I have been through the St Louis Amtrak station a few times and it is always an experience. Not good, Not bad but an experience. It's loud, confusing and people running everywhere with so direction it seems sometimes. When in doubt ask. The cafe needs to be renovated. It is in a rough states of affairs. I understand the sense it made to combine amtrak and grey hound but the confusion it creates at times is mind boggling when you have train passengers accidently getting on a bus or vice versa. You wouldn't imagine it happening but it does. Or people constantly getting on the wrong train because nobody uses the intercom. They yell announcements and nobody can hear past 12 feet because of the crowd. The craziest experience I have had would be the shuttle van from Carbondale station to the St Louis Station. Way too many people crammed into a van that is too small. It's been an anxiety riddled roller coaster every time I've taken it. But it is the easiest way to get to the train headed to New Orleans to see family. Once you are off the van it is easy sailing. The Security at St Louis Station immediately kicked out a guy who rode with us in the van because he thought he was a vagrant. The guy rode the van, was waiting on a ride. The security guard said "did you just get off the train"? . He said no, I just got off a van. He said there haven't been any buses get out of here. Kicked him right out and they started cussing. Escalated and everything. It was a mess. I wish they could make some serous improvements here. read more

Incredible easy check in. Tickets are purchased online or in station, come with 1 personal item and (2?) at least one luggage as long as it fits in the overhead bin. I'd really like to highlight D. Starr (Danny) for his incredible hospitality! 7 am and he is chipper, informative, and smiling. read more

Saint Louis to Chicago, Lincoln Service 300. This is a new train set and relatively comfortable with a quieter, smoother ride. The line has been improved considerably since my last trip and travel speeds are much faster. But the standout for today is the amazing staff! This has to be one of the best Amtrak experiences I've ever had. Everyone has been very friendly and service-focused. If Amtrak can keep this up, I'd be willing to travel more by train. read more

Nothing but issues and awful experiences with Amtrack. Any other form of transportation is a better choice! My mother and I took a vacation and decided to book our accommodations at our destination and bedroom cabin on a train round-trip through Amtrack vacations. Our problems started days before we were even scheduled to leave. Three days before our departure we received a text saying that there was a problem on our return trip and that another stop was going to have to be added to our travel plans and they did not have a bedroom anymore bit could offer us "bunk beds". Then one day before our trip started we were told that problems persisted with the trains and we would also have to add another stop to our beginning trip. It took 3 calls to Amtrack to even get them to send us the correct modified tickets. On the day we were scheduled to leave we arrived at the station one hour prior to our departure time. The man greeted us by saying "Sorry but there is an indefinite delay, at least ten hours maybe not even today". When we explained that we had tours reserved and 2 more stops along the way that would be disrupted by this his only response was to say there was nothing they could do. We decided to stay there in the hopes that something could be worked out and approximately 9 hours later the train finally arrived. My mother and I are both disabled and the employees of the train could have cared less that we were struggling to deal with our luggage and walking from different train stops along the way despite the fact that notations had been made on our reservations that we would require assistance at each stop. The bedroom accommodations were appalling. There was barely enough room to slide in sideways. You could not even put your luggage on the floor and still have room for your feet. The shower we were promised was in a tiny room with a toilet that you could barely fit in. In order to use the shower you would have had to sit on the toilet to make it possible. Our attendant was rude from the beginning and then got very angry with me when after I went to breakfast I decided to sit on the top bunk after he had made up the room in order to give my mom a little extra space to sit. By the time we reached our vacation destination we were exhausted, frustrated and disappointed. Dredding the time that we would have to make our return trip. When it was time to come back we couldn't sleep the night before from the anxiety of having to ride with Amtrack again. And we would soon learn that our fears were justified. The return trip was even more of a fiasco and many irritations were to come. During our sleeper car stay (17 hours) the train broke down on the tracks during the night and for two and a half hours the train had no electricity which meant during heat warnings in the middle of summer we had no air conditioning and no ability to even open windows to get air flow. Once the train started again we were informed our bathrooms didn't work and as the trip went on the smell became overwhelming throughout our train car. On the final train we had our worst experience yet. I am a smoker but I handle long periods of time without smoking with very little problem and I had gum to see me through if it became an issue. We finally had a car attendant that actually seemed to care about everyone and was very friendly. I even thanked him for treating me like a human being ( also heard others do the same thing so I can only imagine what their experiences had been). He came up to me and said I know your a smoker so at the next stop you can get out and smoke if you would like. He also told others the same thing. So when the stop came myself and two other women stepped off. The two other women were smoking Marijuana so I stood off to the side smoking my cigarette. Another employee from our train, but not our car attendant started yelling at us that this wasn't a cigarette break and for us to get back on the train. By this time there was a long line of people waiting to board. So, I moved up but knew I needed to wait in line so I figured there was no harm in finishing my cigarette while I waited. The man then stormed over to me specifically and started yelling in my face to get on the train. I explained that there was a line and I was waiting for there to be an opportunity to get back on. He then started loudly yelling, by this time everyone was watching, that smoking was illegal in this state (the state I live in) and that you certainly couldn't smoke near doors. I turned around ro check and make sure that I wasn't near a door or bothering anyone else. This seemed to push him over the edge and he got even louder telling me to get on the train. Keep in mind he never said a word to the two other women who were both of his same race. I don't like to think that way but what other conclusion can I come up with? I have never in my 50 years of life been treated like that or spoke to in that matter. I felt like a prisoner not as a paid guest read more

