Amtrak Route Guides
Amtrak Route Guides

Amtrak Long-Distance Route Guides & A Quick Look

Amtrak long-distance trains can be a fun adventure, especially if you have the right tools. This page helps you get a quick overview of each route, links to more information on each train, and PDFs of old Amtrak Long-Distance Route Guides.

I have found Amtrak travel to be fun and relaxing, with some fantastic (and a few not-so-amazing) views while aboard these trains. I hope this info can help you with your next trip.

About The PDF Amtrak Long-Distance Route Guides

Amtrak Views
Views from an Amtrak roomette.

Amtrak wrote route guides circa 2010/2014, distributed on their trains and stations.

These travel guides have been out of print and are hard to find, but I found copies from the last time Amtrak printed them! Now, you are available to print out or store on a device.

Even though the information is over a decade or more old, it still offers plenty of relevant history for the communities you will see during your adventure.

Amtrak Service Alerts and Notices

Check here to check for any alerts or notices for your trip! It does not hurt to check this before booking and occasionally before your trip to make sure you stay up to date.

Amtrak System Map

Amtrak System Map
A system map of Amtrak, courtesy of Amtrak

Auto Train #52 & #53

Auto Train
The Auto Train transports you and your car (or your van, motorcycle, SUV, small boat, jet-ski, or other recreational vehicles) nonstop from the Washington, DC, area to sunny Florida, just outside Orlando. This train is the best way to drive I-95. And remember, you can pack your car as if it were your suitcase.

The Auto Train runs daily from the greater Washington DC and Orlando areas, and this is the only train where you can bring your car with you!

The Auto Train runs daily, stopping and starting at Lorton, VA, and Sanford, FL, with one intermediate stop, only for refueling and crew changes. There is no Amtrak route guide for the Auto train, but the train does run on the Silver Meteor route. The Meteor’s route guide is below.

The route guide is a little outdated and written for the Silver Service, which also runs on the same tracks.

The Auto Train Broken Down By The Day And Dining Car Meals Offered

DIRECTIONCITY SECTIONSSleeper Meals
#52 NorthboundSanford, FL – Lorton, VADinner & Breakfast
#53 SouthboundLorton, VA – Sanford, FLDinner & Breakfast

Equipment & Accommodations

The Auto Train uses Superliner Equipment and offers these accommodations.

Food Options

For food services offered aboard the Auto Train

California Zephyr #5 & #6

California Zephyr
The California Zephyr

The California Zephyr is a daily train and one of the most beautiful rail trips.

The train goes through the heart of the Rockies and the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas. The Zephyr runs between Chicago and San Francisco, traveling through the plains of Nebraska to Denver, across the Rockies to Salt Lake City, and then through Reno and Sacramento into Emeryville/San Francisco. This train connects San Francisco and Oakland via Thruway Bus Service at Emeryville, California.

The California Zephyr Broken Down By The Day And Dining Car Meals Offered

DIRECTIONCITY SECTIONSDAYS OF TRAVELMEALS OFFERED
#5 WestboundChicago, IL- Omaha, NE1st DayDinner
Lincoln, NE – Salt Lake City, UT2nd DayBreakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Elko, NV – Emeryville, CA3rd DayBreakfast & Lunch
#6 EastboundEmeryville, CA – Elko, NV1st DayLunch & Dinner
Salt Lake City, UT – McCook, NE2nd DayBreakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Holdrege, NE – Chicago, IL3rd DayBreakfast & Lunch

Equipment & Accommodations

The California Zephyr uses Superliner Equipment and offers these accommodations.

Food Options

Food services aboard the California Zephyr include:

  • The cafe car is open to all passengers.
  • The dining car offers Traditional dining and is open to all, but there is limited seating for coach passengers.

Capitol Limited #29 & #30

Amtrak's Capital Limited
Capitol Limited at a station stop in Cumberland, Maryland

The Capitol Limited train runs daily between Washington, DC, and Chicago and follows the historic B&O line. The train travels into Pittsburgh through the Potomac Valley, past historic Harpers Ferry, and the Allegheny Mountains. Cross into Ohio, heading north to Cleveland, and then across Ohio and Indiana into downtown Chicago.

The Capitol Limited Broken Down By The Day And Dining Car Meals Offered

DIRECTIONCITY SECTIONSDAY Of TRAVELMeals
#29 WestboundWashington, DC – Pittsburg, PA1st DayDinner
Alliance, OH – Chicago, IL2nd DayBreakfast
#30 EastboundChicago, IL – Toledo, OH1st DayDinner
Alliance, OH – Washington DC2nd DayBreakfast
The route by the Day.

