The journey from Amtrak Austin to Dallas is neither too long nor short, but it’s more than 6 hours. Texas Eagle is the only train serving this route, with one departure a day from both ends. It has five stops in between before reaching the destination in Dallas, covering over 180 miles with trains 21 and 22. Passengers can book either coaches or private cabins, with prices starting at $20 and $162, respectively. Amtrak allows them to bring food and snacks on board and can even purchase it from the dining car. Additionally, same-day bookings are also accessible at the station, but it is subject to seat availability.
Austin to Dallas on Amtrak
The Texas Eagle passes through central Texas on its long journey between Chicago and San Antonio, stopping at several intermediate towns between Austin and Dallas, including Taylor, Temple, McGregor, Cleburne, and Fort Worth.
- Train Line: Texas Eagle (Trains 21 and 22)
- Duration: 6 hours 17 minutes (Austin to Dallas) and 6 hours 44 minutes (Dallas to Austin)
- Distance: Approximately 182 miles (293 km)
- Frequency: One daily departure in each direction
- Departure Station: Amtrak Austin Train Station (AUS)
- Arrival Station: Amtrak Train Station Dallas (DAL)- Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station
Amtrak Austin to Dallas Train Schedule
The Texas Eagle operates on a fixed daily schedule in both directions. Train 22 runs northbound from San Antonio to Chicago, passing through Austin and Dallas. Train 21 runs southbound from Chicago to San Antonio, passing through Dallas and Austin.
Austin to Dallas (Northbound- Train 22)
| Amtrak Train | Operational Days | Departure and Arrival Timings | Duration | Coach Prices | Sleeping Cabin Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Texas Eagle | Daily | 9:26 a.m. and 3:43 p.m. | 6 hours 17 minutes | From $20 | From $162 |
Texas Eagle stops in Texas cities
| Station | Scheduled Timing |
|---|---|
| Austin, TX (AUS) | Departs 9:26 a.m. |
| Taylor, TX (TAY) | 10:17 a.m. |
| McGregor, TX (MCG) | 11:20 a.m. |
| Temple, TX (TPL) | 11:47 a.m. |
| Celburne, TX (CBR) | 12:59 p.m. |
| Fort Worth, TX (FTW) | 2:23 p.m. |
| Dallas, TX (DAL) | Arrives 3:43 p.m. |
Dallas to Austin (Southbound- Train 21)
| Amtrak Train | Operational Days | Departure and Arrival Timings | Duration | Coach Prices | Sleeping Cabin Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Texas Eagle | Daily | 12:38 p.m. and 7:22 p.m. | 6 hours 44 minutes | From $20 | From $162 |
Intermediate Stops and Schedule
| Station | Scheduled Timing |
|---|---|
| Dallas, TX (DAL) | Departs 12:38 p.m. |
| Fort Worth, TX (FTW) | 2:28 p.m. |
| Celburne, TX (CBR) | 3:12 p.m. |
| McGregor, TX (MCG) | 4:20 p.m. |
| Temple, TX (TPL) | 5:03 p.m. |
| Taylor, TX (TAY) | 6:00 p.m. |
| Austin, TX (AUS) | Arrives 7:22 p.m. |
Amtrak booking Austin, Texas to Dallas, Texas
For booking Amtrak trains through Dallas, commuters must use the official platforms to get the exact pricing. Using third-party websites can show higher pricing with hidden costs.
On Amtrak.com: Visit Amtrak’s official website, enter Austin (AUS) as the origin and Dallas (DAL) as the destination, select the travel date and number of passengers, and choose the cabin class. Fares update in real time based on availability and how far in advance the booking is made.
Via the Amtrak App: The Amtrak mobile app offers full booking, mobile ticketing, real-time train tracking, and departure notifications. Passengers can show their ticket directly on their phone at the station without printing.
At the Station: Tickets are available at the staffed ticket counter at Austin Station and Dallas Union Station, as well as at self-service kiosks during station hours. Austin Station has limited staffed hours, so booking online or via the app in advance is recommended.
Same-Day Booking: Because the Texas Eagle operates only one departure each day in each direction, same-day tickets depend entirely on seat availability on that single service. Booking in advance is strongly advised, particularly on weekends and during holidays when the train fills more quickly.
Cabin Classes and Onboard Facilities
The Texas Eagle is a Superliner long-distance train, which means it operates with double-deck rail cars and offers cabin types apart from the standard Coach and Business options. Passengers travelling between Austin and Dallas can choose from Coach Class and private Sleeping accommodations.
Amtrak Coaches
The Superliner coach has 2 seats on either side with a centre aisle and no armrest between the seats. A window is present beside each pair of seats, about 41 inches. Passengers can access the lounge car and purchase meals from the dining car onboard. The coach attendant is available throughout the journey to guide the guests.
Amtrak Private Cabins
The accommodations in the Texas Eagle come in four different sizes, offering multiple facilities, including complimentary meals with soft drinks in the dining car and personal service from the sleeping car attendant, like helping with bags, turn-down service, and even meals served in the rooms on request.
Bedroom: The first option with a sofa and armchair that converts to two berths when required. It also includes a private sink, vanity, and a fully enclosed shower and toilet area. Passengers can use a fold-down tray, a 110V outlet, an attendant call button, and control panels for climate.
Family Bedroom: Present on the lower level of the train with private windows on both sides. Two long sofas and child seats are present that can be converted into upper and lower beds at night. Additionally, two small child berths are available, along with other bedroom facilities.
