Traveling by train is one of the most affordable, relaxed, and scenic ways to get to the heart of Texas. From cities like New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Chicago, Amtrak has you covered via its Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited lines. This guide will provide you with all you need to know to purchase your ticket with the information you need: routes, schedules, fare arrays, and stations; a guide to helping you buy your ticket; and a few tips for first-time travelers.

You can relax on your Texas journey without the hassles of making long drives or going through annoying airport security, while you sit back and enjoy the great Texas landscape rolling by. I’ll simplify this for you, with lots of pictures and helpful tables to assist in making your journey planning easier, and get you the information you need.

Why Take a Train to San Antonio? Top Reasons to Choose Rail Travel

San Antonio serves Amtrak’s national network and offers a variety of travel advantages compared to flying and driving. These are the main reasons people prefer Amtrak.

• Easy Access to Central San Antonio: The San Antonio Amtrak station is located right in the heart of San Antonio and only a few blocks from the famous River Walk, so you avoid the long trek from the airport to your final destination.
• Packages are included in the ticket price: Amtrak has a much more generous free checked baggage policy than most air carriers, which charge for every bag.
• Wonderful Views of the Countryside: You see the beautiful Texas Hill Country and views of the West’s desert landscapes that are not available from a plane.
• More legroom: The coach seats have more legroom and recline more than airline seats.
• Easy and less stressful: Travel does not involve a trip through TSA and security, so it is easy and quick to board the train.
• Great for kids: They get to move around and visit the dining car, unlike a plane or car.
• Environment: Taking a train instead of driving or flying helps the environment because of the low carbon emissions emitted.
• Save time and money: You can take a few train trips and sleep in a sleeper car during the entire journey, so you do not have to pay for a hotel.

Reason	Train Advantage
Location	Arrives near downtown San Antonio, close to the River Walk
Baggage	Free checked bags, generous carry-on allowance
Comfort	Wide reclining seats, more legroom than flights or buses
Scenery	Passes through Hill Country and historic Texas towns
Stress level	Simple boarding process, no strict security lines
Overnight option	Sleeper cars available on long-distance routes

For travelers who prefer comfort over speed, and who would rather not fly over a country but instead see it, the train to San Antonio is the better choice.

Who Benefits Most From Taking the Train

• The leisure traveler who considers the journey as a valued vacation component.
• The retired traveler and senior who prefers the slower-paced travel with less of a need for prolonged standing.
• The family traveler with young children whose travel would benefit from more available space.
• The traveler who has a fear of flying and/or a medical reason that complicates and makes air travel an uncomfortable experience.
• The photographer and sightseer who wants to capture the journey as they travel along the Texas Hill and Desert Countries.
• The traveler who needs to take a budget-friendly short regional trip, using the train to travel from Austin to San Antonio, which is often the less costly and easier travel option when compared to using a rental car.

Travel to San Antonio by train will not often be the fastest way to get there, but the traveler who would enjoy the comfort of train travel and the contrast to viewing the country by air travel will appreciate the ride.

Which Trains Go to San Antonio? Major Rail Services Explained

Amtrak provides passenger rail service to the San Antonio area. Two long-distance Amtrak trains serve this area.

Texas Eagle: This train from Nashville serves Chicago and San Antonio on a daily basis. Of the four days, on three of them, San Antonio is the end of the line, and the other day it continues with Sunset Limited to Los Angeles. On this journey, the Texas Eagle stops at St Louis, Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin.

Sunset Limited: Three times a week, this train has a trip that goes between New Orleans and Los Angeles and serves San Antonio, El Paso, Tucson, and Phoenix. West of San Antonio, Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle are joined and continue as one unit.

Commuter trains and high-speed rail systems do not exist in San Antonio, and service on both lines is overnight long-distance trains that have seating, sleeping compartments, and a dining car.

Train Service	Route	Frequency	Key Stops
Texas Eagle	Chicago to San Antonio (extends to Los Angeles 3 days/week)	Daily	St. Louis, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio
Sunset Limited	New Orleans to Los Angeles	3 days a week	Houston area, San Antonio, El Paso, Tucson, Phoenix

Traveling with the Sunset Limited requires flexibility. It only runs three times per week, making planning a trip an ordeal. This is most evident when traveling out of New Orleans or other points west.

