The Amtrak Cardinal runs three times a week between New York City and Chicago, stopping at 30 stations across 11 states: New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois. The route makes the most stops in West Virginia and Virginia, where passengers experience the train’s most scenic stretches through the mountains and the New River Gorge. Unlike many long-distance trains, this service has a limited schedule in both directions, so plan your travel accordingly.
What makes the Cardinal route worth the extra planning is its passage through West Virginia’s New River Gorge, one of the most scenic sections in the Amtrak system. The journey also passes through Charlottesville, the Virginia mountains, and Cincinnati, letting travelers experience areas best reached by train.
This guide details the Cardinal’s schedule, station stops, and onboard services. I will also explain which segments offer the best scenery and how to connect with other long-distance trains if you’re planning a multi-leg trip.
What Days Does the Amtrak Cardinal Run?
This table details the route by day, including the first and last stops. It also indicates which days of the week the train stops in each section.
| Train | 1st Day | 2nd Day |
|---|---|---|
| #50 Eastbound | Chicago, IL – Crawfordsville, IN Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday | Indianapolis, IN – New York, NY Wednesday, Friday, Sunday |
| #51 Westbound | New York, NY – South Shore, KY Sunday, Wednesday, Friday | Maysville, KY – Chicago, IL Monday, Thursday, Saturday |
Scheduled departure days are shown. The eastbound train from Indianapolis arrives before midnight but departs afterward, so please use the departure date when booking.
Amtrak Cardinal Schedule for Trains 50 and 51
This section is sourced from the official Amtrak website and is subject to change at any time. These times were last checked on October 6, 2026
| 51 Westbound Read Down | Stations | Miles | 50 Eastbound Last Stop |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:40a Sun-Wed-Fri | New York, NY (NYP) Moynihan Train Hall | 0 | 10:23p Wed–Fri–Sun |
| R 6:57a | 7:02a Sun-Wed-Fri | Newark, NJ – Penn Station (NWK) | 10 | D 10:03p Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 7:38a | 7:42a Sun-Wed-Fri | Trenton, NJ (TRE) | 58 | D 9:27p Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 8:07a | 8:20a Sun-Wed-Fri | Philadelphia, PA (PHL) William H. Gray III 30th St. Station | 91 | D 8:56p Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 8:42a | 8:45a Sun-Wed-Fri | Wilmington, DE (WIL) | 116 | D 8:30p Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 9:35a | 9:38a Sun-Wed-Fri | Baltimore, MD – Penn Station (BAL) | 185 | D 7:41p Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 10:19a | 10:39a Sun-Wed-Fri | Washington, DC – Union Station (WAS) | 225 | D 6:44p | 7:09p Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 11:59a Sun-Wed-Fri | Alexandria, VA (ALX) | 233 | D 6:27p Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 12:32p Sun-Wed-Fri | Manassas, VA (MSS) | 258 | 5:35p Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 1:05p | 1:05p Sun-Wed-Fri | Culpeper, VA (CLP) | 293 | 5:00p Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 2:23p | 2:32p Sun-Wed-Fri | Charlottesville, VA (CVS) | 340 | 3:35p | 3:44p Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 3:34p | 3:34p Sun-Wed-Fri | Staunton, VA (STA) | 379 | 2:38p Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 4:53p Sun-Wed-Fri | Clifton Forge, VA (CLF) | 437 | 1:09p Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 5:45p Sun-Wed-Fri | White Sulphur Springs, WV (WSS) | 472 | 12:01p Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 6:16p Sun-Wed-Fri | Alderson, WV (ALD) | 496 | 11:18a Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 6:46p Sun-Wed-Fri | Hinton, WV (HIN) | 517 | 10:50a Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 7:23p Sun-Wed-Fri | Prince, WV (PRC) | 540 | 10:18a Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 7:39p Sun-Wed-Fri | Thurmond, WV (THN) | 551 | 9:56a Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 8:30p Sun-Wed-Fri | Montgomery, WV (MNG) | 592 | 9:02a Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 9:09p Sun-Wed-Fri | Charleston, WV (CHW) | 619 | 8:31a Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 10:24p | 10:31p Sun-Wed-Fri | Huntington, WV (HUN) | 668 | 7:19a | 7:26a Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 10:54p Sun-Wed-Fri | Ashland, KY (AKY) | 683 | 6:45a Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 11:37p Sun-Wed-Fri | South Shore, KY(SPM) Portsmouth, OH | 712 | 5:55a Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 12:32a Mon–Thu–Sat | Maysville, KY (MAY) | 766 | 5:02a Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 2:11a | 2:21a Mon–Thu–Sat | Cincinnati, OH (CIN) Union Terminal | 828 | 3:27a Wed–Fri–Sun |
