Omg ! Took train from Tucson to to San Antonio. Train was great seating . Bathroom could use sanitary cleaning every 2 hrs . Everyone using bathroom makes me gross out ! Other than that , bringing a blanket would have helped. Once we got to San Antonio, that station needs upgrade bad!!! So ugly n old n it's very sm looks like a spooky area to be ! They should considered that it's next to landmarks?? N make it nice n pleasant looking . I didnt want to go inside it was packed w people waiting to get on the train . Omg they looked like sardines. We waited outside n called a taxi , It was freezing but better than smelling n breathing all those people inside yak!!! San Antonio clean up ur train station!!! read more

Overall disappointing experience with this location, the staff and the service. The station is filthy. There is no sign of employees except for the occasional sighting. The train sat there for well over 90 minutes without letting anyone board. The "dining car" had issues with meals and you had to make reservations (on a train!)! The diner car staff had no problem announcing that in El Paso there is a burrito lady like 6 times only to see a uniformed Amtrak woman helping this unlicensed vendor on the platform!!! I think she was making change! The cafe was the saving grace as you cannot just go eat in the dining car. I thought this would be fun and relaxing but it turned out to be so much like riding a Greyhound bus that it will probably be the last time in my life that I try it. Spend the money, take a plane or drive yourself. read more

I frequently take Amtrak round trip from Chicago to San Antonio. Since it arrives to San Antonio late at night, I hang out in the station all night until my daughter picks me up. The station is clean, well lit, somewhat comfortable and has active security. The station closes when the morning train returns to Chicago then re-opens later that same night. The cycle repeats. I do agree that better short term parking is needed. Overall, I like the station, a lot. read more

we got here an hour early by 530 am and train was delayed til 8. wow they need a better parking system. They need a better bagging system. They need a better train system. They need a whole new system over here. OK, I overreacted the train loaded at seven, but it was a little confusing so read more

20 Oct 2023 This is our first train trip. Took the early train to Austin; the return train leaves Austin at 6:30pm. Not bad for a day trip. We scored senior pricing. The station is a little small with chairs along all walls. There is an overhead mounted TV. Restrooms are outside due to the station is under renovation. The train boarding is announced really loud. Unless you're deaf, you should have no problem knowing your train is about to leave. The security guard was friendly, answered questions. He didn't take any guff, though. He had to stop a car from turning left onto the track. Sheesh. read more

We took the Texas Eagle from San Antonio to Chicago and stayed in a Family Bedroom (sleeps 4, and one of those should be a child or very small adult). Since the room only had one electrical outlet (since the train was probably built before mobile devices were common), we would go to dining car for meals or just to sit and charge multiple devices since most tables had four plugs. I was disappointed that the Family Bedroom did not have its own bathroom (the Amtrak website leaves much to be desired as far as details and general use) but there were three individual bathrooms and one shower for the passengers in our car. read more

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The train station was a little crowded. The train was comfortable. Seats lay back a lot and have foot rests. The food was good, not 5-star but it was better than expected. We went from San Antonio to mineola, took about 11+ hours with several "fresh air stops" and we did have to stop the train and wait for a freight train to pass once. Overall if you have the time the train was not unpleasant, much more comfortable than an airplane. read more

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No parking. You have to go to Austin. No place to leave cars. Hotel rates are exorbitant.

Train was on time Easy inexpensive trip to Houston Breakfast was Great along with a Diet Coke...ate in the Restaurant area with Glass top train read more

