If you have the time and have ridden the SWC before, by all means take the train by way of Texas. It is a slow trip and not many would ride this end to end, but it has its attractive points. I for one enjoy riding across the southern Arizona deserts and through small towns in Texas, away from the Interstates. If the crews are good, then you should enjoy the trip. ( onboard crews will change in San Antonio. ) There is a lady working the dining car on the TE, Miss Polly, who has something of an infamous reputation for her pungent attitude with regards to customer service. She was efficient, and I found her mildly entertaining in a perverse way. Some people would say that this is a long, boring ride. Not in my opinion. Just don't look for spectacular Rocky Mountain views or vistas overlooking the ocean! I've taken this route more than once, back in 2002, New Orleans to Tucson and Los Angeles to San Antonio, and about two years ago Tucson to Chicago and Los Angeles to Tucson. Would I do it again? Sure, if Congress doesn't destroy Amtrak.