Passenger Trains (USA): A Complete Guide
Last revised: February 22, 2025
By: Adam Burns
Passenger trains are slowly becoming a popular means of
transportation in the USA once again. However, lack of funding continues to stunt greater ridership.
It has been shown over and over the public will ride trains if they are available. The history of rail travel has been well document at other areas of the website.
This particular section looks to generally cover your train travel options; if you are looking to take a trip by train information regarding such can be found here, whether it might be a long distance ride aboard Amtrak or a commuter train in your local area.
In the days prior to federally-funded Amtrak and other state commuter rail agencies, the primary means of rail travel came by way of the private freight railroads for both intercity and local services.
There was also the classic interurban and streetcar systems, most of which went extinct by the World War II era. Interestingly, even these operations are making a comeback.
In many ways the private services then were far superior than what you will find today with comfortable reclining-seat coaches, lounge services, and light-dining provided on some commuter trains.
In addition, long-distance travel provided even great accommodations including full-service sleepers, five-star dining, club/parlor cars, domes for unparalleled scenic views, and much more.
State Guide
Unfortunately, this "Golden Age" of rail travel quietly slipped away as the public abandoned trains for the freedom of the open road and speed of the airliner.
The era was also one of heavy regulation that largely dictated freight rates railroads could set and made abandoning unprofitable rail lines or discontinuing passenger trains virtually impossible.
Not surprisingly, several large carriers were in bankruptcy by the 1960s causing the federal government to step in and relieve railroads of passenger service, creating Amtrak in the spring of 1971.
To its credit the passenger road has done its best to maintain respectable service in spite of little Congressional funding year-after-year (usually slightly more than $1 billion annually, barely enough to pay the bills).
Featured here is a brief overview of all Amtrak's current trains and services (please note that some overlap). They are broken down into railroad's regions.
Alabama
Alabama hosts Amtrak's Crescent, a long-distance train linking New York with New Orleans. The train makes stops in the Heart of Dixie at Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Anniston. It also offers "Thruway Connecting Services" to Mobile and Montgomery.
Alaska
There is only one entity providing rail travel options in the Last Frontier, the state-owned Alaska Railroad. The ARR's regularly scheduled trains, like the Denali Star, Coastal Classic, Glacier Discovery, and Hurricane Turn provide regular service between Seward and Fairbanks, via Anchorage.
Arizona
Arizona is served by Amtrak's Southwest Chief which makes stops at Winslow, Flagstaff, Williams Junction, and Kingman.
The Sunset Limited, running the state's southern periphery, serves Yuma, Maricopa, Tucson, and Benson.
There are also considerable "Thruway Connecting Services" offered from Flagstaff and Williams Junction connecting to the Grand Canyon, Williams, Sedona, Camp Verde, and Phoenix.
Arkansas
Arkansas is served by one Amtrak train, the Texas Eagle. This train connects Chicago with Los Angeles running through Dallas/San Antonio before reaching the Sunset Route.
It runs diagonally across the state making stops at Walnut Ridge, Little Rock, Malvern, Arkadelphia, Hope, and Texarkana. There is no bus service provided throughout Arkansas.
Services By Region
Midwest
California Zephyr: See California.
Capitol Limited: The historic Capitol Limited was once the flagship train of the venerable Baltimore & Ohio, our country's first common-carrier system.
It first entered service on May 12, 1923 between New York and Chicago via D.C. (later truncated to Washington/Baltimore).
It was retained by Amtrak on May 1, 1971 and today operates between Washington and Chicago via Pittsburgh and Cleveland.
Cardinal/Hoosier State: The history of this train primarily traces back to the Chesapeake & Ohio's George Washington which began service in 1932 between Washington, D.C. with Cincinnati, Ohio.
It also follows the former routing of the New York Central's James Whitcomb Riley between Cincinnati and Chicago. When Amtrak began both trains were kept at first but later dropped.
In 1977 it launched the Cardinal between Washington and Chicago. Today, the train reaches New York but is not heavily patronized.
The Hoosier State complements the Cardinal as a regional running the 196 miles between Indianapolis and Chicago only.
City Of New Orleans: This train gained acclaim with the release of Steve Goodman's song by the same name in 1970.
However, its history as a popular, long-distance service operated by the Illinois Central between Chicago and New Orleans heralds back to its inauguration on April 27, 1947.
It was retained by Amtrak and today runs much of the same route providing coach service and Superliner accommodations.
Empire Builder: Just as in the days prior to Amtrak this train remains very popular operating between Chicago and Seattle.
The train was originally inaugurated in 1929 and was acclaimed for the scenic views it provided throughout the Pacific Northwest and across the Rocky Mountains.
It was streamlined during the 1940s and retained by Amtrak, today running via the Twin Cities and Spokane with a schedule of roughly two days to complete the entire trip.
Hiawatha Service: This regional service provides connections between the Twin Cities and Chicago making several departures daily on the 1 hour and 30-minute trip.
The name heralds back to the Milwaukee Road's famous fleet of streamliners by the same name, the first of which served the same corridor.
