 minutes |
Airports Operational Near Kirkwood (KWD)
For travelers looking to combine air and rail travel, Kirkwood is conveniently located near St. Louis’s major international airport.
St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL)
- Location: The primary airport serving the St. Louis metropolitan area.
- Distance from KWD: Approximately 10-15 miles (20-30 minutes drive, depending on traffic).
- Connectivity to KWD:
- Metrolink (Light Rail): St. Louis’s Metrolink light rail system connects directly from both airport terminals to various points in St. Louis. To reach Kirkwood, you would typically take the Metrolink from STL to a station like Shrewsbury-Lansdowne (the end of the Blue Line) or a central transfer point, and then utilize rideshare or taxi services for the final leg to Kirkwood.
- Taxi/Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Readily available from the airport and offer the most direct, albeit more expensive, transfer option to Kirkwood.
- Rental Cars: All major car rental agencies operate at STL, providing flexibility for those wishing to explore the wider region.
Smaller/Regional Airports
While STL is the dominant option, there are smaller regional airports in Missouri that primarily serve general aviation or private charters and are not typically used for commercial connections to Kirkwood.
Tips for Traveling from Kirkwood (KWD)
- Book in Advance: Especially for long-distance routes like the Texas Eagle or during peak travel times, booking your tickets well in advance ensures you get the best fares and preferred seating/accommodations.
- Arrive Early: Although KWD is a smaller station, it’s wise to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled departure to allow time for parking, finding the platform, and settling in.
- Check Baggage Policies: Amtrak has specific baggage allowances. While most regional trains allow carry-ons, long-distance routes may have options for checked baggage at staffed stations (though KWD is unstaffed for this service, so carry-on is standard).
- Stay Informed: Use the Amtrak app or website to check for real-time train status updates. Delays can occur, especially on long-distance routes.
- Explore Kirkwood: With its quaint downtown, unique shops, and array of dining options, Kirkwood itself is worth exploring if you have some time before or after your train journey.
Kirkwood’s Amtrak station offers a charming and efficient gateway for train travelers. Whether you’re heading across Missouri or embarking on a grand cross-country adventure, KWD provides a convenient starting point steeped in history. All aboard for your next journey!
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