Long-Distance Travel Amenities

Both the Texas Eagle and the Sunset Limited have long-distance travel amenities, not just quick-trip features.

• Dining Car: Both trains have a dining car that serves full meals to sleeping car passengers and has food for purchase for coach passengers.
• Cafe Car: A casual snack and drink car that serves all passengers.
• Coach Cars: Large windows for all car passengers to have a scenic view, especially in the Texas Hill Country and desert areas of El Paso.
• Charging: Most seats have outlets.
• Wi-Fi: Available, but service drops in long transitional stretches of rural or mountainous areas.
• Checked Baggage: Passengers can check large baggage at the staffed stations like San Antonio.
• Accessible Seating: Both trains include accessible seating.
• Restrooms: Both trains include accessible restrooms.

Why Two Trains Serve the Same City

San Antonio is located right in the middle of Amtrak Texas’s rail lines. Trains heading towards San Antonio come from the North (the Texas Eagle line from St. Louis and Dallas) and East (the Sunset Limited line from New Orleans and Los Angeles). As a result, all trains heading westbound from San Antonio actually physically join with the Sunset Limited (which heads to Los Angeles).

Popular Train Routes to San Antonio From Major US Cities

Most travelers want the best route to take the train to San Antonio from their starting point. Here’s what you should know about those most used routes.

Chicago to San Antonio: The Texas Eagle takes 29-30 hours from the Windy City to San Antonio with stops in St Louis, Dallas, and Fort Worth.

Los Angeles to San Antonio: The Sunset Limited connects with the Texas Eagle three days a week to complete the trip in 29 hours, stopping in Tucson and El Paso.

From Dallas and Fort Worth: Of the Texas Eagle’s stops, this segment is the shortest at 6-7 hours.

From Austin: It’s one of the shortest Texas Eagle trips at a little over an hour to cross from north to south.

From New Orleans: The Sunset Limited takes 14-15 hours to connect NOLA and San Antonio three days a week.

From New York City: Sadly, there are no direct routes; you need to connect through Chicago or NOLA (see next section).

Starting City	Train Used	Approximate Travel Time	Frequency
Chicago	Texas Eagle	29-30 hours	Daily
Los Angeles	Sunset Limited / Texas Eagle combined	29 hours	3 days a week
Dallas / Fort Worth	Texas Eagle	6-7 hours	Daily
Austin	Texas Eagle	About 1.5 hours	Daily
New Orleans	Sunset Limited	14-15 hours	3 days a week
New York City	Connecting service via Chicago or New Orleans	30+ hours	Daily (with connection)

Amtrak runs passenger trains on railroads that freight companies use. The freight trains cause delays on Amtrak’s long-distance routes. Always check Amtrak’s real-time status before going to the station.

Regional Texas Routes Worth Knowing

TX Eagle offers shorter routes that make it simple to reach San Antonio from a variety of points in Texas.

• San Marcos to San Antonio: Less than one hour. This is an easy trip for students or anyone with a free day.
• Temple to San Antonio: About 3.5 to 4 hours, with a stop in Austin.
• Longview or Marshall to San Antonio: About 8 to 9 hours, through East Texas.

Things to Know About a Specific Route

• Complicated routes increase the risk of a missed connection because of booked tickets or tight connections.
• Most long-distance routes (e.g., L.A. or Chicago) involve overnight travel, so be prepared to wait in your seat for a long time because the couch car is popular.
• Because of the limited number of trains for the Sunset Limited, you must look at the three-day schedule for the Sunset Limited carefully to know if the day you want to travel on has a departure.
• The Texas Eagle service is the best for the routes noted (Austin, Temple, San Marcos).

NYC to San Antonio Train: Schedule, Duration & Ticket Tips

New York to San Antonio is one of the most Googled train routes because of the complete lack of a direct route. Passengers have 2 main options for connecting routes to get there.

