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Travel By Train Across The USA

Last revised: January 6, 2025

By: Adam Burns

This section looks to cover passenger train travel available state to state, including both commuter and long-distance services.

Amtrak is our nation's intercity passenger train carrier (and has been since 1971) and as such virtually all such services that are provided across state lines is operated by the company.  

Finally, all of the known commuter and light-rail agencies currently in service across the country can be found here. 

As passenger trains have become an increasingly popular mode of transportation in recent years due to spiking oil prices and increased highway congestion Amtrak has been forced to add new trains and/or purchase more equipment to meet.

This task has been made increasingly difficult by an ever-tightening budget due to government oversight and politics in general. 

Routes By State

Because of funding issues a number of state agencies have, for several years now, picked up the tab by subsidizing service.

In some cases these states have added their own trains most notably in the New England region (New York, Connecticut, and Vermont) as well as North Carolina and California.

There have also been recent start-ups such as Nashville's Music City Star and New Mexico's Rail Runner service. 

Delaware & Hudson PA-1 #19 leads the "Laurentian" southbound along Lake Champlain during the late 1960s. Jim Shaughnessy photo. American-Rails.com collection.

Alabama

Alabama hosts a single Amtrak passenger train, the Crescent (New York - New Orleans), which serves stations at Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and Anniston.

There are also multiple bus stops/stations Amtrak provides across the state. To learn more please visit the carrier's website. 

Alaska

Alaska's passenger train services are provided entirely by the state-owned Alaska Railroad, which also operates freight service. It is the only private company in the United States which also offers regularly scheduled passenger service.

It makes multiple stops along its system between Seward and Fairbanks, via Anchorage although there are different summer and winter schedules. Its notable trains include the Denali Star, Coastal Classic, Glacier Discovery, and Hurricane Turn. For complete information please visit the railroad's website. 

Arizona

Arizona is served by two passenger trains, both operated by Amtrak. To the north the Southwest Chief (Chicago - Los Angeles) stops at Winslow, Flagstaff, Williams Junction, and Kingman.

Additionally, to the south there is the Sunset Limited (New Orleans - Los Angeles) serving Benson, Tucson, Yuma, and Maricopa. Bus service to various cities is also offered. Please visit Amtrak's website to learn more.

In 2008, the state's first light-rail operation entered service; known as Metro Light Rail it runs 20 miles and serves the cities of Phoenix, Tempe, and Mesa. Finally, the Sun Link streetcar line opened in Tucson in 2014, running 3.9 miles within city limits. 

Arkansas

Arkansas is served by one Amtrak train, the Texas Eagle (Chicago - Los Angeles, via Dallas/San Antonio), which makes stops at Walnut Ridge, Little Rock, Malvern, Arkadelphia, Hope, and Texarkana.

There is no bus service offered to other cities across the state. Finally, in Little Rock operates a heritage streetcar system known as the River Rail Streetcar.

It was opened in November of 2004 and expanded in 2007; currently it operates 3.4 miles between Little Rock and North Little Rock utilizing historic Birney trolley cars. 

California

California has multiple passenger and commuter rail services. They are so expansive they will only be briefly highlighted here.

To learn more about them please visit each website. Amtrak's intercity services include:

  • California Zephyr (Chicago - San Francisco)

  • Coast Starlight (Seattle - Los Angeles)

  • Southwest Chief (Chicago - Los Angeles)

  • Sunset Limited (New Orleans - Los Angeles)

  • Texas Eagle (Chicago - Los Angeles, via Dallas/San Antonio)

The state also operates station stops (both rail and bus) that provide connecting services to these trains.

California's subsidized commuter rail services, operated in conjunction with Amtrak via the heading "Amtrak California," include:

  • Capitol Corridor (which serves Oakland/San Francisco-Sacramento-San Jose)

  • Pacific Surfliner (which operates along the coast between San Luis Obispo, Los Angeles, and San Diego) 

  • San Joaquin (between Oakland and Bakersfield)


Additionally, there are numerous other state or city-funded transit services including:

  • Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART), a rapid transit system serving its namesake region

  • Altamont Corridor Express (ACE), a traditional commuter rail service in the Bay Area

  • Caltrain, another standard, heavy-rail system that also serves the Bay Area

  • San Francisco's classic trolley/cable cars which operate within the city

  • Metrolink, which operates a traditional commuter rail service in the Los Angeles region

  • COASTER service between San Diego and Oceanside (traditional commuter rail service)

  • Metro Rail, a light rail service also located in Los Angeles

  • SPRINTER light-rail service running between Oceanside and Escondido

  • Sacramento's RT Light Rail system spanning nearly 39 miles

  • San Diego's trolley system

  • San Francisco's Muni Metro light-rail service

  • San Francisco's F Market & Wharves system which utilizes historic PCC streetcar

  • Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority serving the San Jose area

These provide the bulk of California's commuter/light rail services, and each offers their own website for information including routes, schedules, and fares. 

Colorado

Colorado has two passenger trains which serve the state, both operated by Amtrak. The California Zephyr (Chicago - San Francisco) stops at Fort Morgan, Denver (Union Station), Fraser, Granby, Glenwood Springs, and Grand Junction.

