I love this Amtrak station. Compared to the downtown STL stop, this is like flying first class…read more It's been a while since I've taken a train out of here, but we did a while back as a wrap up to a bike ride along the Katy Trail. We hired a shuttle from a St. Charles bike shop (Bike Stop Cafe) and they transported us here. I love the vibe of Kirkwood itself, and it doesn't hurt that there's an ice cream shop right next to the station. The folks were friendly, the station is clean, the train was timely... all in all, a great experience. Again the downtown STL stop feels more like a rough bus station, so if you can choose between the two, I'd opt for this one.

During COVID the station interior is open only for passengers--when it's open. Picking up a rider…read moreat midday on a Thursday the building was locked and dark. Delivering a rider at mid-afternoon on the weekend the station was open. Masks required inside. It's a cute, comfortable station. For waiting passengers it's more inviting than Amtrak's St. Louis depot. It's also easy to pick up riders here with 2 or 3 hour free parking close to the building. Kirkwood's adjacent downtown provides interesting browsing before or after a train ride.

I've taken the river runner from KC to STL several times. No issues on any of my trips. Sure, it…read moretakes a bit longer than driving, but I think it's worth it. The conductors are professional and friendly. The wi-fi works well. They do have a lounge car too.

My 4th cross-country Amtrak journey: first rate experience. Freedom to roam, decent food,…read morebreathtaking scenery, good selection of snacks, and every car has comfortable, roomy, reclining seats. Let's talk value: $300 for 2,000 miles (3,218 km) trip. Much less if booked in advance, and still 1/3 the cost of airfare. Greyhound bus fares are roughly same, but then you deal with freeway traffic, bad weather, and elbow to elbow seating. Brand new ST. LOUIS GATEWAY CENTER is such a great facility! Safe, clean, and staffed by helpful and knowledgeable locals. As always, Amtrak's greatest strength is its staff members. Porters, agents, conductors, engineers, vendors, and maintenance staff are invariably kind, helpful, and professional. Amtrak makes travel a memorable experience.