Train travel is booming. In the last year, The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) has served 34.5 million riders, and in 2024, Fort Worth’s station served 123,236. We’re curious to see how 2025 stats will compare.
The more sustainable, often scenic, and middle seat-less cousin to flying, train travel could play a part in your next vacation — here’s how to do it locally.
Meet the Texas Eagle
If you’re leaving from Fort Worth’s Central Station, you’ll most likely be riding the Texas Eagle:
- WiFi | While there’s no free WiFi on the Texas Eagle, you can use your phone the entire ride. Pro tip: Outlets are more accessible in first or business class + sleeper cars.
- Food + Drink | This train offers flexible dining (complimentary meals for private room travelers), cafe service (snacks and drinks for purchase), and traditional dining (chef-prepared meals for first class travelers).
- Accommodations | The Texas Eagle features upper and lower level coach seats + various private roomettes and bedrooms.
Where it takes you
Maybe you’ll take the midnight train, but you don’t wanna go just anywhere. Check out a few places you can get from Fort Worth. Prices may vary.
- Austin, TX | ~4.5-hour trip | Coach: $15-$20 | Private rooms: $140-$180
- Chicago, IL | ~21-26.5-hour trip | Coach: $110-$260 | Business: $230-$270 | Private rooms: $415-$700
- Los Angeles | ~40-42 or ~67.5-hour trip | Coach: $130-$250 | Business: $250-$280 | Private rooms: $300-$2,200
First stop: The ticket counter
Purchase one-way tickets online, or buy a pass — the $499 USA Rail Pass, for instance, gets you 10 rides over 30 days.
Next — getting to the station. Central Station doesn’t have parking onsite, but there is some nearby. You can also get there via Trinity Metro.
Just down the track…
Potential for a high-speed rail service connecting DFW and Houston seems promising, but studies are still underway; Amtrak officials said that this route is “the one that stands out” in terms of feasibility.