The Southwest Chief (Chicago - Los Angeles) also makes stops in the state at Lamar, La Junta, and Trinidad. Finally, a few cities are also provided bus services. To learn more please visit Amtrak's website. 

Connecticut

Connecticut is one of several Northeastern states providing expansive passenger/commuter rail services. Amtrak's long-distance trains include:

  • "Northeast Regional" service (Boston - Norfolk/Newport News) with stops at Mystic, New London, Old Saybrook, Windsor Locks, Windsor, Hartford, Kensington, Meriden, Wallingford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford

  • "Shuttle" service between New Haven and Springfield, Massachusetts

Additionally, the Vermonter (St. Albans - Washington, D.C.) stops at Hartford, Kensington, Meriden, Wallingford, New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford.

There are also state-sponsored services including the Metro-North Railroad (a division of MTA) providing connections into New York City with trains reaching as far as New Haven, Waterbury, Danbury, and New Canaan.

Finally, Connecticut also operates the Shore Line East commuter service throughout the state. For information about these services please visit each agency's respective website. 

Delaware

Delaware may be small but because the Northeast Corridor travels through its northern fringe many trains pass through the state.

However, none actually stop in the state. It is served by:

  • Amtrak's high-speed Acela Express (Washington - Boston) at Wilmington

  • Cardinal (New York - Chicago) at Wilmington

  • Carolinian/Piedmont at (New York - Charlotte) Wilmington, Crescent (New York - New Orleans) at Wilmington

  • "Northeast Regional" service (Boston - Norfolk/Newport News) at Wilmington and Newark

  • Silver Service (New York - Savannah/Jacksonville/Orlando/Tampa/Miami) at Wilmington

  • Vermonter (St. Albans - Washington) at Wilmington

Florida

Amtrak currently operates two services in the state including:

  • Auto Train (operates between only Lorton, Virginia and Sanford, Florida)

  • Silver Service (New York - Jacksonville/Miami/Orlando) with stops at Jacksonville, Palatka, DeLand, Winter Park, Orlando, Kissimmee, Tampa, Lakeland, Winter Haven, Sebring, Okeechobee, West Palm Beach, Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Miami

Also, Florida is home to three commuter rail systems: 

  • Tri-Rail has served Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach since 1987

  • SunRail began service in 2014 within Orlando, currently utilizing a 32-mile network with 12 stations

  • All Aboard Florida, now known as Brightline, is a new privately-operated and funded service operating between Miami, West Palm Beach, and Orlando

Finally, the TECO Line Streetcar System is a small trolley service opened in 2002, running 2.7 miles within the streets of Tampa. 

Georgia

Georgia is served by two routes and two Amtrak services. To the west traveling through Gainesville and Atlanta is Amtrak's Crescent, which makes an additional stop in Toccoa.

To the east traveling through Savannah and Jesup is Amtrak's popular Silver Service.

Finally, Atlanta operates a light-rail transit service known as MARTA (Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority) offering four different services; the Gold Line, Blue Line, Green Line, and Red Line.

Finally, the city's streetcar system opened in 2014, offering a 2.7 mile "Downtown Loop."

Hawaii

Currently Hawaii has no passenger rail service although an effort is under way to build a light rail transit system around Honolulu. Known as the Honolulu High-Capacity Transit Corridor Project, or HART, it will run 20 miles between East Kapolei and Ala Moana Center. The system is expected to open in 2017. 

Illinois

Given that Chicago is "Ground Zero" of railroad operations in this country it should come as no surprise that nearly two-dozen different intercity and regional trains serve Illinois. Several of Amtrak's services converge either in Chicago or cross the state.

Chicago is also home to one of the busiest commuter rail systems in the country, Metra, while the "South Shore Line" (Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District/NICTD) provides service as far east as South Bend, Indiana (part of the historic Chicago, South Shore & South Bend system).

Finally, Chicago's CTA also operates the rapid transit system nicknamed the "L" serving the city and nearby suburbs. 

Indiana

Being just due east of Chicago, Indiana has multiple trains traveling through the state (from Ohio, Michigan, and Kentucky) heading towards the Windy City.

These Amtrak trains include:

  • Capitol Limited (Chicago - Washington) stopping at Waterloo, Elkhart, and South Bend

  • Cardinal/Hoosier State (New York - Chicago) stopping at Connersville, Indianapolis, Crawfordsville, Lafayette, Rensselaer, and Dyer

  • Lake Shore Limited (New York - Chicago) at South Bend, Waterloo, and Elkhart

  • Michigan Services (Chicago - Port Huron/Detroit - Pontiac which includes the Blue Water, Pere Marquette, and Wolverine) at Hammond and Michigan City.

Finally, the "South Shore Line" (Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District/NICTD) commuter system serving Chicago offers service as far east as South Bend. 

Iowa

Iowa has two Amtrak trains which serve the state, the California Zephyr (Chicago - San Francisco) heading west makes stops at Burlington, Mt. Pleasant, Ottumwa, Osceola, and Creston while the transcontinental Southwest Chief (Chicago - Los Angeles) stops at Fort Madison. Finally, Amtrak provides bus service to Davenport. 

Kansas

Kansas is served by one long-distance Amtrak train, the Southwest Chief (Chicago - Los Angeles), with stops at Lawrence, Topeka, Newton, Hutchinson, Dodge City, and Garden City. 