Option 1: via Chicago. From New York, you will take the Lake Shore Limited to Chicago Union Station toward San Antonio, which totals about 19 hours and requires an overnight stay. From there, you will take the Texas Eagle, which adds another 29 to 30 hours. The trip in total is looking at about 48 to 52 hours, with a necessary layover in Chicago.

Option 2: via New Orleans (Crescent route). For this option, you take the Crescent route from New York Penn Station to New Orleans, adding about 30 hours to your trip. You then take the Sunset Limited for about the last 14 to 15 hours of the trip. This particular option is more dependent on the Sunset Limited’s schedule since it only runs 3 days a week.

Hints On Booking Tickets For This Route

• If you want to save money, booking earlier is best practice since this particular route has limited springs with even fewer longer available sleeper berths.
• The Chicago route is the best option if you want a daily service connection
• For all other routes, additional buffer time is required to account for freight delays
• Since the routes are this long, the coach seating is really not recommended, as it can take a toll on passengers, so consider the roomette or sleeper for the overnight legs
• Amtrak tends to offer combined tickets for the most convenient booking practice

Route Option	Trains Used	Approx. Total Duration	Best For
Via Chicago	Lake Shore Limited + Texas Eagle	48-52 hours	Travelers wanting daily departures
Via New Orleans	Crescent + Sunset Limited	44-46 hours	Travelers wanting to see the South

Because of the length of the NYC to San Antonio journey, most travelers take the train for regional trips in Texas, and fly from NYC to San Antonio.

Revelations on the New York to San Antonio route

What to Expect on the New York to San Antonio Journey

• Chicago Union Station layovers range from a couple of hours to pretty much all day, depending on which train you connect on. This is your chance to explore Chicago a bit and drop off your luggage.
• Going down the Crescent line will take you through Washington, D.C, Charlotte, Atlanta, and Birmingham on a different scenic path to New Orleans.
• At least one connecting leg of the trip will be overnight, so having a roomette and avoiding spending two nights in a row in coach seating will probably make your connection easier.
• The cost of the sleeper tickets includes meals, so that makes the ticket price even without them.
• Considering the train route will be a lengthy trip compared to a NY to San Antonio direct flight. The train is more suitable for people who are planning to stop over in Chicago or New Orleans, and for people who don’t mind long train trips.

San Antonio Train Travel Tips for First-Time Passengers

If you are going to take the train for the first time on a long-distance trip, consider the following points.

Arrive early – Make sure to allow a buffer in the time you leave for the trip. You should strive to arrive at the station at least 30 to 45 minutes prior to departure, especially if you need to check luggage.

Convenience without the luggage – Although it is important to pack lightly, consider bringing a few essential items in order to stay comfortable. Bring a refillable water bottle, snacks, a light blanket, headphones, and charging equipment. Because the temperature on the trains can become uncomfortable, even temperatures within the range of cool to warm can fluctuate.

Baggage – Check the baggage rules. Amtrak typically offers passengers taking long-distance trips the option to check two bags for free, as well as allowing two carry-on bags. Oversized items can require some advance notice.

Know your seating options – The coach seating is better for shorter trips, while roomettes may be better suited for longer trips.

Convenience = e-tickets and information at your fingertips – The Amtrak application has a lot of functionality. You can view your information, your train’s status, and which gate the train is at. It also eliminates the need to print your ticket.

Picture ID – A government-issued picture ID is needed for you to board the train.

Know the Origins of Delays – Expect delays of around 30 minutes to hours, and plan appropriately. Delays occur because freight trains take priority on the tracks and long-distance trips are scheduled around them.

Meeting the essential food needs – You can purchase food with the convenience of surroundings and onboard dining. Basic meals are offered in your room and sleepers on long-distance trains. Membership in Amtrak Guest Rewards is free and provides points to use toward your next purchase.

By following these guidelines, you will reduce long-distance travel surprises for the first time.

