Amtrak’s Texas Eagle Bought a Scenic Improve

The notion that long-distance prepare journey is a factor of the previous—particularly within the U.S.—is being challenged by Amtrak. With rising curiosity from vacationers, the U.S. nationwide rail firm is shifting its focus and investing closely in enhancing its long-distance service. This consists of enhancing iconic routes just like the California Zephyr, which stretches from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Space, and the Crescent, which hyperlinks New York Metropolis and New Orleans.

It additionally consists of the Texas Eagle, the longest passenger prepare experience in America, at 2,278 miles. The route runs from Chicago to San Antonio, Texas, with an elective connector to Los Angeles—and is a significant recipient of the Amtrak upgrades. 

Probably the most notable improve from a passenger perspective is the return of Amtrak Sightseer Lounges (aka commentary vehicles) on the leg between Chicago and San Antonio. They reportedly returned in early March 2025 after being phased out through the pandemic. 

These iconic commentary lounges have massive image home windows and excessive seats that present an unbeatable, panoramic view of the passing landscapes. The lounge on the Texas Eagle additionally has a staffed cafe, so vacationers can take pleasure in a drink whereas watching the sundown or seize a espresso because the solar rises.

The Texas Eagle is getting a number of different Amtrak upgrades, together with enhanced on-board eating, improved ADA accessibility, and upgrades to the Texas Eagle’s bi-level Superliner vehicles, which provide a mixture of coach and sleeper lodging.

“Amtrak’s Lengthy Distance routes are important mobility and financial hyperlinks for communities across the nation and we’re frequently working to reinforce them,” Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia stated. “We consider in the way forward for our Lengthy Distance service and we stay up for enhancing the client expertise throughout the Amtrak community, and additional supporting U.S. manufacturing with our fleet alternative.”

The Texas Eagle primarily runs between Chicago and San Antonio, with stops in St. Louis, Missouri; Little Rock, Arkansas; Dallas; Fort Price, Texas; and Austin. This day by day prepare takes round 32.5 hours and travels 1,306 miles, however vacationers can lengthen their journey by connecting with the Sundown Restricted in San Antonio. (That route runs between San Antonio and Los Angeles by way of El Paso, Texas, and Tucson, Arizona.) The mixed route is a whopping 2,728 miles (or simply over 65 hours), making the Texas Eagle the longest passenger prepare experience within the U.S.