train tour in houston tx

Light rail train Tour of houston with Tunnel Access

All aboard! Join us on tour to get a firsthand look at the 2nd largest Metro Rail system in the Southern United States. Tour guests will enjoy an up-close perspective of Downtown Houston's touristic sights as well as learn about the history of the Metro Light-Rail system & its incorporation into Houston's distinct sporting and diverse culture. 

With a guided ride through the world's largest medical district, most prestigious city university & the museum district as well as a planned stop in the historic city park , there will be plenty of chances on tour for breathtaking pictures alongside some of the most historic monuments in the city!

Make sure to ride with us soon as all Metro Rail tickets and entrance into the largest downtown tunnel system in the USA are included with the final tour price. 

Price:                  $32 Per Person (includes Metro fare)

Tour length:        2 - 2.5 hrs (depending on group size)

Meeting spot:     Inside Roma's Pizza 

                            (233 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002)  

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Top Scenic Train Rides In Texas

Book a seat on these scenic train rides in Texas through open spaces.

There is something special about scenic train rides. You never know what you’ll see as the train takes the same route on every trip. I always gaze out the window to look for wildlife. Even though I may be on a train to see something totally different, like dogwood blooms, I have my eye on possible glimpses of any type of wild animal.

So, are you ready for a road trip to take a scenic train ride through Lone Star State? History buffs, train lovers, and the whole family will love these family-friendly excursions aboard one of Texas’s top scenic train rides.

Photo: Pixabay

5 Top Scenic Train Rides In Texas

When I visited a winery in Burnet (TX Hill Country), the lady behind the counter pouring our wine told us about a train ride excursion that comes through Burnet and offers wine tasting and more. It then dawned on me that many of you and the other four I know of would probably want to hear about it, too.

You’ll find many special events on these major train rides throughout Texas all year round. Enjoy these fantastic train rides through Texas, and book a seat!

Texas State Railroad – East Texas

The Texas State Railroad , built by inmates long ago, is a heritage railroad between Rusk and Palestine, TX. A vintage steam locomotive that takes passengers on a 4-hour round-trip train ride through the Piney Woods of East Texas. And when the dogwoods are out, it makes for a lovely scenic ride. There is an hour layover at the Rusk Depot, where each passenger will get a box lunch to enjoy outside on the depot grounds.

My mom and I got tickets for the Dogwood Lunch Train Excursion and enjoyed the view, talking with other passengers, and feeling the breeze outside the caboose.

Palestine has many attractions to boast about and is also a fabulous town for a mother-daughter trip .

Did you know…

The Texas State Railroad is the Official Railroad of Texas.

Special Events on the Texas State Railroad:

• Dogwood Lunch Train
• Easter Lunch Train
• Wine In The Pines
• Speakeasy Special

Grapevine, TX Food Hall Train Photo

Grapevine Vintage Railroad – North Texas

The Grapevine Vintage Railroad is an excursion and special event railroad in Grapevine, Texas that runs from the Main Street station in Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards.

I took this Cotton Belt Excursion a long time ago and enjoyed it. I’d love to do it again. Two of my favorite places to roam—are Grapevine and the Stockyards! You’ll love the Victorian coaches.

Train Excursions:

• Cotton Belt Excursion (Grapevine/Fort Worth Stockyards)
• Trinity River Train Excursion – (Historic Stockyard Station/Fort Worth’s Trinity Park)
• Grapevine Bear Creek – Grapevine Cotton Belt and back) great for families with toddlers.

Special Events on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad:

• North Pole Express – Grapevine’s Christmas train.
• Day Out With Thomas
• Sweetheart Wine Train
• Grapevine’s Christmas Wine Train Tour

Historic Jefferson Railway – East Texas

Historic Jefferson Railway is a 3-foot narrow gauge railroad that takes passengers on its diesel engine locomotive on a 3-mile (40-minute) narrated train ride through the scenic Big Cypress Bayou with a stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit to see the feeding of the live alligators. Be sure to look for the Boggy Creek Monster! Open Thursdays & Saturdays. Pets welcome.

Special Events on the Historic Jefferson Railway:

• Halloween Express Haunted Train Ride
• “Rail of Lights” Christmas Express Steam Tour (evenings in December)

The Bertram Flyer. Photo from Facebook

Austin Steam Train Association – Central Texas

From first-class coach to excursion coach to first-class lounge to adult-only first-class ding cars and wheelchair-accessible cars, the Austin Steam Train Association  has you covered. I can only imagine how much fun this ride would be, and to see the Texas Hill Country in a whole new way is thrilling. I just learned about it, and now I’m booking a seat! It promises to be the Texas train ride of your life!