Equipment & Accommodations

The Capitol Limited uses Superliner Equipment and offers

Food Options

Food services aboard the Capitol Limited

Cardinal #51 & #52

Amtrak Cardinal
Amtrak Cardinal

The Cardinal transports passengers between Chicago, IL, and New York, NY, three times a week.

This train runs through the Northern section of The South. with significant stops, including Washington, DC, Charlottesville, WV, Cincinnati, OH, Indianapolis, IN, and other intermediate stops. The Cardinal rolls past gently rolling horse country, Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley, and the wild white-water rivers of West Virginia.

As you head westward, as the train rolls along the Ohio River bank, you’ll see quaint towns of Ashland and Maysville to the skyline of Cincinnati, onto Indianapolis, and then northward to Chicago.

The Cardinal Broken Down By The Day And Dining Car Meals Offered

DIRECTIONCITY SECTIONSDAY OF TRAVELMEALS OFFERED
#50 WestboundChicago, IL – Indianapolis, IN1st Day
Mo, Th, & Sa
Dinner
Connersville, IN – New York, NY2nd Day
Mo, Th, & Sa
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
#51 EastboundNew York, NY – Maysville, KY1st Day
Su, We, & Fr
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Cincinnati, OH – Chicago, IL2nd Day
Tu, Thu, & Sa
Breakfast

Equipment & Accommodations

The Cardinal uses Viewliner Equipment and offers

Food Options

Food services aboard the Cardinal

City of New Orleans #58 & #59

Amtrak's City of New Orleans
The Amtrak’s City of New Orleans picks up and drops off passengers at Jackson, MS.

The City of New Orleans takes passengers between Chicago and New Orleans, with other significant stops in Memphis and Jackson, MS. This train is a great way to get between the Big Easy and the Windy City.

The City Of New Orleans Route By Day And Dining Car Meals Offered

DIRECTIONCITY SECTIONSDAY OF TRAVELMEALS OFFERED
#58 NorthboundNew Orleans, LA- Memphis, TN1st DayDinner*
Newbern-Dyersburg, TN – Chicago, IL2nd DayBreakfast & Lunch
#59 SouthboundChicago, IL – Effingham, IL1st DayDinner
Centralia, IL – New Orleans, LA2nd DayBreakfast
The route by the Day. *Dinner served when leaving Chicago.

Equipment & Accommodations

The Cardinal uses Viewliner Equipment and offers

Food Options

Food services aboard the Cardinal

Coast Starlight #11 & #14

The Coast Starlight at Salinas, CA
Amtrak’s Coast Starlight at Salinas, CA

The Coast Starlight travels up and down the West Coast between Seattle, Portland, Sacramento, and Los Angeles.

The Coast Starlight offers a great adventure between Los Angeles and Seattle. This train goes through Santa Barbara, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and Portland.

While traveling along the Coast Starlight route, you can see dramatic snow-covered peaks of the Cascade Range and Mount Shasta, lush forests, fertile valleys, and long stretches of the Pacific Ocean shoreline provide a stunning backdrop for your journey.

There is no better way to travel the Western seaboard than the Coast Starlight.

Coast Starlight Route Broken Down By The Day And Dining Car Meals Offered

DIRECTIONCITY SECTIONSDAY OF TRAVELMEALS OFFERED
#11 SouthboundSeattle, WA – Klamath Falls, OR1st DayLunch & Dinner
Dunsmuir, CA – Los Angeles, CA2nd DayBreakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
#14 NorthboundLos Angeles, CA – Sacramento, CA1st DayLunch & Dinner
Chico, CA – Seattle, WA2nd DayBreakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
The route by the Day.

Equipment & Accommodations

The Coast Starlight uses Superliner Equipment and offers

Food Options

Food services aboard the Coast Starlight

  • The cafe car is open to all passengers.
  • The dining car offers Traditional dining to all, but there is limited seating for coach passengers.

Crescent #19 & #20

The Amtrak Crescent at the Peachtree Station.
The Amtrak Crescent at the Peachtree Station.

The Crescent travels daily between the Big Apple and the Big Easy.

With service from New York City to New Orleans, the Crescent gives travelers a unique window to the beauty and heritage of the American South. The train allows you to tour Monticello or enjoy a wine tasting in Charlottesville. Or enjoy the shopping and dining scene of Underground Atlanta.

As you travel further south, you’ll reach New Orleans, with fun, food, and music waiting for you.

This train runs daily, serving New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Atlanta, plus more.