My expectations were low on taking the train from St. Louis to Joliet and I was pleasantly impressed with Amtrak. First, the train left on time and arrived 5 minutes ahead of schedule. Amtrak I'm impressed. Second, the coach car we were in was very clean and everything worked. Third, there were electrical outlets at every seat that supported traditional and usb connections. Fourth, very clean bathrooms. We made about 4 stops before arriving in Joliet. If we would have driven our car we would have arrived maybe 15 minutes sooner assuming no slow downs for accidents or construction. It was enjoyable to leave the driving to Amtrak. We parked our car in the convenient secure Amtrak lot that's a block from the train station. Ultra convenient! read more

Amtrak - Sleeper car - Public Transportation Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Amtrak is a perfectly acceptable alternative way to travel if you know anyone that flat won't fly. Did a trip from St. Louis down to Phoenix (Maricopa) during the Fall of 2023 Pros: +In terms of cost effectiveness, its hard to do better. Driving to Arizona takes roughly the same amount of time and Amtrak allows it at a fraction of the cost. +It is comfortable in terms or reclining and leg space. Better than a flight. +Love it when they have lounge cars, and it is great to get up and walk around. +Sufficient rest facilities including wider rest rooms that are handicapped accessible. +Enough stops for the smokers Cons: -Services on the train are kind of random and I never know when the cafe car will be open or what kind of facility cars will be on the train. -Odds that you will be travelling next to strangers when you are solo are HIGH. Get used to it. It's better when they assign seat because people tend to claim more seats than they should. I tend to remain in my seat at every stop because of this -Cleanliness is always a concern especially when you're using travelling port-a-potties. Two nights without a shower is pretty rough, so be prepared. -Snacks aren't cheap Bottom Line: When it gets down to it, flying is more practical... BUT it was still a good expeience. read more

See all

Amtrak please continue the Trails & Rails events! It was so enlightening with a wonderfully animated guide! Thank you! So much fun. read more

See all

Horrible train was over three hours late on arrival and 3 hours late of drop off. I will be wanting my money back for the train ticket as well as the missed hotel check in read more

Security guard (stl station guard) screaming aggressively at man for being confused about which line to stand in. He had to repeat himself after the man got confused and apparently this was grounds to scream at the man aggressively. Really uncalled for and also felt racially motivated. read more

Down the hill from old historic Saint Louis Union Station, close to the present day railroad tracks - that distance equivalent of several standard length city blocks - stands a much smaller, more modern building. A single story structure, much more utilitarian & far, far less ornate than Union Station, the function (historically speaking) is nonetheless similar. This smaller building serves as the passenger depot for Amtrak in Saint Louis. As the saying goes, "Not every station is a depot, but every depot is a station." And this depot serves its purpose for passengers riding Amtrak well, albeit in a much more functional, less opulent manner. The building is well maintained & tidy, but lacks much of the grandeur of its bigger sister up the hill from that bygone era of peak passenger rail travel. That is the less splendorous era we live in. A number of vehicle parking lots are nearby, should the need for such arise. read more

Amtrak - Public Transportation Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