This review is only of my experience from the Alpine, TX station to the San Antonio station. First off, I need to qualify this by saying this was my first Amtrak trip ever, so maybe it was a bold and adventurous choice to do a 23.5hr overnight train ride from Tucson, AZ to Austin, TX, but did not have a choice under my circumstances. I had come into the San Antonio station around 5am after a HORRIBLE experience in my sleeper car in room #11 on car #2230 from Alpine to San Antonio when the Amtrak concierge guy who was in charge of our car, Jose, decided that he was too cold (we had terrible issues w/the temperature control in our sleep car; we had to sit w/the door and curtains open to get cool air into the compartment as there was absolutely none if we closed either; the temp controls are there strictly for decoration) and turned off the air, so we all literally were cooking in an extremely warm, confined, and stuffy car. It was absolutely terrible! I was unable to sleep and actually became nauseous from the extreme heat. The worst part was, Jose was nowhere to be found and did not respond to our call button pushes throughout the night. We were in literal hell for over 5hrs! We finally got some mild relief when were able to step off the car in San Antonio (which I recommend as they turn off the power in the cars for 2hrs because they do a train swap with one going to Chicago and the other to New Orleans and the car is literally a hot, muggy sardine can). However, the station itself is right next to the Alamo Dome and the people at the station are of the sketch, ghetto, and just plain crazy thug variety. Once you enter the extremely small, unkept waiting room through the cloud of smoke from all the smokers congregating in front of the door (no one enforces any sort of rule about not giving others cancer from second hand smoke) there are restrooms, some seats, and a tv along w/a ticket window. There are only two stalls in the women's restrooms and let's just say you are better off using the toilets on the train! I was still so dehydrated and nauseous from the heatstroke I got on the train that I got sicker when I tried to drink water from the drinking fountain at the station, so I just decided to sit in the seats outside in front of the trains and watch the musical chairs of them making the car swaps to NO and Chicago. Note: Be sure to ask which track your car is on because several people tried to board the wrong train. Needless to say, when we got back in our car, our compartment was still stuffy and unbearable so we ended up going to the Lounge car just so we could breathe, though even the Lounge car was still slightly warm since the car hadn't had any a/c for over 2hrs. It was just incredible that we didn't have any way to complain about our plight from Alpine and that the person who was on board to help us was the one who caused our misery to begin with. I am, in no way exaggerating, when I say that those 5+hrs were some of the worst and most uncomfortable I have ever experienced in my life and the fact Jose thought his comfort was more important than the passengers' is unsettling and that I paid Amtrak to make me suffer like that just adds insult to injury! read more

Amtrak San Antonio Station - Morning Fog covering the Tower of the Americas! - Train Stations Near Me - San Antonio, Texas

The dropoff area at Sunset Station is a little tight for cars. Rather than a loop, it was a dead end requiring a 3 point turn. The employees are courteous and the morning train seems to depart on time. The people you're likely to encounter on the train are on average, less crazy than on Greyhound. The crazy ones are abundant, but at least not the majority. read more

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We love traveling by train. San Antonio is our closest departure station. The staff are all very friendly and helpful. Our arrival was late at night, but we felt quite safe. read more

I love Amtrak. Many times it runs late, so if you are in a hurry, go ahead and fly. If you need to unwind, relax, or catch up on work, then take the train. I took the train west. Early morning departure and arrive in El Paso in the early afternoon. Pros: the staff are great, the seats are roomy, and the observation room is amazing to watch the beautiful scenery go by. The food was good Cons: the bathrooms are downstairs and not always clean. The food is pricey. If you can afford it, get a sleeper car. read more

Train arrived 2 hours late, then departed 90 minutes after they said they would after the delay. Then to top it off, we're stuck on the track after leaving for no good reason. Next time I'll just fly and pay a little extra. Amtrak is ruining my vacation plans. read more

the train's internet didn't work, was slower than the bus, and there was a VERY bad bathroom. didnt even lock.

I was in San Antonio yesterday for lunch and stuck around to pick up a friend coming in from Chicago at 9:55pm. The old glorious Sunset Station of my youth this is definitely not. Although there were parking lots close to the building, the gates wouldn't open. The only recourse was to park at the old station and hoof it to the new. Not a long walk but it left my friend who had just endured 32 hours on the train huffing and puffing. The interior was not only drab but depressing. Sterile walls with the occasional Amtrak poster. While the seats were in decent repair and fairly comfortable, that would not be the case for a long lay-over. This station is only open from 9:00pm to 7:00am; no trains arrive or depart this station during the day. The two stars are awarded not for the station itself but for the ticket agent and security guard. Both gentlemen were kind and helpful. All I can say is that if you arrive at the station in the wee hours of the morning and have a long layover, may the Fates have mercy on you. read more

We took a trip from Los Angeles to New Orleans on the Sunset Limited and had a great time. Pro: -The seats are big and comfy, with adjustable leg supports and seat backs. -The staff was very friendly (except for one creepy guy that got on in Texas) . -Watching the country roll by from the comfort of the observation deck is great. -Breakfast in the Lounge car was a nice way to start the day. Props to server Dave. -Outlets for charging your phone and other electronic devices was a big perk. -Cheep tickets $280 for 2 people and no bogus extra charges for luggage like the airlines do. Cons: -The food and snacks are a little overpriced, so I'd advice you bring a good supply of snacks and drinks with you. -You can't use the showers if you ride coach. -It takes a quite a bit longer than flying, but that is kind of the point. read more

