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Top Scenic Train Rides In Texas

Book a seat on these scenic train rides in Texas through open spaces.

There is something special about scenic train rides. You never know what you’ll see as the train takes the same route on every trip. I always gaze out the window to look for wildlife. Even though I may be on a train to see something totally different, like dogwood blooms, I have my eye on possible glimpses of any type of wild animal.

So, are you ready for a road trip to take a scenic train ride through Lone Star State? History buffs, train lovers, and the whole family will love these family-friendly excursions aboard one of Texas’s top scenic train rides.

Photo: Pixabay

5 Top Scenic Train Rides In Texas

When I visited a winery in Burnet (TX Hill Country), the lady behind the counter pouring our wine told us about a train ride excursion that comes through Burnet and offers wine tasting and more. It then dawned on me that many of you and the other four I know of would probably want to hear about it, too.

You’ll find many special events on these major train rides throughout Texas all year round. Enjoy these fantastic train rides through Texas, and book a seat!

Texas State Railroad – East Texas

The Texas State Railroad , built by inmates long ago, is a heritage railroad between Rusk and Palestine, TX. A vintage steam locomotive that takes passengers on a 4-hour round-trip train ride through the Piney Woods of East Texas. And when the dogwoods are out, it makes for a lovely scenic ride. There is an hour layover at the Rusk Depot, where each passenger will get a box lunch to enjoy outside on the depot grounds.

My mom and I got tickets for the Dogwood Lunch Train Excursion and enjoyed the view, talking with other passengers, and feeling the breeze outside the caboose.

Palestine has many attractions to boast about and is also a fabulous town for a mother-daughter trip .

Did you know…

The Texas State Railroad is the Official Railroad of Texas.

Special Events on the Texas State Railroad:

• Dogwood Lunch Train
• Easter Lunch Train
• Wine In The Pines
• Speakeasy Special

Grapevine, TX Food Hall Train Photo

Grapevine Vintage Railroad – North Texas

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad is an excursion and special event railroad in Grapevine, Texas that runs from the Main Street station in Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards.

I took this Cotton Belt Excursion a long time ago and enjoyed it. I’d love to do it again. Two of my favorite places to roam—are Grapevine and the Stockyards! You’ll love the Victorian coaches.

Train Excursions:

• Cotton Belt Excursion (Grapevine/Fort Worth Stockyards)
• Trinity River Train Excursion – (Historic Stockyard Station/Fort Worth’s Trinity Park)
• Grapevine Bear Creek – Grapevine Cotton Belt and back) great for families with toddlers.

Special Events on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad:

• North Pole Express – Grapevine’s Christmas train.
• Day Out With Thomas
• Sweetheart Wine Train
• Grapevine’s Christmas Wine Train Tour

Historic Jefferson Railway – East Texas

Historic Jefferson Railway is a 3-foot narrow gauge railroad that takes passengers on its diesel engine locomotive on a 3-mile (40-minute) narrated train ride through the scenic Big Cypress Bayou with a stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit to see the feeding of the live alligators. Be sure to look for the Boggy Creek Monster! Open Thursdays & Saturdays. Pets welcome.

Special Events on the Historic Jefferson Railway:

• Halloween Express Haunted Train Ride
• “Rail of Lights” Christmas Express Steam Tour (evenings in December)

The Bertram Flyer. Photo from Facebook

Austin Steam Train Association – Central Texas

From first-class coach to excursion coach to first-class lounge to adult-only first-class ding cars and wheelchair-accessible cars, the Austin Steam Train Association  has you covered. I can only imagine how much fun this ride would be, and to see the Texas Hill Country in a whole new way is thrilling. I just learned about it, and now I’m booking a seat! It promises to be the Texas train ride of your life!

There are three depots: Cedar Park Depot, Bertrem Depot, and Burnet Depot. All depots are located in the northern hill country area.

Some excursions will go to the Canyon Of The Eagles overlooking Lake Buchannan. Burnet & Cedar Park have dining and lodging available. And you can buy a ticket for a locomotive cab ride, but be prepared to fork out $500-$700.

Pro Tip: Check out the Buckeye Trail and Eagle Cliff cars for wheelchair-accessible.

Special Event on the Austin Steam Train:

• Take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a train ride through the hill country on the Bertram Flyer!
• Explore vintage train cars on the Hill Country Flyer while you wind through the Texas Hill Country, crossing the South San Gabriel River bridge and Short Creek Canyon.
• Saint Paddy’s Express – March 19, 2023
• Wedding Oak Wine Train (the one the lady behind the counter told me about) It’s March 26, 2023.

Texas Eagle Train Amtrak

Chicago – St. Louis – Dallas – San Antonio – Los Angeles, and everywhere in between in Texas – departs daily.

Amtrak’s Texas Eagle will take you deep into the heart of Texas, traveling between Chicago and San Antonio through Austin and Dallas. Continue your trip between San Antonio and Los Angeles via Sunset Limited. Wind through the Land of Lincoln, across the Mississippi River, and through the Ozarks to Little Rock and the piney woods of East Texas. Then back through Dallas, Austin, and ended in San Antonio. I don’t know if I got that right, but it’s a long train ride for sure!

WOW – what a way to see the world. I took my son on an Amtrak train from Fort Worth to California when he was 7 (1987). We went for the experience, and I’ll never forget sleeping where we sat. Never did that again. If ever I take the Texas Eagle, I will get a room with a bed!

• What is the longest train ride in Texas? Texas Eagle
• Famous Texas Train – Texas Eagle

Make one of these scenic train rides in Texas your next trip!

Texas Train Museums

• Texas Transportation Museum – San Antonio. Unlimited 15-minute rides are included with admission to the museum.
• Austin Steam Train Association Museum is in Cedar Park, TX (link is above)
• Railroad Heritage Center – Palestine, TX

About Kim Croisant

Kim Croisant is a freelance writer and owner/writer at Texas Travel Talk and a native Texan living north of Fort Worth. When not writing about travel destinations (not just in Texas), restaurants, and hotels, she is most likely juggling family life, caring for her mother, and raising her grandson. She loves red wine, chips & dip, and travel magazines. Follow her on Instagram @texastraveltalk.

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5 Epic Train Rides In Texas | For a Relaxed and Picturesque Journey

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Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

I love to ride trains. My great-grandparents saw travel evolve from horse-drawn carriages to electric street cars, urban subways, and passenger trains.

Today, we seek fast travel by jet or a sleek car, but what about turning back the clock to railroad transit and passenger trains? There is something about the golden age of train travel that’s fun for all ages. It’s a time to slow down, relax, and let the landscape flow past us. Let’s explore train rides in Texas, great fun for the whole family. All aboard!

5 Epic Train Rides In Texas for an Amazing Experience

1. palestine to rusk, texas state railroad.

Step aboard a refurbished train car at the Texas State Railroad and feel like you have stepped back in time 100 years, where time slows down and tensions disappear. Relax and enjoy a 4-hour roundtrip train excursion from Palestine to Rusk and back, with vintage steam and diesel locomotives gliding through the piney woods of East Texas as the fall leaves begin to turn shades of golds, oranges, yellows, and reds.

At the depot, learn about the railroad communities, savor a bite to eat with family at the Rusk Mail Car Cafe, and shop the gifts and keepsakes at Roundhouse 1909 in Palestine. Ride comfortably, enjoy a historical narrative, meet friendly and entertaining staff, and sample food and adult beverages on your journey. The four-hour train ride breaks down to a 1.5-hour 25-mile trip to the destination depot, a one-hour lunchtime, and a 1.5-hour return trip.

In October, the Pumpkin Patch Express leaves from Rusk, a 30-minute round trip train ride, including hayrides, spooky music, a bounce house, concessions, and trick-or-treating on Trick or Treat Street. Each child picks out a pumpkin to take home for carving. Fall is a fabulous time to take a train trip through the U.S .

Make reservations now for the Polar Express for November and December. The Presidential Class car seating is limited where a ride with Santa, keepsake Polar Express mugs, hot chocolate, and cookies make for a magical experience.

Camping facilities at the Rusk Campground offer a stay onsite at a historic railroad, with access to depot amenities including lunch, gift shop, and movie theater access on train departure days. Movies filmed on the Texas State Railroad are featured, with stars like Denzel Washington, George Clooney, John Goodman, and Sam Elliot.

This was definitely one of my favorite U.S. train rides .

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Palestine To Rusk

2. Cedar Park To Burnet

Austin steam train association.

All aboard! Take the historic 6-hour, 66-mile roundtrip Hill Country Flyer from Cedar Park, north of Austin, and just east of Lake Travis, to Burnet with a brief layover there for lunch and shopping. There are at least four classes of service : excursion coach, first-class coach, first-class lounge, and adults-only first-class lounge.

The Bertram Flyer is a shorter trip, traveling from Cedar Park to Bertram, with a 15-minute layover in Bertram and enough time to tour the 1912 train depot there. The train runs from March through November on Saturdays and Sundays.

The North Pole Flyer 2021 with Santa leaves from Bertram and is a 2-hour roundtrip. Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure and be in your seat no later than 10 minutes before the train leaves. Read the Terms and Conditions about no refunds and restrictions.

Enjoy hot chocolate and the elf’s reading of the North Pole Flyer book.

Read about the vintage train cars here .

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Cedar Park To Burnet

3. Grapevine To Fort Worth Stockyards

The grapevine vintage railroad .

Travel from Main Street Station in Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad while relaxing in air-conditioned Victorian train cars. 

See the schedule for special events like Murder Mystery Trains and reserved group events.

Wear your costume on the Witches Brew Train on October 29, 2021, which features hors d’oeuvres and local draft brew served in a souvenir mug. Take time to tour the Haunted Depot. Wear your Halloween costume on the Trick ‘R Treat Trains on October 30 and enjoy this 1-hour excursion.

Make your reservations now for the hour-long North Pole Express November through December, presented by Great Wolf Lodge and Trinity Metro TEXRail. Wear your Christmas pajamas while you take a Christmas train journey to Santa’s Workshop, a family-friendly trip. The After Christmas Trains run December 26 through 30, 2021, on holiday-decorated coaches as you continue the Christmas spirit.

In April, ride The Jazz Wine Train aboard the 1920s Victorian coaches with soulful jazz entertainment while sipping great Grapevine wine. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres plus a dessert trio box. Sip wine from several winery tasting rooms from a souvenir wine glass.

Bring the little ones for a Day Out With Thomas , presented by Mattel. Ride the train with the classic storybook engine and have fun with “trains, games & miles of smiles!” 

Mattel and the Museum of the American Railroad helped sponsor this event. I took my grandchildren for a train ride right after Christmas on the Grapevine Railroad Stockyards Trinity River Excursion . We traveled from the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards, through Trinity Park to the 8th Avenue historic railyard, then returned to the stockyards. 

You’ll see the Great Train Heist, with greedy outlaws and the railroad detectives close behind.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Grapevine To Fort Worth Stockyards

4. Along The Big Cypress Bayou

Historic jefferson railway.

The gas-powered 1910 Plymouth Locomotive called “The Critter” and the Historic Jefferson Railway take you for a ride along the Big Cypress Bayou and through the piney woods. The 40-minute ride stops at Diamond Don Gator Pit where hungry alligators have lunch.

Watch for the Boggy Creek monster, the star of the 2010 horror movie, Boggy Creek , filmed locally. 

The beast resembles the old Bigfoot or Sasquatch monster and is directed, and produced by Brian T. Jaynes.

Jefferson Train Days, happening every May, is the Historic Jefferson Train Show with operating model train layouts, Kids Corral, model train and toy vendors, and Thomas The Train Play area. You can ride the historic Jefferson Railway and the Lonesome Dove Safari and Train petting zoo.

Halloween Express runs day and evening narrated rides every Saturday in October featuring monsters of the deep. Listen to the storyteller along with this 40-minute train excursion with ghostly spirits, the monster, or Bigfoot emerging from the swamplands, but it’s not scary.

Enjoy the Christmas Express Train narrated day and evening tours with Christmas vignettes along the beautiful Big Cypress Bayou River. The New Year’s Express features beverages, noisemakers, and with the ball drop and five authentic cannons firing dramatic “dragons’ breath.”

On the last weekend In May, see the Great Locomotive Chase and Civil War Battle with reenactors from the North and South. Ride the 1870s replica steam train and hear the tale of the Andrews Raid, a thrilling railroad story. Engine #7, known as the Robert E. Lee will take you along Big Cypress Bayou, through the piney woods, where you will view a Confederate Powder Magazine and travel to the site of one of the oldest historical towns in Texas. Ride the Historic Jefferson Railway’s famous Ghost Train to experience the haunts of the Civil War.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Along The Big Cypress Bayou

5. Amtrak Texas Eagle

Amtrak isn’t necessarily a tourist train ride like the others we’ve mentioned here, but it must be included when talking about train rides in Texas. One of the three Amtrak routes in Texas is the Texas Eagle , which, by the way, is the longest train route in the whole country. There are more attractions to enjoy en route than we could ever list and is one of the best train trips in Texas.

The Texas Eagle will take you deep into the heart of Texas where you get to see the land of Lincoln, Illinois, travel across the Mississippi River and the Ozarks, and the trilling Piney Woods of East Texas. Along the way, you will Marvel at the gorgeous views of big cities, like the cosmopolitan Dallas, and Austin, before you arrive in popular San Antonio.

Amtrak’s Texas Eagle consists of double-deck Superliner cars and is staffed with a crew dedicated to your comfort. Anyone booking a private room in a sleeper car gets additional perks like complimentary meals and lounge access. In-room amenities include the fold-down tray, 110V outlet, attendant call button, lighting and climate controls, clothes closet, soap, and towels.

Now that’s some modern-day train travel for you.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Amtrak Texas Eagle

Is Food and Drink Available Onboard Texas State Railroad Train?

Yes. There is a concession car available offering a variety of non-alcoholic beverages as well as beer, wine, and premium liquor service. You can also buy snacks like candy bars, ice cream, and popcorn. 

What Days Does the Austin Steam Train Association Train Run?

