Amtrak Stations in Arkansas
Dreaming of a more relaxed way to travel through Arkansas, where you can watch the landscape unfold outside your window instead of focusing on the road? Amtrak offers a unique journey through the heart of the Natural State, primarily via its storied Texas Eagle route.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through each Amtrak station in Arkansas, detailing what to expect and, crucially, providing estimated driving distances and times to key cities and airports, making it easier to plan your onward journey.
The Texas Eagle: Arkansas’s Rail Link
The Texas Eagle route connects Chicago to San Antonio daily, passing through Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. In Arkansas, it offers a scenic traverse, linking the northeastern part of the state down to the southwestern border. Whether you’re a history buff, an nature enthusiast, or simply looking for an alternative to driving, train travel in Arkansas offers a different perspective.
Your Arkansas Amtrak Stations: A Detailed Look
Here’s a station-by-station breakdown, moving roughly from northeast to southwest:
1. Walnut Ridge Station (WNR)
Located in the charming small town of Walnut Ridge, this station serves as a gateway to Northeast Arkansas. It’s a simple, unstaffed platform, but provides access to a region rich in history and agricultural beauty.
- Location: 108 SW Front St, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476
- Amenities: Unstaffed, open-air platform, limited parking.
- Why stop here? Explore the Beatles’ 1964 visit to Walnut Ridge, visit the Wings of Honor Museum, or connect to the growing city of Jonesboro.
Distances from Walnut Ridge Station:
| Destination | Estimated Drive Time | Estimated Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Jonesboro, AR | 30 minutes | 25 |
| Paragould, AR | 45 minutes | 38 |
| Little Rock, AR | 2 hours | 100 |
| Memphis, TN | 1 hour 45 minutes | 85 |
| LIT Airport (Little Rock) | 2 hours 10 minutes | 105 |
| MEM Airport (Memphis) | 1 hour 50 minutes | 90 |
2. Newport Station (NWP)
Another unstaffed stop along the historic Iron Mountain Railroad, Newport offers a quiet respite for travelers. It’s a convenient point for accessing the White River and the surrounding Delta region.
- Location: 2nd St & W Hazel St, Newport, AR 72112
- Amenities: Unstaffed, open-air platform, small shelter, limited parking.
- Why stop here? Discover the rich agricultural heritage, enjoy fishing along the White River, or explore the local community.
Distances from Newport Station:
| Destination | Estimated Drive Time | Estimated Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Jonesboro, AR | 1 hour | 50 |
| Little Rock, AR | 1 hour 15 minutes | 70 |
| Heber Springs, AR | 1 hour | 55 |
| Memphis, TN | 1 hour 30 minutes | 80 |
| LIT Airport (Little Rock) | 1 hour 25 minutes | 75 |
| MEM Airport (Memphis) | 1 hour 40 minutes | 85 |
3. Little Rock Station (LRK)
The capital city’s station is a beautiful, historic building that truly welcomes you to Arkansas. As a staffed station, it offers more amenities and is a central hub for transport in the state.
- Location: 1400 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201
- Amenities: Staffed, enclosed waiting room, restrooms, accessible facilities, Quapaw Cafe (sometimes open), short-term parking, easy access to local transit.
- Why stop here? Explore the Clinton Presidential Center, Historic Arkansas Museum, River Market District, or use it as a base for statewide adventures.
Distances from Little Rock Station:
| Destination | Estimated Drive Time | Estimated Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Springs, AR | 1 hour | 55 |
| Conway, AR | 35 minutes | 30 |
| Pine Bluff, AR | 45 minutes | 45 |
| Memphis, TN | 2 hours | 115 |
| LIT Airport (Little Rock) | 15 minutes | 6 |
| Fort Smith, AR | 2 hours 30 minutes | 150 |
4. Malvern Station (MVN)
Malvern, known as “The Brick Capital of the World,” offers a simple, unstaffed platform stop. It’s a good connection point for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the Ouachita Mountains or the nearby thermal waters.
- Location: 200 E 1st St, Malvern, AR 72104
- Amenities: Unstaffed, open-air platform, shelter, limited parking.
- Why stop here? Visit Lake Catherine State Park, explore the brick industry history, or connect to Hot Springs.
