Train travel is booming. In the last year, The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) set all-time records for ridership and revenue, and in FY2025, Fort Worth’s station served 136,888.
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, there’s a good chance you’ll 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+ | Private rooms: $140+
- Chicago, IL | ~21-26.5-hour trip | Coach: $110+ | Business: $230+ | Private rooms: $415+
- Los Angeles | ~40-42 or ~67.5-hour trip | Coach: $130+ | Business: $250+ | Private rooms: $300+
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 up: getting to the station. Central Station doesn’t have parking on-site, but there is some nearby. You can also get there via Trinity Metro.
Just down the track…
The potential for a high-speed rail service connecting DFW and Houston seems promising, but updates have been few and far between — particularly as some rail funding disappears and other logistical matters arise.
On Amtrak’s side, officials said that this route is “the one that stands out” for feasibility back in 2024.