Kentucky

Kentucky is served by Amtrak's north-to-south City of New Orleans (Chicago - New Orleans) at Fulton. Additionally, the carrier's east-to-west Cardinal/Hoosier State (New York - Chicago) stops in Ashland, South Portsmouth, and Maysville. 

Louisiana

Louisiana is served by Amtrak's long-distance City of New Orleans (Chicago - New Orleans) at New Orleans and Hammond.

The Sunset Limited (New Orleans - Los Angeles) also serves the state at New Orleans, Schriever, New Iberia, Lafayette, and Lake Charles.

Lastly, the Crescent (New York - New Orleans) reaches New Orleans while also stopping at Slidell. Amtrak also provides bus service to Baton Rouge and Shreveport.

Finally, New Orleans' historic streetcar system, which dates back to 1835, leisurely takes visitors and commuters over more than 22 miles in the downtown area.

It is operated by the the New Orleans Regional Transit Authority (RTA) via four different segments; the St. Charles Avenue Line, the Riverfront Line, the Canal Street Line, and the Loyola Avenue Line. 

Maine

Maine is served by one Amtrak service, the Downeaster running between Brunswick and Boston. The train's other stops within the state are at Portland, Freeport, Old Orchard Beach, Saco, and Wells. Finally, Amtrak provides bus service to several cities throughout Maine.

Maryland

Thanks to the busy Northeast Corridor located within its borders Maryland is served by multiple regional and intercity Amtrak trains including:

  • Acela Express which makes multiple stops between Boston and Washington, D.C.

  • "Northeast Regional" service operating between Boston and Norfolk/Newport News

  • Capitol Limited (Washington - Chicago) stopping at Cumberland

  • Cardinal (New York - Chicago) with stops in Baltimore

  • Carolinian/Piedmont (New York - Charlotte) with stops at Baltimore

  • Crescent (New York - New Orleans) with stops at Baltimore

  • Silver Service trains (New York - Florida points) stopping at Baltimore

  • Vermonter (St. Albans - Washington) with stops at Baltimore, New Carrollton, and the Baltimore–Washington International Airport

Amtrak also provides bus service to a number of cities in Maryland.

Finally, the Baltimore Light Rail has provided rapid transit service to the city since 1992 utilizing a 30-mile system and Washington, D.C. has operated the Metro subway system since 1976 covering 117 miles over six different lines.

Additionally, MARC Train provides commuter/heavy rail service via a 187-mile system linking Washington and Baltimore as well as the outlying communities at Perryville/Frederick, Maryland and Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Also, the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) commuter system serves the state's northern region with two routes (the Manassas Line and Fredericksburg Line) running into Washington. 

An Amtrak HHP-8 leads a set of Amfleet cars over the Susquehanna River at Havre de Grace, Maryland on May 12, 2006. Wade Massie photo.

Massachusetts

Amtrak provides extensive service in Massachusetts. Its long-distance, intercity trains include:

  • Downeaster serving Brunswick, Maine and Boston with stops in Haverhill and Woburn

  • Lake Shore Limited (New York/Boston - Chicago) with stops in Pittsfield, Springfield, Worcester, Framingham, and Boston

  • Vermonter (St. Albans - Washington, D.C.) with stops in Amherst and Springfield

Additionally, Amtrak's high-speed Acela Express runs throughout the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington as does the "Northeast Regional" service (extending as far south as Norfolk/Newport News).

Finally, the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) operates extensive commuter rail and rapid transit service throughout the greater Boston area. 

Michigan

Michigan is served by three Amtrak trains including the Blue Water, Pere Marquette, and Wolverine which are collectively part of its "Michigan Services."

These trains make station stops at New Buffalo, Niles, Dowagiac, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, East Lansing, Durand, Flint, Lapeer, Port Huron, St. Joseph, Bangor, Holland, Grand Rapids, Albion, Jackson, Ann Arbor, Dearborn, Detroit, Royal Oak, and Pontiac. Amtrak also provides expansive bus service across the state. 

Minnesota

Minnesota is primarily served by Amtrak's Empire Builder (Chicago - Seattle) with stops in Winona, Red Wing, St. Paul (at restored Union Depot), St. Cloud, Staples, and Detroit Lakes.

The state also began opening commuter/light rail services: in 2004 the METRO rapid transit system opened in the Twin Cities via three lines serving 41 stations; in 2009 the commuter/heavy rail system known as the Northstar Line also entered service covering 40 miles from Big Lake to downtown Minneapolis at Target Field.

Mississippi

Mississippi is served by two of Amtrak's premier trains; the north-to-south City of New Orleans (Chicago - New Orleans) makes stops at Greenwood, Yazoo City, Jackson, Hazlehurst, Brookhaven, and McComb; and the Crescent (New York - New Orleans) stops at Meridian (Union Station), Laurel, Hattiesburg, and Picayune.

Amtrak also offers bus service to Gulfport and Hattiesburg while Greyhound service is available to Biloxi. 

