As a resident of the Hawkeye state, it’s almost certain that you’ve traveled across the state at one point or another – most likely on Interstate 80, although you also could have chosen highways such as 30, 20, or 34 among others for a slower or more scenic way to see and experience this great state. But if you don’t want to deal with the hassles of driving, there is another way.
Let's face it, each of these traveling options requires navigating traffic and paying attention to the road. Perhaps one of the highlights of traveling by train is the ability to sit back and watch the scenery without dealing with traffic. Or just the simple fact that you go places and see things you can’t get to in a car. It's truly an interesting perspective!
Not having to pay attention to the road also gives you the luxury of being able to read, work, sleep, or otherwise choose how to spend your time during your journey. Then you're both going somewhere and doing something, versus just going somewhere in a car. Two birds, one stone.
To see the length of Iowa, take the Amtrak from Burlington, Iowa to Omaha, Nebraska. The cost for a one-way ticket between these two stations is only $42. The ride takes around five and a half hours and can be done from east to west or west to east.
Here is the Amtrak Station at Burlington, Iowa. To be honest, five hours to see a huge breadth of the state really isn't bad. In a day trip you can experience so many new and delightful pieces of Iowa via the Amtrak.
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Omaha, Nebraska is the nearest station to Iowa's western border, and Burlington, Iowa is the first station on the eastern flank of the state. The tracks more or less pass directly between those two stations with additional stations from west to east of Creston, Osceola, Ottumwa, and Mount Pleasant.
This train is the California Zephyr. Eastbound trains leave Emeryville, California in the morning and take over two days to reach the end of their line in Chicago, Illinois. The eastbound trains approach the western Iowa border around 5:00 a.m. daily and reach Burlington, Iowa around 10:30 a.m. Westbound trains leave Burlington around 5:30 p.m. and arrive in Omaha around 11:00 p.m. If you're really feeling ambitious, hop on the Amtrak Iowa and then visit another state. This line alone can take you to California or Chicago depending on what weather and experiences you're craving.
Above is the California Zephyr at the Ottumwa Station.
If you are going to see the views, consider that there will be much longer daylight hours in the summer. The train has a meal car and an observation car. It also is two levels, so make sure to book the upper level if you want a view.
The observation car is by far the best way to see the landscape around you. It's got a large glass dome on top so you can see much more than just the passenger window will allow. Eating in the dining car has a certain special feel to it, but you can also bring your own provisions if you'd prefer.
A word for the wise - call ahead to check the schedule for delays on the day of your departure. It's not unheard of for there to be several hours worth of delays; however, time can be made up so keep checking to avoid missing the train. And don't worry if your train is delayed. The often get back on schedule by speeding up in between stops so you won't necessarily reach your destination much later.