• Entertainment like books, a tablet, or pre-downloaded shows, since downloaded services are unreliable in remote areas.
• A reusable water bottle to refill in the cafe car or onboard stations.
• Basic toiletries and an extra change of clothing if you have a long overnight trip.
• Cash or a card for purchases in the cafe car, as payment is not always accepted on board.

Things First-Time Passengers Tend to Overlook

• Coach seating is usually open seating; boarding early helps secure a decent spot.
• Many passengers miss their connecting trains due to insufficient layover time.
• Passengers don’t check and end up spending money in the cafe car because they don’t realize some food and snacks on the train are complimentary.
• Passengers tend to not remember that, due to freight, train schedules are heavily delayed in the evenings.
•  Packed bulky bags and forget the train’s carry-on size and weight restrictions.

Direct and Connecting Train Routes to San Antonio

Based on the starting point of your trip, a single direct train could take you to San Antonio, or you could need to make a connection.

Direct Routes (no transfers needed)

• Texas Eagle – Chicago to San Antonio
• Texas Eagle – Dallas/Fort Worth to San Antonio
• Texas Eagle – Austin to San Antonio
• Texas Eagle – Los Angeles to San Antonio (3 days a week)
• Texas Eagle – New Orleans to San Antonio (3 days a week)

Connecting Routes (one or more transfers needed)

• From New York City to San Antonio, connect in Chicago or New Orleans
• From Boston to San Antonio, connect in New York and Chicago or New Orleans
• From Washington, D.C., to San Antonio, connect in Chicago or New Orleans via Crescent/Capital or Cardinal Limited
• From Miami or Orlando to San Antonio, connect in Chicago or New Orleans
• From Seattle or Portland to San Antonio, connect in Los Angeles
• From Los Angeles to San Antonio, connect in New Orleans or Chicago or take the 3-day-a-week Texas Eagle

Route Type	Example Cities	Transfers Needed
Direct	Chicago, Dallas, Austin, Los Angeles, New Orleans	None
One Connection	New York, Washington, D.C., Seattle	One transfer, usually Chicago or New Orleans
Two Connections	Boston, Miami, smaller regional cities	Two transfers possible

When booking, ensure that Amtrak has you booked as one reservation for your connecting itineraries. If any leg of the itinerary is delayed, causing you to miss a connection, this protects you.

Amtrak Thruway Connections

Amtrak provides Thruway bus connections that serve destinations in Texas not served by rail, such as the San Antonio, Texas, station on both the Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited rail routes. These bus connections also serve Galveston and Houston, as well as Shreveport, across the Texas rail corridor.

Tips for Navigating Connections Easily

• Pre-book all connecting travel segments as a single itinerary with Amtrak so that the booking contains protection for a missed connection as a result of delays.
• Select travel segments with a minimum one- to two-hour buffer at either Chicago or New Orleans.
• Ensure that you have your fully charged phone and the Amtrak app for real-time tracking of the separate segments of your travel.
• Delayed travelers are typically helped by staff at the subsequent station to book a travel segment without cost.

Business Class vs Coach on San Antonio Trains

There is an option of Business Class along with Coach seating on the Texas Eagle route of Amtrak between Chicago and Texas. You need to think about your budget, your level of comfort, and how long the trip is to decide which class would be better for you.

Coach Class

• Has good legroom and reclines
• Is the cheapest choice
• Has free access to the dining car cafe (food is purchased separately unless in a sleeper)
• Is available on every train service for San Antonio

Business Class (available on select Texas Eagle segments)

• More reclining and wider seats
• Free snacks and non alcoholic drinks on many different segments
• Has priority boarding
• Costs a bit more than coach but is cheaper than a sleeper

Sleeper Accommodations (for overnight comparison)

• A private roomette or bedroom
• Includes food in the dining car
• Best for long overnight journeys like Chicago to San Antonio or Los Angeles to San Antonio

Feature	Coach Class	Business Class	Sleeper
Price	Lowest	Moderate	Highest
Seating	Standard recline	Wider seats, extra recline	Private room with bed
Meals	Purchased separately	Snacks included on some routes	Included
Best For	Short day trips	Slightly upgraded day travel	Overnight long-distance trips

Coach Seating Suffices for Short Hops Around Texas. For Longer Trips to San Antonio, Like the Overnight from Chicago, a Roomette Adds Value.

