How to Ride the Texas Eagle Amtrak Route

"This long-distance Amtrak route was famously saved when Texas communities rallied to prevent its discontinuation, and today it runs daily between San Antonio and Chicago with frequent local enthusiasm. On its own the journey is roughly 30–32 hours (northbound departs San Antonio 6:48 a.m. and arrives Chicago 1:44 p.m., taking about 30 hours 56 minutes; southbound leaves Chicago 1:52 p.m. and arrives San Antonio 10:16 p.m., about 32 hours 24 minutes), but on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Fridays it couples with a westbound extension to Los Angeles that creates a single Chicago–Los Angeles trip of about 65 hours 20 minutes. Booking is most easily done via Amtrak.com, where one-way coach fares between San Antonio and Chicago were found from about $118 (value) or $157 (flex), while private accommodations start around $555 for a roomette, $847 for a bedroom, and family rooms from $747; full Chicago–Los Angeles fares and room rates are higher. Onboard options range from reclining coach seats in bi-level Superliner cars to roomettes (two seats that convert to upper/lower beds), family rooms for up to four, and larger bedrooms with a sink and private restroom; sleeper passengers receive bedding, towels, a dedicated attendant, lounge access, priority boarding, and complimentary meals. Be aware that the route has relatively few amenities compared with some other long-haul trains—no observation lounge car and limited traditional dining for sleeper passengers on the core route—though more cars and fuller meal service are added on the Los Angeles extension. Practical tips: pack layered clothing for variable car temperatures, buy snacks ahead (cafe selections can be limited and pricey), bring a long charging cable or power splitter (roomettes have only one outlet), expect no onboard Wi‑Fi, and take advantage of station breaks to walk and stretch. Scenic and cultural highlights include crossings that showcase the St. Louis Gateway Arch and downtown, a quick view of Austin’s Lady Bird Lake bridge, desert landscapes and border-adjacent track near El Paso on the westward extension, and convenient connections to historic stops and attractions along the way." - Rachel Chang Rachel Chang Rachel Chang is a travel and pop culture journalist who contributes to Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines