How to Travel to Texas by Train

While not the fastest mode of travel, train travel has a lot going for it. Train travelers avoid airports, tight security and baggage restrictions, dry and cramped cabins and other frustrations of air travel. Trains also have many advantages over buses, with room to get up and move around and views of scenery without the roadside mess of stores and gas stations, and a far more stable ride. Although fewer people now ride trains than they once did, the American rail network is still well-developed. Getting to Texas by train is a beautiful trip, no matter which route a traveler chooses.

Instructions

1

Look at the map of train services on the Amtrak website. All intercity American passenger rail services are run by Amtrak, a government-owned corporation. There are three rail routes into Texas. The Heartland Flyer travels from Oklahoma City to Fort Worth. The Sunset Limited has stops along the line in El Paso, San Antonio and Houston on its way from Los Angeles and Arizona to Louisiana and back. The Texas Eagle travels from Chicago to San Antonio via Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas with stops in Dallas and Austin.

2

Choose your accommodation type. Many long train journeys are overnight, and you may not want to be sitting in a seat. You can choose a business-class seat with more space, or sleeping accommodations. There are five types: roomettes with two adult bunks; bedrooms with two bunks, a shower, and a toilet; bedroom suites with four bunks, two showers, and two toilets; family bedrooms with two adult beds and two child beds but no toilet or shower, and accessible bedrooms with two bunks and wheelchair facilities. Not all trains will have all options on board, and Viewliner single-level coaches offer roomettes with toilets.

3

Buy a ticket for your chosen day of travel. You can do this at your local train station, on the phone at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or on the Amtrak website. Amtrak services most major cities in the United States, so you can choose the closest one as a departure point. You can choose your type of seat or sleeper as you buy the ticket. If you are coming from a city that does not offer direct service to Texas, the booking system will provide a single ticket for connecting trains.

4

Pack your bags. Amtrak allows two pieces of carry-on baggage with a maximum weight of 50 pounds each and a maximum size of 28 inches long, 22 inches wide and 14 inches deep. They also allow three checked bags. These also have a 50 pounds maximum weight, but may be 36 inches on a side. Arrive 30 minutes early at the station if you need to check baggage. You may bring a bicycle on most trains, but in some cases it may need to be checked.

5

Alert Amtrak if you have any special needs related to diet, mobility, service animals or oxygen equipment.

6

Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before the departure of your train. Seats on trains are first-come, first-served, so getting there early gives you the best pick. Be sure to bring proper identification and your ticket.

7

Board the train, settle into your seat and enjoy the journey. It is a good idea to bring binoculars and cameras for the scenery, as well as a book or personal entertainment device, a good pillow and food to eat. Food will also be available for purchase on the train.