Two long-distance Amtrak lines pass through the state, each offering unique destinations and scenery:

🚆 California Zephyr

Perhaps the most iconic route in Amtrak’s network, the California Zephyr travels from Chicago to Emeryville, California, tracing the edge of the Rockies and the Sierra Nevada. It’s renowned for its scenic views and pleasant pace. In Iowa, this line stops at Burlington, Mount Pleasant, Ottumwa, Osceola, and Creston.

🚆 Southwest Chief

Running from Chicago to Los Angeles, this historic route offers a cross-section of America's heartland and the dramatic vistas of the Southwest. It makes a single Iowa stop at Fort Madison, on the Mississippi River.

These routes allow Iowans to reach both coasts and dozens of major cities with minimal hassle.There’s a serene rhythm to traveling by train—one that invites you to watch the world go by, rather than rush past it. For Iowans and those passing through the state, the amtrak stations in iowa offer more than a ride. They offer a connection to America’s heritage, to the stories etched into every rail tie, and to a future where travel is about the journey, not just the destination.

So whether you're departing from the brick-paved streets of Creston or arriving in Fort Madison at the edge of the Mississippi, know this: you're not just riding the rails. You're riding through history, community, and connection—one station at a time.