Illinois Service: This services covers five different regional trains Amtrak operates in the Prairie State that includes the Illinois Zephyr (Chicago-Quincy), Carl Sandburg (Chicago-Quincy), Lincoln Service (Chicago-St. Louis), Illini (Chicago to Carbondale), and finally the Saluki (Chicago to Carbondale). All trains provide coach and business class accommodations while they also carry bicycles on-board.
Lake Shore Limited: This historic train dates back to May 30, 1897 when the NYC first put it into service, the railroad's first full-service passenger train between Chicago and New York.
It remained in service until 1956 when it was canceled due to cutbacks and declining ridership. Amtrak revived the name in 1975. Today, it operates between Chicago and New York/Boston offering coach and Viewliner accommodations.
Michigan Services: Amtrak uses the brand name Michigan Services to describe a series of regional trains which connect Chicago with several cities in Michigan.
These trains include the Wolverine, Pere Marquette, and Blue Water and have were put into service after Amtrak began between the mid-1970s and 1980s.
All three are historically significant and either were actually operated by a fallen flag railroad or its regional route is still in use (such as in the case of the Grand Trunk Western). Today, the trains make multiple departures daily providing coach and business class accommodations.
Missouri River Runner: This regional train has been operated by Amtrak since January of 2009 serving St. Louis and Kansas City.
However, the carrier has served the corridor since 1976 using such former names as the Ann Rutledge, Kansas City Mule, and St. Louis Mule which date back to the Baltimore & Ohio and Gulf, Mobile & Ohio years.
Today, the trains provide business and coach accommodations while offering bicycles to travel on-board.
Southwest Chief: This long-distance train heralds back to Santa Fe's legendary Super Chief running between Los Angeles and Chicago via the Southwestern region of the United States.
Amtrak was forced to drop the Super Chief name in 1974 via a request by AT&SF due to declining service. At first it was known as the Southwest Limited but in 1984 changed to the Southwest Chief.
The train still runs a similar routing as the original providing coach accommodations and Superliner sleeping services.
Texas Eagle: The Texas Eagle was a top train operated by the Missouri Pacific running between St. Louis and many points throughout the Lone Star State.
It first debuted in 1948 and survived, albeit with far fewer accommodations until Amtrak. The name was revived on October 2, 1981 and today it operates between Chicago and Dallas/San Antonio with connections available to Los Angeles.
The train's accommodations currently includes coaches and a range of Superliner sleeper arrangements.
Northeast
Acela Express: Amtrak's fastest service operates at speeds as high as 150 mph in some locations while traveling between Washington, D.C. and Boston via New York and Philadelphia along the old Pennsylvania's Northeast Corridor while traveling the former New Haven east of New York.
The train has
been in service since December 11, 2000 offering business and
first-class accommodations.
Adirondack: The Adirondack has been on Amtrak's timetable since August 5, 1974 operating between New York City and Montreal, Quebec via Albany and eastern New York. The train offers coach service only, travels 381 miles, and requires 10-11 hours one-way.
Auto Train: The famous Auto Train began as a private corporation by Eugene Garfield to test the concept of running a passenger service offering passengers the ability to transport their vehicle(s) en-route along the East Coast.
It began operations on December 6, 1971 but was never particularly successful and stopped running after September of 1977. However, Amtrak revived the service on October 30, 1983 and it still runs today between Lorton, Virginia (Washington, D.C.) and Sanford, Florida.
Capitol Limited: See Midwest.
Cardinal/Hoosier State: See Midwest.
Carolinian/Piedmont: These trains are joint operations between Amtrak and the state of North Carolina.
The Carolinian is a long-distance, intercity service running between Charlotte and New York that began service in 1984 while the Piedmont is a regional train running between Charlotte and Raleigh only that initiated service in 1995.
Both trains have steadily grown in popularity over the years as the Tarheel State looks to continue growing its passenger rail services.
Crescent: The Crescent heralds back to the days of the Southern Railway, which operated a luxurious train by the same name between New York and New Orleans that began service in 1925 as the Crescent Limited.
Amtrak acquired the train in 1979 and continues to operate it over much of the same routing as before albeit with fewer of the fine amenities as those provided by the Southern.
Downeaster: The Downeaster traces its roots back to a train by the same name operated by the Maine Central between New York and Waterville/Rockland, Maine (the MEC spelled its version slightly differently as the Down Easter).
That classic New England railroad ended all passenger operations in 1960 although Amtrak re-inaugurated the train in 2001, providing regional service between Brunswick and Boston.
Empire Service: The Empire Service connects the heart of New York utilizing the former New York Central between the Big Apple and Buffalo/Niagara Falls, a distance of 460 miles.
It has been operated since the day Amtrak began and sees strong ridership on an annual basis. The train provides multiple departures daily providing coach and business class accommodations.
Ethan Allen Express: This train certainly exudes a New England appeal operating between Rutland, Vermont and New York City a distance of 241 miles.
It first began service during December of 1996 but its routing loosely follows that of the Rutland Railroad's old Green Mountain Flyer and Mount Royal, which both served the same cities. The train carries reserved coaches and offers business class accommodations.
Keystone Service: The Keystone or Keystone Service plies the former PRR between Harrisburg, Pennsylvania and New York via Philadelphia along a route that is fully electrified (195 miles). There are multiple trips made daily and only reserved seat coach accommodations is offered.
Lake Shore Limited: See Midwest.
Maple Leaf: The Maple Leaf has been in service since April of 1981 operating 544 miles between New York and Toronto via Albany and Buffalo in conjunction with Canada's VIA Rail. The train provides coach and business class accommodations.
Northeast Regional: The Northeast Regional is an expansive commuter-type service Amtrak offers along the Northeast Corridor connecting all of the major cities between Richmond/Newport News, Virginia and Boston.
The trains run multiple times daily (please check Amtrak's website for complete details) and offer coach and business class accommodations.
Pennsylvanian: Running the route of the PRR's posh Pittsburgher (among others) between Pittsburgh and New York, the Pennsylvanian provides far fewer services than that opulent train.
Amtrak has served the market since it began operations in 1971 but via different names over the years. The Pennsylvanian was born on April 27, 1980 and currently runs daily providing coach and business class accommodations.
Silver Service/Palmetto: These services actually comprise three trains, all of which have historical connections as Southern's Palmetto and Seaboard Air Line's Silver Star and Silver Meteor.
Today, all connect the Northeast with points in Florida and provide coach service, business class, and Viewliner (sleeper) accommodations.
Vermonter: The Vermonter has been on Amtrak's timetable since April 1, 1995 when it replaced the Montrealer.
The history of the train's route between Montreal and Washington, D.C. was once operated by the Montrealer/Washingtonian, a longtime joint service between the PRR, Boston & Maine, New Haven, Central Vermont, and Canadian National.
Today, the Vermonter runs only between St. Albans, Vermont and Washington providing coach and business class accommodations.
Northwest
Amtrak Cascades: This regional service first began in 1998 as the Cascades although for nearly 20 years prior there had been some type of subsidized service in the region (albeit not as expansive).
Today, the service, funded by Amtrak and Oregon/Washington reaches Eugene and Vancouver, British Columbia via Seattle/Tacoma. The trains make multiple departures daily providing business and coach classes while also carrying bicycles aboard.
Coast Starlight: See California.
Empire Builder: See Midwest.
South
Auto Train: See Northeast.
Carolinian/Piedmont: See Northeast.
City Of New Orleans: See Midwest.
Crescent: See Northeast.
Silver Service/Palmetto: See Northeast.
Sunset Limited: This venerable train was the only of its kind for many years under Southern Pacific. It originally began service in 1894 running between Los Angeles and New Orleans via Louisiana and Texas, no other railroad offered such a routing.
While the train's accommodations were always first-class it was many years before SP upgraded it as a streamliner, which finally occurred in 1950. It was retained by Amtrak and later extended to Florida's Northern Panhandle albeit after Hurricane Katrina it was again truncated to its original routing.
West
California Zephyr: See California.
Coast Starlight: See California.
Empire Builder: See Midwest.
Heartland Flyer: This regional train serves Amtrak's 206-mile regional market between Fort Worth, Texas and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. It began service on June 14, 1999 and makes a daily round-trip. The train provides only reserved-seat coach accommodations.
Southwest Chief: This long-distance train heralds back to Santa Fe's legendary Super Chief running between Los Angeles and Chicago via the Southwestern region of the United States.
Amtrak was forced to drop the Super Chief name in 1974 via a request by AT&SF due to declining service. At first it was known as the Southwest Limited but in 1984 changed to the Southwest Chief.
The train still runs a similar routing as the original providing coach accommodations and Superliner sleeping services.
Sunset Limited: See South.
Texas Eagle: The Texas Eagle was a top train operated by the Missouri Pacific running between St. Louis and many points throughout the Lone Star State. It first debuted in 1948 and survived, albeit with far fewer accommodations until Amtrak.
The name was revived on October 2, 1981 and today it operates between Chicago and Dallas/San Antonio with connections available to Los Angeles. The train's accommodations currently includes coaches and a range of Superliner sleeper arrangements.
Colorado
Colorado is served by two Amtrak services, the California Zephyr stops at Fort Morgan, Denver (Union Station), Fraser/Winter Park, Granby, Glenwood Springs, and Grand Junction.
In addition, the Southwest Chief clips the southeast corner with stops at Lamar, La Junta, and Trinidad.
Finally, there are numerous "Thruway Connecting Services" reaching Pueblo and Colorado Springs (via Denver and Raton, New Mexico), Alamosa, Gunnison, Poncha Springs, Salida, Buena Vista, Fairplay, Friso, Vail, Pine Junction, Fort Collins, and Greeley.
Connecticut
Connecticut provides considerable and extensive expansive passenger/commuter rail services.
Amtrak's long distance services here include the Northeast Regional (stops at Berlin, Mystic, New London, Old Saybrook, Windsor Locks, Windsor, Hartford, Meriden, Wallingford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford) and the Vermonter (stops at Windsor Locks, Hartford, Meriden, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford).
There are also state-sponsored services provided through the Metro-North Railroad and Shore Line East.
Delaware
Despite Delaware's, Amtrak's busy Northeast Corridor passes through its northern tip. Amtrak's high-speed Acela Express stops along with the Cardinal, Carolinian/Piedmont, Crescent, Silver Service/Palmetto, and the Vermonter. Finally, the "Northeast Regional" service makes calls at Wilmington, Newark, and Aberdeen.
Georgia
Amtrak provides two through services within the Peach State, the Crescent (with stops at Toccoa, Gainesville, and Atlanta), which runs through the northwestern corner, and Silver Service (stops at Savannah and Jesup) that hugs the eastern coastline.
Hawaii
Aside from a local rapid transit system to serve Honolulu, Hawaii does not contain any public rail services.
Idaho
The state of Idaho is served only by Amtrak's transcontinental Empire Builder, which makes a single stop in Sandpoint.
However, the carrier also provides considerable "Thruway Connecting Services": linking Salt Lake City with points in Oregon and Washington these connectors make stops in Twin Falls, Boise, Nampa, Ontario, McCall, Lewiston, and Moscow.
Illinois
With Chicago as the country's epicenter of railroading, it's not surprising Amtrak provides multiple services through the state of Illinois, reaching destinations far and wide. There are also considerable commuter services provided through the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District/NICTD and Chicago Transit Authority.
Indiana
As the eastern neighbor of Illinois and near Chicago, Amtrak maintains several intercity services through Indiana.
These included the Capitol Limited (stopping at Waterloo, Elkhart, and South Bend), Cardinal/Hoosier State (stopping at Connersville, Indianapolis, Crawfordsville, Lafayette, Rensselaer, and Dyer); Lake Shore Limited (serving South Bend, Waterloo, and Elkhart); and the "Michigan Services" (Blue Water, Pere Marquette, and Wolverine) which stops at Hammond and Michigan City.
Iowa
Iowa is served by Amtrak's California Zephyr, running the state's southern boundary (stopping at Burlington, Mt. Pleasant, Ottumwa, Osceola, and Creston), as well as the Southwest Chief which clips its southeastern corner at Fort Madison.
Finally, Amtrak's "Thruway Connecting Services" reaches Davenport via Galesburg, Illinois.
Kansas
Kansas is served by only Amtrak's Southwest Chief, the carrier's transcontinental service linking Chicago with Los Angeles.
It makes stops at Lawrence, Topeka, Newton, Hutchinson, Dodge City, and Garden City. The railroad also offers "Thruway Connecting Services" from Oklahoma City to Newton with an additional stop at Wichita.
Kentucky
Kentucky is home to two Amtrak services, the north/south City of New Orleans and the Cardinal/Hoosier State. The former stops at only Fulton on its way to either Chicago or New Orleans while the latter calls at Ashland, South Portsmouth, and Maysville.
There are also "Thruway Connecting Services" reaching Nashville via Louisville and Paducah/Madisonville.
Louisiana
Running south from Chicago is Amtrak's City of New Orleans, which stops in Louisiana at Hammond and New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal.
In addition, the fabled Sunset Limited running east from California makes stops at Schriever, New Iberia, Lafayette, and Lake Charles before arriving in New Orleans.
There are also "Thruway Connecting Services" linking New Orleans with Baton Rouge as well as from Jackson, Mississippi to Dallas, Texas via Shreveport.
Maine
Maine is served only by Amtrak's Downeaster, which runs as far north as Brunswick with additional stops at Portland, Freeport, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, and Wells. There is also "Thruway Connecting Services" to Orono, Bangor, and Augusta which run as far south as Boston.
Maryland
Thanks to the city of Baltimore, its close proximity to Washington, D.C., and home to the Northeast Corridor, Amtrak provides considerable services throughout Maryland.
These include the Acela Express, "Northeast Regional" trains, Capitol Limited, Carolinian/Piedmont, Silver Service, and the Vermonter.
The state also has extensive commuter coverage through MARC Train (a 187-mile system linking Washington and Baltimore with outlying communities at Perryville/Frederick, Maryland and Martinsburg, West Virginia) and the Virginia Railway Express.
Massachusetts
The state of Massachusetts has extensive rail service coverage provided by both Amtrak and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA), covering the greater Boston region.
The former's through trains include the Downeaster (stations at Haverhill and Woburn), Lake Shore Limited (Pittsfield, Springfield, Worcester, Framingham, and Boston), and the Vermonter (Greenfield, Northampton, Holyoke, and Springfield).
It also has "Thruway Connecting Services" linking Boston with parts of New Hampshire and Maine.
Passengers have de-boarded from Rio Grande's "Royal Gorge" at the famous Hanging Bridge in Colorado's Royal Gorge, circa 1965. American-Rails.com collection.Michigan
Amtrak's collective "Michigan Services" consisting of the the Blue Water, Pere Marquette, and Wolverine provide the entirety of rail service within the Wolverine State.
In addition, there is considerable "Thruway Connecting Services" blanketing the Lower Peninsula and also serving parts of the Upper Peninsula. To learn more about all of these please visit the carrier's website.
Minnesota
The state of Minnesota is served by only Amtrak's Empire Builder, running diagonally across the state over the BNSF Railway between Fargo, North Dakota and La Crosse, Wisconsin via the Twin Cities.
The carrier also provides its bus services between La Crosse and Duluth, linking Rochester and St. Paul/Minneapolis along the way.
Mississippi
Operating over the former Illinois Central (currently owned by Canadian National), Amtrak's City of New Orleans provides north-to-south, intercity service in Mississippi on its way to either New Orleans or Chicago.
The carrier also runs the Crescent between Meridian and Picayune which links New Orleans with Atlanta, Greensboro, and Washington, D.C.
Missouri
The Show Me State enjoys extensive Amtrak coverage thanks to its proximity between St. Louis and Kansas City as well a gateway to the west and southwest.
Three trains serve Missouri including the Missouri River Runner (St. Louis - Kansas City), Southwest Chief (Chicago - Los Angeles), and Texas Eagle (Chicago - Dallas/San Antonio - Los Angeles). Interestingly, however, no "Thruway Connecting Services" are provided, except to St. Louis.
Montana
For all of Montana's breathtaking scenery its sparse population means rail service is limited. However, Amtrak's popular Empire Builder runs the northern region of Big Sky Country, and passes through beautiful Glacier National Park. Bus connections are not offered in Montana.
Nebraska
Nebraska is another state with only a single Amtrak service. In this case it is the popular and scenic California Zephyr, linking Chicago and San Francisco by way of Denver, the Rocky Mountains, and Salt Lake City. There are no "Thruway Connecting Services" available in the Cornhusker State.
Nevada
The state of Nevada is also served by only Amtrak's California Zephyr, operating the former Southern Pacific between Salt Lake City and San Francisco.
You can also catch the seasonal Reno Fun Train between February and March each year that whisks passengers to Reno, Nevada. This trains also feature special themes, such as Mardi Gras, country westerns, and murder mysteries.
Finally, "Thruway Connecting Services" reach as far as Sparks and also stops at Las Vegas on its way to Southern California, Arizona, and Utah.
New Hampshire
The Granite State enjoys two Amtrak services, the Downeaster, connecting Boston with Brunswick, Maine, as well as the Vermonter which runs the spine of Vermont and New Hampshire.
Generally, however, "Thruway Connecting Services" provide the bulk of the state's services, where buses connecting Boston with Berlin and Littleton.
New Mexico
The Land of Enchantment is served by two long-distance Amtrak services, the Southwest Chief linking Raton with Gallup on its way to Chicago and Los Angeles over the former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe's main line.
In addition, the Sunset Limited still runs the Southern Pacific's Sunset Route near the Mexican border. Finally, "Thruway Connecting Services" connect El Paso with Albuquerque.
North Carolina
No other state in the Southeast offers such expansive passenger rail services like the state of North Carolina.
Amtrak's Carolinian/Piedmont (New York - Charlotte), Crescent (New York - New Orleans), and Palmetto/Silver Service trains (New York - Raleigh - Florida points) all make stops within the Tarheel State's major cities like Raleigh, Winston-Salem, and Greensboro.
There are also long-term plans to link Wilmington with Asheville. Finally, "Thruway Connecting Services" current connect the coast at Wilmington and Morehead City. You can learn more about their website, NCByTrain.org.
North Dakota
The Peace Garden State is served by only Amtrak's Empire Builder which operates over the former Great Northern Railway's main line.
Ohio
Ohio enjoys three intercity trains passing through its borders including the Capitol Limited, Lake Shore Limited, and Cardinal/Hoosier State running the Kentucky border to Cincinnati.
While all of these miss the heart of the Buckeye State, Amtrak does offer "Thruway Connecting Services" with Pittsburgh and Indianapolis via Columbus as well as between Cincinnati and Toledo.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma has only one regional train serving its borders, the Heartland Flyer which connects Oklahoma City with Fort Worth, Texas.
Despite this dead-end service, Amtrak also provides "Thruway Connecting Services" from Oklahoma City to Newton, Kansas where one can catch the Southwest Chief.
Oregon
Thanks to its location between busy California and the Puget Sound region of Washington State, Oregon is home to both regional and long distance Amtrak services.
These include the the Coast Starlight (Seattle - Los Angeles) and the Amtrak Cascades (Vancouver, British Columbia - Seattle - Eugene).
The state-owned Westside Express Service is a commuter operation linking Beaverton and Wilsonville in the Portland metropolitan area. Finally, Amtrak offers extensive bus services throughout the state.
Rhode Island
Despite its size, Rhode Island's location along Amtrak's Northeast Corridor and within the hear of New England means it is provided extensive rail service coverage including the Acela Express and "Northeast Regional."
South Carolina
South Carolina boasts three Amtrak routes for those either seeking trips to New Orleans or the tropical climates of Florida. These include the Silver Service and Palmetto (New York - Florida points) as well as the Crescent (New York - New Orleans).
South Dakota
At this time South Dakota is the only state within the lower 48 served by neither an Amtrak intercity train or connecting bus service.
Tennessee
In spite of Tennessee's large population, many cities, and popular tourist attractions, it is served only by the City of New Orleans along the western border.