Their train usually runs on Saturdays and Sundays only. Whether the train runs Saturday AM, Saturday PM, or mid-day Sunday changes by season. Twice a year there may also be a mid-week Spring Break Train or Summertime Train. 

What Time Does the Grapevine Vintage Railroad Train Board in Grapevine?

Boarding begins 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time in Grapevine. All passengers should be on board at least 10 minutes before departure because the train doesn’t stop for late passengers once it gets moving.

Which Is the Busiest and Most Popular Scenic Train Ride in Texas?

The state’s busiest and most popular scenic train ride is the Texas State Railroad, which hosts a multitude of excursions and numerous special events throughout the year depending on your interest. There are historic steam and diesel locomotives as well as trolleys in operation. 

Why Take a Tourist Train Ride in Texas?

Tourist train rides offer entertaining journeys for the whole family. Whether you’re a local looking for something to do in your home state, a visitor interested in a unique experience, or an avid locomotive enthusiast, you will have a splendid time on one of these train rides in Texas.

Janie H. Pace is a travel writer and photographer based in Fort Worth, Texas. Her culinary, wine, and travel photography adventures have led her across Peru from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu; up the Canadian Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise to Banff and Jasper, indulging in Fairmont luxury hotels; and to the four largest islands of Hawaii. Her latest adventure was a Viking Cruise to the Norwegian Homelands. After a career in advertising and sales, Janie knows what makes compelling, substantial content. Whether she's participating in a wine tasting, restaurant review, or local craft beer or distillery tour, Janie posts her adventures at Journey Mapped .

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7 Best Train Rides in Texas — Vintage Cars and Scenic Views Included

See the Lone Star State in a whole new way.

Courtesy of Travel Texas

Train travel is all the rage in 2023. Just ask Pinterest, which predicts it to be one of the hottest travel trends of the year in its annual  Pinterest Predicts  report. As the company notes, “In 2023, train travel will make a major comeback. Thanks to quicker boarding, extra legroom, scenic views , and a lower carbon footprint, Gen Z and millennials will find a renewed love for this timeless mode of transportation. Searches for Europe interrailing, train quotes, and train travel aesthetic are all trending way up.”  But don’t let Europe have all the fun. Sure, our European counterparts have well-known rail lines that get a lot of love, but there are plenty of tracks in the U.S. that are worth your attention, too. And Texas happens to be home to more than its fair share. Read on for seven fantastic train rides in Texas — both big and small — that you can join on your next trip to the Lone Star State. 

Forest Park Miniature Railroad

Courtesy of Visit Fort Worth

One of the smallest options on this list, the  Forest Park Miniature Railroad dates back to the 1950s and takes visitors on a quick, five-mile journey through Fort Worth’s Trinity Park, crossing over six bridges along the way. The family-friendly ride clocks in at just over 40 minutes, making it short but sweet. It’s open for rides year-round, but its schedule varies, depending on weather, so check in with the conductors before booking a ticket. 

Grapevine Vintage Railroad

VisionsbyAtlee/Getty Images

The classic Grapevine Vintage Railroad operates 1920s Victorian coaches that whisk passengers away for a ride along the Cotton Belt Route. On board, guests can lounge in plush, red velvet seating with gilded armrests while looking out at beautiful landscapes from the massive picture windows. It’s even available for special events for the ultimate train lover’s private party. Note the train is open for rides from March to December, closing each January and February for regular maintenance. 

Zilker Eagle

RoschetzkyIstockPhoto/Getty Images

Looking for a more modern mini train experience? Snag a ticket aboard the  Zilker Eagle . Though it's 60 years old, the Zilker Eagle looks like a thoroughly futuristic — albeit miniature — bullet train. It zips through Zilker Park and is also a true community effort. According to the park’s website, the train's name was chosen from more than 700 submissions and voted on by more than 7,000 members of the Austin community. Plus, it’s fully electric and comes with several ADA accessible coaches, making it available to all. 

Heartland Flyer

Courtesy of Amtrak

Those wanting a longer ride can hop on  Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer , which travels between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, Texas, every day. The train only makes two stops in Texas (Gainesville and Fort Worth), but that’s what makes it such a great ride — it’s a straight shot between the two cities with plenty of views in between. And as Amtrak notes, once riders disembark in Fort Worth, they can connect to Dallas and San Antonio via the Texas Eagle to keep the good times going. 

Texas State Railroad

History buffs will appreciate their ride on the  Texas State Railroad , which takes place in a refurbished vintage train car that meanders through the landscape between Palestine and Rusk. The four-hour round-trip journey invites passengers to unplug and live the slow life for a while. On board, guests can choose between cars (including renting out the caboose for private parties) or sit on the glass-domed observation deck with a glass of Champagne in hand while watching the world go by. 

Historic Jefferson Railway

Martina Birnbaum/Getty Images

Mix in a little more whimsy and history with a ride on the  Historic Jefferson Railway . The rail, first built in 1910, is a gas-powered Plymouth Locomotive that brings guests on a trip through Jefferson, including along the Big Cypress Bayou. And as the train’s website explains, guests should keep an eye out for the “Boggy Creek monster” featured in the film titled “Boggy Creek.” 

Austin Steam Train

Courtesy of Austin Steam Train

The  Austin Steam Train offers several unique rides on its HZRX Diesel 3134 locomotive. It has four service classes along most of its routes, including excursion coach, first-class coach, first-class lounge, and an adults-only first-class lounge. The best option is its signature ride, the Hill Country Flyer, which weaves through Texas Hill Country and allows for a two-hour layover in Burnet for guests to get out, shop, eat, and explore.

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5 Must-Do Scenic Train Rides in Texas

Posted by Cindy Brzostowski August 25, 2022 Updated September 14, 2022

Forget about planes and automobiles…all aboard on one of these Texas train rides!

If you’ve ever traveled around Texas, then you know that the car is king. Just look at that one infamous section of I-10 in Houston that has 26 lanes if you need any further proof.

Driving may be the most common way to get from destination to destination and city to city, but that’s not to say that it’s the only way to explore what the state has to offer. How about a cool train ride, for example?

While Texas doesn’t have nearly as extensive of a rail network as say the East Coast, it does have a handful of tourist train rides that offer fun journeys for the whole family.

And while the trains may be more for entertainment than for actually traveling from point A to point B, they offer far more than those mini train rides you see at zoos and amusement parks.

Whether you’re a local looking for something to do in your home state, a visitor interested in a unique experience, or an avid locomotive enthusiast, you won’t soon forget your time on one of these train rides in Texas.

1. Austin Steam Train

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kelly | DiscoveringATX (@discoveringatx)

Based in Cedar Park, the Austin Steam Train Association is putting in work to preserve the experience of historic railroad travel and offer that experience to the public.

It all came together after this one steam locomotive, Southern Pacific No. 786, was retired from operation and donated to Austin in 1956, and then two decades later, Southern Pacific sold miles of track through the Hill Country to the city.

Some rail aficionados with a vision of recreating historic passenger railroading put two and two together and thus the Austin Steam Train Association was born.

Currently, ASTA has three historic locomotives: two of which are in the process of being restored and one which is currently in use for rides. It’s not just the locomotives that are worth nothing though. The vintage train cars are something special—each with a distinct personality and story.