Roomette: This room can accommodate two people with two reclining seats alongside a window. The seats convert to lower and upper berths for sleeping from the wall. It’s present on both levels with common restrooms nearby.
Special Bedroom: These rooms are made for passengers with disabilities and are located on the lower level of the train. It occupies two seats that convert to upper and lower berths at night. The entire room, including the sink, vanity, and toilet, is wheelchair-accessible. Furthermore, room service is also available.
Amenities on Texas Eagle
Amtrak WiFi: Complimentary WiFi is available on the Texas Eagle, though connectivity can be inconsistent in rural areas between Austin and Dallas. The service is suited for light use messaging and occasional browsing rather than streaming or video calls.
Food on Amtrak: The Texas Eagle operates Flex Dining on this route with typical timing for servings:
- Breakfast: 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
- Lunch: 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- Dinner: 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Amtrak Power Outlets: Every seat in Coach Class includes power outlets for charging devices. These outlets are also available in the sleeping cabins.
Amtrak Pet Policy: Small dogs and cats weighing under 20 pounds, including the carrier, are permitted on board with a reservation and a $26 fee. Pets must remain in their carrier for the entire journey.
Bicycle Policy: Passengers can bring folding bicycles as carry-on items. Non-folding standard bicycles require a checked baggage reservation, available at stations that offer checked baggage service. Austin Station and Dallas Union Station both have checked baggage facilities.
Amtrak Discounts from Austin to Dallas
To save more on Amtrak tickets, visitors can use these discounts and coupons while booking tickets through the official portal.
- Amtrak Children’s Discount: One child aged 2 to 12 travelling with a fare-paying adult qualifies for a 50% discount on the lowest available Coach fare. Children under 2 who do not occupy a seat travel free.
- Amtrak Senior Discount: Passengers aged 65 and over receive a 10% discount on most Amtrak rail fares. The discount applies automatically during booking and covers Coach and private accommodation fares on the Texas Eagle.
- Amtrak Student Discount: Students aged 17 to 24 with a valid student ID can save 15% on Coach fares. The student discount can be selected during booking on Amtrak.com.
- Amtrak Military Discount: Active-duty U.S. military personnel, their spouses, and dependents receive a 10% discount with a valid military ID. Veterans qualify for the same 10% discount. Both apply to Coach and private cabin fares on the Texas Eagle.
- Amtrak Group Discount: Groups of 6 or more passengers travelling together on the same train can save up to 60% on Coach fares. All group bookings are required to be arranged in advance via Amtrak’s group sales team.
Tips for Travelling Texas Eagle Austin to Dallas
To travel from Austin to Dallas in Amtrak, passengers can follow these tips to make their journey comfortable.
Book early for the lowest Coach fares: With only one daily departure in each direction, the Texas Eagle between Austin and Dallas fills more quickly, and coach fares start from around $20 at their lowest.
Consider Roomette: Passengers traveling with family or kids should consider booking a roomette for this 6-hour-long trip for additional comfort.
Bring food for the journey: While the Cafe Car is open throughout the trip, the selection is limited. Passengers with dietary requirements or preferences should consider bringing their own food, particularly for a six-hour daytime journey.
Amtrak Lost and Found: If anyone loses any item or belonging at the station or in the train, they must report it to the lost and found office or on the official website of Amtrak.
Arrive Early at Amtrak Station: Passengers must arrive on time at the Austin station, as there is only one departure a day, and if someone misses that, they will have to wait until the next day to board the train. Be there at least 45 to 60 minutes early.
Amtrak Guest Rewards: Every trip earns points in the free Guest Rewards loyalty programme, which passengers can redeem for future travel. Passengers traveling in Business Class receive a 25% bonus on each journey, with Sleeping Car passengers accruing rewards at a higher rate.
Traveling from Amtrak Austin to Dallas is direct, as the Texas Eagle provides a straight route. The journey takes about 6.5 hours to complete; passengers get both coach and roomette options available for booking. However, the seats fill quickly, and only one departure happens, so book early for better availability and pricing.
FAQs
Train 22 completes the journey from Austin to Dallas in approximately 6 hours and 17 minutes, departing at 9:26 a.m. and arriving at 3:43 p.m. The reverse journey on Train 21 takes approximately 6 hours and 44 minutes.
One train runs daily in each direction. Train 22 (northbound) departs Austin each morning. Train 21 (southbound) departs Dallas each afternoon.
The Texas Eagle is the only Amtrak service on this route, with the Austin-Dallas segment representing a mid-section of that route.
Coach fares start from approximately $20 on early bookings. Prices increase as departure approaches and as seats fill. Sleeping accommodations start from approximately $162.
Trains depart from Austin Station at 250 North Lamar Boulevard. In Dallas, trains arrive at Eddie Bernice Johnson Union Station at 400 South Houston Street.
Yes, sleeping accommodations including Roomettes, Bedrooms, Family Bedrooms, and Accessible Bedrooms are available for booking on the Austin–Dallas segment, even though this is a daytime journey.
Yes, Dallas Union Station serves both DART light rail (Red and Blue Lines) and the Trinity Railway Express (TRE) commuter rail to Fort Worth.
No, the Texas Eagle on the Austin-Dallas route doesn’t provide business class cabin availability.
The timings for breakfast on the Texas Eagle are 6.30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. while traveling from Austin to Dallas.
