Amtrak in Kentucky: Routes, Stations, & Tips

Amtrak in Kentucky offers limited service compared to neighboring states, with four stations serving two long-distance routes. However, two train lines serve the Bluegrass State, connecting it to destinations such as New York, Chicago, and New Orleans. This guide covers everything you need to know for planning a train trip to or from Kentucky.

I have traveled with Amtrak over 800 times since 2012, covering more than 200,000 miles across its network. I have taken both the Cardinal and the City of New Orleans trains through Kentucky multiple times. In this guide, I will share essential information based on my real experiences traveling these routes.

Overview: Amtrak in Kentucky

I have traveled through Kentucky by train dozens of times during my years riding Amtrak, and I’ll be honest: train service in the Bluegrass State is quite limited. Amtrak operates four stations in Kentucky: Ashland, Maysville, South Shore, and Fulton. None of them is near the major cities of Louisville or Lexington. This makes train travel challenging if you’re trying to reach Kentucky’s population centers.

Here’s what Amtrak in Kentucky looks like:

• 4 stations
• 2 routes: Cardinal (3x/week) and City of New Orleans (daily)
• No direct service to Louisville or Lexington

The Cardinal train serves three stations in northeastern Kentucky along the Ohio River, while the City of New Orleans stops once in western Kentucky near the Tennessee border. Traveling along either route will allow you to experience beautiful rural landscapes. However, if your destination is Louisville or Lexington, you will need to connect through Indianapolis or Cincinnati and take a bus for the final leg of your journey.

Amtrak Stations in Kentucky

Ashland Amtrak Station (AKY)

The Ashland station is located at the Ashland Transportation Center, a restored 1906 Chesapeake & Ohio Railway freight depot. This intermodal facility serves multiple transportation services, including Amtrak, Greyhound, and local buses.

Station amenities:

• Enclosed waiting area (not open during Cardinal’s early morning/late evening stops)
• Platform shelter for passengers
• Restrooms and water fountains in the main building
• Free parking
• Wheelchair accessible
• No Amtrak ticket office (purchase tickets online, via app, or call 1-800-USA-RAIL)
• No checked baggage service

The transportation center building features event space and is situated near downtown Ashland. The Cardinal train typically stops here overnight, so passengers use the platform shelter rather than the main building. Ashland is about 140 miles from Louisville and 110 miles from Lexington.

Maysville (MAY)

The Maysville station, located in northeastern Kentucky along the Ohio River, serves the Cardinal route. It is an unstaffed station featuring a small shelter and a parking area.

Station amenities:

• Covered waiting shelter
• Same-day and overnight parking is available; fees may apply.
• Restrooms
• No checked baggage service
• Wheelchair accessible platform
• No ticket kiosk

The station is located approximately 2 miles from downtown Maysville. To access local hotels and restaurants, you will need a car, rideshare service, or taxi. Maysville is about 60 miles from Lexington, the closest Amtrak station to Kentucky’s second-largest city.

South Shore (Portsmouth, OH) (SPM)

The South Shore station serves communities on both sides of the Ohio River: South Shore, Kentucky, and Portsmouth, Ohio. This station features a newly constructed enclosed shelter built in 2023, replacing an earlier shelter from 1976.

Station amenities:

• Enclosed waiting shelter (completed 2023)
• New concrete platform (230 feet long)
• Same-day and overnight parking is available; however, fees may apply.
• Wheelchair accessible with tactile warning surfaces
• No restrooms
• No checked baggage service
• No Quik-Trak kiosks
• Wheelchair lift available

The station underwent a $3.5 million accessibility improvement program, which included a new platform, ramp, guardrails, signage, and ADA-compliant upgrades. It is situated near downtown South Shore and serves the wider Portsmouth, Ohio area across the river.

Fulton (FTN)

Fulton serves as Amtrak’s western gateway in Kentucky, located in the Jackson Purchase region near the Tennessee border. This small, unstaffed station accommodates the daily City of New Orleans route.

Station amenities:

• Small enclosed shelter
• No restrooms
• No checked baggage service
• Wheelchair accessible
• Limited daily and overnight parking is available.
• No ticket office or ticket kiosk

Fulton is a small community with approximately 2,400 residents, and the train station is situated outside the downtown area. Dining and lodging options near the station are limited, and most services are a short drive away. For many passengers, Fulton is primarily a convenient boarding point rather than a destination.

