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All aboard: How to ride Amtrak from Lexington

Taking the train isn’t just for commuters — it’s also a method of leisure travel that’s growing in popularity.

Maysville, KY mural behind train tracks

The 120-year-old Sunset train station — right next to San Antonio’s current Amtrak office — hasn’t served as a train station in years, but you can still check it out before your trip.

Photo by SATXtoday

Last we checked, 88% of you said you were interested in a commuter rail connecting Lexington to Louisville, Cincinnati, Georgetown, Frankfurt, and beyond.

Train travel is booming. In the last fiscal year, The National Railroad Passenger Corporation (Amtrak) served 32.8 million customers. And while Lexington isn’t currently home to an Amtrak station, train travel could play a part in your next vacation — with no thread of a middle seat assignment.

Meet the Cardinal

The nearest train station is ~1.5 hours away, in Maysville, and is located on the Cardinal line, which services many destinations — including:

  • Chicago
  • Cincinnati
  • Indianapolis
  • South Short and Portsmouth
  • Ashland
  • Charleston, WV
  • Charlottesville, VA
  • Washington, DC
  • Baltimore
  • Philadelphia
  • New York City

Same-day and overnight parking is available. Bonus: the Maysville station is historically notable — once serving as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

The ticket counter

Purchase one-way or round-trip tickets online, or buy a pass — the $499 USA Rail Pass, for instance, gets you 10 rides over 30 days.

On-board features

  • WiFi | While there’s no free WiFi, you are allowed to use your phone the entire ride. Pro tip: Outlets are more accessible in first class, 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.
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