Missouri

Missouri is served by three of Amtrak's intercity trains;

  • The regional Missouri River Runner (St. Louis - Kansas City) makes additional stops in Independence, Lee's Summit, Warrensburg, Sedalia, Jefferson City, Hermann, Washington, and Kirkwood

  • Southwest Chief (Chicago - Los Angeles) stops in Kansas City and La Plata

  • Texas Eagle (Chicago - Dallas/San Antonio - Los Angeles) serves St. Louis and Poplar Bluff

Finally, St. Louis operates its MetroLink system, a light-rail/rapid transit service spanning 46 miles and connecting Lambert-St. Louis International Airport; Shrewsbury, Missouri; Scott Air Force Base; Shiloh, Illinois; and downtown St. Louis. 

Montana

Montana has attempted to increase its passenger rail services offered by Amtrak over the years.

However, currently only the transcontinental Empire Builder (Chicago - Seattle) serves the state stopping in Wolf Point, Glasgow, Malta, Havre, Shelby, Cut Bank, Browning, East Glacier Park, Essex, West Glacier, Whitefish, and Libby.

There is also bus stations or stops offered at/to Billings, Bozeman, Butte, Glendive, Livingston, Miles City, and Sidney. Finally, Greyhound service is available at Missoula. 

Nebraska

Nebraska is served only by Amtrak's long-distance California Zephyr (Chicago - Denver - San Francisco) which serves Omaha, Hastings, Lincoln, Holdrege, and McCook. There are no bus services offered within the state. 

Nevada

Nevada's only Amtrak service is via the long-distance California Zephyr(Chicago - Denver - San Francisco) with station stops at Elko, Reno, and Winnemucca.

There is also bus service to Las Vegas, Laughlin, Sparks, and Stateline. Finally, the "X Train" or Las Vegas Railway Express is a relatively new company which plans to provide upscale, luxury passenger rail service between Las Vegas and Los Angeles.

There have been multiple delays since the company was launched in 2010 and a scheduled start-date is unknown. 

New Hampshire

New Hampshire is served only by Amtrak's Downeaster (Brunswick - Boston) with stops at Dover, Durham, and Exeter. Amtrak also offers bus stops at Berlin, Conway, Lincoln, Littleton, Manchester, New Hampton, Plymouth, and Tilton. 

Amtrak's "Capitol Limited" stops at Martinsburg, West Virginia on March 24, 2014. Jon Wright photo.

New Jersey

Being home to the Northeast Corridor there are numerous passenger trains which pass through New Jersey including:

  • Acela Express (stops at Newar, Iselin, and Trenton)

  • "Northeast Regional" (stops at Newark, Iselin, New Brunswick, Princeton Junction, and Trenton)

  • Cardinal (New York - Chicago) at Newark and Trenton

  • Carolinian/Piedmont (New York - Charlotte) at Newark and Trenton

  • Crescent (New York - New Orleans) at Newark and Trenton

  • Keystone (New York - Harrisburg) at Trenton, Princeton Junction, New Brunswick, Iselin, and Newark

  • Palmetto/Silver Service trains (New York - Florida points) at Newark and Trenton

  • Pennsylvanian (New York - Pittsburgh) at Newark and Trenton

  • Vermonter (St. Albans - Washington) at Newark, Iselin, and Trenton

Finally, NJ Transit provides extensive commuter rail and rapid transit services throughout the northern region of the state to provide transportation into and out of New York City.

Additionally, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), serving the greater Philadelphia area, operates as far as Atlantic City.

Also, PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) is a joint New York/New Jersey rapid transit operation serving Newark, Harrison, Hoboken, and Jersey City as well as Manhattan in New York City. It is operated by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.

New Mexico

New Mexico is served by Amtrak's Southwest Chief (Chicago - Los Angeles) to the north with stops at Raton, Las Vegas, Lamy, Albuquerque, and Gallup. The Sunset Limited (New Orleans - Los Angeles) also makes stops at Deming and Lordsburg.

Amtrak also provides bus service to Las Cruces. Finally, the state-funded New Mexico Rail Runner Express, opened in 2006, provides commuter rail connections over a 97-mile system between Santa Fe and Belen via Albuquerque. 

New York

Amtrak provides multiple long-distance and regional rail services within the state of New York. It also offers bus stops at Dunkirk, Jamestown, and Lake Placid. 

The state also funds several of its own heavy commuter rail and rapid transit/light rail services including the Long Island Railroad and Metro-North Railroad, operated by the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA).

Additionally, PATH (Port Authority Trans-Hudson) is a joint New York/New Jersey rapid transit operation serving Newark, Harrison, Hoboken, and Jersey City as well as Manhattan in New York City.

It is operated by the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey. Finally, Buffalo Metro Rail provides light rail service over 6.4 miles of trackage within the city limits. For more information regarding all of these services please visit their individual websites. 

North Carolina

North Carolina is served by several Amtrak trains including a few that are partially subsidized by the state; t

  • Carolinian/Piedmont (New York - Charlotte) serves Rocky Mount, Wilson, Selma, Raleigh, Cary, Durham, Burlington, Greensboro, High Point, Salisbury, Kannapolis, and Charlotte

  • Crescent (New York - New Orleans) stops at Greensboro, High Point, Salisbury, Charlotte, and Gastonia

  • Palmetto/Silver Service trains (New York - Raleigh - Florida points) stop in Rocky Mount, Wilson, Selma, Raleigh, and Fayetteville. 

Amtrak also offers bus service to various locations. In 2004 the city of Charlotte launched its new rapid transit/light service known as Lynx Rapid Transit, operating 9.6 miles.

