How to Book Train Travel From Dallas To San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas is the second most populous city in the state, so expect to travel alongside many natives as you make your way there from Dallas. Once inside the San Antonio Station, travelers must exercise care when booking additional train travel beyond the city. Two separate train lines serve the station, so it's easy to be confused when you arrive. The Texas Eagle and the Sunset Limited are both operated by Amtrak, but they head in very different directions. Follow these steps to start planning your trip.

Instructions

Book Your Ticket

1

Book your tickets by phone (800-872-7245) or on the Amtrak Web site (see Resources below). Dallas is one of the 10 busiest Amtrak stations, so it's recommended you avoid booking at the station itself, especially during peak travel.

2

Book at the "Quik-Trak" Ticketing Kiosk if you have to book at the Dallas Union Station. Otherwise, you can wait in long lines at the ticketing counter, open daily until 6:30 p.m.

3

Expect the trip to be about 10 hours long. The Texas Eagle leaves Dallas at 12:20 p.m. and arrives in San Antonio at 10:25 p.m.

4

Carry on two pieces of baggage in Dallas. Checked baggage is limited to three pieces on the way to San Antonio.

5

Decide which class to ride in. The Texas Eagle train offers both coach class and Sleeper car seating. For this trip, book coach seating which boasts extra-roomy seats with extended leg room.

6

Consider taking Dallas commuter transit to get yourself to the Dallas Union Station. The commuter transit line actually makes a stop inside of the station, making it very easy for you to catch your departure train on time with minimal stress.

Arriving in San Antonio, Texas

7

Pick up your checked baggage promptly. The baggage claim closes just before midnight in San Antonio.

8

See the old Southern Pacific steam locomotive. The San Antonio Station houses this important relic of railway history and visitors often make time to see it on their way out of the station.

9

Connect with the Sunset Limited. This train has a convenient connection with the San Antonio Station, with Laredo, Texas as its first stop.

10

Consider taking public transportation. You'll find two bus lines serve the San Antonio station. They'll deliver you to your final destination.

11

Stretch your legs after the long trip. Several major attractions are within walking distance or a short cab ride way. Examples include the Alamo, San Antonio Children's Museum, San Antonio River Walk and the Alamodome entertainment complex.