Customers of Amtrak, Metra and other users of Chicago Union Station today enjoyed a holiday lighting ceremony like no other in the station’s 93-year history, showing off a Great Hall painted in its original colors, made brighter by a restored skylight and improved lighting accenting the historic space that has been Chicago’s front door since 1925.
Daylight Saving Time is ending this weekend, but Amtrak Saving Time starts now with a four-day sale for travel between Nov. 27, 2018, through May 22, 2019, on most routes to and from Chicago. There are no blackout dates, so this is a great time to scoop-up tickets on Amtrak.com or our free mobile apps for our roomy Amtrak coach seats to travel for December holidays, New Year’s Eve, Valentine’s Day or even spring break.
Amtrak is prepared to accommodate the surge of Thanksgiving travelers with extra trains in Downstate Illinois and Michigan, plus additional capacity on other Amtrak Midwest(SM) network routes for the holiday.
Tickets for the Amtrak Winter Park Express passenger train service from Denver Union Station to the slopes of Winter Park Resort are on sale now at Amtrak.com/WinterParkExpress. The 2019 season features a continuation of fares starting at $29 each way and three additional Friday round-trips.
Bicycles are now accepted between Indianapolis and Chicago both aboard the Amtrak Hoosier State (Trains 850 & 851), sponsored by the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) and the Amtrak Cardinal (Trains 50 & 51), which together provide daily service with intermediate Indiana stops in Crawfordsville, Lafayette, Rensselaer and Dyer.
Easier connections, more pets, bikes & student fares for back-to-school time: Amtrak and the state sponsors of the Amtrak Midwest Network have worked through the summer to make several service improvements in time for back-to-school and other fall travel.
Pontiac-Detroit-Ann Arbor-Chicago corridor welcomes bicycles
CHICAGO and LANSING, Mich. – Starting July 26, bicycles will be accepted aboard the Amtrak Wolverine Service (Trains 350-355), sponsored by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) with three daily round-trips between Pontiac and Chicago, via Detroit, Dearborn, Jackson and other stops.
There is a $10 charge in addition to the railfare. Bicyclists must make reservations to carry their bikes onto the trains and stow them at the direction of the Amtrak conductors.
Capitol Limited and Lake Shore Limited sleeping car customers now have a hot entree option
WASHINGTON – Contemporary and fresh dining choices for sleeping car customers on Capitol Limited and Lake Shore Limited trains include a hot entrée in addition to chilled meals, starting this week.
“Our plan to provide fresh food choices now includes a hot option, which is based on engaging our sleeping car customers on what they would like and with special training for our train crews,” said Bob Dorsch, Vice President of the Amtrak Long Distance Service Line. “This contemporary style of service has been well received by customers, with meals of their choice and at times they choose. These customers also enjoy having exclusive use of the dining cars.”
Chicago-St. Louis corridor now included in available itineraries
CHICAGO – In time for travel this summer and back-to-school this fall, the complete five-state Amtrak MidwestSM network will welcome dogs and cats on trains. The Chicago-St. Louis corridor, served by Lincoln Service and Texas Eagle trains, is the final addition to the pet-friendly policy following substantial completion of the major track improvements on that route.
Includes most services in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin
CHICAGO – In need of some home cooking? Have to make some college choices for this fall? Want to hang out with old friends at another school? With comfortable, spacious seating, outlets to keep you charged, and free Wi-Fi, you can do just that. Relax, browse, stay connected and maybe even get some schoolwork done. Plus, Amtrak lets you bring up to 150 pounds of carry-on bags at no charge. So free laundry is just an Amtrak ride away.