There are three depots: Cedar Park Depot, Bertrem Depot, and Burnet Depot. All depots are located in the northern hill country area.

Some excursions will go to the Canyon Of The Eagles overlooking Lake Buchannan. Burnet & Cedar Park have dining and lodging available. And you can buy a ticket for a locomotive cab ride, but be prepared to fork out $500-$700.

Pro Tip: Check out the Buckeye Trail and Eagle Cliff cars for wheelchair-accessible.

Special Event on the Austin Steam Train:

• Take a break from the hustle and bustle and enjoy a train ride through the hill country on the Bertram Flyer!
• Explore vintage train cars on the Hill Country Flyer while you wind through the Texas Hill Country, crossing the South San Gabriel River bridge and Short Creek Canyon.
• Saint Paddy’s Express – March 19, 2023
• Wedding Oak Wine Train (the one the lady behind the counter told me about) It’s March 26, 2023.

Texas Eagle Train Amtrak

Chicago – St. Louis – Dallas – San Antonio – Los Angeles, and everywhere in between in Texas – departs daily.

Amtrak’s Texas Eagle will take you deep into the heart of Texas, traveling between Chicago and San Antonio through Austin and Dallas. Continue your trip between San Antonio and Los Angeles via Sunset Limited. Wind through the Land of Lincoln, across the Mississippi River, and through the Ozarks to Little Rock and the piney woods of East Texas. Then back through Dallas, Austin, and ended in San Antonio. I don’t know if I got that right, but it’s a long train ride for sure!

WOW – what a way to see the world. I took my son on an Amtrak train from Fort Worth to California when he was 7 (1987). We went for the experience, and I’ll never forget sleeping where we sat. Never did that again. If ever I take the Texas Eagle, I will get a room with a bed!

• What is the longest train ride in Texas? Texas Eagle
• Famous Texas Train – Texas Eagle

Make one of these scenic train rides in Texas your next trip!

Texas Train Museums

• Texas Transportation Museum – San Antonio. Unlimited 15-minute rides are included with admission to the museum.
• Austin Steam Train Association Museum is in Cedar Park, TX (link is above)
• Railroad Heritage Center – Palestine, TX

About Kim Croisant

Kim Croisant is a freelance writer and owner/writer at Texas Travel Talk and a native Texan living north of Fort Worth. When not writing about travel destinations (not just in Texas), restaurants, and hotels, she is most likely juggling family life, caring for her mother, and raising her grandson. She loves red wine, chips & dip, and travel magazines. Follow her on Instagram @texastraveltalk.

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🔒 all aboard, for a trip to the past: these texas trains offer nostalgic rides, scenic views, take texas by train on these historic sightseeing tours.

Briana Zamora-Nipper , Community Producer

Interested in top Texas scenery but don’t want to drive yourself? Try a train trip. On these five trains, you can enjoy passing views of the Texas countryside through big panoramic windows.

MORE: 12 of the best train adventures for Houston kids who love locomotives

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🚂 Grapevine Vintage Railroad

Step back in time with a nostalgic ride on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad. The train travels along the historic Cotton Belt Route between Grapevine and the Fort Worth Stockyards on weekends. The railroad is serviced by two vintage locomotives -- an 1896 steam locomotive named Puffy, considered the oldest continuously operating steam engine in the South, and a 1953 GP-7 diesel locomotive named Vinny. Passengers enjoy riding in authentic 1920s and 1930s Victorian-style coaches as they take a step back in time and experience train travel as it was in the glory days of the expanding West. The train travels through six different cities in Tarrant County before ending in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Once there, riders will have the opportunity to explore the Stockyards before re-boarding to return to Grapevine.

The railroad’s schedule varies seasonally. The train operates March through December and boards at 705 S. Main Street in Grapevine.

Call (817) 410-3185; grapevinetexasusa.com .

MORE: How to unwind in Grapevine – with a glass (or two) of Texas’ best wine!

