St. Louis, the “Gateway to the West,” is a city steeped in history, culture, and Midwestern charm. often called the Book Amtrak From St. Louis, Amtrak Station – Simply Call +1.855.954.6300 From the iconic Gateway Arch to the vibrant neighborhoods and world-class museums, there’s always something to explore. And what better way to arrive in this fantastic city, or to venture out from it, than by the picturesque and comfortable journey of Amtrak?
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Amtrak travel to and from St. Louis, detailing the key railway routes, approximate distances, and the crucial airport connections that make your journey seamless.
Why Choose Amtrak for Your St. Louis Adventure?
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Before diving into the specifics, let’s consider why train travel to St. Louis often offers a more relaxing and scenic alternative to driving or flying:
- Comfort and Space: More legroom, no middle seats, and the freedom to walk around.
- Scenic Views: Watch the American landscape unfold outside your window.
- Convenience: St. Louis’s Amtrak station, the Gateway Multimodal Transportation Center (GMC), is centrally located downtown, with easy access to public transit (MetroLink) and major attractions.
- Relaxation: Avoid the stress of traffic, parking, and airport security lines.
- Eco-Friendly: Train travel typically has a lower carbon footprint than flying or driving solo.
Amtrak Routes Servicing St. Louis [Book Amtrak From St. Louis]
St. Louis is a vital hub in Amtrak’s national network, offering direct and connecting services that link it to major cities across the Midwest and beyond. The primary Amtrak station in St. Louis is the Gateway Multimodal Transportation Center (GMC), located at 430 S 15th St, St. Louis, MO 63103.
Here are the key routes that serve St. Louis:
1. The Lincoln Service
Connecting St. Louis to Chicago, Illinois, this route is a popular choice for business and leisure travelers alike. It offers multiple daily departures, providing a flexible schedule.
Key Stops: Alton, Carlinville, Springfield, Lincoln, Bloomington-Normal, Pontiac, Joliet.
2. The Missouri River Runner
This route links St. Louis with Kansas City, Missouri, showcasing the diverse landscapes of the Show-Me State. It’s a great option for exploring Missouri’s state capital and charming river towns.
Key Stops: Kirkwood, Washington, Hermann, Jefferson City, Sedalia, Warrensburg, Lee’s Summit, Independence.
3. The Texas Eagle
While primarily a long-distance route connecting Chicago to San Antonio, the Texas Eagle makes a crucial stop in St. Louis, allowing travelers to reach points south like Little Rock, Dallas, and Austin, or to travel north to Chicago.
Key Stops (from STL): Poplar Bluff, Walnut Ridge, Little Rock, Malvern, Arkadelphia, Texarkana, Longview, Dallas, Fort Worth, Cleburne, McGregor, Temple, Taylor, Austin, San Marcos, San Antonio.
Approximate Distances and Travel Times from St. Louis [Book Amtrak From St. Louis]
To help you plan your journey, here’s a table of approximate distances and travel times for major destinations accessible directly from St. Louis by Amtrak.
| Amtrak Route | Major Destinations (from St. Louis) | Approximate Distance (miles) | Approximate Travel Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Service | Chicago, IL | 284 | 5 hours 30 mins |
| Missouri River Runner | Kansas City, MO | 279 | 5 hours 45 mins |
| Texas Eagle | Little Rock, AR | 345 | 6 hours 30 mins |
| Texas Eagle | Dallas, TX | 630 | 11 hours 30 mins |
| Texas Eagle | Austin, TX | 785 | 14 hours 30 mins |
| Texas Eagle | San Antonio, TX | 830 | 15 hours 30 mins |
| Missouri River Runner | Jefferson City, MO | 125 | 2 hours 30 mins |
Note: Travel times are estimates and can vary based on track conditions, schedule, and specific stops.
Operational Airports Along Amtrak Routes from St. Louis [Book Amtrak From St. Louis]
For travelers looking to combine air and rail travel, or for those whose final destination is served by an airport near an Amtrak station, it’s helpful to know which major operational airports are conveniently located along these routes.
| City | Airport Code | Airport Name | Nearest Amtrak Route(s) | Proximity to City/Amtrak Station |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis, MO | STL | Lambert-St. Louis International | All St. Louis Routes | ~15 miles from downtown/GMC. Direct MetroLink access. |
| Chicago, IL | ORD | O’Hare International | Lincoln Service, Texas Eagle | ~18 miles from Union Station. Direct CTA Blue Line access. |
| Chicago, IL | MDW | Midway International | Lincoln Service, Texas Eagle | ~12 miles from Union Station. Direct CTA Orange Line access. |
| Kansas City, MO | MCI | Kansas City International | Missouri River Runner | ~20 miles from Union Station. Shuttle/taxi required. |
| Springfield, IL | SPI | Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport | Lincoln Service | ~5 miles from Amtrak station. Taxi/ride-share. |
| Little Rock, AR | LIT | Bill and Hillary Clinton National | Texas Eagle | ~5 miles from Amtrak station. Taxi/ride-share. |
| Dallas, TX | DFW | Dallas/Fort Worth International | Texas Eagle | ~20 miles from Dallas Union Station. DART Rail/Trinity Metro TEXRail connections. |
| Dallas, TX | DAL | Dallas Love Field | Texas Eagle | ~6 miles from Dallas Union Station. DART Rail/bus connections. |
| San Antonio, TX | SAT | San Antonio International | Texas Eagle | ~8 miles from Amtrak station. Bus/taxi/ride-share. |
Tips for Your St. Louis Amtrak Journey [Book Amtrak From St. Louis]
To make your train travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible, consider these tips:
- Book in Advance: Especially for longer routes or during peak travel seasons, booking your tickets early can secure better fares and your preferred seating.
- Arrive Early: Aim to arrive at the Gateway Multimodal Transportation Center at least 30-45 minutes before departure, especially if you need to check baggage or familiarize yourself with the station.
- Baggage Policy: Amtrak generally has a generous baggage allowance, but always check the current policy for checked and carry-on items.
- Snacks and Drinks: While most Amtrak trains have a Café Car, bringing your own snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and refillable water bottles can save you money and ensure you have your favorites.
- Stay Connected: Many Amtrak trains offer free Wi-Fi, though service can be intermittent in some areas. Consider downloading movies, books, or podcasts beforehand.
- Explore St. Louis: Upon arrival at GMC, you’re just steps away from MetroLink, which can whisk you to the Gateway Arch, Busch Stadium, Forest Park, and many other St. Louis attractions.
- Seat Selection (Business Class): On the Lincoln Service and Missouri River Runner, opting for Business Class often includes wider seats, more legroom, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, enhancing your comfort.
Book Amtrak From St. Louis offers a fantastic blend of history, culture, and entertainment, and arriving by Amtrak adds an extra layer of enjoyment to your travel. Whether you’re heading to the vibrant streets of Chicago, the bluesy heart of Kansas City, or the sprawling metropolises of Texas, Amtrak from St. Louis provides a convenient, comfortable, and scenic journey.
Happy travels, and we hope to see you in the Gateway City soon!
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