Amtrak #3 The Southwest Chief at Raton, New Mexico 2025 (Photo taken by the Author)
Traveling by train brings you to places you would never fly to.
A long-distance Amtrak Train generally stops each hour along the journey, So when you book travel, from the beginning of the journey (most times Chicago), and the far end destination, you pass through towns and cities along the way. Some of them are small, and you are not allowed to leave the train at all, but others are places where the train crew change, and so they give the passengers a fresh-air break. A few places, they have to refuel the train, and in that case, you may get a half-hour or more, to get out, stretch your legs, and maybe explore the area nearby. An unexpected perk of travel. Always remember that the train will leave without you, so ask your car attendant what time you need to be back on the train.
Here are a few unplanned travel destinations that I have been glad to experience, along the way.
The Southwest Chief: Chicago to Los Angeles
Galesburg, Illinois is a quick smoke break sometimes. We usually can get off the train, and as long as we stay right by the door, we can take a few photos. We actually used this stop on a journey to California, leaving our original train, to then hop onto the California Zephyr, later in the afternoon. It’s a nice area, and the restaurants in the downtown area are just a quarter mile or so from the station. Glad I knew this area, and saved money, and hours more on the trains, for that one trip.
Fort Madison, Iowa is definitely a fresh-air break, though if you are running late, they may shorten it. Being we spent so many breaks in their town, we actually used it as a destination, and booked a room for 3 days, on one journey. They have taxi service, if you need it, and you can walk the riverfront area, if you decide to stay to visit.
Kansas City, Missouri is a main transfer point to the Missouri River Runner train to St. Louis, so the train stops there and it is definitely a fresh-air break. If the connecting train is late, you may be there for a bit of time, but I am unsure if I would want to try to get into the station, since it is at a much higher level, than trackside. Ask your train attendant, in regard to that. One time we spent several hours in that station, and it is quite beautiful inside. The neighborhood…not so much.
La Junta, Colorado is where a crew change happens, so we get a fresh-air break there. They warn you that you should not attempt to get some food across the street, because you won’t make it back in time (so buyer beware). Otherwise, step out and look at the train.
Raton, New Mexico just after the Raton pass, is a high elevation fresh-air break, where a crew change happens. The town is right by the station, so technically you could walk over, but that is definitely not recommended.
Albuquerque, New Mexico is a refueling stop, so the train gets serviced, and you can walk off and go into the town. The platform has venders who sell interesting wares, so you might want to check it out. You can then spend some time looking at their station. It is quite nice, and the bathrooms are good, too. There are two stores within walking distance, though I have never had a need to visit them.
Gallup, New Mexico is a quick fresh-air break, and if you have the time, it is worth getting out, for a look. The downtown route 66 road, is right there.
Flagstaff, Arizona is usually busy, so it is about a 10-minute fresh-air stop. We spent several days there, and being it is the gateway to the Grand Canyon, we rented a car, and drove up to see it. The only problem with it, is the high elevation. Just a warning if you are sensitive to that.
Barstow, California is a fresh-air break, if you want to get out, stay right by the door to your car.
Fullerton, California is the last fresh-air break, but again, don’t stray far from your door.
There are others, Dodge City, Kansas (Crew Change), Kingman, Arizona (Crew Change), Needles, California (Crew Change). But those are in the middle of the night, most times, so they don’t count. Middle of the night station stops are not announced, and chances are you are asleep, and have no idea where you are, if you wake up.
As you can see, the train gives you so much more than flying does.
Next up, The Lake Shore Limited.