Amtrak does provided bus service to Nashville and the state-owned Music City Star serves the Music City area via a 32-mile system with 6 stations.
Texas
The heart of Texas boasts expansive Amtrak service including the Heartland Flyer (Okahoma City - Fort Worth), Sunset Limited (Los Angeles - New Orleans), and Texas Eagle (Chicago - Los Angeles).
Amtrak also provides bus service between Dallas/Fort Worth and Houston. Unfortunately, central and northwestern parts of the Lone Star State are devoid of any Amtrak services.
Texas also hosts three notable commuter/heavy rail systems; the A-Train serving Denton County via 6 station stops, Trinity Railway Express serving Dallas/Fort Worth, and Capital MetroRail serving the Austin area.
Utah
The state of Utah is served only by the California Zephyr reaching Salt Lake City over the former Rio Grande and Southern Pacific main lines on its way to Chicago and San Francisco.
The state's largest cities is also linked by three "Thruway Connecting Services," bus connections which radiate out into Wyoming, Idaho, and Southern California.
Finally, the 88-mile FrontRunner is a heavy commuter rail system serving Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden.
Vermont
The state of Vermont is served largely by the aptly named Vermonter, which reaches as far as St. Albans and operates as far south as Washington, D.C.
The Ethan Allen Express also provides limited coverage, branching to Rutland and connecting New York City via Albany and Saratoga Springs.
Virginia
East of Blacksburg/Danville, the state of Virginia boasts fairly substantial Amtrak services including the Carolinian/Piedmont (New York - Charlotte), Crescent (Washington, D.C. - New Orleans), Palmetto/Silver Service, Cardinal (New York - Chicago), "Northeast Regional" extending as far south as Newport News, and the Auto Train linking Lorton with Sanford, Florida.
There is also bus service running as far west as Blacksburg (via Lynchburg) and between Charlottesville and Richmond. In addition, bus service runs the Crescent line between D.C. and Charlottesville.
Finally, the state-sponsored Virginia Railway Express provides commuter service between Washington Union Station and Spotsylvania/Broad Run.
Washington
Washington State enjoys extensive Amtrak services linking the Puget Sound (Seattle/Tacoma) with both Spokane and Portland, Oregon.
These include the regional Cascades (Vancouver, British, Columbia - Eugene, Oregon), Coast Starlight (Seattle - Los Angeles), and the Empire Builder (Seattle - Chicago).
Amtrak's bus services also densely cover Washington. Finally, the state-sponsored "Sounder Commuter Rail" system provides commuter service between Seattle, Everett, and Lakewood via an 82-mile system serving 12 stations.
West Virginia
West Virginia's only intercity rail service is Amtrak's tri-weekly linking New York with Chicago.
Folks living in the state's Eastern Panhandle have the additional option of taking Maryland's Maryland's 187-mile MARC Train commuter service from Martinsburg to the Washington, D.C./Baltimore metropolitan region.
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Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train (2026): Dates, Tickets & What to Expect
Sep 15, 26 12:47 PM
2026 Cafe Lafayette Dinner Train in North Woodstock, NH—2 hours, 20 miles, five-course meal from $125. May–October. Confirm on nhdinnertrain.com. -
Christmas Train Ride Locations (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 15, 26 10:47 AM
2026 Christmas train rides by state—Santa, North Pole Express, and holiday trains. Not Polar Express. State guides and product pages. Confirm dates on each railroad. -
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad: Linking 13 Great States With The Nation
Sep 15, 26 10:22 AM
Baltimore & Ohio Railroad—first U.S. common carrier, chartered February 28, 1827. Wheeling 1853, Chicago 1874, C&O control 1963, Chessie 1973, into CSX April 30, 1987. Complete corporate history. -
Delaware & Hudson Railway: The Bridge Line
Sep 15, 26 09:59 AM
Delaware & Hudson Railway—Wurts brothers canal 1823, gravity railroad 1829, Stourbridge Lion, Bridge Line to Montreal. Guilford 1984, CP 1991, NS south line 2015, CPKC north. -
Delaware & Hudson Diesel Roster (All-Time)
Sep 15, 26 12:17 AM
All-time Delaware & Hudson diesel roster—Alco S-2s through C-628s and PA-4s, GE U-boats, Baldwin RF-16s, EMD SD45s and GP38-2/GP39-2s. Serials, dates, dispositions. -
Granite Railway, Our Country's First Railroad
Sep 14, 26 11:28 PM
