The notion that long-distance practice journey is a factor of the previous—particularly within the U.S.—is being challenged by Amtrak. With rising curiosity from vacationers, the U.S. nationwide rail firm is shifting its focus and investing closely in bettering its long-distance service. This contains enhancing iconic routes just like the California Zephyr, which stretches from Chicago to the San Francisco Bay Space, and the Crescent, which hyperlinks New York Metropolis and New Orleans.

It additionally contains the Texas Eagle, the longest passenger practice journey in America, at 2,278 miles. The route runs from Chicago to San Antonio, Texas, with an non-obligatory connector to Los Angeles—and is a significant recipient of the Amtrak upgrades. 

Essentially the most notable improve from a passenger perspective is the return of Amtrak Sightseer Lounges (aka commentary automobiles) on the leg between Chicago and San Antonio. They reportedly returned in early March 2025 after being phased out throughout the pandemic. 

These iconic commentary lounges have large image home windows and excessive seats that present an unbeatable, panoramic view of the passing landscapes. The lounge on the Texas Eagle additionally has a staffed cafe, so vacationers can get pleasure from a drink whereas watching the sundown or seize a espresso because the solar rises.

The Texas Eagle is getting a number of different Amtrak upgrades, together with enhanced on-board eating, improved ADA accessibility, and upgrades to the Texas Eagle’s bi-level Superliner automobiles, which supply a mixture of coach and sleeper lodging.

“Amtrak’s Lengthy Distance routes are important mobility and financial hyperlinks for communities across the nation and we’re regularly working to reinforce them,” Amtrak Board Chair Tony Coscia said. “We consider in the way forward for our Lengthy Distance service and we sit up for enhancing the client expertise throughout the Amtrak community, and additional supporting U.S. manufacturing with our fleet substitute.”

The Texas Eagle primarily runs between Chicago and San Antonio, with stops in St. Louis, Missouri; Little Rock, Arkansas; Dallas; Fort Value, Texas; and Austin. This day by day practice takes round 32.5 hours and travels 1,306 miles, however vacationers can prolong their journey by connecting with the Sundown Restricted in San Antonio. (That route runs between San Antonio and Los Angeles through El Paso, Texas, and Tucson, Arizona.) The mixed route is a whopping 2,728 miles (or simply over 65 hours), making the Texas Eagle the longest passenger practice journey within the U.S.