For example, there’s the Nambe, an adults-only, first-class lounge passenger car, which dates back to the 1930s and has seating arranged like a diner with tables and chairs. Then there’s the Buckeye Lake all-ages coach, which was built in 1949 for operation in New York and has funky blue seats.

The ASTA’s signature ride is the Hill Country Flyer which takes you through the Hill Country with a two-hour layover in Burnet and then returns you to their Cedar Park Depot.

For a fun family activity, consider joining the North Pole Flyer ride where Santa makes an appearance. For a unique date idea, there’s the Speakeasy Train during which you can pretend it’s the 1920s while drinking champagne and enjoying live entertainment.

Related read:  12 Unique Places to Stay in Texas

2. Texas State Railroad

Running between the cities of Rusk and Palestine over in East Texas, the Texas State Railroad offers a trip back in time—a scenic four-hour long, 50-mile round trip to be exact.

In one of their refurbished train cars, which date back to the early-1900s, you’ll make your way through the countryside of the Piney Woods region. Settle in as you listen to fun facts about the railroad’s history and lore and old-timey tunes.

Throughout the journey, you’ll cross over 24 bridges, and in the middle, there’s a one-hour layover for lunch at the depot. Getting peckish before the lunch stop? Just pick up some snacks in the concession car.

If the Christmas season is your favorite time of year, then you’ll want to climb aboard the Texas State Railroad’s Polar Express ride.

It’s easy to get in the holiday spirit as you’re served hot chocolate and cookies while listening to someone read out the classic The Polar Express. There’s also some Christmas carol singing too, so this is one experience that young kids are sure to love.

Attention campers: You actually have the chance to set up camp near the Rusk train depot, which itself butts up against a 15-acre lake with loads of different fish to try and catch.

Not only does that mean you get the experience of staying by a historic railroad but you’ll also get access to the depot’s amenities (there’s a movie theater!).

Related read:  9 Best Texas Scenic Drives for Enjoying the Lone Star State Countryside

3. The Grapevine Vintage Railroad

Make your way over to Grapevine near Dallas, to check out the Grapevine Vintage Railroad . Depending on the day, you’ll either be pulled along by a steam locomotive from 1896 or a diesel locomotive from 1953, and the cars are 1920s Victorian coaches, so it’s history all around.

The train’s main route, the Cotton Belt Route, starts in downtown Grapevine and then takes passengers through a few different cities in the county until the Fort Worth Stockyards. You’ll get a couple of hours to wander around for a bit, and then it’s back on the train to return to Grapevine.

All in all, it’s about a six-hour experience. If that’s too long for you, consider doing the 30-minute Grapevine Bear Creek Short Line ride or the 45-minute Trinity River Train Excursion instead.

When booking a ticket, it’s up to you how classy you want to ride. There’s the economy class with wooden benches for seating, the touring class with floor-to-ceiling windows, first class with gorgeous upholstered seats, and the ambassador class where there’s extra roomy table-style seating and complimentary snacks.

The train runs 10 months out of the year (there’s a break in January and February for maintenance), and throughout that time, you can catch different special event trains. Love wine? Go fo the Jazz Wine Train, which features live jazz music onboard and tastings from local wineries.

And seeing as Grapevine is called the Christmas Capital of Texas, you know it’s going to be a good time on the North Pole Express where Mrs. Claus will be your host for all the festivities. Wearing your holiday pajamas is encouraged!

Related read:  13 Awesome Things to Do in Lubbock, Texas

4. Historic Jefferson Railway

Have you ever been on a train ride that includes an alligator feeding as part of its journey? Say hello to the Historic Jefferson Railway .

Chugging through the woods and wetlands, this train ride, powered by a gas locomotive, takes about 40 minutes and includes a stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit where you’ll get to watch a feeding. Unlike the other trains on this list, this train features open compartments so you can feel the fresh air and better take in the scenery as you go along.

You can catch a ride every Saturday either at 12:30 pm or 2:30 pm, and along the way, you’ll be treated to some interesting facts with the onboard historical narration. Along with that regular Saturday schedule, the railway does have various special events throughout the year.

In the past, they’ve done a spooky Friday the 13th train in the evening, which takes you through the dark woods. They’ve also done a special Mother’s Day Express and Father’s Day Express where the mom or dad being celebrated gets a 10% discount.

While you’re in the city of Jefferson, keep the train-themed fun going by heading a few blocks down the road from the railway to the Jay Gould Railroad Car that’s on display outside.

This historic train car was the private parlor car of the railroad magnate and is just across the street from the Excelsior House Hotel, which opened in 1858 and is the oldest continuously operating hotel in the state.

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5. Bonus: Amtrak

Okay, we know Amtrak isn’t necessarily a tourist train ride like the others we’ve mentioned here, but we’d be remiss not to include some mention of it when talking about train rides in Texas.

If you’ve ever spent time traveling around New York City, Boston, Washington, D.C., or Philadelphia, then Amtrak service may be old hat to you, but it’s not something your average Texas makes use of (remember what we said about car being king).

It is, however, good news for anyone who’s not into flying or driving, since Amtrak does offer some options for traveling through Texas with its passenger railroad service.

There are three Amtrak routes in the state and 19 Amtrak stations, including all the major cities of Austin, Dallas, El Paso, Houston, and San Antonio.

One of the routes is the Texas Eagle , which get this, is the longest train route in the whole country! It runs from Chicago to San Antonio, and if that’s still not long enough for you, you can connect to Amtrak’s Sunset Limited in San Antonio to get all the way to Los Angeles.

Wondering how comfy or not you can get on such a journey, which takes between 30 to 32 hours? Well, pretty comfy if you decide to book a bedroom suite where the seats convert to beds and you have an in-room bathroom with a shower.

Anyone traveling in a private room gets additional perks like complimentary meals and lounge access. Now that’s some modern-day train travel for you.

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Seen in: Texas

Posted by Cindy Brzostowski

Cindy Brzostowski is a freelance writer focusing on travel and other lifestyle content. Originally from Texas, she is currently based in Berlin. Her work has been featured in Travel & Leisure, Thrillist, TripSavvy, Food & Wine, The Infatuation, and more.

When not writing, reading, or eating, you can probably find her making an itinerary for her next adventure or dreaming about pizza.

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Best Train Rides in Texas

Did you know that Texas has some amazing train trips that offer spectacular scenery?

From historic routes to fall foliage viewing trains and from special train photography excursions to views of the pretty bluebonnets, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to the best train rides in Texas.

Ride in an open-air car and spot the wildlife or have the time of your life riding the caboose – these train trips in Texas are sure to delight passengers of all ages.

Enjoy this Ultimate Guide to the best train rides in Texas!

History of trains in Texas

Trains have played an important role in Texas’s history.

They were used by the early pioneers to defend the frontier and explore the vast rugged and untamed wilderness.

The railroad industry has also contributed significantly to the growing economy of the Lone Star State.

Railroads were used to transport cotton as well as cattle since the earliest of times.

Scenic train rides in Texas

The most scenic rides in Texas are spread all across the state.