This place really is a sad excuse for the train stations of the past. And the clientele...well, it's what you expect for a Greyhound station. That said, I've been taking cross country trains for my entire life and really enjoy it. I wish Amtrak would class up their act a little, modernize and clean their trains better and bring back the train pizzaz. I can see hipsters really getting back into train travel, although I don't think it will happen any time soon. It a much slower way of life, to just sit back and watch and enjoy. The train goes places cars and planes don't go. Anyway, St Louis' Amtrak station leaves so much to be desired. Like so much. Logistics: you can bring whatever you want on board. Water, food, wine, laptop, chargers (please not weapons). You board 15 min before the train is set to depart. St Louis departures are generally on time, no so in smaller stations. You'll line up, follow the leader and get on board. You do not show a boarding pass until the train has left the station. I've always wondered what happens if they're moving and they find out you don't have one... Never actually seen that. I've met really interesting people on long distance trains. Start riding more and keep this classic mode of transportation alive. And c'mon, travel in style, not in pajamas. Personally, I choose a skirt and kitten heels and bring my hat box. read more

St Louis Amtrak station is fairly straightforward and smaller compared to places like Chicago. The train stops, picks up passengers and goes on its merry way. I've caught the train to Chicago from this station a couple of times. There is a paid parking lot nearby which is super convenient if you can't find anyone to drop you off and pick you up. Within the station is a small eatery selling some quick snacks, lunches, and drinks. They don't really make loud announcements prior to boarding but you can generally tell when your train is about to board. Lines of people will start and they check your ticket before the platform. There's no need to ask where platform 9 and 3/4 is located at as this station! Once at the platform, someone will guide you through the train entrance and off you go! They always keep the place in a fairly good, fairly clean condition. I also think you can purchase your tickets here if needed but I do all of that online for convenience. So the next time you are considering taking a train, consider the St Louis Amtrak station! read more

The Amtrak trains themselves have wonderful customer service. The people working the STL station in particular, however... completely different story. The people are rude and I've genuinely never met a nice worker here. read more

We had a whirlwind trip starting at Saint Louis! We went to Chicago the Southwest Chief to LA. Then the Coastal Starlight to Seattle. From Seattle to Chicago on the Empire Builder, then back to Saint Louis. It was amazing! All of the employees on the train were very accommodating and nice. We had a roomette which was fine but a bit cramped after thousands of miles. But I'd definitely do it again! I'd highly recommend others ride the train! read more

Amtrak - Roomette - Public Transportation Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

HORRIBLE EXPERIENCE AND UNSAFE!!!!!!!! We were on the Sunday night 305 train (Lincoln Service) from Chicago Union Station to St. Louis on 12/10/23. The train was packed.... not an open seat. The temperature in ALL cars, but the cafe car, was at least 95 degrees. People were very rapidly stripping off as many of the layers of clothes as they could (and let me tell you some of those stripped down women were NOT appropriate for children!) Moms were also stripping off their baby's clothes down to their diapers to stop them from crying!!!! People throughout the car were complaining and trying to seek out cold air wherever they could find it. When asked about the temperature of the cars or what they were going to do about it, the attendants provided absolutely NO productive information nor did really anything to settle people down. All we got was a shrug before they walked away. In fact, they were sitting in the cafe car (like they always do) ALL NIGHT. Funny thing was the cafe car was the ONLY cool car on the whole train. They literally sat there and never once did they come through the cars to check on people or offer any water or other drinks. I have been a frequent "flyer" on Amtrak (10 - 12 times a year) for the last 30 years and I have NEVER really had a good experience on this line of the Amtrak. The attendants have been rude, unthoughtful and L-A-Z-Y!!!!!!!!!!!!! I really wish I could make the bold statement that I will never use Amtrak again but unfortunately I can't. However.... hopefully there are some of you out there who might have some other options!!!! I would walk it if I could that's how bad it was. I don't want to make this story any longer at the risk of losing all of you great people as my audience. Amtrak needs to start to "walk the talk" when it comes to their customer service "10 point pledge" which is stated on page 1 of their website. The ONLY employee that left my husband with a positive impression was the OVERWORKED cafe employee who was trying to serve all the people who were out seeking water and other beverages!!!!!!!!! She was AMAZING and "walked the talk". The rest of them.... worthless. read more