The state's long-term plan is to have passenger service established from the coast (Wilmington) to the western mountains (Asheville). You can learn more about their website, NCByTrain.org

North Dakota

North Dakota is served only by Amtrak's long-distance Empire Builder (Chicago - Seattle) which stops at primarily at Fargo, Grand Forks, Devils Lake, Rugby, Minot, Stanley, and Williston. 

Ohio

Ohio is served by three intercity Amtrak trains. These include the Capitol Limited (Washington - Chicago) with stops in Alliance, Cleveland, Elyria, Sandusky, and Toledo; Lake Shore Limited (New York/Boston - Chicago) serving Bryan, Toledo, Sandusky, Elyria, and Cleveland; and the Cardinal/Hoosier State stopping in Cincinnati.

Finally, Cleveland offers light rail/rapid transit service via two lines that span more than 15 miles stopping at 34 stations.

The system entered service in 1913 and has went by different names over the years. For more information about this service please visit the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority's website. 

Oklahoma

Oklahoma is only served by Amtrak's regional Heartland Flyer, which connects Oklahoma City with Fort Worth. Intermediate stops include Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley, Ardmore, Gainesville (Texas).

Starting in 2015 a trial passenger train will link Oklahoma City with Tulsa; schedules and fares are not yet known. 

Oregon

Oregon has seen its passenger rail services steadily increase over the years.

Today, two intercity Amtrak trains make stops within the state; the Coast Starlight (Seattle - Los Angeles) serves Portland, Salem, Albany, Eugene, Chemult, and Klamath Falls; the Amtrak Cascades (Vancouver, British Columbia - Seattle - Eugene) is a regional service with stops at Eugene, Albany, Salem, Oregon City, and Portland.

Amtrak also offers extensive bus service within Oregon. Additionally, the state plays host to a commuter rail system known as the Westside Express Service; initiated in 2009 it spans nearly 15 miles between Beaverton and Wilsonville in the Portland metropolitan area.

Finally, Portland is also home to two light-rail system; the Portland Streetcar began service in 2001 via two lines that total 7.2 miles within the downtown area; also, MAX Light Rail serves the city's much broader metropolitan area via a system of more than 52 miles and 87 stations. 

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is served by more than a dozen regional and intercity passenger trains operated by Amtrak.

These trains operate on either the Northeast Corridor serving north-south regions, or connect Philadelphia - Pittsburgh, and Cumberland - Pittsburgh as well as points further west.

Finally, the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) provides extensive commuter and light-rail service within the greater Philadelphia region. Additionally, Pittsburgh Light Rail ("The T") provides rapid transit service via a 26-mile system. 

Rhode Island

While small, tiny Rhode Island being part of the Northeast Corridor is served by Amtrak's regional services the high-speed Acela Express (stops at Providence) and "Northeast Regional" (stops at Providence, West Kingston, and Westerly). 

South Carolina

South Carolina is served by Amtrak's Silver Service trains as well as the Palmetto (New York - Florida points) with stops in Dillon, Florence, Kingstree, North Charleston, Yemassee, Camden, Columbia, and Denmark. Finally, the Crescent (New York - New Orleans) makes stops in Spartanburg, Greenville, and Clemson. 

South Dakota

At this time South Dakota has no passenger train service. 

Tennessee

Surprisingly, the state of Tennessee is served by only a single Amtrak long-distance train with the City of New Orleans (Chicago - New Orleans) stopping in Newbern and Memphis.

Also, there a bus station is offered in Nashville. In 2006 a new commuter rail service was launched to serve Nashville. Known as the Music City Star it currently runs 32 miles and serves 6 stations.

Finally, in Memphis the MATA Trolley utilizes historic streetcars as it operates a 10-mile system within city limits with 25 stops via three routes. 

Texas

There are currently three long-distance Amtrak trains serving the Lone Star State:

  • Heartland Flyer (Oklahoma City - Fort Worth) stops in Fort Worth and Gainesville


  • Sunset Limited (Los Angeles - New Orleans) serves Beaumont, Houston, San Antonio, Del Rio, Sanderson, Alpine, and El Paso
  • Texas Eagle (Chicago - Los Angeles) makes stops in Marshall, Longview, Mineola, Dallas, Fort Worth, Cleburne, McGregor, Temple, Taylor, Austin, San Marcos, San Antonio, Del Rio, Sanderson, Alpine, and El Paso

There are also three notable commuter/heavy rail systems operating in the state:

  • The A-Train began in 2011 serving Denton County via 6 station stops


  • Trinity Railway Express began service in 1996 serving Dallas/Fort Worth over a system of 34 miles and 10 stations; and Capital MetroRail serves the Austin area, which began service in 2009 over a 32-mile system with 9 station stops
  • Finally, Dallas features two light-rail services; the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority is a historic streetcar operation while the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is a traditional rapid transit system spanning 90 miles and 62 station stops

Also, Houston's METRORail, which began in 2004 features a 12.8 mile system with 24 stations. 

Utah

Amtrak's only intercity train serving Utah is the California Zephyr (San Francisco - Chicago) with stops in Green River, Helper, Provo, and Salt Lake City. There are also bus services Salt Lake City and St. George. Utah's FrontRunner heavy commuter rail system connects Salt Lake City, Provo, and Ogden.

