This Underrated Amtrak Route Is Quietly Becoming America’s Last Great Cross-Country Adventure

If you happen to’re dreaming of a cross-country practice journey that takes you from the skyscrapers of Chicago to the desert sunsets of the American Southwest—with out the crowds of extra well-known routes—then it is time you found the Texas Eagle. Typically ignored in favor of the California Zephyr or the Empire Builder, the Texas Eagle is quietly gaining standing as one among Amtrak’s most unforgettable journeys.

With a sprawling route that runs every day from Chicago to San Antonio, after which thrice weekly onward to Los Angeles through the Sundown Restricted, the Texas Eagle affords vacationers a uncommon alternative to expertise the nation’s geographic and cultural range in a single sluggish, scenic journey. With the current reintroduction of the observation car that was removed in 2020, the return of the Sightseer Lounge makes the journey even sweeter, providing panoramic views from a glass-enclosed house the place passengers can calm down, mingle, and take within the surroundings.

Let’s take a more in-depth have a look at this underrated Amtrak route that’s quietly turning into America’s final nice cross-country journey.

America’s Final Nice Cross-Nation Journey

Overlaying as much as 2,728 miles throughout eight states, the Texas Eagle is Amtrak’s longest route when mixed with the Sundown Restricted. The practice departs every day from Chicago and winds its approach by means of St. Louis, Little Rock, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio, and—on choose days—continues all the way in which to Los Angeles, remodeling into a real coast-to-coast expedition. The complete journey from Chicago to L.A. takes 65 hours and 20 minutes, making it one of many longest steady rides you’ll be able to soak up North America.

What units the Texas Eagle aside is not simply its mileage—it’s the expertise. You’ll roll previous the Mississippi River, cross the Ozarks, and see the piney woods of East Texas stretch into desert terrain. You’ll see America’s heartland, faculty cities, city skylines, and historic landmarks. And also you’ll do all of it in consolation with spacious seating, panoramic lounge vehicles, and the choice to improve to sleeper rooms with full meal service.

This isn’t only a practice journey. It’s a throwback to a slower, extra intentional approach of touring. You may sip your morning espresso because the solar rises over Arkansas, or watch the Texas plains unfold earlier than your eyes from the Sightseer Lounge.

For the complete expertise, take into account reserving a Superliner Roomette or Bed room. You may get privateness, meals included, and a significantly better sleep.

Many routes supply lovely surroundings. Few allow you to see a lot of the nation in such a private, unhurried approach. The Texas Eagle could also be Amtrak’s best-kept secret, but it surely’s incomes its place because the final nice cross-country journey in America.

A Transient Historical past Of Texas’ Underrated Amtrak Route

The story of the Texas Eagle dates again to 1948, when the unique service was operated by the Missouri Pacific Railroad and Texas and Pacific Railway. That model of the practice ran from St. Louis to San Antonio, passing by means of lots of the identical cities that the present route serves. It was as soon as a logo of post-war modernity, streamlined, glossy, and an important connection between the Midwest and Texas.

In 1971, Amtrak was fashioned, and lots of non-public passenger companies have been discontinued, together with the unique Texas Eagle. However the route lived on in spirit. In 1981, Amtrak launched a brand new service referred to as The Eagle, which was basically a restructuring of the Inter-American practice that beforehand ran from Chicago to Laredo. It dropped its Houston leg and shortened its path to Chicago–San Antonio.

Later, in 1982, Amtrak rebranded the route because the Texas Eagle, honoring its heritage whereas extending its future. Over time, the Eagle started connecting with the Sundown Restricted in San Antonio, creating probably the most formidable routes within the system—linking Chicago and Los Angeles by rail.

Regardless of some cuts and modifications, the Texas Eagle has remained a beloved if underappreciated a part of Amtrak’s long-distance community. At the moment, it nonetheless follows a lot of the unique observe laid by the Missouri Pacific and Texas & Pacific railroads, a historic path winding by means of the center of America.

Texas Eagle Schedule, Key Stops, & Pricing

The Texas Eagle departs every day from Chicago’s Union Station, with stops in key cities like St. Louis, Little Rock, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio. From there, the Sundown Restricted connects 3 times per week to Los Angeles, passing by means of the deserts of New Mexico, Arizona, and into California.

The complete Texas Eagle route is split in half:

The layover in San Antonio, which may vary from two to 5 hours, permits for coupling with the Sundown Restricted. Throughout this time, passengers can keep onboard or stretch their legs. Nonetheless, word that air-con and energy could also be restricted throughout this pause.

If you happen to’re planning to journey all the way in which from Chicago to Los Angeles, make certain to guide Prepare #421 or #422, which runs mixed with the Sundown Restricted for the complete coast-to-coast journey. In case your journey ends at San Antonio, you’ll be on Prepare #21, which runs every day between Chicago and San Antonio solely.

Pricing varies relying on the season and the way early you guide. Deciding what’s actually worth it between a sleeper car and coach is determined by your price range. Coach fares can begin at $198, whereas Roomettes and Bedrooms can run from $1000 to $2,500+ for the complete route, relying on demand.

All rooms embrace comfy seating by day and higher and decrease berths by evening, complimentary meals served by a First Class attendant, lounge entry, precedence boarding at choose stations, and newly upgraded bedding, pillows, towels, and linens for a restful journey.

Highlights Alongside the Texas Eagle Route:

• Chicago, IL
• St. Louis, MO
• Dallas, TX
• Austin, TX
• San Antonio, TX
• Tuscon, AZ
• Phoenix, AZ
• Los Angeles, CA

In an age the place pace dominates journey, the Texas Eagle affords one thing totally completely different. It’s an opportunity to see America not from 35,000 ft, however at floor stage, city by city, panorama by panorama. Whether or not you are in it for the complete 65-hour journey or only a phase of its path, the journey is the vacation spot. So should you’re craving an genuine cross-country journey, skip the airport and hop aboard the Texas Eagle, America’s final best cross-country journey.