The Crescent Route Broken Down By Day And Dining Car Meals Offered

DIRECTIONCITY SECTIONSDAY OF TRAVELMEALS OFFERED
#19 SouthboundNew York, NY – Danville, VA1st DayDinner
Greensboro, NC – New Orleans, LA2nd DayBreakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
#20 NorthboundNew Orleans, LA – Spartanburg, SC1st DayBreakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Gastonia, NC – New York, NY2nd DayDinner
The route by the Day.

Equipment & Accommodations

The Crescent uses Viewliner Equipment and offers

Food Options

Food services aboard the Crescent

Empire Builder #7, #8, #27, & #28

Empire Builder in Milwaukee
Amtrak’s Empire Builder in Milwaukee, WI

The Empire Builder runs from Chicago up through Wisconsin before it wanders through the northernmost states, heading to the Pacific Northwest.

Amtrak’s Empire Builder runs daily, serving Chicago, St. Paul/Minneapolis, Spokane, Portland/Seattle, plus more.

This train operates as two separate trains; one travels between Portland, OR, and Spokane, WA. Check out this article about trains that split.

The Empire Builder Route Broken Down By The Day And Dining Car Meals Offered

Train 27 separates from 7 in Spokane, WA, and train 28 attaches to 8 in Spokane.

DIRECTIONCITY SECTIONSDAY OF TRAVELMEALS OFFERED
#7/#27 WestboundChicago, IL – St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN1st DayDinner
#7/#27 WestboundSt, Cloud, MN – Sandpoint, ID2nd DayBreakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
#7 WestboundSpokane, WA – Seattle, WA3rd DayBreakfast
#27 WestboundSpokane, WA -Portland, OR3rd DayBreakfast*
#8 EastboundSeattle, WA – Ephrata, WA1st DayDinner
#28 EastboundPortland, OR – Pasco, WA1st DayDinner*
#8/#28 EastboundSpokane, WA – Devils Lake, ND2nd DayBreakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
#8/#28 EastboundGrand Forks, ND – Chicago, IL3rd DayBreakfast & Lunch
*Your meal is handed to you by your car attendant.

Equipment & Accommodations

The Empire Builder uses Superliner Equipment and offers

Food Options

The Empire Builder has two food cars.

The Cafe Car is open to all passengers on the train. Note the cafe car is unavailable to passengers on trains 7 & 8 between Seattle and Spokane, WA.

Traditional dining is available in the dining car. Limited seating is open to coach passengers. Meals are included with sleeper reservations.

The dining car is unavailable on trains 27 & 28 between Portland, OR, and Spokane, WA. The sleeper passengers will receive a “boxed lunch.”

Learn More About The Empire Builder

Lake Shore Limited #48, #49, #448, & #449

Lake Shore Limited
Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited in Albany.

The Lake Shore Limited takes passengers from the bustling East Coast to the Midwest, passing many Great Lakes and waterways. This train runs daily, stopping at New York/Boston, Albany, Chicago, etc.

This train operates as two trains: one section goes to New York, and the other goes to Boston; the sections come together (Westbound) or split (Eastbound) in Albany, NY. For more information on trains that split, check out this article.

The Lake Shore Limited Broken Down By The Day And Dining Car Meals Offered

DIRECTIONCITY SECTIONSDAY OF TRAVELMEALS OFFERED
#48/#448 EastboundChicago, IL – South Bend, IN1st DayNo Meal
#48 EastboundElkhart, IN – New York, NY2nd DayBreakfast & Lunch
#448 EastboundElkhart, IN – Boston, MA2nd DayBreakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
#49 WestboundNew York, NY – Rochester, NY1st DayDinner
#449 WestboundBoston, MA – Rochester, NY1st DayLunch & Dinner
#49/#449 WestboundBuffalo-Depew, NY – Chicago, IL2nd DayBreakfast
The route by the Day.

Equipment & Accommodations

Lake Shore Limited uses Viewliner Equipment and offers

Food Options

Food services aboard the Lake Shore Limited

Palmetto #89 & #90

Palmetto coming into CHS
Amtrak’s Palmetto pulling into the new Charleston Station

The Palmetto serves New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Charleston, SC, Savana, GA, and other intermediate stops. This train follows parts of the Silver Meteor Auto Train routes and is an honorary Silver Serice train (at least in my mind).

The Palmetto Broken Down By The Day And Dining Car Meals Offered

DIRECTIONCITY SECTIONSDAY OF TRAVELMEALS OFFERED
#89 SouthboundNew York, NY – Savanna, GASame DayCafe Only
#90 NorthboundSavanna, GA – New York, NYSame DayCafe Only
The route by the Day.