| TBD Mon–Thu–Sat | Oxford, OH (Coming in 2027) | TBD Wed–Fri–Sun | |
| 4:16a Mon–Thu–Sat | Connersville, IN (COI) | 893 | 1:31a Wed–Fri–Sun |
| 5:55a | 6:25a Mon–Thu–Sat | Indianapolis, IN (IND) | 951 | L: Wed–Fri–Sun 11:49p | 12:15a A: Tue–Thu–Sat |
| 7:23a Mon–Thu–Sat | Crawfordsville, IN (CRF) | 998 | 10:30p Tue–Thu–Sat |
| 8:01a Mon–Thu–Sat | Lafayette, IN – Amtrak Station (LAF) | 1025 | 9:56p Tue–Thu–Sat |
| 8:05a Mon–Thu–Sat | Rensselaer, IN (REN) | 1072 | 7:45p Tue–Thu–Sat |
| 8:54a Mon–Thu–Sat | Dyer, IN (DYE) | 1118 | 6:54p Tue–Thu–Sat |
| 10:25a Mon–Thu–Sat | Chicago, IL – Union Station (CHI) | 1147 | 5:55p Tue–Thu–Sat |
| Last Stop | Stations | Miles | Read Up |
Cardinal Schedule Key
- A= Arrive
- L= Depart
- R = Receive passengers only
- D = Discharge only
- Learn more about Receive and Discharge Only stops.
- * = Stations with Amtrak Connecting Services.
Printable Amtrak Cardinal Schedule
Print the PDF below or download it to your device for offline use. This document is longer because it includes most connection services; feel free to print only what you need.
You can also print the route or customs schedules from Amtrak! Learn how to print your own Amtrak schedule from the Amtrak website.
The views of the Amtrak Cardinal
The Cardinal provides breathtaking views as it travels through horse country, including the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley, and the thrilling whitewater rivers of West Virginia.
As the train travels west, it follows the banks of the majestic Ohio River, passing through the charming towns of Ashland and Maysville before reaching Cincinnati’s skyline. The journey then continues to Indianapolis and further north to Chicago.
If you’re looking for a fall train trip, I highly recommend this one.
If you want to learn about the towns you will pass through, you can use a route guide published by Amtrak, although it may be outdated.
Notable Stops and Attractions
- Philadelphia, PA: Explore historic sites like the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.
- Washington, D.C.: Visit iconic landmarks, including the National Mall and the Smithsonian Museums.
- Charlottesville, VA: Discover Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monticello.
- Charleston, WV: Experience the charm of the Appalachian region.
- Cincinnati, OH: Enjoy the city’s rich cultural scene and renowned chili.
- Indianapolis, IN: Visit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and its vibrant downtown.
Equipment Used on the Amtrak Cardinal
The Cardinal operates with Amfleet II and Viewliner cars, which are single-level and designed for comfort, offering excellent scenic views.
Onboard, you’ll find:
- Coach Class – Spacious reclining seats with leg rests and large windows.
- Sleeping Cars – Private accommodations, including Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Accessible Bedrooms.
- Café Car – All passengers can purchase meals, snacks, and drinks. Sleeping car fares include meals from Amtrak’s Flexible Dining menu, served from this car.
More information about each car is below.
Coach Class on the Amtrak Cardinal
The Amtrak Cardinal offers coach seating in Amfleet II cars, providing an economical travel option.
If you have a coach reservation, you are often assigned your seat before boarding the train.
- The Cardinal coach seats recline farther than those in Amtrak’s regional coach class.
- These seats have footrests and legrests, ample legroom, and a fold-down tray.
- Individual reading lights and 120V electric outlets are available on the wall.
- Each car has two bathrooms, facing each other at one end of the coach car.
- There are overhead storage compartments above the seats for baggage
- Passengers can also use the luggage rack at the end of the car.
Amtrak Cardinal coach car layout
Sleeper Car (Rooms) Accommodations on the Cardinal
Discover the benefits of booking Amtrak sleeping accommodations. If you book sleeping accommodations, you will receive your room and car number after completing your transaction. You will receive an email with a ticket number, and you can also find it in the Amtrak app or in the My Trip section of the website.