Distances from Malvern Station:
| Destination | Estimated Drive Time | Estimated Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Springs, AR | 30 minutes | 25 |
| Little Rock, AR | 45 minutes | 45 |
| Arkadelphia, AR | 30 minutes | 25 |
| Garland County Airport (Hot Springs) | 35 minutes | 28 |
| LIT Airport (Little Rock) | 55 minutes | 50 |
5. Arkadelphia Station (ARK)
Home to Ouachita Baptist University and Henderson State University, Arkadelphia is a vibrant college town. Its simple, unstaffed station provides direct access to this charming community and the surrounding lakes.
- Location: 700 Main St, Arkadelphia, AR 71923
- Amenities: Unstaffed, open-air platform, shelter, limited parking.
- Why stop here? Experience college town life, enjoy scenic views of the Ouachita River, or visit nearby De Gray Lake Resort State Park.
Distances from Arkadelphia Station:
| Destination | Estimated Drive Time | Estimated Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Hot Springs, AR | 45 minutes | 35 |
| Little Rock, AR | 1 hour 15 minutes | 70 |
| Malvern, AR | 30 minutes | 25 |
| Hope, AR | 30 minutes | 25 |
| LIT Airport (Little Rock) | 1 hour 25 minutes | 75 |
6. Hope Station (HOP)
Famous as the birthplace of President Bill Clinton and for its gigantic watermelons, Hope offers a memorable stop. The well-maintained, unstaffed station is a point of local pride.
- Location: 100 W Division St, Hope, AR 71801
- Amenities: Unstaffed, open-air platform, shelter, restored historic building (not always open), limited parking.
- Why stop here? Visit the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site, explore the world’s largest watermelons (seasonal!), or enjoy the small-town charm.
Distances from Hope Station:
| Destination | Estimated Drive Time | Estimated Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Texarkana, AR/TX | 30 minutes | 25 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 1 hour 30 minutes | 75 |
| Little Rock, AR | 2 hours | 110 |
| Shreveport, LA | 1 hour 15 minutes | 70 |
| TXK Airport (Texarkana) | 40 minutes | 30 |
7. Texarkana Station (TXK)
Straddling the border between Arkansas and Texas, the grand Texarkana Union Station is a testament to the golden age of rail travel. It’s a staffed station and a significant hub for the region.
- Location: 100 E Front St, Texarkana, AR 71854 / Texarkana, TX 75501
- Amenities: Staffed, enclosed waiting room, restrooms, accessible facilities, short-term parking, local taxi services.
- Why stop here? Stand with one foot in Arkansas and the other in Texas, explore the historic downtown, or connect to the surrounding communities.
Distances from Texarkana Station:
| Destination | Estimated Drive Time | Estimated Distance (Miles) |
|---|---|---|
| Hope, AR | 30 minutes | 25 |
| Shreveport, LA | 1 hour | 70 |
| Hot Springs, AR | 1 hour 45 minutes | 90 |
| Dallas, TX | 2 hours 30 minutes | 180 |
| LIT Airport (Little Rock) | 2 hours 45 minutes | 145 |
| TXK Airport (Texarkana) | 15 minutes | 7 |
General Tips for Amtrak Travel in Arkansas
- Book in Advance: Especially for peak travel times, booking your tickets early can save you money and secure your preferred seating.
- Accessibility: All Amtrak trains and staffed stations are accessible. If you have specific needs, contact Amtrak when booking.
- Food and Drink: The Texas Eagle features a Dining Car (for Sleeping Car passengers) and a Sightseer Lounge Car with a café for all passengers, offering snacks, drinks, and light meals.
- Baggage: Amtrak has generous baggage policies, allowing you to bring more than airlines typically permit. Check their official website for details.
- Arrive Early: Even at unstaffed stations, arriving 20-30 minutes before departure is a good idea, especially for first-time travelers.
- Check Status: Train schedules can be subject to delays. Always check Amtrak’s website or app for real-time train status before heading to the station.
- Onward Travel: For unstaffed stations, plan your ride from the station in advance (taxi, ride-share, or pre-arranged pick-up), as services might not be readily available.
Embarking on an Amtrak adventure through Arkansas is more than just getting from point A to point B – it’s an experience. From the quiet charm of the Delta to the bustling vibrancy of Little Rock, the Texas Eagle offers a unique window into the Natural State. So, pack your bags, settle into your seat, and let the journey begin!