Tennessee's AMTRAK Stations

Tennessee has two Amtrak stations, and we must say that they are two of Amtrak's finest!

Memphis Central Station is located on South Main Street right on the edge of the city's vibrant cultural district. The parking is free and, thanks to the police substation on the property, it is perfectly safe. This station has a ticket office and a checked baggage office open every day from 6AM until 11:30PM. If you need to buy or print your tickets, try to arrive at the station about an hour before departure time. The same is true for checked baggage service.

The Newbern train depot is handsome, convenient, and easy to find right in the downtown business district. Parking is free and, because the station is across the street from the police department, is safe too. The station opens about an hour prior to train time. This station does not have a ticket office or a checked baggage office, so you'll need to have your ticket in hand and pack lightly with a maximum of two carry on bags per person. (You can also make a reservation with Amtrak and pay for your ticket in cash after you board the train.)

Some Tennessee residents are closer to the Amtrak stations in Birmingham, Alabama and/or Atlanta, Georgia. Both of these stations have daily service to and from New Orleans, Southern Mississippi, the Carolinas, Northern Virginia, Washington and the Northeast. Parking is available in the vicinity of the Birmingham Station; however, parking in Atlanta requires some advance planning. Email us at TARP if you plan to leave from Atlanta as we will be glad to assist you.

Some East Tennessee residents are closer to train stations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia. Consult an Amtrak route map to see which one is closest to you.

AMTRAK Possibilities

If you need a reason to ride the train, besides the simple pleasure of train travel, let us share with you just some of the possibilities that Tennesseans can try!

Shop and Sightsee in Chicago (without paying for a hotel room!)

The Windy City has so much to offer, and it's all within walking distance of Chicago Union Station, which is served by multiple Amtrak routes, including the City of New Orleans! Simply board the train at Memphis or Newbern and make the overnight journey that reaches downtown Chicago the next morning. When you step off the train, take a moment to relax and enjoy this amazingly beautiful and elegant train station right in the heart of the city. Check your luggage in the storage lockers inside the station and then make your grand entrance into this glorious city. From the front door of the station, cross the Chicago River, stroll about a block on Jackson Street, and you'll be standing right at the door of the Sears Tower! Stroll further on Jackson Street and you'll pass by numerous shops, beautiful architecture, and dozens of places to eat, many serving the ever popular Chicago-style pizza! When you reach Michigan Avenue, you'll be standing in one of the most exclusive shopping districts on the entire continent! Take some extra spending money along and choose from the incredible selection! Take time to visit one of the famous museums in Chicago, such as the enormous Chicago Museum of Art. Before the day gets away, board one of the tourist buses on Michigan Avenue or take a taxi to Navy Pier - a true piece of Americana with rides, music, and good times all around. Be sure to get back to Union Station in plenty of time to reclaim you luggage and to be in the Concourse in time for the first boarding call. You'll be back in Memphis or Newbern early the next morning.

Visit our Nation's Capital (without paying for a hotel room!)

Washington, DC is a beautiful, educational, and exciting place to be at any time of the year. Most Tennesseans are within a reasonable drive of Birmingham or Atlanta where you can board Amtrak's Crescent for an overnight journey. The train arrives in DC's grandiose Washington Union Station the next morning. There are so many fine shops and beautiful attractions inside the station, including a movie theater, that you may forget there's an entire city just outside the door! When you do step outside, you'll be looking directly at the Capitol Building and all the surrounding parks. Pick up some tourist information inside the station and make a plan. There are several famous museums and, of course, there are the famous memorials that Americans cherish so deeply. When evening rolls around, it'll be train time again. You'll make an overnight journey back and look back on an enriching experience!

Spend Time in the Big Apple!

New York is a must see for everyone. It's definitely not possible to see even a fraction of what the Big Apple offers in just one single trip, but a few days will give you plenty of time to take in a fair sampling. And, if you take the train, you'll get the best of New York without all the hassle of flying or driving. Most Tennesseans are within a reasonable distance from the Amtrak station in Birmingham or Atlanta. Board in the late afternoon or evening, and relax during the overnight ride. You will arrive at New York's Pennsylvania station, right in the heart of Manhattan. Times Square and the famous Broadway Theaters are only a few blocks away, not to mention Macy's Department Store. Some of the finest dining and most exquisite shopping in the entire country is available all through the region, and you scarcely need a taxi from the train station to get to it all. The Hotel Pennsylvania is directly across the street from the station, and other fine hotels are also nearby. Make sure your itinerary includes a Broadway Show or a concert. If you have time, maybe even make a day trip out to see the Statue of Liberty. When it's time to head back to the house, the Crescent leaves Pennsylvania Station at mid-day and makes another overnight ride back into the Southland.