It began service in 2008 with 16 stations and is 88 miles in length. Finally, two light-rail systems serve Salt Lake City including TRAX and the S Line

Vermont

Vermont is served by two Amtrak passenger trains; the Ethan Allen Express (Rutland - New York) stops at Rutland and Castleton while the Vermonter (St. Albans - Washington) serves St. Albans, St Albans, Essex Junction, Waterbury, Montpelier, Randolph, White River Junction, Windsor, Bellows Falls, and Brattleboro. 

Another experimental service was Amtrak's "ICE Train," a Siemens product from Germany and precursor to Acela. It is seen here heading west near Port Byron, New York on August 13, 1993. Wade Massie photo.

Virginia

There are several long-distance or regional Amtrak trains that serve the state of Virginia including:

  • Carolinian/Piedmont (New York - Charlotte) stopping at Alexandria, Quantico, Fredericksburg, Richmond, and Petersburg

  • Crescent (New York - New Orleans) with stops at Alexandria, Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Lynchburg, and Danville

  • Palmetto/Silver Service trains (New York - Florida points) with stops at Alexandria, Richmond, and Petersburg

  • Cardinal (New York - Chicago) with stops at Alexandria Manassas, Culpeper, Charlottesville, Staunton, and Clifton Forge

  • "Northeast Regional" (Boston - Norfolk/Newport News) extending as far south as Newport News

  • Auto Train (Lorton - Sanford, Florida) launches from Lorton

There is also bus service at Blacksburg, Roanoke, and Virginia Beach. In 2011 a new light-rail service was launched serving Norfolk and known as The Tide.

It operates 7.4 miles and serves 11 stations.  In addition, Virginia Railway Express provides commuter service to the state's northern metropolitan area.

Washington

Amtrak's services to Washington State includes:

  • Cascades (Vancouver, British, Columbia - Eugene, Oregon) with stops in Vancouver, Kelso, Centralia, Lacey, Tacoma, Tukwila, Seattle, Edmonds, Everett, Stanwood, Mount Vernon, and Bellingham

  • Coast Starlight (Seattle - Los Angeles) serving Seattle, Tacoma, Lacy, Centralia, Kelso, and Vancouver

  • Empire Builder (Seattle - Chicago) stopping at Spokane, Pasco, Wishram, Bingen, Vancouver, Ephrata, Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Everett, Edmonds, and Seattle. Extensive bus services are also provided to various cities within 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.

Also, Sound Transit provides extensive light rail services within the Puget Sound region while Seattle's streetcar system provides service within the downtown area. 

Amtrak AEM-7 #948 races through Halethorpe, Maryland with train #158 on May 6, 2006. Wade Massie photo.

West Virginia

West Virginia's only intercity service as the current time is Amtrak's Cardinal (New York - Chicago) which offers a handful of stops across the southern part of the state between White Sulphur and Huntington running near the beautiful New River much of the way.

Finally, Maryland's MARC Train commuter service extends as far west as Martinsburg where it takes passenger back into the Washington, D.C./Baltimore metropolitan region. Its entire system spans about 187 miles and extends through other parts of Maryland. 

Wisconsin

The one long-distance Amtrak train to serve Wisconsin is the Empire Builder (Chicago - Seattle) which stops at Milwaukee, Columbus, Portage, Wisconsin Dells, Tomah, and La Crosse.

The regional Hiawatha (Chicago - Milwaukee) makes an intermediate stop at Sturtevant. The state also features extensive bus services.

Finally, the Kenosha Streetcar service has a history that traces back to the early interurban/streetcar era at the turn of the 20th century. It currently operates on a 2-mile loop. For more information about Amtrak and the streetcar please visit their respective websites. 

Wyoming

Wyoming offers no passenger train services at this time. 

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  1. Staggers Rail Act of 1980: Statute, Contract Rates & the ICC

    Sep 10, 26 11:23 PM

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    Staggers Rail Act, Pub. L. 96-448, signed October 14, 1980. Harley Staggers, S.1946, contract rates, 180% variable-cost test, abandonments, short lines.

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  2. Railroad History (USA): Timeline, Facts & How the Network Was Built

    Sep 10, 26 10:51 PM

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    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…

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  3. Rock Island E8A 652: Bicentennial Independence Paint & History

    Sep 10, 26 10:42 PM

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    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.

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  4. Vermont Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 10, 26 10:37 PM

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    2026 Vermont Christmas trains—Okemo Valley Holiday Express from Chester Depot Dec. 19–20. Polar is Burlington Dec. 5–6 only.

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  5. Railroads In The 1970s: Penn Central, Amtrak & Conrail

    Sep 10, 26 10:18 AM

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    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.

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  6. Railroads In The 1960s: Mergers, Passenger Collapse & Penn Central

    Sep 10, 26 10:03 AM

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    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.

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  7. South Carolina Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 10, 26 08:36 AM

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    2026 South Carolina Christmas trains—South Carolina Railroad Museum Santa Train in Winnsboro. Confirm December dates. Not Polar Express. Drop light-festival padding.

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  8. Steam Locomotive Feedwater Heaters: Elesco, Coffin & Worthington

    Sep 10, 26 08:29 AM

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    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.