Equipment & Accommodations

The Palmetto Amfleet cars and offers

Food Options

  • There is no dining car on this train because there are no sleeper cars.
  • The Palmetto has a Cafe car, is open to all passengers, and is between the coach and business cars.

Silver Meteor #97 & #98

Amtrak's Silver Meteor
Amtrak’s Silver Meteor train is pulling into Orlando, FL

The Silver Meteor takes passengers up and down the East Coast from New York to Miami.

The Silver Meteor serves New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Charleston, SC, Jacksonville, Orlando, Kissimmee, Miami, etc.

If Disney World is your destination, get off the train in Kissimmee. FL. From there, walk to the 56 bus stop on Center Dr and Reams Rd. The bus takes you to the Disney Transportation and Ticket Center in less than an hour for a few dollars. From there, you can get to where you need to go. Your other option is a rideshare or taxi.

The Silver Meteor Broken Down By The Day And Dining Car Meals Offered

DIRECTIONCITY SECTIONSDAY OF TRAVELMEALS OFFERED
#97 SouthboundNew York, NY – Rocky Mount, NC1st DayDinner
Fayetteville, NC – Miami, FL2nd DayBreakfast, Lunch, & Dinner*
#98 NorthboundMiami, FL – Florence, NC (Myrtle Beach)1st DayBreakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Fayetteville, NC – New York, NY2nd DayBreakfast
*This meal may be abbreviated

Equipment & Accommodations

Silver Meteor uses Viewliner Equipment and offers

Food Options

Food services aboard the Silver Meteor

  • The Cafe Car is open to all passengers.
  • Sleeper Car passenger meals are traditional dining. At this point, this meal service is not available for coach passengers. This could change at any time.

Silver Star #91 & #92

Amtrak Silver Star
Amtrak’s Silver Star in Orlando, FL

Like the Silver Meteor, this train takes passengers from New York to Miami with a different route further inland through North and South Carolina communities and a few alternative stops in Florida.

Significant Silver Star stops include New York,  Philadelphia, Washington DC, Raleigh, Savannah, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, and Miami.

If Disney World is your destination, try getting off the train in Kissimmee. FL. From there, walk to the 56 bus stop on Center Dr and Reams Rd. The bus takes you to the Disney Transportation and Ticket Center in less than an hour for a few dollars. From there, you can get to where you need to go. Your other option is a rideshare or taxi.

The Silver Star Broken Down By The Day And Dining Car Meals Offered

DIRECTIONCITY SECTIONSDAY OF TRAVELMEALS OFFERED
#91 SouthboundNew York, NY – Hamlet, NC1st DayLunch & Dinner
Camden, SC – Miami, FL2nd DayBreakfast, Lunch, & Dinner*
# 92 NorthboundMiami, FL – Jacksonville, FL1st DayLunch & Dinner
Savana, GA – New York, NY2nd DayBreakfast, Lunch, & Dinner*
*This meal may be abbreviated

Equipment & Accommodations

Lake Shore Limited uses Viewliner Equipment and offers

Food Options

Food services aboard the Silver Star

  • The Cafe Car is open to all passengers.
  • The dining car offers Traditional dining for sleeping passengers. At this point, this meal service is not available for coach passengers. This could change at any time.
More Information On The Silver Star

Southwest Cheif #3 & #4

Southwest Chief
The eastbound Southwest Chief in Galesburg, IL

The Southwest Chief runs daily. It allows you to see the beauty of the American West on an adventure between Chicago and Los Angeles. The train takes you across the mighty Mississippi through eight states — past wheat fields, ranches, missions, pueblos, mountains, and deserts. You will travel canyon passages only a few feet wider than the train itself; you’ll see vistas not visible from interstate highways.

This train runs daily, stopping at Chicago, Kansas City (MO), Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Los Angeles, etc.

The Southwest Chief Broken Down By The Day And Dining Car Meals Offered

DIRECTIONCITY SECTIONSDAY OF TRAVELMEALS OFFERED
#3 WestboundChicago, IL – Lawrence, KS1st DayDinner
Topeka, KS – Kingman, AZ1st DayBreakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Needles, CA – Los Angeles, CA3rd DayBreakfast & Lunch
#4 EastboundLos Angeles, CA – Barstow, CA1st DayDinner
Needles, CA – Garden City, KS2nd DayBreakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Dodge City, KS – Chicago, IL3rd DayBreakfast
The route by the Day.

Equipment & Accommodations

The Southwest Chief uses Superliner Equipment and offers

Food Options

The Southwest Chief has two food cars.

  • All passengers can use the Cafe car.
  • The dining car offers Traditional dining and is open to all, but there is limited seating for coach passengers.