What Cardinal Rooms Include
- Fresh linens and towels
- Complimentary Flex Dining
- Lounge access in Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, DC
- Dedicated car attendant
- Access to showers
- Each car’s windows have curtains that block light and provide privacy.
- These rooms have seats during the day and beds at night.
Room Options On Amtrak’s Cardinal
- Roomettes
- Smallest of accommodations
- Suitable for one; cozy for two
- Bedroom
- About twice the space of a roomette.
- The room includes a bathroom with a sink and a shower.
- Accessible Room
- This accommodation is for passengers with mobility issues.
- The room includes a bathroom with a sink and a shower.
Amtrak Cardinal sleeper car layout
The layout below depicts an older Viewliner sleeping car. Newer Viewliner sleepers have a similar arrangement, but the shared bathrooms are located at the end of the car, near the shower area. Passengers in roomettes share a shower, while those in bedrooms enjoy a private bathroom and shower.
Packing for a Trip on the Cardinal
My first time on the Cardinal was in coach class in 2013, and over the years, I’ve learned several tips to improve my travel experience, whether in coach or sleeper.
Essential Items for Every Passenger
Bring a water bottle and snacks for comfort during your trip, especially if there are train delays. Fill your water bottle before boarding. Once on the train, you can refill it at a sink unless a sign indicates the water is not safe to drink. Some train cars also have designated areas for filling water bottles. If you are sensitive to dry air, consider packing lip balm as well.
Bring cash or a card for the café car, which offers snacks, drinks, and light meals. More details about the food options are provided below.
The Cardinal lacks a traditional dining car; instead, its café car provides food service, including Flexible Dining meals for sleeping car passengers.
Power Up: Extension Cords & Chargers
One practical tip: bring an extension cord, especially if you have multiple devices to charge. The cord is often the last thing in my bag, so it’s the first thing I pull out on the train. The train’s outlets are grounded and feature three-prong North American plugs.
Of course, don’t forget your chargers. If you plan to use devices often, a power brick is a great addition, letting you charge at stations or on the go.
Sleeping Comfortably on the Cardinal
Coach class passengers should pack a few essentials to ensure better rest during their journey. Items include an eye mask, earplugs, a travel pillow, and a light blanket. While Amtrak does sell comfort kits in the café car, they often run out quickly, so it’s best to come prepared. Some staffed stations also sell them.
Sleeper passengers get pillows, blankets, and linens, plus the privacy of their own space. However, if you’re sensitive to noise or light, earplugs and an eye mask are worthwhile.
Entertainment On the Cardinal
The USA offers incredible scenery along parts of the route, and Amtrak offers windows. You may need more than that.
Consider bringing headphones and a tablet (e.g., an iPad) with some shows preloaded. I also enjoy downloading podcasts and music. Although the train offers Wi-Fi, it may not always work in specific areas or function as expected.
For more entertainment ideas, check out my post about entertainment options on Amtrak!
Staying Fresh
Coach passengers don’t have access to a shower, so a pack of wet wipes can be a game-changer for freshening up during your trip.
Sleeping car passengers can use a private or shared shower, depending on their accommodation type. A roomette provides a sink, soap, washcloths, and hand towels for personal hygiene.
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Wi-Fi
This train has free Wi-Fi for general web browsing. Learn more about Amtrak Wi-Fi, including how to log in and the dos and don’ts.
Pets & Service Animals
- Amtrak allows dogs and cats
- The maximum combined weight of the pet and carrier is 20 pounds.
- For trips up to seven hours
- You need to fill out the paperwork before arriving at the station.
- Learn more about Amtrak’s pet policy and obtain the necessary paperwork.
If you have a service or comfort animal, read Amtrak’s service animal policy before booking to ensure your critter qualifies and is appropriately on your reservation.
Carry-on & Checked Bags on the Cardinal
Not all stations can handle checked baggage. Click the station links below to see if they offer checked baggage service. Both your departure and arrival stations must offer checked baggage service.
- Amtrak checked baggage allows:
- Two bags up to 50 lbs.
- Seventy-five linear inches per person for free.
- Charges apply for additional and oversized luggage.
- You are permitted two at no charge and two extras for a fee.