Roomette vs Bedroom: A Closer Look at Sleeper Options

• Roomette: a private space for either one or two passengers with two seats that transform into beds. Roomettes include shower and toilet facilities down the hall and are intended to be more budget-friendly options.
• Bedroom: a private space for two passengers that includes an in-cabin toilet and shower. Bedrooms also have more space and, therefore, are priced more expensively.

All sleepers on the Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited trains include full meal service, a private attendant, and access to priority boarding.

Considering the Right Class for Your Trip

• For daytime, less than 5-hour trips within Texas, coach will be fine.
• For daytime trips with a service upgrade to business class, the added comfort and snacks can be enjoyable.
• For any trip longer than 10 hours and overnight, the added cost of a Roomette is usually justified by improved sleep quality.
• For long-haul trips like Los Angeles to San Antonio, the Bedroom would be a good option for families.

San Antonio Train Station: Everything You Need to Know

The main Amtrak station in San Antonio is San Antonio Station with Amtrak station code SAS. This station serves the 350 Hoefgen Street location in the east Downtown area of San Antonio, Texas.

Station Information

• The station has a building that includes the architectural style of Spanish Mission, with design elements that date back to the early 1900s, and is located in a historic district.
• This is the second busiest Amtrak station in the state of Texas.
• It serves both the Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited Amtrak services.
• This station is near the Sunset Station event center and is within walking distance of many tourist destinations and the River Walk.
• Staffed amenities include a waiting room, restrooms, baggage assistance, and assistance for passengers with a disability to board the train.
• There is parking and bicycle facilities on site.
• The station does not always have full-time staff coverage for each train, so make sure to check ticketing times.

Ways to Get Around

• Taxis, ride-share, and the local bus system will all get you to/from downtown and the airport.
• It is about a 15- to 20-minute drive to the airport, San Antonio International.
• Most of the hotels in the area are less than a 10-minute ride in a rideshare or a short walk.

Station Detail	Information
Official Name	San Antonio Station
Amtrak Code	SAS
Address	350 Hoefgen Street, San Antonio, TX
Routes Served	Texas Eagle, Sunset Limited
Nearby Landmark	River Walk, Sunset Station
Facilities	Waiting room, restrooms, baggage service, accessible boarding

If you are new to the area, I think you will find the station convenient. There are a variety of popular area attractions that are easily accessible by foot or a short ride.

A Brief History of the Station

The station’s building adds to the history of the area. It was built in the early 1900s in the Spanish Mission style. It is part of a historic district, and Amtrak is one of the many patrons that use the station. Before Amtrak, the San Antonio railways became an important rail junction that connected Texas with the rest of the nation.

What’s Nearby the San Antonio Station

• River Walk: This is the most well-known San Antonio attraction. It is a short distance from the station. There are restaurants and shops, along with boat rides.
• The Alamo: This is located downtown, which is convenient, along with many other historical sites.
• Sunset Station: This is located next to the Amtrak station and often hosts concerts and events.
• Downtown hotels: There are hotels nearby that are convenient if you don’t want to travel far from the station to catch your Amtrak.
• Local dining: There are many local restaurants that serve Tex-Mex and Southern fare along with many other foods.

Practical Tips for Using the Station

• Amtrak’s website shows their ticket office hours, which are different based on the schedule, so it’s best to check.
• It’s recommended that passengers who need to check bags arrive early to allow time for check-in during busier times.
• Travelers departing in the wee hours or arriving in the late evening should plan additional transportation before arriving at the station, as off-peak travel means scarcer demand for ride-share services.

 Train Ticket Price: How Much Does It Cost & How to Save Money

There are varying prices for tickets on the train to San Antonio depending on factors like distance, seating, how early you book your ticket, and the season.

