The Amtrak Texas Eagle is the longest route in the US. This is a classic Amtrak adventure. It will take you deep into the heart of Texas as it connects with the Sunset Limited to take you all the way to Los Angeles.
The Texas Eagle will take you from Chicago to Los Angeles via St. Louis, Little Rock, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio (where it connects with the Sunset Limited) on to El Paso, Tucson and Palm Springs before arriving in Los Angeles or the opposite direction.
Contents
Train Info
 | Wifi | No |
 | Observation Car | Yes |
 | Dining Car | Yes |
 | Cafe | Yes |
 | Distance | 2,728 Miles |
 | Time | 68 Hours |
 | Top Speed | 79 Mph |
Ticket Options
On the Texas Eagle you can purchase tickets in these categories (sample summer fares for 2 people shown):
- Coach ($325)
- Superliner Roomette ($1,274)
- Superliner Bedroom ($2,083)
- Superliner Family Bedroom ($1,564)
Amtrak often runs 2 for 1 sales on coach tickets as well as roomettes. If you are planning well in advance, check out our guide to getting 2 for 1 tickets during the BOGO sale.
Meals and Metropolitan Lounge access are included for all sleeper car passengers.
Scenic Views
The Texas Eagle will take you deep in the heart of Texas along the longest Amtrak train route. Passengers vacationing on the Texas Eagle can expect to be treated to views of the Land of Lincoln, travel across the Mississippi River and the Ozarks into Little Rock, Arkansas. Marvel at the gorgeous views of downtown Dallas and Austin before you arrive into San Antonio, Texas where you will join the passengers of the Sunset Limited on to Los Angeles.
Major Stations
The major and notable stations on the Amtrak Texas Eagle are Chicago, St. Louis, Little Rock, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Tucson, Palm Springs and Los Angeles.
States Visited
The Amtrak Texas Eagle travels from Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, New Mexico and Arizona before arriving in California. There are many notable stops along this route.
Station Reviews
The Texas Eagle has terminus stations of Chicago on one end and Los Angeles on the other. Both stations have great Metropolitan Lounges where you can relax before your journey. There are several restaurant options in both stations. These are both beautiful stations, you may want to arrive early to take some time for a tour.
Both stations also offer free checked baggage, up to 2 bags per person of 50lbs.
Chicago Union Station
Union Station in Chicago is perhaps the finest Amtrak station in the country. It offers easy access in the heart of Downtown Chicago and features the best Metropolitan Lounge you will find. There are plenty of fast food restaurants within the station where you can get food to bring back to the new 2 level Metropolitan Lounge. The entire station has a nice decor that makes you feel like you are about to take a special trip.
If you’d like to stay close to Union Station before or after your visit we recommend the Hyatt Place Chicago Downtown – The Loop, which is about a 5 minute walk from the station. We have also stayed at and recommend the La Quinta. This hotel is usually a little cheaper and is also in a good area.
Union Station – Los Angeles
Union Station in Los Angeles is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the western US. It opened in 1939 replacing the LA Grande Station and Central Station. The station has been used in many popular films, including Blade Runner, Pearl Harbor, The Dark Knight Rises and Bugsy, to name a few. There are several restaurants where you can purchase food and bring back to enjoy in the Metropolitan Lounge. The lounge at this station is located on the second level just past ticketing and the check in counters. Arrive early to take the time to walk around the station and enjoy some of the history.
If you need to stay near the station, the closest hotel is the Metro Plaza Hotel, which is acceptable. For a little better place to stay you could choose the Millennium Biltmore. We stayed there on our last Amtrak trip and recommend it, but this would require a short taxi or Uber to the station.
There is a car rental location on site at the station.
Trip Planning
The Texas Eagle can be paired with several other trains for a longer vacation. You can hop on the Coast Starlight up to Seattle then hop on the Empire Builder to create a longer vacation similar to our 14 day trip around the US.
You can also link the Southwest Chief to this trip for a true round trip from either Chicago or Los Angeles. Note that the Amtrak stations in Chicago and Los Angeles are not near the airports, so if you are flying into those cities to start this route you’ll need to get a cab or Uber to the Amtrak station.
Booking Tickets
Tickets for Amtrak can be booked at Amtrak.com or using their app on your phone. Reservations can also be made by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.