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  9. Oregon Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 10, 26 08:22 AM

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    2026 Oregon Christmas trains—Portland Holiday Express, Garibaldi Candy Cane Express, Sumpter Valley Christmas Trains Dec. 11–13. Polar is Mount Hood.

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  10. Lake Shore & Michigan Southern: Map, History, Timetables

    Sep 10, 26 08:12 AM

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    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.

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  11. Big Four Route (CCC&StL): Map, History

    Sep 10, 26 12:19 AM

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    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.

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  12. Railroads In The 1950s: Diesel, the Interstate & Passenger Collapse

    Sep 10, 26 12:15 AM

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    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.

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  13. New Jersey Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 10, 26 12:06 AM

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    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.

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  14. New Mexico Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 09, 26 11:57 PM

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    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.

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  15. Grand Trunk Railway: Map, History, Timetables

    Sep 09, 26 11:47 PM

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    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…

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  16. Troop Trains In World War II: Sleepers, Kitchen Cars & Movements

    Sep 09, 26 11:42 PM

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    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…

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  17. Railroads In The 1940s: War Traffic, Last Steam & the Diesel Flood

    Sep 09, 26 11:37 PM

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    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.

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  18. Railroads In World War II: ODT, Record Traffic & Private Operation

    Sep 09, 26 03:00 PM

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    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.

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  19. Montana Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 09, 26 02:54 PM

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    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.

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  20. Railroads In The 1930s: Depression, Streamliners & the FT

    Sep 09, 26 09:32 AM

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    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.

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  21. Sugar Cane Train (Lahaina): LK&P History, Roster & 2026 End

    Sep 09, 26 08:19 AM

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    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.

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  22. Massachusetts Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 09, 26 08:16 AM

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    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.

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  23. Railroads In The 1920s: Transportation Act, Super Power Steam & Autos

    Sep 09, 26 08:12 AM

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    U.S. railroads 1920–1930—return from the USRA, Transportation Act, shopmen’s strike 1922, 1925 diesel switchers, Lima Super Power, NYC Hudson, NP 4-8-4. Mileage down from the 1916 peak. Decade frame…

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  24. United States Railroad Administration (USRA)

    Sep 08, 26 11:39 PM

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    USRA federal control Dec. 28, 1917–March 1, 1920. McAdoo and Hines, Federal Control Act, compensation, standard steam locomotives (~1,850 originals) and 100,000 freight cars. Types, allocations, retur…

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  25. Maine Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 08, 26 11:35 PM

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    2026 Maine Christmas trains—WW&F Victorian Christmas in Alna Dec. 5, 12 & 19; Seashore Trolley Christmas Prelude in Kennebunkport. Polar is Maine Narrow Gauge in Portland.

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  26. Cab-Forward Steam Locomotives: SP History, Classes, Roster & Specs

    Sep 08, 26 11:23 PM

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    Southern Pacific cab-forwards—MC-1 through AC-12. Why the cab sat in front on Donner, compound Mallets to simple 4-8-8-2s, complete class roster and specifications. SP 4294 at Sacramento.

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  27. Minnesota "400" (Train): Route, Consist, Timetable & History

    Sep 08, 26 11:00 PM

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    C&NW Minnesota 400—June 14, 1936 Mankato–Wyeville connection with the Twin Cities 400. Atlantics, 1942 shrouded Pacifics, 1945 Official Guide consist and timetable. Became the Dakota 400 (1950) an…

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  28. Railroads During World War I: Car Shortage, Troops & Federal Control

    Sep 08, 26 10:05 PM

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    U.S. railroads in World War I—export freight from 1914, April 6 1917, 158,000-car shortage, USRA Dec. 28, 1917–March 1, 1920. Facts, statistics, and photos.

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  29. Railroads In The U.S. (1910s): Facts, Statistics, Photos

    Sep 08, 26 03:07 PM

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    Railroads during the 1910s, the period from 1910-1920, was a pivotal time witnessing record mileage and federal takeover during World War I.

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  30. Railroads In The 1890s: Safety Appliance, Panic, Pullman Strike

    Sep 08, 26 01:41 PM

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    U.S. railroads 1890–1900—163,600 to 193,346 miles. Safety Appliance Act March 2, 1893, Panic of 1893, Pullman Strike 1894, NYC 999. Decade frame, not the Second Industrial Revolution.

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  31. Maryland Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 08, 26 10:52 AM

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    2026 Maryland Christmas trains—Walkersville Southern Santa Trains from $28/$30 Coach, about 1 hour 10 minutes. Polar is Western Maryland Scenic in Cumberland.

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  32. Railroads In The 1880s: Standard Time, Gauge, Mileage & the ICC

    Sep 08, 26 10:34 AM

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    U.S. railroads 1880–1890—93,200 to 163,600 miles, 70,400 added. Standard Time Nov. 18, 1883, Southern 5-foot change 1886, Interstate Commerce Act 1887.

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  33. Kentucky Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 08, 26 09:41 AM

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    2026 Kentucky Christmas trains—Bluegrass Scenic Santa trains in Versailles and Kentucky Railway Museum Santa / North Pole Express in New Haven. Polar is Stearns.

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  34. Kansas Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 07, 26 11:39 PM

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    2026 Kansas Christmas trains—Abilene & Smoky Valley Cowtown Santa Express Nov. 20–Dec. 23, from $35.