Spend time in the Big Easy!

The train is the best way to get to New Orleans! West Tennesseans can take an early morning departure from Memphis or Newbern and enjoy a scenic ride through the bayous. Middle and East Tennesseans can board the train at Atlanta, Anniston, or Birmingham and enjoy a long, scenic ride across Lake Pontchartrain. New Orleans needs no introduction, fancy slogan or catchy blurb because the city sells itself on culture, arts, architecture, dining, hospitality, and music. Visit the New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau for complete information: www.neworleanscvb.com.

Go to Holland Without Crossing the Atlantic!

Holland, Michigan, that is! After an overnight journey on the City of New Orleans, you'll change trains in Chicago and travel to Holland on the Pere Marquette, one of Amtrak's the most scenic short-distance train routes. This small city is filled with culture and activities reflective of its Dutch heritage. Even Queen Beatrix of The Netherlands stops by once in a while!

See Motor City!

Have you ever thought of vacationing in Detroit? Well, start thinking about it now because Motor City is filled with all sorts of fine attractions! The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village is a perfect starting point. You'll see the history of American industry and progress right before your very eyes with its enormous collection of cars, trains, farm equipment, and even entire houses! A full day in this museum is hardly enough time to see it all! Downtown, you'll have access to the dazzling Renaissance Center with its variety of shops and restaurants. Jump on the People Mover, and see other parts of the city you might want to try, like Greektown and Bricktown. From the City of New Orleans, you'll connect with the Wolverine Service at Chicago.

Relax in Colorado!

If you're into the rugged outdoors, or long for some good-ole relaxation out in the country, consider taking a stress-free and scenic journey to Colorado. Glenwood Springs is a top destination, known for its natural hot water springs and beautiful unspoiled landscape. Hiking, biking, kayaking, white water rafting, panning for gold, horseback riding, and so much more makes this an activity-filled area without the hustle and bustle of a typical resort town. There's also an assortment of specialty shops in the old downtown, just behind the train station. From Memphis or Newbern, you will ride overnight into Chicago on the City of New Orleans. Take some time to sightsee, and in the afternoon you'll board the California Zephyr for the ride into the west. The scenery varies from the cityscape of Chicago to the vast open fields of western Illinois and Southern Nebraska until you reach the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.

Admire the Art and Architecture in Santa Fe!

You have to see the desert to truly appreciate its beauty and mystery, and Santa Fe is an area where you can enjoy it to the absolute fullest. From Memphis or Newbern you'll ride overnight into Chicago, change trains (with plenty of time for sightseeing!), and venture west on the Southwest Chief. The landscape will change dramatically as the hours go by. After a full day on board, you'll want to have your camera ready, even though a picture won't do it justice! The train arrives in Lamy where a bus will pick you up and shuttle you directly to your hotel in Santa Fe. Bring along extra money to buy Navajo jewelry, to enjoy some pleasant dining, and to see the various sights. If you have some extra time, consider stopping over for a day in Dodge City. You'll really enjoy the sights and stories at the Boot Hill museum, right across the street from the train station!

This is only a sampling!

Amtrak goes to over 500 destinations in the US, so take your pick and plan a trip! You'll be glad you took the train!

Now, imagine if only we had more train service in the Volunteer State to more cities across the US! That's why TARP needs your membership and your support!

If we can help you plan your trip, it would be our pleasure! Simply click here and send us a note!

HOW TO:

Most Tennesseans are not accustomed to train travel, so it's our mission at TARP to help change that. If you're ready to give it a try, we're here to help you!

WHERE?

Decide where you wish to travel and from which station you plan to leave. Looking at the Amtrak route, you'll get an idea as to which station is closer to you and which cities are easier to reach from that station.

(Unfortunately, you can see that Amtrak services in the Southeast are somewhat scarce, but we're working to change that! Remember to Join TARP!)

WHEN?

Next, decide when you plan to travel. Keep in mind that train fares are cheapest between January and May and tend to be highest around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's.

The timing of your trip may also depend on the schedule of the train you're riding. For example, if you have a business meeting in Chicago on March 15th, you would want to leave Memphis on March 14th since the City of New Orleans has an overnight schedule between those two cities.

To look up the train schedules between the cities you have chose, visit Amtrak's website for that information and also for fares. You can also call Amtrak's toll free number at 1-800-USA-RAIL.

BUYING TICKETS

Once you have decided on a train and on the days to travel, you can now make reservations and order tickets.

If you are on the Amtrak website, you can purchase your tickets on-line using your credit or debit card. You can request that the tickets be mailed to you, or you can plan ahead to pick up your tickets at the station prior to train time. The same principle also applies to 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Most travel agents sell Amtrak tickets because Amtrak uses the same ticketing system that the airlines use. Simply look through your local yellow pages to find one.