Amtrak Routes in Kentucky

The Cardinal

Route includes: New York – Washington, DC – Charleston, W.V. – Cincinnati – Indianapolis – Chicago.

Frequency: 3 times per week

• Eastbound: Wednesday, Friday, Sunday
• Westbound: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Kentucky stops: Ashland, Maysville, and South Shore

The Cardinal train travels through the Ohio River Valley in Kentucky, providing stunning views of the rolling hills, especially vibrant during the fall foliage season. However, all three stops in Kentucky occur overnight, typically between 11 pm and 5 am, depending on the direction of travel and the season. As a result, passengers may miss much of the scenic views while they sleep.

For detailed route information and tips, check out my full Cardinal guide.

Accommodations:

• Reserved seating in coach class.
• Roomettes (comfortable for one person, snug for two)
• Bedrooms (spacious for one or two passengers)
• Accessible bedroom (designed for passengers with mobility needs)

Onboard services:

• Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals
• Flexible dining options for sleeper passengers, with pre-prepared meals served in their rooms or in the café car.
• Wi-Fi is available, but the connectivity may be limited in rural areas.

City of New Orleans

Train times:

• Northbound: The train is scheduled from 1:02 am to 1:04 am.
• Southbound: The train is expected from 3:12 am to 3:14 am.

The City of New Orleans is one of Amtrak’s iconic routes, spanning 934 miles from the Great Lakes to the Gulf Coast. As it travels through Kentucky, it goes through the flat, agricultural Jackson Purchase region in the far western part of the state.

I’ve taken the City of New Orleans through Fulton several times, and I must admit the timing can be challenging, as the train runs in the early morning, depending on the direction and any delays. It’s essential to arrange your lodging well in advance and ensure you have reliable transportation to the station. The town essentially shuts down at night, so don’t expect any services to be open.

Accommodations around the City of New Orleans:

• Coach seats (reserved)
• Roomettes
• Bedrooms
  • Limited Bedroom suites available (two connecting bedrooms)
• Accessible room
• Family bedroom

Onboard services:

• Café car with a full hot and cold menu
• Flexible dining service for sleeper passengers
• Sightseer lounge car

Getting to Louisville and Lexington via Amtrak

Since Amtrak in Kentucky doesn’t serve the state’s two largest cities, here’s how to reach them using train travel:

Reaching Louisville

Best option: Amtrak to Indianapolis or Cincinnati + Greyhound bus

1. Take Amtrak’s Cardinal to Indianapolis (115 miles from Louisville) or Cincinnati (100 miles from Louisville)
2. Connect to Greyhound for the final leg
3. From Indianapolis: Multiple daily buses, approximately 2 hours
4. From Cincinnati: Multiple daily buses, approximately 2-2.5 hours

Alternative: Amtrak also offers Thruway motorcoach service connecting Louisville to Indianapolis and Chicago, which can be booked with your Amtrak ticket.

Allow 2-3 hours layover between Amtrak arrival and bus departure to account for potential train delays.

Reaching Lexington

Best option: Amtrak to Cincinnati + Greyhound bus

1. Take the Amtrak Cardinal to Cincinnati, which is 80 miles from Lexington.
2. Connect to a Greyhound bus to Lexington (1.5-2 hours)

Alternative: Take Cardinal to Maysville, 60 miles from Lexington, and arrange a rental car, rideshare, or private transportation for the final leg. However, Cincinnati generally offers better connections, even though it is slightly farther away.

Practical Tips for Using Amtrak in Kentucky

Book the Cardinal Well in Advance

With only three departures each week, the Cardinal fills up quickly during peak seasons. You can book coach seats and sleeper accommodations up to 11 months in advance.

Prepare for Overnight Service

All Amtrak stations in Kentucky are served by overnight trains. Please check the current schedules carefully and make arrangements.

• Nearby accommodations if needed
• Reliable transportation to/from the station
• A plan for staying comfortable during late-night or early-morning boarding

Know Before You Go: Station Limitations

All Kentucky Amtrak stations have minimal facilities. Plan accordingly:

• Purchase tickets in advance (online, app, or phone)
• Most stations have no restrooms – use train facilities before disembarking
• Don’t plan extended waits at stations
• Bring any necessary supplies

Ashland’s Transportation Center has restrooms but isn’t open during Cardinal stops, so passengers still use the platform shelter.