Sunset Limited #1 & #2

Sunset Limited in El Paso, TX
Amtrak’s train 2/422 Sunset Limited/ Texas Eagle in El Paso, TX.

Sunset Limited takes passengers between New Orleans and LA and gives passengers views of Mexico.

This train runs three times a week with stops in New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Tucson, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and more.

The Sunset Limited Broken Down By The Day And Dining Car Meals Offered

DIRECTIONCITY SECTIONSDAY OF TRAVELMEALS OFFERED
#1 WestboundNew Orleans, LA – Houston, TX1st Day
Mon/Wed/Sat
Lunch & Dinner
San Antonio, TX, – Yuma, AZ2nd Day
Mon/Wed/Sat
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Palm Springs, AZ – Los Angeles, CA3rd Day
Wed/Fri/Mon
No Meal
#2 EastboundLos Angeles, CA – Ontario, CA1st Day
Tue/Thu/Sun
No Meal
Palm Springs, CA -Sander, TX2nd Day
Sun/Wed/Fri
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Del Rio, TX – New Orleans, LA3rd Day
Mon/Thu/Sat
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
The route by the Day.

Equipment & Accommodations

The Sunset Limited uses Superliner Equipment and offers these accommodations.

Food Options

The Southwest Chief has two food cars.

  • All passengers can use the Cafe car.
  • The dining car offers Traditional dining and is open to all, but there is limited seating for coach passengers.

Texas Eagle #21, #22, #421, & #422

Texas Eagle fueling in STL
The Texas Eagle fueling in St Louis, MO (2016)

The Texas Eagle gives passengers views of the famous St. Louis Arch plus urban to rural views of Texas and Illinois (Arkansas is overnight). Three days a week, A coach and sleeper car from this train couples onto the Sunset Limited, reaching more communities.

The Texas Eagle runs daily with stops at Chicago, St. Louis, Little Rock, Dallas, San Antonio, and more, and three days a week to cities like Tucson and Los Angeles.

21/22 Texas Eagle Route Broken Down By The Day And Dining Car Meals Offered

DIRECTIONCITY SECTIONSDAY OF TRAVELMEALS OFFERED
#21 SouthboundChicago, IL – Poplar Bluff, MO1st DayDinner
Walnut Ridge, AR – San Antonio, TX2nd DayBreakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
#22 NorthboundSan Antonio, TX – Little Rock, AR1st DayBreakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Walnut Ridge, AR – Chicago, IL2nd DayBreakfast & Lunch
The route by the Day.nd

421/422 Route Broken Down By The Day And Dining Car Meals Offered

DIRECTIONCITY SECTIONSDAY OF TRAVELMEALS OFFERED
#421 SouthboundChicago, IL – Poplar Bluff, MO1st Day
Daily
Dinner
Walnut Ridge, AR – San Antonio, TX2nd Day
Daily
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
#421 Hooks with #1San Antonio, TX – Maricopa, AZ3rd Day
Tu, Th, Su
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Yuma, AZ – Los Angeles, CA4th Day
We, Fr, Mo
No Meal
#422 EastboundLos Angeles, CA – Ontario, CA1st Day
Su, We, Fr
No Meal
Palm Springs, CA – Sanderson, TX2nd Day
Mo, Th, Sa
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
#422 Hooks with #22
in San Antonio, TX
Del Rio, TX – Little Rock, AR3rd Day
Tu, Fr, Su
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner
Daily from San Antonio
to Chicago
Walnut Ridge, AR – Chicago, IL4th DayBreakfast & Lunch
The route by the Day.

Equipment & Accommodations

The Texas Eagle uses Superliner Equipment, and the train offers these accommodations.

Food Options

  • The Texas Eagle cafe is open to all.
  • Sleeping passengers get flex dining between Chicago and San Antonio—and traditional dining between San Antonio and Los Angeles.

Amtrak Long-Distance Route Guides Wrap-up

I hope this page helps and gives you either the information you need or the links to aid you in your research for your next Amtrak adventure. Amtrak route guides are printable or downloadable to your smart devices. If you have other questions, please get in touch with me, and I will do my best to answer them.

To ensure this information stays online, consider supporting Travels with Kev. Much time and money go into producing and keeping this info available.

Safe travels!

Kev

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Kev

Kev has been traveling with Amtrak since 2012, celebrating over ten years of travel! Over those years, he has been on over 700 trains covering over 200k miles of rail. Kev enjoys helping others achieve their travel dreams by providing support and information. Outside of travel, Kev enjoys making music as an organist.

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