Booking Amtrak In Texas..!!
Texas is a state built for grand adventures, and while the open road often calls, there’s a unique charm to experiencing its vastness and vibrant cities by rail. Amtrak offers a relaxed, scenic, and often stress-free way to traverse the Lone Star State, connecting you to bustling metropolises, historic towns, and gateways to natural wonders.
Whether you’re planning a cross-country journey, a city-to-city hop, or simply looking for an alternative way to travel, this complete guide will walk you through every Amtrak station in Texas, complete with essential details and handy distances to key cities and airports.
The Amtrak Routes in Texas
Texas is served by two primary Amtrak routes:
- The Sunset Limited: This historic route travels east-west, connecting Los Angeles to New Orleans, with stops in West Texas, San Antonio, Houston, and Beaumont.
- The Texas Eagle: Running north-south (and extending up to Chicago), the Texas Eagle connects Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio before joining the Sunset Limited’s route eastward to New Orleans.
San Antonio stands as the unique hub where both the Sunset Limited and the Texas Eagle converge.
Your Texas Amtrak Station Guide
Let’s explore each station, its amenities, and crucial connectivity information. Please note: Distances are approximate driving distances and may vary slightly.
1. Alpine, Texas (ALP) – Sunset Limited
Description: Nestled in the Big Bend region, Alpine is a charming small town and a primary gateway to the vast landscapes of Big Bend National Park and the artistic hub of Marfa. The station itself is a modest historic building, reflecting the town’s character.
Station Services:
- Waiting room (unstaffed)
- Restrooms
- No baggage services or ticketing agent – tickets must be purchased in advance online or via phone.
Key Connections from Alpine:
| Destination | Distance (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marfa | 26 miles | Arts community, “Marfa Lights” |
| Big Bend National Park (Entrance) | 80 miles | Requires car rental or shuttle service |
| Fort Davis National Historic Site | 25 miles | Historic frontier fort |
| Midland International Air & Space Port (MAF) | 110 miles | Nearest major airport for connections |
| El Paso International Airport (ELP) | 225 miles | Larger airport, but a significant drive |
2. San Antonio, Texas (SAX) – Sunset Limited & Texas Eagle
Description: The heart of Texas’s history and culture, San Antonio boasts the Alamo, the River Walk, and a vibrant culinary scene. Its Amtrak station, while not directly on the River Walk, is a significant hub for both Texas routes and offers full services.
Station Services:
- Staffed ticket office
- Waiting room
- Restrooms
- Checked baggage service
- AmtrakConnect Wi-Fi (basic)
- Limited long-term parking
Key Connections from San Antonio:
| Destination | Distance (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| The Alamo | 1 mile | Iconic historical site |
| San Antonio River Walk | <1 mile | Pedestrian promenade, dining, entertainment |
| Pearl District | 2 miles | Historic brewery turned culinary and shopping hotspot |
| San Antonio International Airport (SAT) | 9 miles | Easily accessible via taxi, rideshare, or local bus |
3. Houston, Texas (HOS) – Sunset Limited
Description: As Texas’s largest city, Houston offers an urban sprawl with world-class museums, diverse dining, and the iconic Space Center Houston. The Amtrak station is located downtown, providing good access to the city’s core.
Station Services:
- Staffed ticket office
- Waiting room
- Restrooms
- Checked baggage service
- AmtrakConnect Wi-Fi (basic)
- Limited short-term parking
Key Connections from Houston:
| Destination | Distance (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Houston Attractions | 1-2 miles | Discovery Green, Minute Maid Park, Toyota Center |
| Museum District | 3 miles | World-class museums and galleries |
| Space Center Houston | 30 miles | Home of NASA’s astronaut training and mission control |
| William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) | 10 miles | Southwest Airlines hub, closer to downtown |
| George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) | 20 miles | Major international airport, accessible via METRORail/bus |
4. Beaumont, Texas (BMT) – Sunset Limited
Description: Situated in Southeast Texas, Beaumont offers a taste of the Gulf Coast and a rich regional history tied to the oil boom. The station is a pleasant historic building, serving as a stop between Houston and Louisiana.