Consider Your Location Within Kentucky

If you’re planning to visit Kentucky’s major cities, Amtrak might not be the best transportation option. The four stations primarily serve small communities and are located far from Louisville and Lexington. Consider the following:

• A bus connection from Cincinnati or Indianapolis makes more sense
• Renting a car from a nearby Amtrak station works better
• Flying might be more practical for your specific trip

Have Cash for Small Towns

Maysville, South Shore, and Fulton are all small communities where cash can be particularly beneficial.

• Local taxis or transportation
• Tips
• Businesses that might not accept cards

Connections from Amtrak in Kentucky

Cardinal: from Ashland, Maysville, and South Shore:

To the North:

• Huntington, WV
• Cincinnati, OH
• Indianapolis, IN
• Chicago, IL

To the East:

• Charleston, WV
• White Sulphur Springs, WV
• Charlottesville, VA
• Washington, DC
• New York City
• And more

Major connection points:

• Chicago: Access to all western Amtrak routes (Empire Builder, Southwest Chief, California Zephyr, etc.)
• Washington, DC: Northeast Corridor, Southeast routes
• Cincinnati: Regional connections, easy bus access to Louisville and Lexington

City of New Orleans (from Fulton):

To the North:

• Carbondale, IL
• Champaign-Urbana, IL
• Chicago, IL

To the South:

• Newbern-Dyersburg, TN
• Memphis, TN
• Jackson, MS
• New Orleans, LA

Major connection points:

• Chicago: Hub for all Amtrak routes
• Memphis: Transfer point for south/southwest travel
• New Orleans: Sunset Limited to Los Angeles, Crescent to New York

Frequently Asked Questions About Amtrak in Kentucky

Does Amtrak go to Kentucky?

Yes, Amtrak in Kentucky operates at four stations: Ashland, Maysville, South Shore (both on the Cardinal route), and Fulton (on the City of New Orleans route).

How many Amtrak stations are in Kentucky?

There are four Amtrak stations in Kentucky: Ashland, Maysville, and South Shore in the northeastern Ohio River region, and Fulton in the far west. All stations have minimal amenities and limited or no staffing.

Does Amtrak go to Louisville, Kentucky?

Amtrak does not serve Louisville, Kentucky. The nearest stations are in Indianapolis, 115 miles north, and Cincinnati, about 100 miles northeast. The best option for traveling to Louisville is to take Amtrak to either Indianapolis or Cincinnati, and then connect to Louisville via Greyhound bus. Additionally, Amtrak provides Thruway motorcoach service between Louisville and Indianapolis, which can be booked along with your train ticket.

Does Amtrak stop in Lexington, Kentucky?

No, Amtrak does not serve Lexington, Kentucky, directly. The nearest station is in Maysville, which is 60 miles away. However, Cincinnati, Ohio, 80 miles from Lexington, offers better ground transportation options. From Cincinnati, you can take a Greyhound bus to reach Lexington.

What’s the closest Amtrak station to Louisville?

For travelers seeking Amtrak service near Louisville, the closest practical option is Indianapolis, about 115 miles north. The Cardinal train operates through Indianapolis three times a week. Additionally, both Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway buses operate between Indianapolis and Louisville, with a travel time of approximately two hours.

What’s the closest Amtrak station to Lexington?

Maysville is the closest option, 60 miles away. However, Cincinnati, 80 miles away, is usually a more practical choice because it has better bus service. Both cities are served by the Cardinal train, but Cincinnati offers more frequent Greyhound service to Lexington. Ashland, located 110 miles away, is another alternative.

What Amtrak trains go through Kentucky?

Amtrak in Kentucky includes two routes:

• Cardinal: New York-Washington, DC-Chicago (3x weekly) – Stops at Ashland, Maysville, and South Shore
• City of New Orleans: Chicago-New Orleans (daily) – Stops at Fulton

How often does Amtrak run through Kentucky?

The Cardinal operates three times per week, making a total of nine stops at three stations in Kentucky. Additionally, the City of New Orleans operates the Fulton route daily, adding seven more stops each week. In total, Amtrak provides 16 train stops per week in Kentucky across four different locations.

Can I take a sleeper car on Amtrak in Kentucky?

Both Amtrak routes in Kentucky provide sleeping accommodations. The Cardinal offers roomettes, accessible bedrooms, and standard bedrooms. Additionally, the City of New Orleans features these options as well as a family bedroom. Reservations for these accommodations include meals, horizontal sleeping, and access to a shower.

