The Texas Eagle offers upgrades like the Superliner Roomette — pictured here — which features two seats that transform into upper and lower beds. | Photo by Marc Glucksman via Amtrak
Train travel is booming. In the last year, The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) has served 24+ million riders, and in 2023, Dallas’ Union Station served 49,196.
The more sustainable, often scenic, and middle seat-less cousin to flying, train travel could play a part in your next vacation — here’s how to do it locally.
WiFi | While there’s no free WiFi, you are allowed to use your phone the entire ride. Pro tip: Outlets are more accessible in first or business class + sleeper cars.
Food + Drink | This train offers flexible dining (complimentary meals for private room travelers), cafe service (snacks and drinks for purchase), and traditional dining (chef-prepared meals for first class travelers).
Accommodations | The Texas Eagle features upper and lower level coach seats + various private roomettes and bedrooms.
Where it takes you
Maybe you’ll take the midnight train, but you don’t wanna go just anywhere. Check out a few places you can get from Dallas. Prices may vary.
St. Louis | ~16-hour trip | Coach: $80-$90 | Private rooms: $300-$700
Los Angeles | ~43.5-hour trip | Coach: $100-$400 | Business: $300-$500 | Private rooms: $600-$1,600
First stop: The ticket counter
Purchase one-way tickets online, or buy a pass — the $499 USA Rail Pass, for instance, gets you 10 rides over 30 days.
Next — getting to the station. Dallas’ includes daily and overnight parking, but you can also use public transit.
Just down the track…
Potential for a high-speed rail service connecting Dallas and Houston seems promising; Amtrak officials said that this route is “the one that stands out” in terms of feasibility.
Asked
Which of the following is a real perk of riding Amtrak?
A. You can BYOB in sleeping car accommodations B. There are no middle seats C. You can bring dogs/cats on trips under 7 hours for a fee D. All of the above
“O” by Cirque du Soleil | Wednesday, Sept. 18 | 8:30-10 p.m. | Cosm Dallas | $55+ | Watch a dazzling display of acrobats and aerial performers with a stunning 12K resolution LED-lit background.
Piano Men: An Elton John & Billy Joel Tribute | Wednesday, Sept. 18 | 8:30-9:45 p.m. | Sky Blu Rooftop | $30 | Sing along to all the classic songs from two iconic catalogs, ranging from “Crocodile Rock” to “Piano Man.”
Thursday, Sept. 19
Toronto Blue Jays vs. Texas Rangers | Thursday, Sept. 19 | 1:35 p.m. | Globe Life Field | $8+ | This is one of your final chances to cheer on the Rangers before the 2024 season comes to a close.
Skyline Cinema: Cool Off with a Classic | Thursday, Sept. 19 | 5:45-7:45 p.m. | Skyline Branch Library | Free | Pop into the library to watch the 1944 film “Meet Me in St. Louis,” featuring Judy Garland.
Friday, Sept. 20
Crafternoon: Desert-inspired Crafts | Friday, Sept. 20 | 3:15-4:45 p.m. | Audelia Road Branch Library | Free | Learn how to transform desert plants into fun and creative decorations at this hands-on class.
‘Til Midnight | Friday, Sept. 20 | 6 p.m. | The Nasher | Free | The eclectic outdoor festival has live music, film screenings, and local artists, all performing or creating until midnight.
FC Dallas is nearing an agreement with Frisco City Council to renovate Toyota Stadium. This is just the start of a major overhaul of the 19-year-old stadium that would transform it into a $180+ million sports and entertainment district, if fully approved. (WFAA)
Weather
Did you feel a rumble on Monday? That may have been the 5.1-magnitude earthquake that shook Ackerly and sent shock waves as far as Dallas. Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries due to the quake. (WFAA)
Biz
A North Carolina-based firm purchased the Skillman Live Oak retail strip last week, closing the deal on a 74,000+ sqft shopping center. Asana Partners LLC was the firm behind the deal, however they did not disclose future plans. (WFAA)
Sports
SMU volleyball is riding a hot streak and it earned them the No. 22 rank in the latest AVCA polls. The Mustangs swept No. 2 Nebraska and followed that up by sweeping No. 18 Baylor. This is the first time in nearly two decades since the Mustangs have been ranked. (WFAA)
Announced
Motel 6 is calling on musicians for a new song about the Dallas-based chain. One winning songwriter will receive $6,000 + free stays in the future. Here’s a free starter lyric: We’re at the hotel, motel, Motel 6. (CultureMap Dallas)
Trending
WFAA morning meteorologist Greg Fields said Dallasites should prep for more summer-like days from today through the weekend. Make sure to follow him on X instant weather updates.
Listen
Texas Longhorns’ quarterback Arch Manning had a breakout game last weekend against UTSA. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Coming Soon
Did this catch your eye? That’s because locals (like you) are excited about new happenings in our city. Spread the word about your business, services, big news, or upcoming event with our readers.
Listen
Picture natural sound all around you — from bustling cafes to quiet parks. With advanced directional microphones, these tiny hearing devices focus on what you want to hear, and soften what you don’t. Hear what all the fuss is about.*
Sports
⚾️ Let the games begin
Texas Rangers kickoff citywide scavenger hunt to celebrate 2023 World Series championship
Don’t wait too long, because supplies are limited for these bronze baseballs that celebrate the 2023 World Series. | Photos via Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers season is coming to a close, but a citywide scavenger hunt is just getting started.
The 2023 MLB Champions announced a “Baseball Forever” scavenger hunt around the DFW + Arlington area where fans can search for 25 bronze baseballs. Additionally, fans are invited to post their findings to this MLB official map.
If you are a direhard fan, this is a must-add to any trophy case. The collectible is openable and it holds various items, including a miniature figurine of “The Traveling Man” sculpture that resides in Deep Ellum. However, this one sports a Rangers hat, the City Connect uniforms, and a baseball for a heart. It’s a symbol of the city’s deep ties between Dallas sports and the arts.
At the time of writing this article, 15 baseballs have already been discovered by savvy fans. In other words, it’s time to get to searching.
The Buy
Decorate your space with this year’s trendiest fall decor. Here are five items we just added to our cart:
If you are reading this, thanks for making it all the way to the end of today’s newsletter. And as a reward, time travel back to the 1980s with this YouTube video documenting Dallas nearly 40+ years ago.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.