Station Services:
- Waiting room (unstaffed)
- Restrooms
- No baggage services or ticketing agent – tickets must be purchased in advance.
Key Connections from Beaumont:
| Destination | Distance (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gator Country Adventure Park | 15 miles | Alligator rescue and adventure park |
| McFaddin Beach (High Island) | 30 miles | Gulf Coast beach, known for birdwatching |
| Port Arthur | 20 miles | Historic city, Museum of the Gulf Coast |
| Jack Brooks Regional Airport (BPT) | 10 miles | Small regional airport |
| George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH) | 85 miles | Nearest major international airport |
5. Marshall, Texas (MHL) – Texas Eagle
Description: A charming East Texas town steeped in history, Marshall is known for its beautiful historic homes and vibrant Christmas lights festival. The station reflects this heritage with its classic architecture.
Station Services:
- Waiting room (unstaffed)
- Restrooms
- No baggage services or ticketing agent – tickets must be purchased in advance.
Key Connections from Marshall:
| Destination | Distance (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Caddo Lake State Park | 20 miles | Unique swampy lake, fishing, kayaking |
| Shreveport, Louisiana | 40 miles | Cross-state connection, casinos, entertainment |
| East Texas Regional Airport (GGG) | 30 miles | Small regional airport near Longview |
6. Longview, Texas (LVW) – Texas Eagle
Description: A hub in East Texas, Longview blends urban amenities with proximity to beautiful lakes and outdoor recreation. The station is a functional stop on the Texas Eagle route.
Station Services:
- Waiting room (unstaffed)
- Restrooms
- No baggage services or ticketing agent – tickets must be purchased in advance.
Key Connections from Longview:
| Destination | Distance (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lake O’ the Pines | 20 miles | Popular for fishing, boating, camping |
| Tyler | 40 miles | “Rose Capital of America,” museums, gardens |
| East Texas Regional Airport (GGG) | 15 miles | Small regional airport serving Longview/Tyler area |
7. Dallas, Texas (DAL) – Texas Eagle
Description: A bustling metropolis, Dallas offers a sleek downtown, expansive arts districts, and historical sites. The Amtrak station in Union Station is centrally located and connected to the DART light rail system.
Station Services:
- Staffed ticket office
- Waiting room
- Restrooms
- Checked baggage service
- AmtrakConnect Wi-Fi (basic)
- Direct access to DART light rail and Trinity Railway Express (TRE)
Key Connections from Dallas:
| Destination | Distance (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Reunion Tower | <1 mile | Iconic Dallas landmark with observation deck |
| The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza | 1 mile | JFK assassination site and museum |
| Dallas Arts District | 1-2 miles | Klyde Warren Park, Dallas Museum of Art, Perot Museum |
| Dallas Love Field (DAL) | 7 miles | Primary airport for Southwest Airlines |
| DFW International Airport (DFW) | 20 miles | Major international hub, accessible via DART/Trinity Metro |
8. Fort Worth, Texas (FTW) – Texas Eagle
Description: “Where the West Begins,” Fort Worth perfectly blends cowboy heritage with modern cultural attractions. The station is near downtown and provides excellent access to the city’s unique charm, including the famous Stockyards.
Station Services:
- Staffed ticket office
- Waiting room
- Restrooms
- Checked baggage service
- AmtrakConnect Wi-Fi (basic)
- Direct access to Trinity Railway Express (TRE) and Trinity Metro local bus.
Key Connections from Fort Worth:
| Destination | Distance (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stockyards National Historic District | 2 miles | Daily cattle drives, rodeos, Western shops |
| Cultural District | 3-4 miles | Kimbell Art Museum, Modern Art Museum, Amon Carter Museum |
| Downtown Fort Worth (Sundance Square) | <1 mile | Entertainment, dining, shopping |
| DFW International Airport (DFW) | 25 miles | Major international hub, accessible via TRE/Trinity Metro |
| Dallas Love Field (DAL) | 40 miles | Primary airport for Southwest Airlines |
9. Cleburne, Texas (CBR) – Texas Eagle
Description: A smaller, historic community south of Fort Worth, Cleburne offers a glimpse into small-town Texas life. The Amtrak stop here is very basic, primarily serving as a local connection point.