How do I book Amtrak tickets in Kentucky?

Book Amtrak in Kentucky through:

• Amtrak.com website
• Amtrak mobile app
• Phone: 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245)
• Travel agents

All Kentucky stations are either unstaffed or have limited staffing, so you cannot purchase tickets on-site. Please book your tickets before arriving at the station.

What’s the train ride like on Amtrak in Kentucky?

Amtrak in Kentucky offers two distinct experiences:

• Cardinal through northeastern Kentucky: The scenic Ohio River Valley features rolling hills and is gorgeous in the fall. It passes through Ashland, Maysville, and the South Shore areas.
• City of New Orleans through Fulton: The flat agricultural landscapes of the Jackson Purchase region.

Both routes pass through rural Kentucky and offer no views of Louisville, Lexington, or other major cities from the train.

Why doesn’t Amtrak serve Louisville or Lexington?

Amtrak service in Kentucky operates along historic rail lines that do not connect to the state’s major cities. Louisville, once a rail hub, lost passenger service as the national rail network declined in the mid-20th century. The Cardinal train runs along the old Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O) next to the Ohio River. Meanwhile, the City of New Orleans operates on the former Illinois Central line, now CN, through western Kentucky. Currently, there are no Amtrak routes serving Louisville or Lexington. Although there have been occasional discussions about restoring service, no concrete plans have been put in place.

Is Amtrak in Kentucky worth it for a visit to the state?

It depends on your destination and travel style. Amtrak in Kentucky is a good option if you’re:

• Passing through on a longer Cardinal or City of New Orleans journey
• Visiting smaller towns along the Ohio River (Ashland, Maysville, Portsmouth)
• Willing to arrange transportation from stations to major cities
• Interested in the scenic Cardinal route along the Ohio River

While visiting Louisville or Lexington is less practical, flying or driving may be more efficient. However, with some planning, bus connections from Indianapolis or Cincinnati make it feasible to reach these cities via Amtrak.

History of Amtrak in Kentucky

Kentucky once boasted a comprehensive passenger rail service, with Louisville serving as a significant railroad hub. At its peak, multiple railroads operated passenger services across the state, connecting major cities like Louisville and Lexington, as well as numerous smaller towns. Historic trains such as the George Washington, the Sportsman, and the Fast Flying Virginian regularly transported passengers to various destinations in Kentucky.

Amtrak was established in 1971 to maintain passenger rail service, but most train routes in Kentucky were discontinued at that time. Today, the limited Amtrak service available in Kentucky represents only a small portion of the state’s historic passenger rail network. The Cardinal and City of New Orleans routes remain operational, connecting major cities in other states, but they do not serve Kentucky’s population centers.

Amtrak service locations in Kentucky have evolved over the years. Originally, the service operated in Ashland from 1971 to 1975 at a different station. It then moved to Catlettsburg, where it remained until 1998. In that year, the service returned to Ashland and is now located at the Transportation Center.

There have been ongoing discussions about expanding Amtrak service in Kentucky, particularly to restore service to Louisville; however, there are currently no definitive plans for such an expansion.

The Bottom Line on Amtrak in Kentucky

Amtrak service in Kentucky is limited, featuring only four small stations and basic facilities. There are two long-distance routes available. Importantly, there is no direct service to Louisville or Lexington. If you wish to travel to these cities, you will need to take a bus from either Indianapolis or Cincinnati.

If you’re planning to travel on the Cardinal or the City of New Orleans, Kentucky has some fantastic experiences to offer. I have traveled on trains across the state many times during my years with Amtrak, and I consider the Cardinal one of my favorite routes in the network. The stretch through the Ohio River Valley in Kentucky is particularly beautiful, especially in the fall when the hills are vibrant with color.

Train service through Kentucky is not very convenient, as it typically runs overnight or early in the morning. However, if you begin or end your trip at one of the three northeastern Kentucky stations: Ashland, Maysville, or South Shore, the Cardinal is definitely worth the experience. The scenery between South Shore and Cincinnati is particularly beautiful, making the journey worthwhile.

The City of New Orleans train travels through Fulton in the middle of the night, meaning you won’t be able to see much of western Kentucky. However, it remains a reliable connection for reaching Memphis, Chicago, or New Orleans.

For fares and bookings, visit Amtrak.com or their app, or call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

Safe Travels & Happy Planning!

Kev