Granite Railway of Quincy, Massachusetts—chartered March 4, 1826, opened October 7, 1826. Gridley Bryant, 5-foot gauge, horses, Bunker Hill Monument stone. First commercial U.S. railroad. -
Milwaukee Road Skytop Lounges: History, Specs & Floor Plans
Sep 14, 26 11:09 PM
Milwaukee Road Skytop observation cars—Brooks Stevens, 1948. Four Rapids parlor-lounges from Milwaukee Shops, six Creek sleeper-lounges from Pullman-Standard. Floor plans, roster, preservation. -
West Virginia Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 14, 26 11:02 PM
2026 West Virginia Christmas trains—Potomac Eagle North Pole Express in Romney and Christmas at Cass. Not Polar Express. Elkins Polar is not listed for 2026. -
Railroads Of Today: Class I Map, PSR & the 2026 Industry
Sep 14, 26 10:30 PM
U.S. freight rail in 2026—six Class I railroads on a nearly 140,000-mile network. PSR as everyday practice, how the STB works, traffic mix, short lines and regionals. -
Railroad History (USA): Timeline, Facts & How the Network Was Built
Sep 14, 26 10:03 PM
Full U.S. railroad history hub—origins and inventors, Golden Age peak mileage, Civil War and transcontinental, streamliners, ICC regulation, Penn Central and Conrail, Staggers Act, PSR, and today’s Cl… -
Railroads In The 2020s: CPKC, East Palestine & the UP–NS Case
Sep 14, 26 09:51 PM
U.S. railroads 2020–2026—Class I mileage 91,773 in 2020. COVID traffic drop, CPKC April 14 2023, East Palestine Feb. 3 2023, UP–NS $85 billion case still before the STB. -
Railroads In The 2010s: PSR, Coal’s Decline & Positive Train Control
Sep 14, 26 03:51 PM
U.S. railroads 2010–2020—Class I mileage 95,573 to 91,773. Buffett closed BNSF Feb. 12 2010, Harrison at CP June 29 2012 and CSX 2017, PTC deadline Dec. 31 2018. -
Virginia Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 14, 26 03:46 PM
2026 Virginia Christmas trains—Virginia Scenic Railway Santa Express from Staunton, about 60 minutes. Confirm dates. Not Polar Express. -
MARC Train: Maryland Commuter Rail History, Lines & Roster
Sep 14, 26 01:16 PM
MARC Train history—Maryland Rail Commuter 1984, B&O and PRR corridors, Penn/Camden/Brunswick lines, Silver Spring 1996, all-time locomotive roster. -
Railroads In The 2000s: Merger Freeze, Wisconsin Central & Buffett
Sep 13, 26 07:57 AM
U.S. railroads 2000–2010—Class I mileage 99,250 to 95,573. STB merger freeze March 17 2000, CN–WC Oct. 9 2001, BNSF Railway Jan. 24 2005, Buffett Nov. 3 2009. -
Railroads In The 1990s: Mega-Mergers, Conrail’s Split & the STB
Sep 13, 26 12:13 AM
U.S. railroads 1990–2000—Class I mileage 119,758 to 99,250. BNSF Sept. 22 1995, UP–SP Sept. 11 1996, Conrail split June 1 1999, ICC Termination Dec. 29 1995. -
Railroads In The 1980s: Staggers, Mega-Mergers & Conrail’s IPO
Sep 12, 26 11:12 PM
U.S. railroads 1980–1990—Class I mileage 164,822 to 119,758. Staggers Oct. 14 1980, CSX and Norfolk Southern, UP–Missouri Pacific–Western Pacific, Conrail IPO March 26 1987. -
Wabash Class O-1 4-8-4s: History, Roster & Specifications
Sep 12, 26 11:01 PM
Wabash Class O-1 4-8-4s—Baldwin 1930–31, twenty-five engines 2900–2924. Fast freight, complete roster, specifications. None preserved. -
Staggers Rail Act of 1980: Statute, Contract Rates & the ICC
Sep 10, 26 11:23 PM
Staggers Rail Act, Pub. L. 96-448, signed October 14, 1980. Harley Staggers, S.1946, contract rates, 180% variable-cost test, abandonments, short lines. -
Rock Island E8A 652: Bicentennial Independence Paint & History
Sep 10, 26 10:42 PM
Rock Island E8A 652—EMD March 1952, serial 15199. 20th Century Railroad Club Independence bicentennial scheme, Peoria and Quad Cities Rockets, Midland Railway, Manly Junction Museum. -
Vermont Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 10, 26 10:37 PM
2026 Vermont Christmas trains—Okemo Valley Holiday Express from Chester Depot Dec. 19–20. Polar is Burlington Dec. 5–6 only. -
Railroads In The 1970s: Penn Central, Amtrak & Conrail
Sep 10, 26 10:18 AM
U.S. railroads 1970–1980—196,479 miles at the decade’s start. Penn Central bankruptcy June 21 1970, Amtrak May 1 1971, 3R/4R Acts, Conrail April 1 1976, Rock Island 1975, Milwaukee 1977. -
Railroads In The 1960s: Mergers, Passenger Collapse & Penn Central
Sep 10, 26 10:03 AM
U.S. railroads 1960–1970—207,334 to 196,479 miles. Erie Lackawanna 1960, C&O–B&O 1963, N&W–Nickel Plate 1964, SCL 1967, Penn Central Feb. 1 1968. -
South Carolina Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 10, 26 08:36 AM
2026 South Carolina Christmas trains—South Carolina Railroad Museum Santa Train in Winnsboro. Confirm December dates. Not Polar Express. Drop light-festival padding. -