On the train to St. Louis and we have the absolute crabbiest Amtrak guy. Every person's question has been met with the snarkiest, most dismissive answer. Like I'm sorry your train is booked full, but how is this the passenger's fault!? Isn't this the job they are paying you to do? read more

This station is really small and easy to navigate. It's not very clean and they only have a small area for food/drinks. When you arrived, you will see a counter for the train (Amtrak) or the bus (Greyhound). There is some seating, but the place can get busy so you might end up standing for a bit. They did not make many announcements about trains departing so it was kind of confusing at first. I was seeing people start to line up and when people were asking the employees about what to do, no one really seemed to know what was going on. I really did not know what to do, so I waited and then decided to get in line when others were talking about it. You line up and then walk through the station to take an escalator up and then down again and if you are lucky, you won't get caught in a traffic jam on the escalator. Seriously, when people were getting to the platform, they were not leaving much room for others so the escalator got backed up and the guy in front of me almost fell down as he was trying too avoid hitting people and then I had to jump off the moving escalator to avoid bumping into him. It was a nightmare and I don't want to do that again. Boarding the train was okay, but it took a long time for some reason. But we eventually got on board and the train did depart on time. I think I would take a train again, but I am not in a rush to depart from this station anytime soon. It was just an unpleasant experience for me. read more

It was my first time taking the Amtrak and everyone that works there were ridiculously cold and rude. They have a pizza hut express and KFC express inside the station as well and definitely do not recommend going there either. Whole experience was unpleasant. read more

If you're looking to take the train and aren't worried about the extra comforts, Amtrak is the way to go! We took the train back to St. Louis from Hermann after a full day of winery hopping. Boarding was easy, the cars were primarily empty (it was pretty late), and our group of 6 quickly found places to sit by each other. Were the seats super comfortable? No, did they do the job? Yup. We got back to Saint Louis well after dark and were impressed with the security and how well-lit the parking area was; however, one of our cars was ticketed despite having it paid for the entire day of parking. Overall, I would retake Amtrak, at least, for a shorter trip. read more

I mean, it is what it is. Affordable travel with a touch of old school glamour. Conductors seems efficient in getting people sat and tickets scanned. Although I didn't visit the club car (I brought snacks) I heard (from a VERY LOUD woman) that the prices were outrageous. I'm sure they are similar to concession pricing, so if you don't want to pay that, plan ahead like a normal person and bring snacks. Bathrooms stayed pretty clean throughout our trip from Chicago to St. Louis and back again. Seats were pretty uncomfortable, but no more or less than airplane seats. Announcements were made to let us know how much time we had between each stop; that was appreciated. We ended up pulling in to Chicago about 30 minutes before our scheduled time! read more

Amtrak was my saving grace to getting back to KC after traveling for Thanksgiving and getting caught in the 2018 Blizzard. However, if you would've told me there wouldn't be any heat, I think I would've just risked another cancelled flight. Not to mention, my area had an unclean smell mixed in with a passenger that openly coughed and sneezed the entire six hour ride directly behind me. For $83 I suppose it wasn't terrible as far as the budget but they need to make some changes ASAP. read more

There is no signage or directions from the parking area to the terminal. The train car we are on has no toilet paper in the restroom, no soap in the dispenser and the hand dryer does not work. It's a pitifully maintained mode of transportation. I'll fly next time. read more

Our Amtrak journey started out from Union Station in Chicago to the Amtrak Station in St. Louis. Chicago's Union station is a grand old station. Still clinging to the 1950's when rail was king. The train we took was called the "Lincoln Service". One funny story before we board the train. Mrs. K. packed for our normal 6 weeks for a 6 day trip. One must remember Mrs. K. needs her electric blanket. From the Caribbean to Alaska the blanket goes with us. We were carrying three big suitcases. We asked if there was an elevator which was out of operation. So we had to take the escalator. This is where our troubles began. I placed one of the suitcases in front of me the other behind. The front suitcase was not all the way on the "step".Thank goodness there was no one in front of us. I swear as the suitcase tumbled and banged its way all the way down it sound like an explosion. At the bottom of the escalator it took one more tumble. There was a man who heard the noise and was looking up at me smiling. I told him "no worries I do this all the time". He kept staring and me and I turn around to find Mrs. K. had fallen on the escalator and was flat on her back. Well we showed them! The Amtrak takes marginally longer than using an automobile. We had multiple stops but Amtrak uses the Japanese method of you better get off or you are going to the next stop. Thus making progress toward St. Louis. I used my Waze app and the Lincoln Service would hit speeds up to 83 miles per hour and was smooth as glass. Big comfortable seats smooth ride made this ride outstanding. read more

