Amtrak Texas Eagle Schedule

Amtrak’s Texas Eagle: Train Schedule & Guide

Welcome aboard the Amtrak Texas Eagle!

This daily Superliner train connects Chicago, IL, with San Antonio, TX, covering 1,305 miles and offering passengers a glimpse into the heart of America. Three days a week, the Texas Eagle extends its journey to Los Angeles, CA, as part of the Sunset Limited, transforming into a 2,728-mile adventure spanning 66 hours between Chicago and the West Coast.

The Texas Eagle provides a unique experience with its blend of comfort, convenience, and charm. It combines two iconic routes into one unforgettable journey three days a week. Along the way, the train stops in vibrant towns and cities, showcasing the diverse beauty of the Midwest, the Southwest, and beyond.

Whether you’re drawn to the cultural richness of San Antonio, the bustling energy of Chicago, or the relaxed vibes of Los Angeles, the Texas Eagle invites you to discover America one mile at a time. Remember, smoking and vaping are prohibited on all Amtrak trains, ensuring a pleasant journey for everyone.

Amtrak Texas Eagle fueling in STL
The Texas Eagle is fueling in St Louis, MO.

About the Texas Eagle route

My first Amtrak trip in a Superliner roomette was on the Texas Eagle, and that experience hooked me on getting sleeping accommodations.

The Texas Eagle offers a journey through the heart of the Lone Star State. This train departs from Chicago and travels to San Antonio, with intermediate stops including Austin and Dallas. The route includes scenic views of the Land of Lincoln, the Mississippi River, the Ozarks, and the piney woods of East Texas.

Cows in a field around McGregor, Texas, as seen from the windows of the Texas Eagle.
A view from the train window around McGregor, Texas

After arriving in Dallas, passengers can explore the city’s vibrant culture. The train then continues to Austin, known for its dynamic atmosphere and thriving arts scene. The final destination is San Antonio, famous for the Alamo and the charming Riverwalk.

If you want to see the states of Arizona, New Mexico, and California, you can travel on the Texas Eagle to Los Angeles three days a week.

Along this route, part of the Eagle joins the Sunset Limited. From the train, you can see Mexico, the Prada store in the desert, and, if you’re lucky, a tasty burrito from the Burrito Lady in El Paso!

Buckle up and get ready to experience the best of Texas and the Southwest aboard the Texas Eagle!

For more information about the stops, refer to the Texas Eagle route guide Amtrak published years ago. Although old, it still contains fascinating history and tidbits to enhance your journey.

Booking on the Amtrak Texas Eagle

You have a few options for booking this train. You can use Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app, or call them at 1-800-USA-RAIL.

When you book, you may see an option for trains 21 or 421; in the other direction, 22 or 422, you can pick whatever is cheaper. All that means is when you want to ride, cars are on that train, either going to or coming from Los Angeles.

The on-time performance of the Amtrak Texas Eagle and Track ownership

It’s important to remember that delays can happen with any transportation, including Amtrak trains. While Amtrak is responsible for some of these delays, it’s crucial to understand that many are out of its control. Amtrak doesn’t own most of the tracks on which it operates and relies on the host railroads that do. Unfortunately, these host railroads sometimes prioritize their trains over Amtrak’s, leading to delays.

  • Average passenger on-time performance for the 21/22 Texas Eagle
    • In December 2024, it was 48.6%, with an average delay of 73 minutes.
    • From December 2023 to 2024, it was 56.8%, with an average delay of 90 minutes.

The information from this section is from the Amtrak Host Railroad Report December 2024.

The Texas Eagle Host Railroads and Causes of Delay

Here are the host railroads (15 miles or more) for this train and the top two reasons that each railroad added to or caused delays for this train:

  • BNSF (116 miles) experienced delays due to slow orders and freight train interference.
  • CN-IC (35 miles) experienced delays due to freight train interference and signal delays.
  • UP (1073 miles) experienced delays due to freight train interference and slow orders.
  • TRE (33 miles) experienced commuter train interference and signal delays.

Coach class on Amtrak Texas Eagle

Amtrak Superliner coach seats
Amtrak Superliner lower-level coach seating (Photo courtesy of Amtrak.com)

The Texas Eagle has Amtrak coach seating,

  • Upper and lower-level seating options
  • Comfortable reclining seats with ample legroom
  • A fold-down tray
  • Individual reading lights
  • Grounded (three-prong) 120v electric outlets on the wall.
    • Pack and extension cord.
  • Coach storage
    • There are overhead luggage racks.
    • Additional luggage storage on the lower level
  • Restrooms are in each car on the lower level.

