Ride The Amtrak Through The Heartland Of Texas For Just $37
By Katie Lawrence|Published October 28, 2021
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Katie Lawrence
Author
Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015.
Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).
Amtrak might be a cross-country passenger train, but any of its routes can be modified. For example, the Texas Eagle runs all the way from San Antonio to Chicago – a 1,200-mile journey that takes nearly a day and a half. If you aren’t up for such an arduous adventure, you can ride the rails between Dallas and San Antonio, seeing the best of the Texas Heartland in just a few hours. The best part? A one-way trip will cost you just $37!
One of Amtrak's 35 designated routes, the Texas Eagle runs daily between Chicago and San Antonio (with connecting service to Los Angeles via the Sunset Limited.)
While the entire trip takes around 32 hours, passengers are free to tailor the ride as they see fit, boarding and disembarking at any of the stops along the way.
For just $37 per person, you can ride the rails from San Antonio to Dallas (or vice versa) for a quick tour of the Texas Heartland.
If you start in the Big D, make sure to check out some of the city's highlights before getting on the train. Enjoy 360-degree views from nearly 500 feet in the air at Reunion Tower, visit the World Aquarium or Dallas Zoo, and reflect on one of the nation's most horrific tragedies at the Sixth Floor Museum.
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Right next door, Fort Worth is known as the "City of Cowboys & Culture," keeping the spirit of the Old West alive in a modern and relevant way.
From the world-famous Stockyards with a twice-daily cattle drive to the largest honky-tonk on earth, there's so much to see and do here - even if you're just passing through town.
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The Texas Eagle also passes through Austin, the heart of the state's iconic Hill Country region.
Despite becoming a miniature Silicon Valley over the years, our capital city has retained its connection to nature, with endless opportunities to get outside and explore (or marvel at the lush greenery from your train car.)
It embodies the city's rich heritage, with vibrant colors, upbeat music, and mouthwatering aromas that turn every day into a fiesta. Immerse yourself in the culture, tour five Spanish missions - including the Alamo - and enjoy everything this amazing place has to offer.
You can also take advantage of a spacious observation car, which provides unparalleled views of the passing landscapes.
The Texas Eagle route extends all the way to Marshall, nestled deep in the Piney Woods region, so you can create your ideal trip with ease.
Exact ride times and prices may vary from day to day. Visit the Amtrak website or Facebook page to learn more and/or purchase tickets.
Have you ever taken a ride on the Texas Eagle? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience in the comments section below! Don’t forget to check out our previous article for another train ride in Texas that offers an unforgettable adventure.
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