From the historic Jefferson Railroad in East Texas to the Galveston Railroad on the Gulf Coast and from the Grapevine vintage Railroad in North Texas to Austin’s Hill Country flyer, you are sure to find a scenic train ride near you.

Many of the train rides are weather permitting, so be sure to confirm the schedule before you go.

Here are the best steam train rides in Texas as well as diesel train rides to add to your bucket list.

Texas State railroad, Palestine

The Texas State Railroad is one of the most well-known train rides in Texas.

Texas’s heritage is showcased on this popular journey that takes passengers back in time to the days of the steam engine. 

Departing from Palestine, visitors can experience an old-fashioned train ride through East Texas’ piney woods and enjoy beautiful views along the way.

The trip starts with an orientation of the railroad’s fully restored 19th-century railway station before boarding one of their authentic steam locomotives.

After departing from Palestine train station, passengers will travel past the rolling hills and dense woods that are managed by the Texas State Parks department.

At the end, you will find Rusk which has a campground and is perfect for an overnight stay.

The trip is a scenic 50-mile round ride through East Texas woods and takes about 4 hours.

The train offers passengers the chance to ride in the caboose, presidential cars, observation car, or an open-air car.

The railroad has many themed excursions including the Wine Train, Pumpkin Patch Express , and the Polar Express train ride.

Read all about The Polar Express Excursion here.

Grapevine Vintage Railroad, Grapevine

Fancy a trip back in time?  

Grapevine Vintage Railroad will take you on a journey through North Texas and let you relive the golden age of railroads.

The train ride is on authentic 1920s Victorian coaches with original furnishings and is a delight for railroad enthusiasts.

The popular Cotton Belt Route Excursion will take you to the historic Stockyards station in Fort Worth.

This stunning journey starts in Grapevine , known for its honor as the “Christmas Capital of Texas”.

On the layover in the Stockyards historic district, you can see the cattle drive and mock shoot out before returning to Grapevine.

Have less time?

Opt for the Tahwahkarro Creek Train Excursion.

This one hour long train is very scenic and perfect for kids.

All train rides feature outlaws and railroad robbery and are fun for the whole family.

The railroad also holds special excursions and events for Christmas, Valentine’s Day and Fourth of July weekend.

Their holiday train called the North Pole Express is one of the most popular train rides in Texas.

Austin Steam Train, Austin

The Austin Steam Train Association offers an amazing train journey through the Texas Hill Country.

Located in Cedar Park, the railroad has several different excursions.

The most popular is the Hill Country flyer.

On this train ride, passengers can explore the vintage cars and enjoy amazing views of the Hill Country.

The ride takes passengers on a 66 miles long, 6.5 hrs scenic journey to Burnet .

The trip includes a two-hour layover before returning to its hometown of Austin.

The ride is most popular during the Bluebonnet season.

Visitors can catch and photograph the beautiful bluebonnets as they bloom between February and April.   

The railroad also offers a variety of other train rides including the romantic Moonlight Express, Wine Train, and the North Pole flyer.

Historic Jefferson Railway, Jefferson

Take a trip back in time to the days of steam engines that shaped Texas’s history on this scenic journey from Jefferson along the Big Cypress Bayou.

The scenic train ride has amazing views of the wetlands, dense woods. and marshes.

A highlight of the Jefferson Big Cypress Bayou Railway is the stop at Diamond Don Gator Pit.

Here visitors can see live alligators and even watch them being fed!

During the holiday season, the railroad hosts the Trail of Lights Christmas train.

Harborside Express, Galveston

The Galveston Railroad Museum is a must-visit for any railroad fans.

This sprawling museum has an amazing rolling stock and detailed railroad exhibits as well as artifacts.

On the visit to the museum, you can also enjoy the train ride.

The Harborside Express is a 15 minutes long train ride that features an open-air caboose.

The train trip offers spectacular views of the Port of Galveston as well as cruise ships.

Train tracks run along the water’s edge for about 15 miles before boarding a ferry boat that crosses Galveston Bay.  

The train is operational only on the weekends.

Visitors need to purchase train tickets in addition to the Museum admission.

Texas Transportation Museum, San Antonio

The Texas Transportation Museum in San Antonio is the perfect way to have fun for the whole family.

Here, you can enjoy the museum exhibits filled with amazing railroad artifacts as well as cool under 15 minutes round trip train ride.

The ride aboard the Longhorn and Western Railroad is on vintage locomotives and included in the ticket to the museum.

Visitors can opt for the optional Diesel Cab Ride or enjoy the Santa’s Railroad Wonderland ride in the holiday season.

Amtrak train rides in Texas

Did you know that there are over 20 Amtrak stations in Texas?

Several Amtrak routes pass through the state and make excellent vacations for railroad fans.

Here are the most popular Amtrak routes in Texas.

Texas Eagle

This Amtrak route connects Chicago to San Antonio.

Within the state, you can use it to travel from Marshall in East Texas to Dallas and San Antonio via Austin and the Hill Country.

You can use the Amtrak Texas eagle route to plan an epic fall foliage viewing ride or see the wildflowers in spring.

The route connects three of the most popular cities in Texas and has lots of potential to plan a vacation.

Heartland Flyer

The Heartland Flyer Amtrak route connects Oklahoma City to Fort Worth.

The train ride is just for as long and a great option to a road trip.

The trains allows riders to carry bikes and other gear supplies, too.

Sunset Limited

The Sunset Limited begins in New Orleans and ends in Los Angeles.

The Texas portion of this route extends from Beaumont to El Paso.

With stops in Houston and San Antonio, this route is a popular Amtrak vacation to explore the major cities.

The section between Alpine and El Paso is perfect to explore the west Texas desert scenery and visit major attractions such as Big Bend National Park in West Texas.

The route has observation cars as well as dining car and is one of the most popular Amtrak vacations in America.

Miniature train rides in Texas for kids

In addition to the all day excursions on vintage train engines and heritage railroad lines, Texas also has a variety of miniature railroads for kids.

These train rides are perfect for young train enthusiasts include including babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

Here are our favorite miniature train rides in Texas.

San Antonio Zoo Eagle

The San Antonio Zoo railroad is one of the longest miniature railroads in the world!

Also known as the Brackenridge Eagle Miniature Railroad, the train ride is a favorite with kids of all ages.

The train offers a fun ride through the park, over bridges, along the San Antonio River, and even has a tunnel.

The ride is about 15 minutes long and one of the best things to do in San Antonio with kids.

Forest Park miniature Railroad

Explore the beautiful scenery at Trinity Park in Fort Worth on a 5 miles round trip miniature train ride.

The train ride is 40-45 minutes long and kids absolutely love it.

Even adults enjoy seeing the artwork surrounding the train track.

The train ride starts at Forest Park Depot and is a great family attraction in Fort Worth.

The train ride tickets are cash only, so be sure to carry some change when you go.

Built in 1883 to transport cotton and grain between Waco and Yuma, this historic track will take you back in time.   

This picturesque vintage steam engine that runs on a 45-minute journey includes an audio commentary in the restored 1920s railway station, which served as a major stop in Waco.   