This accommodation does not have access to showers, but the Amtrak shower article offers some ideas for the coach passengers to stay fresh as they travel.

Amtrak Superliner Coach Car Diagram
Superliner coach car diagram: Some cars do not have lower seating but have a space for baggage.

Sleeper Car (Rooms) on the Texas Eagle

Amtrak sleeping accommodations are my happy place on the Texas Eagle because they allow me to sleep horizontally, have extra privacy, and more. 

Amtrak Superliner roomette seat
Amtrak Superliner roomette seat

The rooms at the Texas Eagle provide fresh linens, towels, and pillows to help you get a good night’s sleep. 

Your reservation includes all your scheduled meals.

As a passenger on the Texas Eagle, you can access station lounges in Chicago, St. Louis, and Los Angeles. 

A dedicated car attendant will be at your service, ready to assist with any request.

For added privacy and comfort, each room has curtains on all windows. You can lock the door from the inside while you are in your room, but you cannot lock the door when you leave.

Your daytime seating transforms into a comfortable berth, becoming a cozy bed at night. Please note that if you choose a room with an upper bunk, someone must climb up to access it.

Amtrak provides hanging space for clothing, complete with hangers. For your convenience, a coffee and juice station is available, and each room has at least one 120-ground (three-prong) outlet. I highly suggest bringing an extension cord with you, preferably with multiple outlets on end.

All sleeping car passengers have access to a shower. If you have reserved a bedroom, the shower is in your private bathroom. All other accommodations can use the shower on the lower level. Amtrak provides towels, washcloths, and soap, either bar or soft. If you need more than that, you may need to pack it. 

Accommodations offered

  • Roomettes
    • Amtrak’s smallest accommodations
    • Great for solo travelers, comfy for two.
  • Bedrooms
    • Twice the space of a roomette and more.
    • The room has an ensuite bathroom with a shower and a sink.
  • Accessible room
    • Accommodation for passengers with mobility challenges.
    • To reserve this room, call Amtrak.
  • Family Bedroom
    • Provides seating and berths for two adults and two smaller kids

Texas Eagle sleeping car layout

Superliner Sleeper
The layout of a Superliner Sleeper Car.

Bikes and Pets on the Texas Eagle

Bikes

  • Amtrak has space 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 in the baggage car
    • Check out the Amtrack bicycle page for more information and the latest policy.

Pets

  • You can bring your cat or dog aboard the Texas Eagle
    • Your cat or dog must be under 20 pounds, including pet and carrier.
    • The journey must be under seven hours.
    • Amtrak requires reservations for your fluffy friend!
    • Pet owners must complete paperwork that Amtrak will electronically send once the reservation process is complete. Passengers can also find the paperwork in the My Trip section of the website and app.
    • Before booking, read the Amtrak pet police.

If you plan to bring a service or comfort animal, please review the Amtrak service animal policy

before booking to ensure your animal qualifies and for booking instructions.

Luggage: carry-on and checked

You need to know a few things if you want to check baggage.

  • Amtrak allows two bags up to 50 lbs. and 75 linear inches per person for free.
  • You can check two additional bags for a fee.
  • Charges apply for additional and oversized luggage,
  • Not all locations can handle checked baggage
  • Your first and last station needs to offer checked bag service.
    • Click the station links below to see if they offer checked baggage service.

Each passenger may carry on:

  • One personal item, 25 lbs. (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

If you transfer to the Pacific Surfliner at some point along your journey, the baggage size for that train is up to 28 x 22 x 11 inches each.

Charges apply for additional and oversized luggage; check out Amtrak’s carry-on bag policy for more information.

Accessibility on the Eagle

A wheelchair Ramp is available to assist passengers in boarding and detraining with a wheeled mobility device.

There are accessible sleeping accommodations available, but other rooms may be available based on your abilities. Lower-level coach class seating is also available.

A Breakdown of the Texas Eagle by the Day

Train travel can take several days, and this table shows the route breakdown, including the first and last stops for each day.

TrainDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4
#21 SouthboundChicago, IL – Poplar Bluff, MOWalnut Ridge, AR – San Antonio, TX
#421 SouthboundWalnut Ridge, AR – San Antonio, TXWalnut Ridge, AR – San Antonio, TXSan Antonio, TX, – Yuma, AZPalm Springs, AZ – Los Angeles, CA
#22 NorthboundSan Antonio, TX – Little Rock, ARWalnut Ridge, AR – Chicago, IL
#422 NorthboundLos Angeles, CA – Ontario, CAPalm Springs, CA -San Antonio, TXSan Antonio, TX – Little Rock, ARWalnut Ridge, AR – Chicago, IL

The Cafe car on the Texas Eagle

A sandwisch, coffee, water, and brownie from an Amtrak cafe car.
A meal from the Amtrak Cafe Car

The cafe car is open to all passengers throughout the route but is closed at night and for breaks.

