Kansas City

My ride on the Southwest Chief (Train 3) from Kansas City to LA Union Station was not particularly pleasant. While the seats were leather, they were slippery—even when reclined—and did not offer a comfortable sleeping experience overnight. The organization of passenger seating based on destinations was also lacking, as boarding and disembarking passengers disrupted long-distance travelers during the night. Each coach compartment had four toilets, which was adequate, but unfortunately, they were not cleaned during long halts at main stations. Additionally, there were a few suspicious passengers who seemed to inspect others’ belongings, making it necessary to stay alert despite the presence of onboard security. However, it was a picturesque and wonderful ride through the undulating and diverse terrain across Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and California—some of the views were truly breathtaking. The observation car was comfortable and ideal for taking in the scenery. The cafeteria, although limited in its offerings, provided good service, with the lady in charge being especially courteous and attentive.

Rode the Southwest Chief for the first time from Kansas City to Flagstaff. Left Sunday night October 20. First time ever on Amtrak. Splurged and got the sleeper car. Great because you have your own bathroom and windows so we really did not have to spend much time in the crowded observation car. 20 minutes late into KC. Ended up being 3:45 late into Flagstaff- one delay in Colorado for 1.5 hours ( no explanation) another in Albuquerque for 2.5 hours ( equipment problem- train had to be broken apart, car removed, train put back together) It is important to note that in both of the above delays- the bathroom's DO NOT FLUSH- yikes. No engine power- no flushee We told ourselves to stay flexible and not care about any delays. As you notice in many reviews- the food is actually decent- we are not talking gourmet- but a heck of a lot better then airplane. Sleeper car gets breakfast, lunch and dinner and one free drink for dinner. Chief steward in dining car was fabulous and got us hooked up for our reservations- sleeper cars get first shot at reservations. Our waiter was also fabulous. As we traveled as a couple- you can expect to be seated with another twosome all three meals. This does not bother us- and we had some great conversations with interesting people. Note below that porter was running a lot of food back to folks in Sleeper that wanted to eat in their room.... Our sleeper car porter was sort of friendly in introduction- but over the course of the 25 hours she didn't so crap- for us. In fairness I did notice her bringing meals back to a compartment and that is a heck of a lot of work. They don't actually have a "bar" car- but snacks, food and booze exist below the observation car. It is OK. Attendant was a bit surly and has the right to take 3 or 4 one hour breaks- not a complaint just and observation and she always announced them. Sleeper car can bring booze on- we did indulge in some box wine and drinks with a purchased mixer....but of course you must drink in only in your sleeper. For some reason, Union Station KC does not allow "checked" luggage. So you carry it all on. Each sleeper has a luggage rack on the first floor- but our experience was that is was crammed full by the time the train got to KC. Did not bother us- we slept in low berth and used the top bunk for luggage. Might be a problem for others... We were upper deck Sleeper. You sort of cannot believe how narrow the steps are up to the second level- and remember you are dragging luggage. First deck sleeper may be better if you can get it. Noticed early on in the morning that some coach passengers just brought all their luggage and themselves into the observation car and sprawled out over 3-4 seats and slept. Not sure at what time a porter made them get up - if at all. Another reason for Sleeper or Roomette as Coach folks dominate seating in the Observation car. All in all- loved it. You simply have to put any timing expectations aside and enjoy the ride. Don't plan any activity based on your arrival on the Southwest Chief because there is a 90% chance you will be late- 1-4 hours. (Hopefully not bussed- we were a bit worried about that in Albuquerque given the equipment delay)

This is not a review for the train itself but rather the restrooms outside the train inside of union station. The restroom only has 2 stalls which is fine for a not so busy day like today. My issue is the sink. The water is fine but the soap smell makes me want to throw up. It’s that smell of mushed up vegetables in a blender that I don’t like. Also the air dryer dries so slow. I ended up using my shirt to finish drying my hands.

Very beautiful historic train station in downtown Kansas city. Like going back in time 100 years or more, so we'll maintained and clean!!

Awesome vintage railway station. They have reworked this place into a cool restaurant venue with the Amtrak waiting area and ticketing office. This city did it right. We've come through here on several occasions and there are always some new improvements and things to see.

🚞 Amtrak Cantina Car Operator ~ Customer Service Attendant ~ Topeka to Kansas City After a customer service breakdown at the Hyatt hotel in Topeka (Review Posted), I boarded my Amtrak train departing Topeka station to Kansas City. It’s a short ride, and although I usually stay in a sleeper car, I booked coach to reduce the cost. I was hungry and wanted to get a breakfast sandwich and coffee to start my day. I had an unfortunate experience with the operator in the food/cantina car. When I descended the stairs to the cantina, I noticed the operator rummaging through a closet. To say she looked miserable would be putting it lightly—she appeared completely disturbed and made no effort to hide her cold, standoffish attitude. When I politely asked when the cantina would open, she flatly told me she was “setting up.” I waited patiently for 5–10 minutes along with three other passengers as she “set up.” When she finally opened the service window, I placed my order for a coffee and breakfast sandwich. She mumbled something inaudible under her breath, which I assume was a passive-aggressive hint for a tip—despite the complete lack of courtesy. Then came the payment fiasco: although she prompted me to pay, she abruptly stopped the transaction as I began to insert my card to complete my transaction. She hadn’t even bothered to activate the card reader and had to set that up now. 🙄 So, once again, paying customers had to wait longer. I eventually paid for my order, left no tip, and snapped a photo, which I’ve provided. I was relieved just to walk away from her energy. This kind of attitude has no place in customer service—especially in such a confined, shared travel space. 👎👹 Judging by her attitude and standoffish demeanor, she should seriously consider finding a new job. Paying customers on Amtrak trains deserve much better than this. This operator’s horrific customer service reflects poorly on Amtrak as a whole. It’s not just an isolated issue—it’s part of a growing, countrywide problem. Why work a job if you clearly hate it? This woman’s behavior is a perfect example of that disconnect, and its customers who suffer for it.

Historical building, restaurants available, clean restaurants and restrooms. Staff friendly and helpful.

Station itself is incredible. Heads up, though: when departing/arriving on Amtrak, expect to take a temporary, improvised passageway to/from the train as they are renovating the main walkway.