Zilker Eagle, Austin

The Zilker Eagle is a miniature train ride located in Zilker Park, Austin.

It was previously known as the Zilker Zephyr.

This new all-electric Kiddie Park mini train is an instant favorite with kids.

The train ride is about 10 to 15 minutes long and goes through the beautiful scenery of Zilker Park.

Hermann Park Train, Houston

The Hermann Park Railroad is one of the best things to do in Houston with kids.

The 2-mile long train ride is located amidst major city attractions such as the Houston Zoo and Japanese garden.

The open cars are perfect to take in the scenery of Hermann Park and enjoy people-watching.

Did we miss any other amazing train rides in Texas? Let us know in the comments!

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1 thought on “Best Train Rides in Texas”

Houston Area Live Steamers located at Zube Park in Harris County. It is a 12” scale railroad.

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Texas By Train

Want to go somewhere in Texas by train?

Traveling by train is an excellent alternative to driving or flying. Here are some great ways to both see Texas and travel to other parts of the country by rail!

Texas Eagle

Daily service originating in Chicago & San Antonio. Tri-weekly service San Antonio to Los Angeles as the Texas Eagle connects with the Sunset Limited at the Alamo city three days a week. Daily Texas Eagle service includes to/from Bloomington/Normal, Ill; Springfield, Ill; St. Louis and Little Rock, AR.

Texas cities served include Texarkana, Marshall, Longview, Mineola, Dallas, Fort Worth, Cleburne, McGregor (Waco), Temple, Taylor, Austin, San Marcos, San Antonio.

Note: Amtrak no longer publishes printed timetables so download this timetable for your next trip!

• More Info: TexasEagle.com
• Time Tables: Download PDF

Heartland Flyer

Daily service Fort Worth to Oklahoma City. Cities served include Fort Worth, Gainesville, Ardmore, Pauls Valley, Purcell, Norman and Oklahoma City. Note: Amtrak no longer publishes printed timetables so download this timetable for your next trip!

Sunset Limited

Tri-weekly service originating in New Orleans & Los Angeles. Cities served include Beaumont, Houston, San Antonio, Del Rio, Sanderson, Alpine and El Paso. Note: Amtrak no longer publishes printed timetables so download this timetable for your next trip!

Texas Rail Maps

Freight rail.

• https://railfanguides.us/system/awrr/index.htm
• http://www.bnsf.com/customers/where-can-i-ship/maps/
• http://www.fwwr.net/fwwr-system-map.php
• http://www.kcsouthern.com/en-us/why-choose-kcs/network-map
• http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/rail/south_orient/map.pdf
• ftp://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/rail/railroad_map.pdf
• https://www.up.com/aboutup/reference/maps/

Intercity Passenger Rail

• http://texaseagle.com/
• http://heartlandflyer.com/
• http://www.amtrak.com

TXDOT / TTI Maps

• http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/rail/plan/maps/freight_density.pdf
• http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/rail/railroad_map.pdf
• http://ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/rail/city_pairs_ranking.pdf

Urban / Regional Passenger Rail Maps

• http://www.capmetro.org/schedmap/?svc=2
• https://www.dart.org/maps/printrailmap.asp
• https://www.dcta.net/service-overview/a-train-rail-service
• https://www.ridemetro.org/Pages/Rail.aspx
• http://www.trinityrailwayexpress.org/stations.html
• https://ridetrinitymetro.org/texrail-schedule/

Cities / Towns Served

(Amtrak Interstate, Regional, Commuter and Light Rail Services)

Alpine – Austin – Beaumont – Carrollton – Cleburne – Dallas – Del Rio – Denton – El Paso – Farmers Branch – Fort Hood* – Fort Worth – Gainesville – Galveston* – Grapevine – Highland Village – Houston – Hurst – Irving – Leander – Lewisville – Longview – Marshall – McGregor (Waco) – Mineola – Nacogdoches* – North Richland Hills – Plano – Richardson – Richland Hills – San Antonio – Sanderson – San Marcos – Shreveport* – Taylor – Temple – Texarkana

*Connecting Amtrak Thruway Bus

Flatonia (for Victoria) – this city has requested an Amtrak stop but has not yet been approved

Urban, Regional and Corridor Rail Service

• SunMetro – El Paso Streetcar
• Houston METRORail – Houston proper
• Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) – Dallas and suburbs / DFW Airport
• Trinity Railway Express – Dallas to Fort Worth
• TEXRail – Fort Worth to DFW International Airport
• Austin CapMetro MetroRail – Leander to Austin
• A-Train Denton County – Denton to Carrollton

Where did trains take you in Texas in the past?

From November 1962 Official Railway Guide:

• Santa Fe #15 & #16 : Galveston to Chicago serving Houston, Temple, Fort Worth, Dallas, White Rock, Krum, Denton, Gainesville
• Santa Fe #12/77 & #11/78 : Chicago to San Angelo serving Gainesville, Fort Worth, Dallas, Brownwood, Coleman, Ballinger
• Santa Fe #66/75 & 76/65 : San Francisco to Houston serving Lubbock, Slaton, Sweetwater, Brownwood, Goldthwaite, Lometa, Lampassas, Fort Worth, Dallas, Temple
• Santa Fe (2 daily trains) #1/3 & #2/4 : Chicago to San Francisco serving Canadian, Miami, Pampa, Amarillo, Canyon, Hereford, Texico
• Santa Fe #13 & 14 : Albuquerque to El Paso
• Santa Fe #93 & #94 : Amarillo to Lubbock serving Canyon, Happy, Hale Center, Plainview
• Southern Pacific #1 & 2 : Los Angeles to New Orleans serving Orange, Beaumont, Dayton, Houston, Sugar Land, Rosenberg, Schulenberg, Seguin, San Antonio, Uvalde, Del Rio, Sanderson, Alpine, Marfa, El Paso
• Southern Pacific # 5 & #6 : From New Orleans to Houston serving Orange, Beaumont, Rome, Liberty, Dayton
• Rock Island (2 daily trains) #21 / #23 & #22 / #26 : From Memphis to California serving Shamrock, McLean, Groom, Conway, Amarillo
• Rock Island (2 daily trains) #15/#16 & # 17 / #18 : From Minneapolis to Houston serving Bowie, Bridgeport, Saginaw, Fort Worth, Dallas, Waxahachie, Corsicana, Teague
• KATY (2 daily trains) #1 & #2 / #5 & #6 : Kansas City to San Antonio serving Denison, Whitewright, Greenville, Garland, Highland Park, Dallas, Waxahachie, Hillsboro, Waco, Temple, Georgetown, Austin, San Marcos, New Braunfels
• Kansas City Southern #1 / 2 & #15 / #16 : Kansas City to New Orleans serving Texarkana, Beaumont, Port Arthur
• Missouri Pacific #1 & #2 : St Louis to Houston and Mexico City serving Texarkana, Longview, Kilgore, Troup, Jacksonville, Palestine, Hearne, Rockdale, Taylor, Austin, San Marcos, New Braunfels, San Antonio, Devine, Dilley, Cotulla, Laredo, Trinity, Phelps, Conroe
• Missouri Pacific #54 & 55 : Houston to Brownsville serving Angleton, Bay City, Blessing, Vanderbilt, Placedo, Bloomington, Sinton, Robstown, Kingsville, Raymondville, Harlingen, San Benito
• Missouri Pacific (2 daily trains) #50-51 & #52-53 : New Orleans to Houston serving Beaumont, Grayburg
• Texas & Pacific (3 daily trains Texarkana-Fort Worth, 2 daily trains Fort Worth-El Paso) #21-23 & #22-24, #25-27 & #26-28 : New Orleans to California serving Marshall, Longview, Gladewater, Big Sandy, Mineola, Wills Point, Terrell, Dallas, Fort Worth, Weatherford, Mineral Wells, Eastland, Cisco, Abilene, Big Spring, Midland, Odessa, Monahans, Pecos, Toyah, Van Horn, Sierra Blanca, El Paso

At the Depot

Aboard the train, on the rails.