General Price Facts

• Trips that are short and regional, like Austin to San Antonio, are some of the cheapest.
• Trips that are a little longer, like Dallas or Fort Worth to San Antonio, are a moderate price for coach.
• Overnight trips that are long and regional, like Chicago to San Antonio or Los Angeles to San Antonio, will be more expensive for sure, especially if you need a sleeper.
• It is a moderate price increase to purchase business class over coach, but you also have the option for a sleeper, which is a large price increase over coach and provides meals.

How to Save Money on San Antonio Train Tickets

• Tickets will be cheapest if booking early because Amtrak’s prices do go up the closer you get to the departure, and the seats do sell out.
• You will want to travel during the week, as this will be your cheapest option versus traveling during holidays and during the weekends when there is more demand.
• Becoming a member of Amtrak’s Guest Rewards program will help you save on future travels.
• Keep an eye out for Amtrak shopping sales, as the best deals tend to happen a couple of times throughout the year.
• Check to see if business class or a sleeper is even necessary for your travel, and keep coach if it is a short daytime trip instead.
• Keep in mind all of the passenger categories Amtrak has for travel discounts, like students, veterans, seniors, etc.
• Check prices for a couple of days around your travel day because you will be surprised at how much the price changes.

Trip Type	Relative Price Level	Money-Saving Tip
Short regional (e.g., Austin-San Antonio)	Low	Book coach class, travel midweek
Medium distance (e.g., Dallas-San Antonio)	Moderate	Book in advance for lower fares
Long-distance coach (e.g., Chicago-San Antonio)	Moderate to High	Avoid peak holiday dates
Long-distance sleeper	Highest	Book early; compare against airfare for value

Prices and exact fares for each route change based on demand and the season of travel, so be sure to view current pricing on Amtrak’s site to finalize your travel plans.

Discount Categories

• Senior discount: Travelers ages 65 and older qualify for even lower fares.
• Military discount: Travelers who are active duty, veterans, or whose dependents qualify for this discount also qualify for this discount.
• Student discount: Students also qualify for this discount with a membership from one of our travel student partner programs.
• Children’s discount: Many times young children traveling with an adult qualify for either reduced fare or free fares, depending on their age.
• Group travel discount: Special group fares are available for travelers who are part of a large group traveling on the same train.

Why Prices Fluctuate

Amtrak follows a similar model to the airlines by pricing its fares in a demand-based model. Prices will rise if the train gets booked or when the travel dates get closer. Booking at least one month in advance is one of the best ways to ensure a good fare for holidays or other special events in San Antonio.

Best Time to Visit San Antonio by Train: Seasonal Travel Tips

The best time to travel to San Antonio by train depends on your weather preferences, your willingness to deal with crowds, and how much money you are willing to spend on travel.

Spring, March to May: Spring weather is nice and, generally speaking, the busiest time to travel, so book your tickets about a month in advance.

Summer, June to August: Summer in Texas means hot and humid weather, so not as many people travel for leisure. Families travel during school breaks. Trains may fill up the week of July 4th.

Fall, September to November: Fall weather is generally cooler, and you can travel for a lower price.

Winter, December to February: Winter has peak travel seasons (around Christmas and New Year’s), so train prices and demand are high. January and February are less busy.

Season	Weather	Crowd Level	Booking Tip
Spring	Mild and pleasant	Moderate to high	Book a few weeks ahead
Summer	Hot and humid	Moderate	Watch for July 4th demand spike
Fall	Cool and comfortable	Lower	Good value season
Winter	Cool, mild	High around holidays	Avoid late December if budget matters

The best weather and price point for trains to San Antonio make fall and spring the preferred time for the trip.

Factors That Impact Railway Demand to San Antonio

• Fiesta San Antonio (April) brings a major citywide festival and a significant increase in travel demand for trains and hotels.
• The Holiday Season (Mid-December through early January) is the busiest travel time throughout the U.S., with high demand and more expensive travel fares.
• Spring Break (March) travel demand for regional and long-distance trains increases with school-related travel.
• Summer (June through August) Family demand for travel stays consistent, with an increase in train travel on weekends.