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  35. Iowa Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 07, 26 11:29 PM

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    2026 Iowa Christmas trains—Midwest Central North Pole Express in Mt. Pleasant Dec. 5–20, $35. Boone Santa Express: confirm 2026. Not Polar Express.

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  36. Arkansas Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 07, 26 11:20 PM

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    2026 Arkansas Christmas trains—Arkansas & Missouri Holiday Express Pajama Train from Springdale to Johnson, about one hour. Coach from $25/$17.50 listed. Not Polar Express.

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  37. Michigan Central Railroad: Map, History, Timetables

    Sep 06, 26 11:13 PM

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    Michigan Central Railroad—Detroit & St. Joseph 1832, Boston capital 1846, Chicago 1852, Canada Southern, Detroit River Tunnel, Michigan Central Station. Map, 1893 Official Guide, what still runs.

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  38. Alabama Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 06, 26 11:03 PM

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    2026 Alabama Christmas trains—Heart of Dixie North Pole Express in Calera (Nov. 13–Dec. 20) and North Alabama Santa Train / North Star Limited at Chase. Not Polar Express.

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  39. D&H RF-16s 1205 & 1216: Heritage, Specs & Where They Ran

    Sep 06, 26 10:47 PM

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    Delaware & Hudson Baldwin RF-16 Sharks 1205 and 1216—ex-NYC 3805/3816, last two survivors. Specs, Colonie overhaul, where they ran, Castolite/Michigan Northern/E&LS storage.

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  40. Great Railroad Strike Of 1877: Martinsburg, Pittsburgh & Elsewhere

    Sep 06, 26 10:35 PM

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    Great Railroad Strike of 1877—B&O wage cut July 16 at Camden Junction and Martinsburg, Baltimore and Pittsburgh shootings, Reading, Chicago viaduct, St. Louis general strike. First national industrial…

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  41. Railroads In The 1870s: Panic, Strike, Mileage, Steel & Air Brakes

    Sep 06, 26 08:44 AM

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    U.S. railroads 1870–1880—52,922 to ~93,200 miles. Panic of 1873, Crédit Mobilier, Granger laws, Westinghouse automatic brake 1872, Ashtabula 1876, Great Strike 1877. Decade frame, not the West encyclo…

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  42. Arizona Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 06, 26 08:29 AM

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    2026 Arizona Christmas trains—Verde Canyon Magical Christmas Journey in Clarkdale, Nov. 27–Dec. 24, one hour, from $60/$40. Polar is Grand Canyon Railway in Williams.

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  43. Wisconsin Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 06, 26 12:37 AM

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    2026 Wisconsin Christmas trains—Mid-Continent Santa Express Nov. 28–Dec. 6, East Troy Christmas trolleys Nov. 27–Dec. 20. Polar is Green Bay (sold out).

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  44. Railroads In The 1860s: Civil War, Pacific Railroad, Mileage & Steel

    Sep 06, 26 12:32 AM

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    U.S. railroads 1860–1870—~30,600 to 52,922 miles. Civil War as the decade’s center, Pacific Railway Acts and Promontory, Vanderbilt’s NYC, Pullman Pioneer, Bessemer rail, Westinghouse 1869. Decade fra…

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  45. Railroads In The 1850s: Mileage, Land Grants, Trunk Lines & the West

    Sep 06, 26 12:20 AM

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    U.S. railroads 1850–1860—9,021 to ~30,600 miles, Illinois Central land grant, NYC 1853, Erie to Dunkirk, PRR/B&O to the Ohio, Minot’s 1851 train order, Rock Island bridge. Facts and lithographs. N…

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  46. Highball: Railroad Ball Signals, Slang & Meaning

    Sep 05, 26 09:27 PM

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    Highball in railroading—ball signals (ball at the masthead meant proceed), Whitefield N.H. survivor, radio and hand-signal slang.

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  47. CB&Q 4-6-4 3001: History, Specs & Ottumwa Display

    Sep 05, 26 09:14 PM

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    Chicago, Burlington & Quincy class S-4 Hudson 3001—Baldwin 1930, c/n 61446. Fast passenger 4-6-4, August 31, 1958 Barstow fan trip, donated to Ottumwa 1959. Complete specifications.

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  48. Railroads In The 1800s (1840s): History, Photos, Timeline

    Sep 05, 26 11:29 AM

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    U.S. railroads 1840–1850—2,808 to 9,021 miles, T-rail and wooden ties, Pennsylvania Railroad charter 1846, 4-4-0 American type, Morse telegraph on the B&O. Facts and photos. Not the whole 19th century…

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  49. New York Christmas Train Rides (2026): A Complete Guide

    Sep 05, 26 11:24 AM

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    2026 New York Christmas trains—Arcade & Attica North Pole Express, Adirondack Christmas Train and Thendara Santa Train, Delaware & Ulster Santa’s Silver Sleigh. Polar is Medina, North Fork, Ut…

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  50. Railroads In The 1820s/1830s: Firsts, Mileage & Founding Era

    Sep 05, 26 10:54 AM

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    U.S. railroads 1820s–1830s—Granite Railway 1826, B&O common carrier, Stourbridge Lion, Tom Thumb, Best Friend, 2,808 miles by 1840. Firsts, facts, photos.

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