Steam Locomotive Feedwater Heaters: Elesco, Coffin & Worthington
Sep 10, 26 08:29 AM
Steam locomotive feedwater heaters—open Worthington vs closed Elesco and Coffin. How they work, how to identify them on a smokebox, and why not every engine had one. -
Oregon Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 10, 26 08:22 AM
2026 Oregon Christmas trains—Portland Holiday Express, Garibaldi Candy Cane Express, Sumpter Valley Christmas Trains Dec. 11–13. Polar is Mount Hood. -
Lake Shore & Michigan Southern: Map, History, Timetables
Sep 10, 26 08:12 AM
Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railway—Erie & Kalamazoo 1833, Michigan Southern to Chicago 1852, LS&MS April 6 1869, Vanderbilt, Ashtabula 1876, NYC merger Dec. 22 1914. 1910 map and Official Guide. -
Big Four Route (CCC&StL): Map, History
Sep 10, 26 12:19 AM
Cleveland, Cincinnati, Chicago & St. Louis Railway—Bee Line 1868, Ingalls’s first Big Four 1880, CCC&StL June 30, 1889, NYC lease Feb. 1, 1930. 1910 and 1930 maps, what still runs. -
Railroads In The 1950s: Diesel, the Interstate & Passenger Collapse
Sep 10, 26 12:15 AM
U.S. railroads 1950–1960—223,779 to 211,459 miles. Interstate June 29, 1956, dieselization, passenger collapse, TOFC, 1957–58 recession, NYO&W 1957, N&W–Virginian 1959. -
New Jersey Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 10, 26 12:06 AM
2026 New Jersey Christmas trains—Black River & Western Santa Express from Flemington and Pine Creek Christmas trains in Wall Township. Polar is Whippany and Phillipsburg. -
New Mexico Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 09, 26 11:57 PM
2026 New Mexico Christmas trains—Cumbres & Toltec Santa’s Holiday Express from Chama Dec. 5–6 (and Antonito, Colo., Dec. 12–13). Coach $25/$15. Not Polar Express. -
Grand Trunk Railway: Map, History, Timetables
Sep 09, 26 11:47 PM
Grand Trunk Railway of Canada—charter Nov. 10, 1852, Montreal–Toronto 1856, Portland, Sarnia, Victoria Bridge, St. Clair Tunnel 1891, Great Western 1882, GTPR, CN Jan. 20, 1923. 1893 map and Official… -
Troop Trains In World War II: Sleepers, Kitchen Cars & Movements
Sep 09, 26 11:42 PM
WWII U.S. troop trains—almost 44 million armed-services passengers, Pullman troop sleepers, ACF kitchen cars, hospital trains, monthly movement tables 1942–45. Not the Military Railway Service. ODT an… -
Railroads In The 1940s: War Traffic, Last Steam & the Diesel Flood
Sep 09, 26 11:37 PM
U.S. railroads 1940–1950—233,670 to 223,779 miles. World War II as the decade’s center, last new steam, diesel flood after V-J Day, 1945 car orders, California Zephyr 1949. -
Railroads In World War II: ODT, Record Traffic & Private Operation
Sep 09, 26 03:00 PM
U.S. railroads in World War II—Lend-Lease freight, Pearl Harbor, Office of Defense Transportation, 1944 peak ~740 billion ton-miles, Dec. 1943–Jan. 1944 seizure. Private operation, not a USRA sequel. -
Montana Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 09, 26 02:54 PM
2026 Montana Christmas trains—Charlie Russell Chew Choo North Pole Adventure from Hanover/Lewistown, Nov. 27–Dec. 19, $71, about 1.5 hours. Not Polar Express. -
Railroads In The 1930s: Depression, Streamliners & the FT
Sep 09, 26 09:32 AM
U.S. railroads 1930–1940—249,052 to 233,670 miles. Section 77, Eastman, Motor Carrier Act, M-10000 and Pioneer Zephyr 1934, EMC FT 1939. Decade frame, not the streamliner encyclopedia. -
Sugar Cane Train (Lahaina): LK&P History, Roster & 2026 End
Sep 09, 26 08:19 AM
Lahaina, Kaanapali & Pacific Sugar Cane Train—3-foot tourist line 1970–2014. Anaka, Myrtle, 2023 and 2025 fires, September 2026 scrapping. Roster, Hahakea trestle, Pioneer Mill corridor. -
Massachusetts Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide
Sep 09, 26 08:16 AM
2026 Massachusetts Christmas trains—Shelburne Falls Moonlight Magic Friday Nov. 27; Edaville Festival of Lights in Carver. Polar is Cape Cod Central in Buzzards Bay.
Wisconsin
While Wisconsin is served only by Amtrak's long-distance Empire Builder it also enjoys regional service through the Hiawatha linking Chicago and Milwaukee with the Twin Cities.
The carrier also provides extensive "Thruway Connecting Services" all across the state, as well as into Michigan's Upper Peninsula as far as Houghton/Hancock (two towns once served by the Milwaukee Road's Copper Country Limited).
Wyoming
Wyoming has no Amtrak services within its border although the railroad's "Thruway Connecting Services" are quite extensive, running as far north as Buffalo (via Cheyenne) and between Cheyenne, Denver, and Salt Lake City.