Texas Summers are some of the hottest months, particularly in July and August, which may impact travel if you have a lot of outdoor activities planned after you arrive in San Antonio. Winter in San Antonio is usually pleasant and much better than the northern parts of the U.S. that have a lot of snow, particularly during the busy Holiday months.

Train vs Bus vs Car to San Antonio: Which Is the Best Way to Travel?

Considerations for choosing a method of travel include changes in your budget and schedule, and your preferences for comfort level.

Train: Riding the Train allows for flexibility in the budget and schedule, but requires time for scenic routes. Some trains are faster than driving on certain routes, while some, like the Sunset Limited, which only runs three days a week, can take longer. Trains also have limited departures.

Bus: Riding the Bus is the most budget-friendly, with the least amount of flexibility in departures. Seats are less comfortable, and the route is less flexible than a car.

Car: A car allows for the most flexibility and is the fastest means of travel for shorter trips, like Austin to San Antonio. Driving, however, increases the budget to cover fuel costs, possible tolls, and parking, and long trips can cause fatigue in the driver.

Factor	Train	Bus	Car
Comfort	High	Moderate	Depends on driver/passenger
Cost	Moderate	Low	Variable (fuel, tolls, parking)
Flexibility	Fixed schedule	Fixed schedule	Fully flexible
Baggage	Generous free allowance	Limited free allowance	Unlimited (own vehicle)
Best For	Scenic, relaxed long trips	Budget travelers	Short regional trips, groups

When looking for a trip without the stress of driving, riding the train is the most convenient choice. Using the bus is the most cost-effective option, especially for short regional trips with a lot of flexibility. Taking a road trip is most convenient for trips involving destinations not well served by either the bus or the train.

A Closer Look at Each Option:

Riding the Train: Travelers from Chicago, Dallas, Austin, or New Orleans traveling the Texas Eagle or Sunset Limited railway lines choose the train for a more comfortable, less stressful trip. Travelers riding the train have to deal with a more inflexible schedule.

Riding the Bus: Short-distance travel in Texas is best suited for budget travelers or students with a lot of flexible day-to-day routines, as many bus companies run several buses in comparison to a train on a more regular basis.

Driving: Families or travelers with a lot of luggage traveling to or from cities that aren’t well served by the rail system would want to take this option to stop in various locations in Texas and explore, such as going through the Texas Hill Country and stopping in between Austin and San Antonio.

Combining Modes of Travel:

 Many travelers take a flight to a major city like Chicago or Los Angeles to connect to the train for the scenic tourist section of the trip to San Antonio. This allows travelers who have a limited amount of time to take a cross-country train trip for the experience, while balancing a faster overall trip.

 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is there a train that goes directly from New York to San Antonio?

 No, there isn’t. To get from New York to San Antonio, passengers must transfer either in Chicago or New Orleans.

2. How long does the train from Chicago to San Antonio take?

 The Texas Eagle takes roughly 29-30 hours to get from Chicago to San Antonio.

3. Does the Sunset Limited run each day? 

No, the Sunset Limited only runs on three days of the week, from New Orleans to Los Angeles.

4. What is the name of the Amtrak station in San Antonio? It is called San Antonio Station, with the code SAS.

5. Is the San Antonio Amtrak station located near the River Walk? 

Yes, the Amtrak station is within walking distance of the River Walk and other downtown San Antonio attractions.

6. Is it possible to book a sleeper cabin on the train for overnight trips to San Antonio? 

Yes, the Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited have roomettes and bedrooms for passenger comfort on overnight trips.

7. Does each of the trains that goes to San Antonio have a business class?

 Business class is available on some segments of the Texas Eagle and is not available on all other segments.

8. How early should I arrive at the station to board the train? 30-45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.

9. Of the two, which is less expensive, taking the train or the flight, to travel to San Antonio? 

It depends on the route and ticket prices. It costs less to take the train than to fly on some longer trips outside the region, but sometimes flights can cost less than sleeper fares.

10. Train travel to San Antonio tends to be most comfortable during the

fall and early spring, since temperatures are moderate and crowds are small.