Each passenger may carry on:
- One personal item, up to 25 pounds (12 kg), and 14 x 11 x 7 inches
- Two carry-on pieces of luggage, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each
Charges apply to additional and oversized luggage; see Amtrak’s carry-on bag policy for more information.
Bikes on the Cardinal
- Space is available for standard, full-size bicycles
- Up to 50 lbs, 70 inches x 41 inches x 8.5 inches.
- Amtrak stores bikes in designated bike racks/areas inside the baggage car (if available).
- More information on bringing bikes aboard Amtrak
Dining on the Cardinal
The Cardinal offers a café car for all passengers, while sleeping-car passengers enjoy additional meal options through Amtrak’s Flex Dining service.
Café Car (open to everyone):
- Hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages (including alcohol)
- Open from early morning until late evening
- May close briefly for crew breaks and during the Washington, D.C. station stop
- Located between the coach and the sleeper cars
Important: You cannot consume your own alcohol unless you’re in a sleeper car, and Amtrak cannot store or heat food you bring aboard.
Flex Dining (sleeping car passengers only):
- Pre-prepared meals heated onboard
- Included in your sleeper fare
- Delivered to your room, or you can eat in the café car
- Breakfast menu plus shared lunch/dinner selections
The Meals Offered To Sleeping Car Passengers
| Train | 1st Day | 2nd Day |
|---|---|---|
| #50 Eastbound | Dinner | Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner |
| #51 Westbound | Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner | Breakfast |
Cardinal On-Time Performance
In August 2026, the Cardinal’s Customer On-Time Performance was 31.1%, down from 34.5% in July. This measures the percentage of passengers who reached their destination no more than 15 minutes late.
Both figures fell short of the federal minimum standard of 80% Customer OTP. Compliance is assessed over two consecutive calendar quarters, not a single month.
Passengers who arrived late in August averaged 110 minutes, or 1 hour and 50 minutes. Over the past 12 months, late passengers averaged 96 minutes of delay. These averages do not include passengers who arrived on time.
The August report identifies three host railroads for the Cardinal, each with distinct delay categories for which they are responsible.
- CSX: Delays were primarily caused by interference from freight trains, with temporary slow orders being the second most common reason.
- Norfolk Southern: Delays from other passenger trains were the most significant category, followed by temporary slow orders.
- Buckingham Branch Railroad: Temporary slow orders were the primary cause of delays, followed by interference from other passenger trains.
In August, a smaller percentage of passengers arrived on time compared to July. However, for those who were late, the average delay decreased from 145 minutes to 110 minutes. These figures highlight different aspects of the passenger experience: the percentage of on-time arrivals and the extent of delays for those who did not arrive on time.
When planning separately booked connections, flights, or other time-sensitive activities after your arrival, allow for flexibility. For significant onward departures or events, consider arriving a day early.
The following preliminary figures are taken from Amtrak’s Host Railroad Report for August 2026, with July’s report included for comparison. Customer On-Time Performance (OTP) measures the percentage of passengers who arrive at their destination no more than 15 minutes late. It does not reflect whether a train arrived on time at every station along its route.
How to Buy Amtrak Cardinal Tickets
You can purchase Amtrak tickets through the Amtrak website or Amtrak app, by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL, at staffed Amtrak stations, or from ticket kiosks where available. You can also check with local or online travel agents.
For many travelers, using the Amtrak website or app is the easiest option. The Amtrak app lets you store your eTicket, or you can print the PDF ticket Amtrak emails you. Conductors can also scan your eTicket directly from the email on your phone or another electronic device.
I recommend buying your ticket in advance, especially when traveling on weekends, during holidays, or at other busy times. Some trains, accommodations, and services can sell out quickly. It’s also a good idea to book early if you plan to travel with a bicycle or a pet, or if you want one of the limited premium accommodations on the train.
Connecting from the Cardinal to Other Long-Distance Trains
Depending on your destination, you might need to change trains. Use Amtrak’s website or app to search for connections available on your travel date.
If you plan to spend a night in a connecting city, consider using the multi-city booking option or buying separate tickets and arranging your own accommodations. Allow extra time when booking separate tickets, as delays could cause you to miss your next train.
The tables below outline various connection options. Please confirm the full itinerary with Amtrak before booking, as schedules and available connections may vary by travel date.