• All Excursions
• Piney Woods Express Diesel
• Father’s Day Lunch Train
• Piney Woods Evening Dinner Train
• Pints in the Pines
• Speakeasy Special
• Wine in the Pines
• Excursion Calendar

• On Train Celebrations
• Lakeside Pavillion
• Historic Chapel
• Book Online

Where History, Nature and Adventure Meet

Making Time Stand Still

From the moment your party steps on-board one of our beautifully refurbished train cars, they’ll feel like they’ve been transported to a simpler, more leisurely time where the distractions and of our modern world suddenly disappear. Breathe deep, enjoy a drink and relax as you lose yourself on a round-trip, four-hour, 25-mile rail journey through the Piney Woods of East Texas where history is just part of the journey.

About Texas State Railroad

Vintage steam and diesel locomotives take passengers across the celebrated rails of the Piney Woods Route between the quaint East Texas towns of Palestine and Rusk on a 50-mile roundtrip adventure.

This quintessential day trip, only a few hours from the metropolitan communities of Dallas and Houston, will create a memory that will last a lifetime.

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Because of special, incidental or consequential situations that may be out of our control, Texas State Railroad reserves the right to adjust our operation between the date of your booking and the day of departure. These changes could include (but not be limited to): locomotive power for the day, passenger car assignments, layover and/or meal time during the four-hour ride and departure and/or arrival times. Thanking you in advance for your consideration.

© 2024 All Rights Reserved Texas State Railroad. Website by Andrea Fowler Design

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History on the Rails

The best way to learn about the past is to experience it. And unless you have access to a DeLorean and a flux capacitor, a great way to do that is by getting cozy inside the cab of one of Texas’ train cars. So, the next time you’re looking for something a little different (and a little more on-the-go) than a museum, grab some friends and family and check out one of these three historic rides. It’s like a museum on rails!

The Texas State Railroad

On this 1920’s passenger train, you get to see all that’s great about East Texas as you travel from Rusk to Palestine and back. The refurbished cars provide a smooth, comfortable ride while maintaining a rustic, historic feel.

You’ll be transported to old Texas on this 25-mile (round trip) adventure. The whole ride takes about four hours to coast through the piney woods and streams – a trip that will make for timeless, delightful views. As the Texas State Railroad train chugs along, you can sit back and enjoy a drink, relax and almost forget the ways of modern transportation, all while feeling like you’re part of the Roaring '20s.

The Austin Steam Train Association in Cedar Park

Located in Cedar Park , the Austin Steam Train Association is dedicated to preserving and re-creating the experiences of steam railroading. The good ol’ steam days! The trains run year-round and travel from Cedar Park to Burnet , with plenty of stops in-between. What really sets this station apart is the fact they offer nine different types of train cars to experience, each with its own respective class—everything from traditional Excursion Class to Adults-Only First Class. The best part?

These trains are real pieces of history that have been restored down to the finest detail. Some were used in Chicago, New York and even St. Louis’ historic “Nickel Plate” Railroad. Also, look out for the ASTA’s special events like a Day out with Thomas (you bet that’s Thomas the Train) and the North Pole Flyer™, the decked-out holiday train ride that travels every year during the holiday season.

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad

Snuggled between Fort Worth and Dallas is a little town called Grapevine . Smack-dab in the city’s historic downtown is where you’ll find the Grapevine Vintage Railroad . This railroad is perfect for the whole family and features authentic, 1920’s-era Victorian train coaches that are hauled by two vintage locomotives: an 1890’s steam locomotive and a 1950’s diesel locomotive. The train travels along the old Cotton Belt Route, which operated from 1891 to 1980 and cut through other states, including Missouri, Kansas, Tennessee and parts of Louisiana. The train is open for 10 months each year and gets inspected every January and February. This railway is also riddled with special events, everything from the North Pole Express and the Jazz Wine Train to the Mother’s Day Train and even the Kiss Me I’m Irish Express.

With so many train experiences to check out in Texas, it’s impossible to recommend one over the other. So check out as many as you want and a learn a little bit of state history each time you climb aboard.

More Texas Inspiration

The Historical Hills of Texas

Walk with Dinosaurs and Mingle with Mammoths in Prehistoric Texas

Take a Day Trip Through Time

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All Material © 2024 Office of the Governor, Economic Development and Tourism. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without the written permission of the publisher. Office of the Governor, Economic Development & Tourism 1100 San Jacinto, Austin, Texas 78701, (512) 463-2000

Amtrak Guide

By train travelers for train travelers, 11 best amtrak trips from san antonio.

The long-distance Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited Amtrak trains stop in San Antonio and travel to Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Arizona and California. There are options for day trips and overnight adventures, and whether you travel to a destination near or far, you can book private accommodations in the sleeper car or choose coach seating

To start planning your getaway, here are the best Amtrak trips from San Antonio that don’t require a train transfer or middle-of-the-night travel. Destinations west of San Antonio did not make this list because departure time is during the overnight hours.

This website is reader supported and not affiliated with Amtrak. We may earn a small commission from links on this page .

If you’re looking for an easy day trip from San Antonio on Amtrak, San Marcos is it. The train ride is only 1.5 hours with a morning arrival and early evening return on Fridays, Sundays and Tuesdays. The San Marcos River flows near downtown and is one of the major attractions. You can tube , kayak or paddleboard down the river, and glass-bottom boat tours of Spring Lake are also available. Trails are next to the water if you’d rather stay on land, or check out the San Marcos Premium Outlets for shopping deals.

Austin is a beautiful city full of live music , outdoor activities and food . Travel time on the train is 3.5 hours, with departures from San Antonio on Fridays, Sundays and Tuesdays. You can return on the same day you arrive or plan to stay in the city at least two nights (trains do not run every day). A Friday to Sunday trip is a popular option for enjoying weekend nightlife and day trips to Hill Country . If you need a car, Enterprise is near the Amtrak station and pick-up service is available. Or check out one the many Austin tours on land (and water) to explore the area.

Trains travel from San Antonio to Houston early in the morning on Friday, Sunday and Tuesday. Trip time is almost five hours, and you’ll arrive near the Theater District and Sesquicentennial Park . In addition to many museums , you can visit top attractions including the Houston Zoo , Space Center and The Galleria . Or plan to attend an Astros baseball game or one of the many Houston events and festivals .

