Amtrak in Arizona: Routes, Stations, & Tips

Amtrak in Arizona can be helpful, but booking a train is not as straightforward as just picking the nearest major city. The state is served by three main long-distance routes: the Southwest Chief, which runs through northern Arizona, and the Sunset Limited, which operates in southern Arizona.

The north-south division is significant. The Southwest Chief serves Flagstaff, Winslow, and Kingman, while the Sunset Limited serves Tucson, Maricopa, Yuma, and Benson. Additionally, Phoenix complicates matters because Amtrak trains do not stop in the downtown area; as a result, many trips originating from the Phoenix area require a bus connection to reach Amtrak services.

Here is what new riders should know before booking Amtrak in Arizona.

Amtrak in Arizona at a glance

What Are the Three Amtrak Routes in Arizona?

Amtrak operates three trains in Arizona, one of which has two names as it traverses the state. Both trains are equipped with Amtrak’s Superliner or bi-level cars.

Southwest Chief

The Southwest Chief runs daily between Chicago and Los Angeles, passing through northern Arizona and making stops in Winslow, Flagstaff, and Kingman. If you’re planning to visit the Grand Canyon or want to experience the nostalgia of Route 66, this is the train for you, with Flagstaff serving as the gateway to the canyon.

Sunset Limited

The Sunset Limited train operates between New Orleans and Los Angeles, traveling through southern Arizona and passing by towns such as Benson, Tucson, Maricopa, and Yuma. Unlike the Chief, it runs only three days a week in each direction, so you’ll need to plan your trip around its schedule. If you spotted the Prada Marfa art installation from the window while traveling through the West Texas desert the night before, you’ll know you are getting close to Arizona.

Texas Eagle

The Texas Eagle operates daily from Chicago to San Antonio. Three days each week, some of its cars are combined with the Sunset Limited for the journey from San Antonio to Los Angeles.

For travelers connecting beyond Arizona, the Texas Eagle offers access to destinations across the South and Midwest, including Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, and Illinois. In Arizona, those cars operate on the Sunset Limited.

When searching for tickets, you might notice that Amtrak lists both the Sunset Limited and the Texas Eagle for the same trip. This is because the same physical train can operate under different route names and train numbers, depending on your starting point and destination. If the schedule, destination, accommodations, and connections are the same, be sure to compare the fares and choose the lower one.

What Amtrak Stations Are In Arizona?

Each train station is linked to the most current information from Amtrak’s website. These links provide details such as address, hours of operation, staffing status, checked baggage availability, and more.

Kev’s Tip: This list features train stations, but Amtrak also serves additional locations in Arizona via connecting bus and shuttle services. If your desired destination isn’t listed in the table below, visit Amtrak.com and enter the specific community you want to reach. The website (not the app) often reveals nearby connections that may not be immediately obvious.

Getting to Phoenix: the part that trips people up

Amtrak doesn’t stop in downtown Phoenix, full stop. There’s no getting around it, so plan for it rather than be surprised by it.

Which station you connect through depends on which route you’re riding:

• If you’re arriving on the Sunset Limited or the Texas Eagle, you’ll disembark at Maricopa (MRC), about 30 miles south of the city. Amtrak Connecting Service, operated by Stagecoach Express, provides transportation from Maricopa to Tempe, Sky Harbor Airport, and Phoenix North Station. You can book this service alongside your train ticket.
• When you arrive on the Southwest Chief, your connection point is Flagstaff. Groome Transportation operates the Thruway bus service into the Phoenix area.

You can add the connecting service when making your reservation, but you can also often purchase these tickets separately from Amtrak. This option works well if you want to spend a day or so before heading to Phoenix, or if you change your mind after booking your original tickets.

Best stations for popular Arizona trips

Flagstaff — FLG serves as your gateway to northern Arizona and is the starting point for most trips to the Grand Canyon. Please keep in mind that Amtrak does not offer direct service to the South Rim. Therefore, it’s crucial to arrange your onward transportation—such as a shuttle, tour, or rental car—before your arrival, particularly if your train is scheduled to arrive at an unusual hour.

• Tucson — TUS. The main stop in southern Arizona on the Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle.
• Phoenix — MRC (Maricopa) is the train station; see the connecting service breakdown above to close the gap into the city.
• Route 66 — Ride the Southwest Chief and get off at Winslow, Flagstaff, or Kingman, all on the historic route.
• Yuma — YUM on the Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle. The same rule applies: check your dates first since it’s not a daily train.

Tips for new Amtrak travelers in Arizona

• Check your station code before booking — FLG is Flagstaff, TUS is Tucson, MRC is Maricopa. They’re not always obvious.
• If your destination is Phoenix, carefully check your itinerary to determine whether your route goes through Maricopa or Flagstaff, and be prepared to ride a bus or shuttle.
• Build in extra time for your connection — shuttle, rideshare, rental car, whatever it is.
• Pack snacks and water, as not all stations offer food or drinks. Having water during your train travel is essential, especially if you need some overnight or if the cafe car is closed.
• Bring a short extension cord or power strip, as rooms often only have one outlet. The outlet in the coach is located against the wall, so having an extension cord or power strip will help you access power where you need it.
• Check train status before you leave for the station. Long-distance trains run on host railroad tracks they don’t control, and delays happen.
• Keep in mind that the Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle services through Arizona are not available daily. Your travel dates are particularly important on these routes.

FAQ: Amtrak in Arizona

Final thoughts on Amtrak in Arizona

The best Amtrak route in Arizona varies based on your destination. Northern Arizona, including Flagstaff, Winslow, and Kingman, as well as stops along Route 66, is served by the Southwest Chief. In contrast, southern Arizona, including Tucson, Maricopa, Yuma, and Benson, is served by the Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle service.

For travelers in the Phoenix area, it’s important to note that Amtrak trains do not stop in downtown Phoenix. Depending on your route, you may need to connect through either Maricopa or Flagstaff, so be sure to check your itinerary carefully before booking.

As someone who appreciates the stunning landscapes of the Southwest, I have enjoyed the views from both Arizona Amtrak routes. The Southwest Chief showcases northern Arizona scenery, while the Sunset Limited offers a glimpse of southern Arizona. Each route has its own unique character, which makes traveling through Arizona by train a fascinating experience.

Once you understand the route split and the connection to Phoenix, Amtrak becomes a relaxed and scenic way to reach the Grand Canyon State.

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