🚃 Texas State Railroad

Vintage steam and diesel locomotives take passengers across the rails of the Piney Woods Route between the East Texas towns of Palestine and Rusk on a 50-mile roundtrip adventure. The four-hour trip includes comfortable seating, food and libations, and historic narration on a rail journey that whisks you back into another century. The train passes through the I.D. Fairchild State Forest and offers numerous wildlife-viewing opportunities. Established in 1881, the line was built to transport iron ore to smelting furnaces at the East Texas State Penitentiary in Rusk. Its use was eventually extended to include the transport of goods and passengers. In 1976, the railroad reopened as a tourist line, running sightseeing tours. Today, the Texas State Railroad is the official railroad of Texas. It hosts frequent wine tours and seasonal events.

The railroad’s schedule varies seasonally. The train operates March through November and departs from 789 Park Road 70 in Palestine and 535 Park Road 76 in Rusk.

Call (855) 632-7729; texasstaterailroad.net .

MORE: Hop aboard one of these railroad-themed lodging options in Texas

🚉 Austin & Texas Central Railroad

For a scenic train ride, hop aboard the Austin & Texas Central Railroad. The train travels along Southern Pacific’s historic, 167-mile rail line from Giddings through Austin and into the Hill Country to Burnet, Llano and Marble Falls. The railroad is serviced by three refurbished locomotives – a 1916 Mk-5 class 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotive, an RSD-15 diesel locomotive and a leased HZRX diesel locomotive in use temporarily while the steam engine undergoes restoration.

During the railroad’s weekend sightseeing excursions, passengers enjoy riding in fully-restored 1930s, 1940s and 1950s passenger cars. A concession car sells snacks, beverages and souvenirs during the journey. The train departs from one of three depots located in Cedar Park, Bertram and Burnet and travels either to Bertram or Burnet. The trip from Cedar Park to Bertram, dubbed the Bertram Flyer, is a three-hour, 44-mile round trip sightseeing tour and the Cedar Park to Burnet trip, typically called the Hill Country Flyer, is a six-hour, 66-mile round trip sightseeing tour with a two-hour layover for lunch.

Austin & Texas Central Railroad hosts seasonal themed and holiday rides as well as frequent excursions to Wedding Oak Winery.

Call (512) 915-2340; austinsteamtrain.org .

MORE: Ride a train to dreamland: Galveston Railroad Museum offering bed and breakfast reservations for overnight guests

🦅 Texas Eagle

For a multi-day train adventure, hop aboard Amtrak’s Texas Eagle, which runs along the historic 1,306-mile train route between Chicago and Texas that the Texas and Pacific Railway and the Missouri Pacific Railroad built. In 1948, the railroads introduced the Texas Eagle as a passenger train from St. Louis to San Antonio. The route was discontinued in 1971, but was revived by Amtrak in 1981. Today, the Texas Eagle uses double-decker Superliner rail cars with Sightseer Lounges that boast swivel seats and stationary cushioned seats that face massive wraparound windows, providing passengers sweeping views of the scenery by day and the stars by night. In addition to unassigned coach seats, there are roomettes, bedrooms, family bedrooms and accessible bedrooms. Three times weekly, the Texas Eagle connects with the Sunset Limited in San Antonio and continues on to California.

The train operates daily and departs from numerous Texas towns.

Call 1-800-872-7245; amtrakguide.com .

MORE: Here are 8 Houston-area cruises, boat tours perfect for spring, summer

🌄 Sunset Limited

Introduced in 1894 by the Southern Pacific Railroad, the Sunset Limited is the oldest continuously operating named train in the United States. The train travels along the historic Sunset Route between New Orleans and Los Angeles and is the only Amtrak train that travels to and from Houston. The full route is a 1,995-mile, 48-hour journey. Nearly 900 of those miles are pure Texas. Aboard the Sunset Limited, passengers enjoy passing mountain, desert and lake views. With stops in Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California, riders can hop off in Alpine, Texas to visit Big Bend National Park, in Tucson to visit Saguaro National Park, or in Maricopa, Arizona, the gateway to Phoenix and the resorts and spas of Scottsdale. The Sunset Limited makes connections to several other Amtrak trains, including the Texas Eagle, Coast Starlight, Pacific Surfliner and San Joaquins.

The Sunset Limited operates three times weekly and departs from numerous Texas cities.

MORE: Bliss in abundance: Breathtaking Texas travel destinations that rival international getaways

🚂 Train enthusiasts, how many of these Texas trains have you been aboard? Which one is your favorite? Share your Texas train experiences and recommendations in the comment section below.

Copyright 2022 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.

About the Author

Briana zamora-nipper.

Briana Zamora-Nipper joined the KPRC 2 digital team in 2019. When she’s not hard at work in the KPRC 2 newsroom, you can find Bri drinking away her hard earned wages at JuiceLand, running around Hermann Park, listening to crime podcasts or ransacking the magazine stand at Barnes & Noble.