Station Services:
- Shelter only (unstaffed)
- No restrooms or other services – tickets must be purchased in advance.
Key Connections from Cleburne:
| Destination | Distance (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Worth | 30 miles | Larger city access |
| Dinosaur Valley State Park (Glen Rose) | 30 miles | Ancient dinosaur footprints |
| DFW International Airport (DFW) | 50 miles | Nearest major airport |
10. McGregor, Texas (MCG) – Texas Eagle
Description: Another very small community stop, McGregor is primarily used by those heading to or from nearby Waco. The stop is simple and unstaffed.
Station Services:
- Shelter only (unstaffed)
- No restrooms or other services – tickets must be purchased in advance.
Key Connections from McGregor:
| Destination | Distance (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Waco | 18 miles | Home of Baylor University, Magnolia Market, Dr Pepper Museum |
| Homestead Heritage | 10 miles | Rural farming community, tours, crafts |
| Waco Regional Airport (ACT) | 15 miles | Small regional airport |
| Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) | 90 miles | Nearest major airport for broader connections |
11. Austin, Texas (AUS) – Texas Eagle
Description: The state capital, Austin is known for its vibrant live music scene, burgeoning tech industry, and unique “Keep Austin Weird” culture. The Amtrak station is conveniently located near downtown.
Station Services:
- Staffed ticket office
- Waiting room
- Restrooms
- Checked baggage service
- AmtrakConnect Wi-Fi (basic)
- Limited short-term parking
- Accessible by Capital Metro local bus.
Key Connections from Austin:
| Destination | Distance (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Texas State Capitol | 1 mile | Iconic government building |
| Sixth Street / Entertainment Districts | 1-2 miles | Live music, bars, restaurants |
| South Congress Avenue | 2-3 miles | Eclectic shops, eateries, vibrant atmosphere |
| Lady Bird Lake (Kayaking, Biking) | <1 mile | Outdoor recreation, trails |
| Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) | 10 miles | Major international airport, accessible via bus |
Tips for Traveling Amtrak in Texas
- Book in Advance: Especially for sleeper cars or popular routes, booking early ensures availability and better fares.
- Station Services Vary: As you can see, not all stations are staffed. Check your ticket and Amtrak’s website for specific station amenities and baggage policies.
- Arrive Early: For staffed stations with baggage check, give yourself ample time (at least 30-45 minutes before departure). For unstaffed stops, 15-20 minutes is usually sufficient.
- Luggage: Amtrak has generous baggage allowances compared to airlines. Check their policies for checked and carry-on bags.
- Food and Drink: Dining cars (especially on the Sunset Limited) offer meals, and Cafe Cars have snacks and beverages. You can also bring your own food and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Comfort: Dress in layers, bring a good book, headphones, and enjoy the scenery. Wi-Fi can be spotty, so plan for offline entertainment.
- Flexibility: Train travel can sometimes experience delays. Embrace the journey and build in buffer time if you have tight connections.
Why Choose Amtrak in Texas?
- Scenic Views: Watch the diverse landscapes of Texas unfold outside your window, from the desert to pine forests and the urban sprawl.
- Relaxation: Avoid highway traffic, airport security lines, and the stress of driving. Recline, read, or simply enjoy the ride.
- Space and Comfort: More legroom, spacious seats, and the ability to walk around the train.
- Eco-Friendly: Train travel boasts a lower carbon footprint per passenger than driving or flying.
- Unique Experience: It’s a journey, not just a means to an end.
Whether you’re a seasoned rail traveler or considering your first train adventure, Amtrak offers a fantastic way to explore the vast and varied landscapes of Texas. So, next time you’re planning a trip, consider hopping aboard and letting the rails guide your Texas adventure!