While waiting to board the northbound Texas Eagle out of San Antonio, on a hot, hot early morning, I surveyed the folks who would be my fellow passengers/ adventurers. What struck me was how proud these folks were - men with freshly-cut hair, older ladies with wash'n'wear perms, young girls with ribbons in their hair, and tall, gangly teen boys with size 12, stylin' new runners on. Everyone in their best holiday finery. Folks headed off to West Virginia (take me home, country roads! John Denver nailed it), Oklahoma, Chicago - and me, a little commute up to Fort Worth! Great fun, the sightseer car almost empty, the great expanse of Texas countryside stretches for as far as the eye can see. And, yes, the deer and the antelope play here. Running alongside the train tracks, or grazing on dry stubble, that was the extent of the wildlife. Lots of cactus, full with cactus pears. A long, slow journey, but far better than sitting in traffic on the expressway. Loved every moment. All aboard! read more

I remember arriving at this tiny Amtrak station at 3am after a 15 hour train ride from New Orleans. I prefer small stations so no complications here. The train ride was nice and comftorable. read more

NO PARKING ANYWHERE!! There was a parking lot but it was chained off. Probably for the 2 employees that work there. This was a great idea with the kids except there was no where to leave my car and the hotels were not having it. Had to find a garage 10 miles away and catch a cab back to the train station. Then we stood for hours because the train was late. LOL. Once on the train, it was awesome. Next time I will catch the Amtrak out of Houston. They have parking!! read more

Pros: There's a nice selection of children's books in the waiting area That's about it... Cons: The smell of smoke is impossible to avoid, even indoors Extremely small and dirty inside the station - seriously, don't go in the restrooms. Staff were extremely rude and not helpful Pretty sure this place is used as nightly shelter to many homeless in San Antonio more than an actual train station for travelers Felt extremely unsafe with our toddler in tow We arrived over an hour before our train was scheduled to depart. No staff to be seen until about 45 minutes before departure. Was told to wait at the counter to check our bags. No one ever showed up. Finally tracked down a few employees who refused to check our bags for us because we "should have dinged the bell" that was on the counter BEHIND the closed security gate. After much disregard for our situation we finally found one employee, Olivia, willing to check our bags. A bit of advice for anyone traveling for the first time via San Antonio station: find the bell and ring it continuously until (hopefully) someone arrives to assist you! Also, don't expect much as far as customer service is concerned. Do not expect any direction to be given by AMTRAK staff. You have to fend for yourself and find your own way around here. It's really disappointing. read more

My Family of 10 arrived at the train station in San Antonio at 6:15 am for our 7am train and according to Olivia that was 2 minutes too late to check our bags. However, Olivia asked how many bags we had and my Husband said "I believe we have 8-10 bags", and at that point Olivia told my Husband that we could not check our bags and we would have to carry them on the train. My Son-in law also went into the train station and said that we had so many bags that it would fill up the floor space in the sleeper car. Olivia said we had no choice. I went into the train station with my granddaughter and asked for a luggage cart and she said i needed to leave ID, so i went back out to the parking lot and brought back my ID. At that time I asked if we could check our bags and she said "No I've already told 2 men that it's too late". I went back outside and the Assistant conductor walked up and he asked if we were in the sleeper car, and I said yes. I told him that the lady in the office has a nasty attitude and she refused to check our bag. The conductor walked up and they both talked and said that they would personally bring our luggage to the baggage car. As they started loading up the luggage i went to the office to bring back the cart and i said "The other employees agree that you have a nasty attitude". She said "WHO SAID THAT", and then she said "LETS GO FIND THEM". In my complete amazement she started walking and i followed and she said did that man in the uniform say it, and i said no, and she walked the entire length of the train continuing to yell and be confrontational until we reached the Conductor in the white suit and she said "DID HE SAY I HAVE A NASTY ATTITUDE" and i said "You have been nothing but rude and not trying to accommodate us and our luggage at all sine we arrived, and she said they had to load our luggage because we had too many pieces. That was never said for the 30 minutes that she walked around outside arguing with me, and she never offered to accommodate us. I obviously know that i have no authority to have any employee terminated, but I would suggest a formal investigation, because she brought me to 4 different employees yelling "DID HE SAY I HAD A NASTY ATTITUDE", this behavior is not only confrontational it was absolutely appalling to 50+ passengers outside witnessing her horrible behavior. I believe that we all have choices to make and this could be a teachable moment for this employee, because I'm sure that this is not the first time that she has had foul behavior to other customers The conductor on the train saw me in the observation car and he apologized for any miss-understanding, I appreciated his acknowledgment, however this is just another example of how she brought me all the way to the end of the train questioning Amtrak staff and he had to witness such rude behavior of one of his fellow employees. My Family had 3 sleeper/family cars from Fort Worth to San Antonio and we had an amazing time, Reggie was our first attendant and Chevi is our final attendant today and they were both so accommodating. I just can't believe that we have ended such an amazing Holiday and great train trip with such a horrible encounter that was completely not necessary read more