Connections from Eastbound Cardinal Train 50
Traveling south offers options like New Orleans or Florida, or you can continue west from New York on the Lake Shore Limited.
| Connecting train | Transfer location | Overnight stay | Connecting bus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crescent | Charlottesville, VA | Generally no | No |
| Lake Shore Limited | New York Penn Station | Yes | No |
| Floridian | Washington, DC | Yes | No |
| Silver Meteor | Charlottesville, VA, then bus to Richmond–Staples Mill Road, VA | Generally no | Yes |
For the Silver Meteor option, you will leave the Cardinal in Charlottesville and take a connecting bus to Richmond’s Staples Mill Road station (RVR). Please confirm that Amtrak offers the complete train-bus-train itinerary for your travel date.
Connections from Westbound Cardinal Train 51
The westbound Cardinal arrives in Chicago on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, so look for same-day connections on those days. You can also plan an overnight stay and continue the next day.
| Connecting train | Connecting train | Overnight stay | Connecting bus |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Zephyr | Chicago Union Station | Generally no | No |
| City of New Orleans | Chicago Union Station | Generally no | No |
| Empire Builder | Chicago Union Station | Generally no | No |
| Southwest Chief | Chicago Union Station | Generally no | No |
When possible, book your connecting trains together as one trip so Amtrak can show you the available connection options.
Future Cardinal Service & Expansion
New Oxford, Ohio Station (2027)
A new train station is currently under construction at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, with a projected opening date in 2027. Located between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Connersville, Indiana, the station will serve the university’s 18,000 students and the surrounding community. Train services are expected to operate in the early morning hours on a tri-weekly schedule.
Daily Service Discussions
Amtrak is considering converting the Cardinal service from tri-weekly to daily, but has not provided a timeline. The current limited schedule is partly due to capacity constraints on the Buckingham Branch Railroad in Virginia.
Amtrak Cardinal FAQs
Does the Amtrak Cardinal run every day?
No. The Cardinal operates three days a week in each direction. It departs from Chicago on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and from New York on Sundays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Please note that any stops after midnight will be classified as occurring on the following calendar day. Be sure to check the schedule specific to your boarding station.
Does the Cardinal have an observation car?
The Cardinal does not offer a Superliner Sightseer Lounge or a dome car. You can enjoy the scenery through the windows in the coach, your sleeping accommodation, or the café car.
Are meals included with my Cardinal ticket?
Sleeping car fares include meals from Flexible Dining during your journey. Coach fares do not include meals, but you can buy food and drinks from the café car or bring your own. Please note that Amtrak cannot heat or refrigerate any food you bring on board.
Can I get off along the way and continue on another day?
Yes, you need to book each segment of your journey for the specific date you plan to travel. Your ticket does not allow you to hop off and then board a later train without arranging that stopover in advance. Since the Cardinal operates only three days a week, check the next departure before booking your accommodations.
Which direction is better for seeing the New River Gorge?
Based on the current schedule, eastbound Train 50 offers a better chance to see the gorge in daylight, especially in the fall and winter. It passes through the area in the morning, while westbound Train 51 travels through in the evening. Keep in mind that the season and any potential train delays can affect how much you can see.
Amtrak Cardinal Wrap-Up
The Cardinal is one of my favorite Amtrak routes because it offers some of the most beautiful scenery on the eastern half of the network. The journey through the New River Gorge and Virginia’s mountain country makes this tri-weekly schedule worthwhile, especially during the fall foliage season.
Safe travels & happy travels!
Kev
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Thanks for this.
You are welcome!
Safe Travels,
Kev
Thanks especially for this timetable, Kev. Last spring, I mentioned to my wife that an Amtrak Cardinal T-shirt would be a nice Father’s Day gift. When my wife saw a picture of it, she wanted one too, so we bought two. Living in Alexandria, Virginia, at the time, I thought that a day trip on the Cardinal would be fun. I had done it some years before with a friend. I tried searching the booking thingy on the Amtrak website by train numbers, stations, range of dates, and found nothing. I couldn’t tell whether the train was even running. Since then we have moved to Pennsylvania, but maybe we will take a long ride later this year.
You are welcome, Steve! The Cardinal is still going, but three times a week. I hope you ride it again; it is one of my favorite trains.
Thanks for your post. In 1994, I took the Cardinal in October on a trip from Milford UT (Amtrak no longer runs there) to Atlanta GA. I booked the Cardinal because it was during the leaf change. It was a great trip!
You’re welcome! The Cardinal is one of my favorite trains, and I hope you get to ride it again soon