For the return trip, trains depart Houston on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday. Based on this schedule, here are some of your Amtrak travel options (or book a flight for the return trip):

• Leave San Antonio on Friday and return on Saturday or Monday
• Leave on San Antonio on Sunday and return on Monday or Wednesday
• Leave San Antonio on Tuesday and return on Wednesday or Saturday

Seven hours away from San Antonio via train, Fort Worth is known for its cattle drives (pictured above), winter rodeo and barbecue restaurants . The Fort Worth Botanic Garden , Fort Worth Zoo and Sundance Square , which is full of shops and restaurants, are other great places to visit.

Trains to Fort Worth depart San Antonio on Friday, Sunday and Tuesday and return on these same days. However, due to the train schedule, you won’t be able to return on the day you arrive. Choose from one of these popular options or book a flight for the return trip:

• Depart San Antonio on Friday and return on Sunday
• Depart San Antonio on Sunday and return on Tuesday
• Depart San Antonio on Tuesday and return on Friday or Sunday

Dallas is another fun train trip from San Antonio. Travel time is about 8.5 hours and you’ll arrive in the afternoon near downtown, the Dealey Plaza Historic District and Reunion Tower , which has an observation deck. The city is full of museums , plus you can enjoy nature at the Dallas Arboretum and hang out at hip restaurants, shops and nightlife venues in Uptown .

Choose from one of these popular trip options or consider booking a flight for the return trip:

Lake Charles

Lake Charles, Louisiana is a fun adult getaway with casinos , good food and festivals . Consider staying at the Golden Nugget Hotel or L’Auberge Resort (pictured above) — both have lazy rivers that are great for a pool day. For more water fun, a lake of the same name is next to downtown, which you can enjoy from Millennium Park or with a boat or kayak rental .

Travel time to Lake Charles is about nine hours on the Sunset Limited route. Trains depart San Antonio on Friday, Sunday and Tuesday and arrive in the afternoon. For the return trip, choose a Wednesday, Saturday or Monday departure day. Consider one of these popular trip options:

Known for its  Cajun food and music, Lafayette, Louisiana  is a family-friendly destination with many festivals  and  historic sites , including a 19th-century bayou village . Kids and adults will enjoy the swamp tours , but you may want to plan your trip in spring or fall for cooler temperatures. There’s also an ArtWalk on the second Saturday of each month, which is a great way to explore the charming downtown area.

Trains depart San Antonio on Fridays, Sundays and Tuesdays and travel about 11 hours to reach the city. Travel options include:

New Orleans

It’s a 15-hour train ride from San Antonio to New Orleans with an arrival after 9 p.m. The city is full of nightlife , amazing food and music . Plus, streetcars (pictured top of page) can take you to the Garden District , French Quarter , Jackson Square and old cemeteries . Other top sights to check out include the National World World II Museum , Audubon Zoo and the New Orleans Museum of Art . For more things to do, consider planning a trip around one of the many New Orleans festivals .

Here are some popular travel options based on the train schedule (or book a flight for the return trip):

About 24.5 hours away from San Antonio on the Texas Eagle, St. Louis has big city amenities and unique landmarks. The Gateway Arch is the famous attraction, but there’s more to the city than that. Other things to check out include the City Museum , Missouri Botanical Garden , craft beer scene and the massive Forest Park , which is 1,300 acres and contains lakes, nature areas, museums and the St. Louis Zoo . For extra fun, you can plan your trip around a St. Louis Cardinal game , Taste of St. Louis , Fair Saint Louis and other major events .

Springfield

Book a trip on the Texas Eagle to visit  Springfield , the Illinois capital. Travel time is almost 27 hours — you’ll spend a night on the train. Major attractions here include the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum , Lincoln Home National Historic Site and the Illinois State Museum . Plus, you can check out Route 66 , including some of the original segments, and the historic Cozy Dog Drive In while you’re in town.

The train arrives in the morning and you have the option to return same day. If you decide to stay in Springfield for a night or longer, the State House Inn , Wyndham Springfield Center and DoubleTree Hotel are closest to the Amtrak station and near tourist areas.

For a vacation full of great food, live music, museums and lake time, head to Chicago. After a 31-hour trip, trains arrives in the afternoon in the West Loop near great restaurants and a few hotels . You can also walk from the station to downtown Chicago, several  CTA train stations  and a  water taxi  stop. With Lyft and Uber providing additional transportation options, you don’t need a rental car.

Consider planning your trip around one of the many festivals and events , or visit top attractions including the  Art Institute of Chicago ,  360 Chicago Observation Deck ,  Millennium Park ,  Field Museum ,  Chicago Riverwalk ,  Navy Pier ,  Lakefront Trail ,  Magnificent Mile , and  Wrigley Field . We recommend staying in Chicago at least one night, although you can easily stay multiple nights to enjoy all that the city has to offer.

Tip: You can transfer to many other Amtrak routes in Chicago. See the best Amtrak trips from Chicago to learn about other destinations you can visit.

More Information

• Amtrak stations in Texas
• Dallas Amtrak Station Guide
• Houston Amtrak Station Guide
• Amtrak travel: 5 things to know

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Proposed high-speed railway would link two major US cities in just 90 minutes: 'The opportunity to revolutionize rail travel'

Things are looking promising for a proposed high-speed train route that would connect Dallas and Houston, Newsweek reported.

In April 2024, President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida both expressed support for a plan that would use Japanese Shinkansen technology and link these two major Texas hubs in just 90 minutes.

Driving from Houston to Dallas normally takes around four hours, so this train would save several hours for commuters, helping reduce stress and improve work-life balance. The route is also reportedly faster than air travel if you factor in the time normally spent at the airport.

It's better for the environment, too. According to Newsweek, which cited figures from Amtrak and Texas Central, the proposed high-speed rail link would reduce the number of cars traveling on Interstate 45 by 12,500 per day and slash planet-warming pollution by more than 100,000 tons annually . In turn, this would benefit human health since poor air quality is linked to a host of illnesses and also help slow the warming of our planet, protecting communities from extreme weather events.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, transportation is one of the largest contributors of planet-heating gases in the United States, with light-duty vehicles like cars spewing out more than half of this pollution. 

Meanwhile, trains only account for 2% of this transportation-related pollution.

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While the U.S. has traditionally lagged behind other countries in high-speed rail development, the country has made some major strides lately. 

For instance, the California High-speed Rail Authority is making progress on constructing the country's biggest high-speed rail system to date. And private high-speed rail company Brightline announced a new stop along Florida's Space Coast, which will make it easier to visit Cape Canaveral.

Would you want a high-speed railway in your state?

"We believe in this," transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg said of the proposed Texas high-speed rail line, per Newsweek . "Obviously, it has to turn into a more specific design and vision, but everything I've seen makes me very excited.

"Meanwhile, Texas Central CEO Michael Bui said in a press release , "This high-speed train, using advanced, proven Shinkansen technology, has the opportunity to revolutionize rail travel in the southern U.S."

Proposed high-speed railway would link two major US cities in just 90 minutes: 'The opportunity to revolutionize rail travel' first appeared on The Cool Down .