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Benson, Arizona, a charming gateway to some of Southern Arizona’s most iconic attractions, holds a unique place on the Amtrak map. While it might not boast a grand station like a major metropolitan hub, its unassuming platform serves as a vital link for travelers looking to experience the beauty of the Sonoran Desert by rail.

This guide will give you a complete rundown of Benson’s Amtrak station, including its features, the train that serves it, and crucial distances to key cities and airports.

The Benson Amtrak Station (BEN): A Desert Gateway

First things first: Benson, Arizona, has one Amtrak station, not multiple. It’s a classic example of a small-town railway stop – functional, quiet, and perfectly suited for its purpose.

• Location: The station is centrally located in Benson, making it reasonably accessible to local services. You’ll find it around the area of 400 W 4th St, Benson, AZ 85602, though exact addresses for unstaffed platforms can sometimes vary slightly.
• Station Type: Benson is an unstaffed platform. This means there are no ticket agents, waiting rooms, or amenities directly at the station itself. You’ll typically find a simple shelter, a platform, and signage.
• Accessibility: Like most Amtrak platforms, it’s designed to be accessible.

The Train That Serves Benson: The Sunset Limited

Benson is exclusively served by Amtrak’s historic Sunset Limited. This storied route is America’s oldest continuously operating named train, connecting Los Angeles, California, with New Orleans, Louisiana, traversing some of the most diverse landscapes in the country.

• Route: Los Angeles ↔ Tucson ↔ El Paso ↔ San Antonio ↔ Houston ↔ New Orleans
• Frequency: The Sunset Limited runs three times a week in each direction. It’s crucial to check Amtrak’s official website for the most current schedule, as arrival and departure times can vary and are subject to delays.

Why Choose the Train to Benson?

Traveling by train offers a unique perspective. For Benson, it’s about:

• Scenic Beauty: Rolling through the Sonoran Desert, especially at sunrise or sunset, is an unforgettable experience.
• Relaxation: Avoid the stress of driving or airport security. Recline, read, or simply watch the world go by.
• Access to Attractions: Benson is the closest Amtrak stop for world-renowned Kartchner Caverns State Park, the historic Old West town of Tombstone, and the stunning Chiricahua National Monument.

Key Distances to Major Cities and Airports

Understanding the distances from the Benson Amtrak station is crucial for planning your journey, especially given the unstaffed nature of the stop. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the station.

To Major Cities (by Road from Benson):

1. Tucson, Arizona:
   • Distance: Approximately 45-50 miles west
   • Drive Time: Roughly 45-60 minutes
   • Note: Tucson is the next major stop for the Sunset Limited (westbound), and offers a full-service Amtrak station and more extensive local transportation options.
2. Phoenix, Arizona:
   • Distance: Approximately 120-130 miles northwest
   • Drive Time: Roughly 2 hours
   • Note: Amtrak does not go directly to Phoenix. The closest Amtrak station serving the Phoenix metropolitan area is in Maricopa, which is about 30-40 miles south of downtown Phoenix. If traveling by train to/from the Phoenix area, you’d likely connect via Maricopa, or use Benson as a longer drive but potentially more convenient local stop.
3. El Paso, Texas:
   • Distance: Approximately 290 miles east
   • Drive Time: Roughly 4-5 hours
   • Note: El Paso is a direct stop on the Sunset Limited (eastbound).
4. San Antonio, Texas:
   • Distance: Approximately 600 miles east
   • Drive Time: Roughly 9-10 hours
   • Note: San Antonio is a direct stop on the Sunset Limited (eastbound).
5. Los Angeles, California:
   • Distance: Approximately 480 miles west
   • Drive Time: Roughly 7-8 hours
   • Note: Los Angeles is the western terminus of the Sunset Limited, a direct train journey from Benson.

To Key Airports (by Road from Benson):

1. Tucson International Airport (TUS):
   • Distance: Approximately 45-50 miles west
   • Drive Time: Roughly 45-60 minutes
   • Transportation: You would need to arrange a taxi, ride-share (availability can be limited in Benson), or a pre-booked shuttle service from the Benson Amtrak station to TUS.
2. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX):
   • Distance: Approximately 120-130 miles northwest
   • Drive Time: Roughly 2 hours
   • Transportation: Similar to TUS, you’d need ground transportation. If you’re using the Maricopa Amtrak station for Phoenix, remember to factor in the additional travel time and cost from Maricopa to PHX (approximately 30-40 miles).

Practical Tips for Your Benson Amtrak Journey:

• Book in Advance: Always purchase your tickets on Amtrak.com or through their app. You cannot buy tickets at the Benson station.
• Arrive Early: Since it’s an unstaffed platform, there’s no official “check-in.” However, arrive at least 15-20 minutes before the scheduled departure to ensure you’re ready when the train arrives.
• Be Prepared for Weather: The platform is exposed. Dress appropriately for the desert climate (hot sun, cool nights), and bring water.
• Identify Yourself: Make sure the conductor knows you’re there for Benson. Stand clearly visible on the platform.
• Local Transportation: Crucially, pre-arrange your transportation to and from the Benson Amtrak station. Taxis and ride-shares may not always be readily available on demand, especially late at night or early in the morning when the Sunset Limited often passes through. Consider local shuttle services or a rental car if staying in the area.
• Check Status: Always check the real-time status of your train on Amtrak’s website or app before heading to the station, as delays can occur.

Benson, Arizona, offers a unique and convenient stop on the Amtrak Sunset Limited route. While its station is modest, it opens the door to incredible desert adventures and provides a charming way to connect with Southern Arizona. Happy travels!