  • The cafe features:
    • A variety of hot and cold meals
    • Snacks,
    • Hot, cold, and adult beverages

If you are traveling between Chicago and San Antonio, the cafe car is between coach and sleeping car, and you will find the attendant on the upper level.

For those traveling between San Antonio and Los Angeles, the cafe is on the lower level of the Sightseer car between the coach and dining car.

Sleeper car passengers scheduled meals on the Texas Eagle

*Indicate that it is a flex dining meal

TrainDay 1Day 2Day 3Day 4
#21 SouthboundDinner*Breakfast,* Lunch,* & Dinner*
#421 SouthboundDinner*Breakfast,* Lunch,* & Dinner*Breakfast, Lunch, & DinnerNo Meal
#22 EastboundBreakfast, Lunch, & DinnerBreakfast & Lunch
#422 EastboundNo MealBreakfast, Lunch, & DinnerBreakfast,* Lunch,* & Dinner*Breakfast* & Lunch*
*Flex Dining

Flex dining on the Texas Eagle between Chicago and San Antonio.

Flex dining is a complimentary meal system for sleeping passengers. It includes warmed-prepared breakfast and dinner, as well as complimentary beverages. Passengers can choose to eat the meals in their rooms or in the cafe car. Flex dining meals are not available to coach passengers.

Meals on trains 421/422 between San Antonio, TX, and Los Angeles, CA

Amtrak omelette breakfast
An Amtrak traditional dining omelet breakfast.

Traditional Dining

  • Complimentary for sleeper car passengers
    • These are chef-prepared meals
  • Meals come with non-alcoholic beverages
    • Your first adult beverage with dinner is on Amtrak.
  • Offerings include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with selections for kids
  • You can purchase an array of wine, beer, and spirits
  • If space is available, coach passengers can eat in the dining car with reservations
    • Meals are a set price for coach passengers
    • You can eat your meals in the dining car or sleeping accommodation

A Few Last Tips for First-Time Amtrak Texas Eagle Travelers

When I first started traveling by train, I had plenty of questions. I hope this article has answered most of yours! However, I’d like to share a few more tips and resources to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Booking Your Trip

You can book your tickets via Amtrak’s app or website—both are user-friendly and convenient.

Need assistance? Visit a staffed Amtrak station or call 1-800-USA-RAIL. Some travel agents can also help you book your trip.

Know Your Station

Not all Amtrak stations have staff, especially along routes like the Texas Eagle. It’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the type of station you’ll be using. You can learn more about the different kinds of Amtrak stations.

Tickets and Boarding
Amtrak offers flexibility when it comes to tickets:

  • Use digital tickets on your phone or print them out, whichever you prefer.
  • Don’t forget to bring a valid ID—they sometimes ask!

If this is your first time traveling with Amtrak, or it’s been a while since your last trip, check out my article on boarding Amtrak trains. It covers everything you need to know to get ready for your journey.

Still, Have Questions?

Explore my blog for more tips and insights if I haven’t covered something. Traveling by train can be a fun and relaxing experience, and I’m here to help you make the most of it!

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Amtrak Texas Eagle Schedule

The information in this timetable comes from Amtrak.com, but schedules can occasionally change without my notice. I do my best to keep everything up to date. Still, I recommend double-checking your electronic ticket or online reservation the day before your trip to ensure you have the most accurate departure and arrival times.

The last update check was on January 19, 2025.

‘This chart is a guide; always check with the electric version of your tick for the most up-to-date times or consult the Amtrak website.

Printable Amtrak Texas Eagle Schedule

You can use the button below or print a custom schedule from Amtrak.com. Learn how to print your own Amtrak schedule.

The times in Arizona are off by an hour on this PDF, but as of January 2025, it is the latest timetable Amtrak has on their site.

Amtrak Texas Eagle Schedule Abbreviations

R = Receive passengers only; this means you can board the train and travel south, but you cannot buy a ticket from Chicago to this station on this train.

D = Depart only; you cannot buy a ticket from this station to Chicago on this train.

* = Stations with Amtrak Connecting Services.

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Kevin Monteith

Kev Monteith has been traveling on Amtrak since 2012. With over a decade of experience, he has been on over 800 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 and outings with family.

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