The Texas Eagle is the last train I would recommend for someone’s introduction to Amtrak long distance travel. Unfortunately, if you are traveling through some of the Nation’s biggest cities, St Louis,Dallas Fort Worth and San Antonio from Chicago that’s your only logical choice.A shame these huge population centers are served with substandard train service.
Texas Eagle discussion
- Thread starter Keith1951
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If so, it's probably because someone finally realized it is more cost effective to add a unit rather than risk the cost result of a single unit having mechanical problems, which results in busing and/or cancelation, and is occurring more often.
uncleboots
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Talked to a Amtrak Agent in St Louis and she said Traditional Dining and Sightseer Lounge Cars are slowing returning. She said a decision on the Texas Eagle hasn’t been made yet, but she’s optimistic it will return.
frequentflyer
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Can we have them pull more than four cars south of St. Louis? The old F40s are laughing from the junkyards.
Let's hope it happens in our Lifetime!
( and the Cap and CONO need it also!)
uncleboots
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Yes indeed.
I'm taking a solo trip on the Texas Eagle in two weeks from Fort Worth to LA that will have a roughly 5 hour layover in San Antonio.
Should I get off and explore the SA area or stay on the train? It is scheduled to arrive at 9:45pm Monday night. Thanks!
Should I get off and explore the SA area or stay on the train? It is scheduled to arrive at 9:45pm Monday night. Thanks!
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I would recommend checking out the Alamo and the Riverwalk which are relatively short and reasonable walks from the station. As I recall you do have to cross a major street and you pass by a Dennys which may also be a pleasant stop after the Texas Eagle non-dining. As far as I could tell the area seems fairly safe but others might know for sure. It might also be advisable to recruit several other passengers so you can go in a group. You could also Uber there.
When I stayed in the area a few years ago, I noticed that there were always people stopping by the Alamo - at all hours of the night. It is certainly a great attraction. The security guards there were helpful and pleasant and of course provided a sense of security at 1 or 2 a.m. I think I went to the Alamo for a brief time every night when I stayed at a hotel on the Riverwalk.
When I stayed in the area a few years ago, I noticed that there were always people stopping by the Alamo - at all hours of the night. It is certainly a great attraction. The security guards there were helpful and pleasant and of course provided a sense of security at 1 or 2 a.m. I think I went to the Alamo for a brief time every night when I stayed at a hotel on the Riverwalk.
uncleboots
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I walked over to Dennys and grabbed a bite to eat, and afterwords about 5 of us stood outside our car talking but the weather at that time was nice.
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Just to clarify, the Alamo interior is closed at night and you cannot tour the building then. But the spacious and well-lighted plaza in front of the Alamo is open and the front of the Alamo is well-lit. Many people seem to enjoy stopping by at night to look at the building, read the historical displays out front and chat with the security officers. It is close to the Riverwalk and the Dennys and is well worth a visit.
When I walked from my hotel on the Riverwalk to the station in the early morning to catch the Eagle to Chicago, I made it a point to take a brief detour on the way and stop by the Alamo for a last look.
When I walked from my hotel on the Riverwalk to the station in the early morning to catch the Eagle to Chicago, I made it a point to take a brief detour on the way and stop by the Alamo for a last look.
BTW there's a new Chick-Fil-A downtown near the Alamo (corner of Main & Houston) open until 9PM Mon-Thurs and 10PM Fri and Sat.
