This Underrated Amtrak Route Is Quietly Becoming America’s Last Great Cross

If you're dreaming of a cross-country train ride that takes you from the skyscrapers of Chicago to the desert sunsets of the American Southwest—without the crowds of more famous routes—then it's time you discovered the Texas Eagle . Often overlooked in favor of the California Zephyr or the Empire Builder, the Texas Eagle is quietly gaining status as one of Amtrak’s most unforgettable journeys.

With a sprawling route that runs daily from Chicago to San Antonio, and then thrice weekly onward to Los Angeles via the Sunset Limited, the Texas Eagle offers travelers a rare opportunity to experience the country’s geographic and cultural diversity in one slow, scenic ride. With the recent reintroduction of the observation car that was removed in 2020 , the return of the Sightseer Lounge makes