Trains are still outdated even though they just upgraded them will rather fly instead

I love the Missouri River Runner. The staff is great and the ride is gentle. You get big comfy seats. and there is a lounge car where you can play cards or sit and chat while having a snack. All seats come with an outlet so you can charge your devices. If traveling between STL and KC it will take longer than driving but they will drop you off in the downtown area of each city and just Uber from there. read more

I took Amtrak from St. Louis to Chicago for the first time last month (actually my first time taking a train in the states not counting metro/subways). It was a fairly decent experience. The train station is small and kind of hidden away, but it has the basics of what you need (restrooms, seating, food if you're desperately hungry). The train itself was fairly clean, the bathrooms weren't as stinky as I expected (actually they weren't stinky at all), the seats are more roomy than you would get on a plane, and the ride was enjoyable. I would use Amtrak again to go to Chicago (or Kansas City), but not for any cross country trips. Anything further than Chicago, I would probably fly there to save the time. However, I enjoyed my leisurely train ride to Chicago because I rested, read, and caught up on some yelp reviews instead of driving. read more

Amtrak - Seat was fairly roomy on the train from St. Louis to Chicago - Public Transportation Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

Amtrak Mo River Runner consistently sells me "train tickets" even it's actually not a train ticket. They very frequently force me to go from the comfortable Missouri river runner train to a disgusting smelling, cramped, intercity greyhound BUS. It's false advertising. I'm very disappointed in them, but they did get me to my destination, so i guess they get 3 stars. read more

So despite the fact that I enjoy rail travel in general, I've never taken the "river runner" 5 hour 40 minute train to Saint Louis from Kansas City. I more often Megabus it. Yes, the train is definitely 2 hours longer than the straight shot on I-70. But here are reasons that you should travel it: 1. For single travelers or couples, it might be cheaper than driving, depending on how far ahead you book. 2. It's evocative of the old style of travel - what I would call the "human scale" - and allows you to enjoy some great scenery simply not available by car (there aren't even side roads near some of the canyons and riversides we went by. 3. Seats are super roomy, and Amtrak isn't popular enough in the Midwest that you can't have the seat next to you also if you're a single traveler. Dining car has some great snack options and there's no line for the bathroom or no one to glare at you if you just want to get up and walk around or go to the viewing car. 4. As much storage for as much baggage as you can/want to bring. 5. No TSA grope/pat down/destructive and harmful x-ray. 6. Outlets at every seat. Reasons you might avoid it: 1. If you need 100% internet access the entire 5 hrs and 40 minutes. Between Hermann and the Lou coverage is really, really dodgy even on my usually super reliable Verizon aircard. I assume we are traveling through areas that are sparsely inhabited, and as such, not in need of the $1m cell tower it would cost to cover it. 2. You need to get to Saint Louis in a hurry. Take a Southwest flight. It's direct and easy. 3. You don't do well with possible delays and problems. Train travel in America is always subject to freight priority, so sometimes you might sit in a siding for 10 minutes at a time - time that can't be made up. If none of those apply to you, bring a book, maybe a cozy blanket and small pillow, and a favorite book. And enjoy your ride. PS As Joi B. so ably chronicled in her epic anti-STL Union Station rant (http://www.yelp.com/biz/st-louis-union-station-st-louis#hrid:lQJA7m6MhJo5noJp1eYvcA), Amtrak is at the "Gateway Station" not "Union Station" (though it is as close as across the street). I think in trying to put together the metrolink, grayhound, and Amtrak together, Union Station wasn't an option. Too bad, as I said in my own review (http://www.yelp.com/biz/st-louis-union-station-st-louis#hrid:uxHkfChq4hTfDYufNBkpeA). But don't go to Union Station looking for Amtrak! And don't sweat it, because the Gateway Station rocks, with a clean interior and a couple decent food choices. read more

