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All aboard: How to ride Amtrak in Dallas

Taking the train isn’t just for commuters — it’s also a method of leisure travel that’s growing in popularity.

Two grey cushioned seats are pictured next to a window. Outside of the window is a grey train with a red stripe on the bottom.

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.

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.

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