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.
Meet the Texas Eagle
If you’re leaving from Dallas’ Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station, you’ll be riding on the Texas Eagle:
- 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.
- Austin | ~6.5-hour trip | Coach: $20-$30 | Private rooms: $140-$250
- 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.
