Can you do Route 66 by train? You’ll be happy to hear that the answer is yes! The Route 66 Train is a new way to get your kicks on Route 66, and it involves a short ride on the Amtrak that’s jam-packed with a fascinating history and incredibly scenic views. The Southwest Chief is Amtrak’s route through the American West, running between Los Angeles and Chicago. Instead of embarking on the whole trip, which takes around two days, you can cruise down Route 66 and hop off without ever leaving the state. Traveling from Kingman to Winslow (or vice versa), this 200-mile train ride passes through some of the most iconic destinations in Arizona – and it’s very affordable, too! You’ll love Amtrak Route 66!

Author’s note: Not all of the photos used in this article depict the Southwest Chief. Some may showcase other Amtrak routes and are for illustrative purposes only. 

Running between Chicago and Los Angeles, Amtrak's Southwest Chief leads passengers on an enthralling journey through the American West.
Wikimedia Commons/Christopher Quinlan
The entire route takes about 40 hours from start to finish, but you can hop on or off wherever you'd like.
Amtrak has depots in Kingman, Flagstaff, and Winslow, so you can enjoy a quick ride without ever leaving Arizona.
Facebook/Amtrak
For just $45, get your kicks on Route 66 and explore one of the most historic regions of the state.
You can board the train in either Kingman or Winslow - either way, the trip is about 200 miles in each direction.
bc173 / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection / Getty Images
If you start off in Kingman, you'll definitely want to check out the Historic Route 66 Museum before leaving town. It's full of memorabilia from the Mother Road's heyday, and history buffs will thoroughly enjoy their visit.
The charming mountain town of Flagstaff, with its towering peaks and lush ponderosa pines, is the midway point along the route.
Thomas Roche / Moment Collection / Getty Images
Feel free to disembark and do some sightseeing, whether that means stargazing at the Lowell Observatory, hiking one of the many trails, popping into a historic Route 66 café, or hitting the slopes at the Arizona Snowbowl.

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Winslow, home to the famous Standin' on the Corner Park, is equally steeped in Route 66 culture.
DOUGBERRY / E+ Collection / Getty Images
Paying homage both to the historic highway and the classic rock song by The Eagles that put the town on the map, this unassuming street corner attracts tourists from all over the world. Winslow is also home to the best-preserved meteorite impact site on Earth!
No matter what class you choose, rest assured all Amtrak train cars boast comfortable seats and plenty of legroom.
Facebook/Amtrak
It's far less cramped than a plane, so you can actually enjoy the scenery instead of eagerly awaiting the moment when you can get off and stretch.
If you can, try to snag a window seat!
Facebook/Amtrak
Even though you'll be able to take in the views at each stop, nothing beats watching the desert landscape whiz by as the train rolls along.
Thruway bus connections to the Grand Canyon Railway in Williams are available, so you can extend your journey to the most iconic natural wonder in Arizona.
Facebook/Grand Canyon Railway
This century-old railway deposits passengers just steps away from the south rim, boasting Western-style entertainment throughout the ride.

Route 66 Amtrak is an experience that you’ll never forget. Exact ride times and prices may vary from day to day. Visit the Amtrak website or Facebook page to learn more about the route.

Have you ever ridden on the Southwest Chief? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments section below! Tell us the highlights, then continue reading to learn more about the Grand Canyon Railway.

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Route 66 Train

Christy Articola | October 31, 2022

Wow! The Route 66 Train sounds amazing! I'm going to check it out as soon as I can. What other trains can I take in Arizona? That seems like a great way to see the state with ease.

It certainly is. Arizona has a rich history of rail travel. As a result, you can enjoy train rides in many parts of the state - Amtrak is only the beginning! The Grand Canyon Railway is one of the most popular train rides in the state. It's a two-hour journey from Williams to the Grand Canyon itself. It's historic, too - this railroad first started running in 1901!

That's not all, though, there are lots of scenic railroads in Arizona that you and your family will love. There's one in Clarkdale, one in Anthem, one in Tucson, and numerous others, too.

Route 66 is a big part of American history. Do you have any suggestions of how I can best experience it, other than on the Amtrak Route 66 line?

Certainly! Route 66 is very long, but the part of it that's in Arizona is one of the most popular for visitors. Why? Because in many places, it still looks a lot like it did long ago. Perhaps the best way to experience it is on a road trip of your own. You can stop in various cities and towns along the way. There are lots of bizarre attractions in Arizona for you to check out along the way, too - you'll never be bored while you get your kicks on Route 66!

What about food along the way? 

There are a number of iconic restaurants along Route 66 that have been in business for decades. You'll love the food and unique atmosphere at these places where travelers have been dining for many years.

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