Some Amtrak stations, like Newbern, Tennessee, do not have ticket offices. To board a train in a location like Newbern, you will need to do one of the following:

1. Pay for the tickets over the phone with your credit/debit card and have them mailed to your home;
2. Pay for and pick up the tickets at a local travel agency; or,
3. Make a reservation over the phone and pay for the ticket in cash when you board the train.

Remember to guard your tickets the way you guard cash or checks! They have value!

GETTING PACKED AND READY

Not all trains and not all train stations have checked baggage service. You will need to make careful note as to whether or not that service will be available to you. If it is, you can carry up to three bags per ticketed passenger free of charge, as long as the bags do not weigh more than 50 pounds apiece.

If you will not have access to checked baggage service, you can carry two bags on board the train per ticketed passenger, again not weighing more than 50 pounds apiece. All coach cars have overhead luggage bins and most have additional shelf space close to the entry/exit doors. Sleeper cars have limited storage space, so please pack accordingly.

The carry on limit does not include purses, diaper bags, or laptop computer cases, and all luggages must have your name, address, and telephone number!

GETTING TO THE STATION

If you have never driven to the train station before, allow yourself some extra time to get there in case you make directional errors along the way. Carry a map with you, especially if you are driving a long distance, and time the drive so that you reach the station about an hour before train time.

You can get driving directions to the station through Amtrak's website.

Free parking is available at both Memphis and Newbern, and both stations have safe parking lots with nearby police offices. Birmingham has pay parking that is also very safe.

WAITING FOR THE TRAIN

Stay on the premises, even if the train is running a little late, and keep a safe distance from the tracks at all times.

When the train comes to a stop in the station, the train crew will open the doors. Stand back from the doors so that arriving passengers can step off. The conductor or attendant will call for boarding passengers, at which time you should have your tickets in your hand.

On some trains, the conductor or attendant will give you an assigned seat number, in which case you will board the respective car and find your seat. On other trains, the conductor or attendant will simply say something like "take what's available".

A train seat is considered "available" if it is unoccupied and does not have a seat check (a small stub of paper with a three-letter code) hanging over it.

The conductor will either take your ticket at the door of the train, or will come to your seat after the train leaves the station and take your ticket from you there. As soon as the conductor has your ticket, you're free to relax and get situated.

If you are traveling in the sleeper, simply go to your assigned room number. Again, the conductor will either take your ticket at the door or will come to your room after the train leaves the station to accept your ticket.

ON BOARD THE TRAIN

Sit back and relax. Train travel is one of the most worry-free ways to travel. Recline your seat, take something to read, and enjoy the changing scenery outside the window.

When you're ready for a snack, or if you want to meet some of your fellow passengers, visit the Lounge Car. Some Lounge Cars show movies and others have educational programs during the day. Passengers often get together card games and board games in the Lounge Car.

If you train has a Dining Car, save room for a good meal. Sample Dining Car menus and meal process are on the Amtrak website, and everything is freshly prepared on board the train. Remember that Sleeping Car passengers get complimentary meals!

OVERNIGHT TRAIN TRAVEL

If your train trip is overnight, you'll want to make a few extra preparations.

If you're traveling in the Sleeper Car, all of your bedding and other essentials will be provided, including soap, towels, and other amenities.

In coach, Amtrak will provide you with a pillow; however, you will be much more comfortable if you bring along a blanket as well. The lights are turned down in the coach cars after about 10PM on most trains, to make it easier to rest. Train cars are quieter than airline cabins, but some passengers prefer to bring soft earplugs for an even quieter rest.

You won't have access to a shower in coach, so you may wish to bring along a toiletry kit with a wash cloth, towel, toothbrush, and other personal items so you can freshen up.

ARRIVAL TIME

As the train draws closer to your destination, the conductor or attendant will let you know. Collect all your belongings and please try to leave your seating area as clean as possible for the next passengers.

If you are arriving at a stop during the night, the conductor or attendant will wake you if you're asleep. Simply make certain that the seat-check with your three letter station code is properly above your seat so that you can be properly identified with your station.

LATE TRAINS

Amtrak does not own most of the railroad, so their ability to run on time depends on many, many factors that are beyond their control, such as freight traffic, weather conditions, and so on. If you're being met at the station, have your friends or family call Amtrak ahead of time to verify the arrival status of your train.

Although late trains can be inconvenient and sometimes frustrating, take a moment to put things in proper perspective. Being delayed on a train hardly compares with being stuck on an Interstate highway or stuck on an airport runway.