In July 2016, returning to L.A. from Washington D.C, and then from Chicago via the Texas Eagle, I stopped here to join the Sunset Limited for the final leg on toward L.A. Now, if you look at Wikipedia's page about this station (and most elsewhere) you'll see a fine old building and if you admire old train stations you'll look forward to this. You would be wrong to do so. But as this is a review of the actual 'station' PROPER and certainly NOT a review of my Amtrak ride/their toilets/the view out the window miles and miles before I got to SAS, I'll direct you to comments made elsewhere ;) There's not much to this station. At least there isn't at night. It is simply a waiting room. It can seat approx. 60 or so people on those narrow, hard, connected rows of seats most people hate. Of course a good deal of these seats will be occupied with luggage, etc. and since most folks these days like to spread out... If you're looking for flyers for local attractions and excursions, you can pick them up here. There is a television. There was a window sticker announcing free wifi, although I can't recall if I was able to avail myself to it. There were candy and soda machines. I imagine most would easily call this waiting area 'disappointingly dreary'. Most of us who got off the train for the ol' leg stretch went for a look see. It's quite nice. Sunset Station (the original station) is gorgeous. However, it is only an 'event destination'. Whether or not there is some crossover which allows access to restaurants, etc. as other stations do was something I could not determine (night and all). I would very much doubt it likely. Service specifics for this station are available on Amtrak's website, obviously, so call ahead if you're looking for something I've failed to mention. Naturally, my experience was about 6 months ago so things *may* have changed since then, but as there were no interior photos posted, I thought a rundown might be appreciated. San Antonio looks to be a great city for a visit, in fact I hope to head there soon! But this 'Station w/waiting area' should not be expected as a highlight. read more

Amtrak conducted on the 421 Texas eagle leaving San Antonio Texas on we'd the 18th of November at 0245 in the morning is rude to people. ..... 1 He has no manners. 2. He is making it seem like we're all loud. 3 he doesn't know how to use the proper words for example.... Instead of saying I already told you once if you wanna talk go to the lounge car... He could've said excuse me folks for the convenience of others please go to the lounge car if u wanna talk.... read more

As a person who has been thought some airport horror story of 9 hours flight delays, fake bomb threat, being over overcharged up the ass for having 5 extra pounds of luggage and still have a bad phobia of planes to top it all off; the train is one of the most reliable ways of transportation for me. It cheap it on time and if there's any major delays it's less than 4 to 3 hours, coffee and food is pretty good I don't have to worry about being over change for luggage because the Weight limit is 50 pounds and you see the nice landscape instead of clouds and cars. It might take longer but it not a hassle to get on. read more

My first-ever trip on Amtrak was 20yrs ago to Austin,Tx. Last December, my hubby and I decided to venture on the Texas Sunset to Chicago for Christmas. It was awesome! I felt like a kid I was so excited for this trip. Travelling North over the holidays in unpredictable weather is so stressfull. AMTRAK is the way to go. It takes longer (32hrs) to get from SA to Chi. Buy the sleeper fare and meals are included. RR&SLPR facilities are tight but no worse than an airplane, cruise ship or bus. At Union Station, there is a nice lounge to wait in and you get priority boarding. Sadly, SA stn. is pretty basic despite the gorgeous historic bldg that sits empty next to it. If your trip starts in SA and you're from out of town, it's well worth staying at either of the two hotels 1 block away (5min walk from river). It's not the most luxurious ride, but I thoroughly enjoyed stress free travelling, the sightseeing, intimate dining, private room, safe environment and YES even friendly staff! read more

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We took a summer trip from San Antonio to Chicago (31 hour train ride). We got to Chicago 5 hours late due to freight trains. Even on our return, we got back to San Antonio 4 hours late. As if 31 hours isn't enough, an additional 9 hours total on the train was not fun. It didn't help that the staff was not friendly at all-almost as if they tried to avoid passengers altogether. The restrooms were disgusting-I'll post the pics. When we asked the staff member to clean them, she said "we're not allowed to change the trash". Never again will we take a train ride-I will say that other passengers who rode before said that this has never happened to them, so maybe it was just our bad luck?! read more

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Boarded train from San Antonio for Dallas Texas along with my wife. It was a pleasant journey and we enjoyed every bit. If time is not a constraint it is the best option to travel as you could carry good amount of baggage as well ( 2 Free Check in baggage + 1 handbag = 3 per person ). Seating is comfortable and ticket price is pretty much decent compared to flights . We took a super liner roomette which has one room with two adjustable seats, so could sleep comfortably. Also convenient for 2 people and price is less compared to two seat option and included breakfast and lunch. Was a nice package which I would seriously recommend. Only issue was that it was 15-20 min late at arrival at Dallas as has a good amount of stoppage at Austin and Fortworth!!! read more