There are several stations along a long-distance Amtrak route, that have “Fresh Air” breaks.
What is a fresh air break and what can you do during one?
A fresh air break is a stop that takes a bit longer then just loading and unloading passengers.
If you want, you can get out of your car and light up a cigarette, or just walk on the platform for a few moments.
Your car attendant will know how long the break is scheduled for and definitely do not go far from the train.
They will not wait for you.
Several times on a long-distance train, they need to change crew and/or service the train. These stops will take much longer, due to the fact that they must gas up the train engines. The car attendant will let you know how much time you have to visit the station and make sure you return to the train at least 10 minutes before its scheduled departure.
An example of potential breaks on a long-distance train.
The Southwest Chief (Los Angeles to Chicago)
Fresh Air breaks
Fullerton, CA
San Bernardino, CA
Barstow, CA
Kingman, AZ (Change Engineers and some Conductors)
Flagstaff, AZ
Gallup, NM
Raton, NM (In the summer, Boy Scouts get off for summer camp)
La Junta, CO (Change Engineers and some Conductors)
Dodge City, KS (Change Engineers and some Conductors)
Newton, KS
Kansas City, KS Refueling occurs in the Arlington Fuel Yard, (just outside the city). It is a transfer point for the Missouri River Runner. (Change engineers and some Conductors)
Fort Madison, IA (Change Engineers)
Galesburg, IL
Refueling
Albuquerque, New Mexico (This could be a half hour or more, stop)
Arlington Fuel Yard outside Kansas City, Kansas (fueling only, no passengers allowed out)