If you've never taken a train ride; you should. Amtrak is not as good a an airplane ride but not nearly as bad a bus ride. I'd say it lands somewhere in the middle. The station itself is decent. Small but equipped with basic concessions, a rest room and information/ticket booth. Keep in mind not all stations are created equal. Amtrak Union Station has nothing on Chicago's Station or New York's for that matter. Anyway, there are pay phones, ample seating and escalators inside for access. Last but not least; the ride is smooth and scenery is relaxing if you can tolerate the long ride with frequent stops. Be sure to pack your headphones, a few magazines or a good book to read, snacks, water and a pillow/blanket. Make the ride as comfy as possible; you'll be here for a while. Personally, I'll take a flight (my ADD sets in quickly lol) read more

Overall not a bad experience. I keep using it especially to and back from Chicago. Recently priced. Can bring food and drinks with you, lots of luggage, and they are pretty timely. Could make parking more secure and safe. Less stops between St Louis and Chicago or make a direct routed train. The lobby isn't bad either. Could use more electrical outlets. Has food. read more

Amtrak - Public Transportation Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

See all

Very comfortable ride. Friendly staff. Comfy seating on train. Highly recommend Amtrak travel. read more

Amtrak - Comfy seating. - Public Transportation Near Me - Saint Louis, Missouri

Coming in from Chicago, I really thought that this was some kind of temporary/emergency thing. I can't believe that a major metropolitan area would have this shack as their station. The whole place can probably fit in my backyard. Why anyone thought that moving it down the road from the convenient Union Station was a good idea is beyond me. So now you are forced to take a cab to your final destination because unless you research it ahead of time, you won't know that the metro is a few blocks away. Thanks. read more

COVID has nothing to do with the rudeness of the employees at this station. I would rather travel to Alton to take the train then deal with the rude employees at the St. Louis station! read more

Filthy cars. Not even wiped down. Sticky trays. Very unfriendly staff. LATE late late late late. By several hours late. Missed connection to other train. Took an Uber instead. Ridiculous excuse of a business. Just file bankruptcy already and let someone else create something better and more efficient. read more

I take it to go back and forth from Chicago to St. Louis. It's usually reasonable with the prices. I get the upper coach which is good because the seats extends both legs and back to almost a twin mini bed. I bring drinks and food on but you can also purchase from the food cart train . The time to & from is good . There are outlets by each seat, free WIFI as well. So if I'm not talking Amtrak - I'm taking the Megabus! read more

Two parts to this review, the station and Amtrak itself. Station: 1.5 stars. Amtrak Train travel in general: 3.5 stars. I really enjoy taking the train now. It is a new thing for me. Flying for years visiting relatives, although fun when I get there, is almost always torture. Squished together, the lines, check in, re-check in, security check, and now pat down/shoes off/power up laptop, take off jewelery etc.. ad nauseam... Amtrak has none of that nonsense. Advice: I always recommend the business class as it is only 20 bucks more, with the same lousy food naturally (hehe) but the seating is more spacious and comfortable with a lower noise volume which makes the comfort level goes up the scale to 100% in comparing to just regular fare. I have tried coach (LOUD and sometimes Greyhound-sque) & I have tried the lowest level of 2 person suite for travel (less leg room,) and I still prefer the business class. Perks: Business class you have 2 foot rests... one in front of you that you can rest your feet on and a leg/foot rest that props up like a lazyboy chair. You can lean back in your chair without disturbing who is behind you. There are 120V electrical plugs (for coach also) for every seat pairing. Pros/Cons: It is a longer way to travel, by train, but not that much longer if you are going to Chicago or Michigan. Sleeping our way to Michigan, rather then driving through the ice and snow is a blessing. Your luggage does not get searched, you can pack liquids and breakables as you choose, you don't have to take off your shoes, in business class you sit in a different (A LOT less crowded) waiting room. For $20 it is beyond worth the cost. Pros: Your luggage is always with you. You don't have to pack like someone might go through your stuff and you don't have to worry about your lip gloss causing an international incident etc.. If you pack something your big suitcase that is your favorite item, you don't have to worry about a luggage handler/sorter/etc.. lifting it off your hands. Carry that hair gel and in your carry on with no worries. This part is a big deal for me. Through many years of flying and the last few years of having to pack everything trying to keep in mind where to pack valuables (on me,) liquids of any sort (sealed in something and pray it doesn't burst in the suitcase.. oh the horrible memory of ruining a beautiful dress from Hair conditioner. :( etc....) .. THANK GOODNESS all I have to do is pack it up and go to take the train! Cons: Your luggage is always with you. Make sure ALL your luggage rolls or your shoulder bag is VERY light. Trust me. Your shoulders/back will NOT like you if you lug your heavy (or soon to feel that way) luggage around everywhere (thinking of Union Station and trading off to go to another hub.) The station itself: I like the location, as it seems a bit removed from the immediate area's traffic. The people who are working the ticket counter have 10 shades of attitude but they get 10 flavors of crazy going through there and not just mine. ;) (Good crazy is ok :p :D ) The fastfood joint is dirty and I couldn't bring myself to eat there. The chairs are horrible and there are no good places to put your luggage nor yourself for that matter. All sorts of characters walking in and out of there. I feel safe enough but I wouldn't have anyone I care about stay there too long waiting for me to pick them up. Always room for improvement. What's up: Take luggage that has wheels. Your shoulders/back/neck will scream at you if you try to carry bags everywhere. Pay the extra 20 bucks for business class for a much better experience. I love trains now. So stress free compared to driving/flying. Don't tarry at the station. Time your rides to be close to pick up time. I have heard many stories of VERY long waits for taxicabs, be warned. As you can call while you are on the train there is no reason to make people wait at the station for you or vise versa. Have fun! :) read more

Two weeks prior to departure we booked business class tickets from St. Louis to Chicago. 14 hours before we left, at 2am in the morning, we got an email saying the entire business class section of the train had been removed. I get it, things happen. But an email at 2am the day of departure? read more

*sigh* Actually, John H., this Amtrak station has gone through a major upgrade. It is no longer located underneath the interstate in a tiny blue shack. It now rests in a slick, sleek new building that is, in fact, steps away from the Civic Center Metrolink stop. This change happened in November 2008, so it's quite strange that your review is obviously a reflection of what the station USED to be...7 months ago. Oh, and for the record, I don't work for Amtrak, nor do I have any affiliation with the company. I simply think it would be doing a disservice to NOT correct a faulty review, so I'm considering this my good deed for the day. read more

I'm an old school guy. I drink Schlitz, watch Bonanza, and travel by train. I also ride a penny-farthing bicycle but lets get back on track. Most of you rail riders probably remember the old "Amshack" that greeted visitors to St. Louis. Compared to a landfill the place was still a dump. It wouldn't surprise me if giant cockroaches were working as baggage handlers there. My favorite memory of the old station was that one broken window. Didn't matter what day you arrived/departed. There was always one window somewhere that was broken. The new station is a massive upgrade over the Amshack, however, an old refrigerator box would have been an upgrade. My major gripe with the new place is the design. I think someone who graduated from Architecture school with a C- grade average conceived the layout. As for traveling by train, I love it. From St. Louis, I've gone to Chicago, Kansas City, San Antonio, and New Orleans. I've trekked from LA to Chicago. I've chugga-chugga choo-choo'd(hmmm) from LA to San Francisco on over to Chicago. To me, the journey is indeed the destination. Want a vacation recommendation? Fly to Denver and take the train to San Francisco. The ride through the Rocky and Sierra Mountains and the canyons of Colorado is unmatched. The ride through Illinois, Iowa, and Nebraska, though? That will make you consider ingesting arsenic. Overall, Amtrak is completely hit or miss. Your train could be 10 minutes early or 10 hours late. The dining car could run out of the best food. A mouse could get loose on the train(has happened). You could have an absolutely fantastic or miserable experience. If you haven't taken a train before, I recommend it. There's no better way to see the country. read more

All my Amtrak excursions have been between St. Louis and Chicago and every time I take that trek I haven't been disappointed. They check you in efficiently at the desk (they say they are going to electronic only in Sept) then you can either line up for your train or sit. Best bet, to get a decent seat, is to go ahead and get in line because its a mad house if you're not already there. The staff is very friendly and nice. The trains are decent. We usually get a nicer one coming home from Chicago for some reason and going up they are the older cars. Just remember if you need help with something, do not ask the snack car people - they won't be able to help you at all. You'll have to walk all the way to the beginning of the train and ask those conductors instead. We found this out with a bathroom situation on our my recent trip. You can always find good deals on train rides, which as long as you don't mind sitting for a few hours, it works. There are outlets at every seat so you can get your work done and charge your items as needed. I would make sure your luggage has wheels on it because it is a bit of a walk to the trains. read more