Houston Historical Tours

Educating and entertaining everyone, (713) 392-0867 [email protected], houston historical tours p.o. box 262404 houston, texas 77207-2404.

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Rural Train Ride Tours in Texas

We offer five different rural train ride tours. Please read the information carefully. Two rural train ride companies exist within driving distance from Houston in Texas for a one-day adventure. Each one uses either an old diesel or steam engine. The most popular rides are identified below. Each goes through beautiful countryside. Special holiday rides also exist.

These rural train rides do not exist in Houston. The only trains that one can ride in Houston are Amtrak and the children's train in Hermann Park. The options below require several hours of driving back and forth to get to the trains in rural towns. Most of the time is spent driving to and from the locations. Day options are Sundays and Saturdays and Fridays during summer. Mondays through Thursdays are not options.

Houston Historical Tours does NOT own the trains or train companies. They are independently owned. If you want to drive hundreds of miles to rural parts of Texas, you can do so and save yourself money from contracting with us. The trains that operate on Tours A and B identified below, have been owned by 3 different companies between 2010 and 2013. Each year its fares, schedules, days of operations, options, and amenities have changed, making it challenging to plan. By the time you call, another company may be operating it.

We depart from Houston 4 hours in advance of the train ride to be prepared for potential traffic congestion, road construction, and to have time to sight-see, shop, and use the bathrooms at the train depot, and board the train.

We offer the following Rural Train Ride Tours

Rural Train Ride Tours A and B

Rural train ride tour c, rural train ride tours d and e.

Tours A and B spend 3.0 hours on the train. Tour A is on Sunday and Saturday from March to November. Tour B is on Fridays only, primarily during the summer months. They begin in Rusk and make a 1.5 hour trip to Palestine, where they spend another 1.5 hours. They then make the 1.5 hour trip back to Rusk. Houston to Rusk is approximately 164 miles/264 kilometers and the return trip is 170 miles/274 kilometers. The total driving trip is about 334 miles/538 kilometers roundtrip. The drive is approximately 3.0 hours to 3.25 hours each way. The air-conditioned train goes toward Palestine. As of 2013, the train does NOT operate from November 11 through March 1, approximately 3.7 months. Box lunches are available for $10.00 if you pre-order, or you can bring your own lunch. No restaurants exist at the opposite depot.

List of Tours

Tour C spends approximately 2.0 hours each way on the train for a total of 4.0 hours. It stops for about 2.5 hours at Burnet for lunch and shopping. The roundtrip train ride is 66 miles. Cedar Park is northwest from Austin in the Hill Country. Houston to Cedar Park is 176 miles/283 kilometers. The total driving trip is 352 miles/567 kilometers roundtrip. The drive is approximately 3.0 hours each way. This operates on most Saturdays 8 months out of the year from January through May and September through November. It does not run in June, July, August, and December. The Burnet gunfighter might be involved in a wild west gunfight, weather permitting. We stop for dinner or a snack on the way back from Cedar Park to Houston.

Tours D and E spend approximately 1.33 hours each way on the train for a total of 2.7 hours. Tour D is on Sundays for the most part in the spring and fall; Tour E is on Saturdays mainly during the summer. Like Tour C, they begin in Cedar Park. Cedar Park is northwest from Austin in the Hill Country. Houston to Cedar Park is approximately 176 miles/283 kilometers. The total driving trip is about 352 miles/567 kilometers roundtrip. The drive is approximately 3 hours each way. The trains stop for about 15 minutes at a 1912 train depot in Bertram. They operate northwest from Austin in the Hill Country. The trains operate on most Sundays from March through May and in October and November, and on most Saturdays during June, July, and August.

We stop for dinner or a snack on the way back from Cedar Park to Houston on Tour D. We stop for lunch after Tour E.

Please click this link for a comparison of the five Rural Trains Tours.

At the Depot

Aboard the train, on the rails.

• All Excursions
• Piney Woods Express Diesel
• Piney Woods Express Steam
• Dogwood Lunch Trains
• Easter Lunch Train
• Father’s Day Lunch Train
• Mother’s Day Lunch Train
• Piney Woods Evening Dinner Train
• A Prom Night through the Decades
• Speakeasy Special
• Wine in the Pines
• Excursion Calendar

• On Train Celebrations
• Lakeside Pavillion
• Historic Chapel
• Book Online

Where History, Nature and Adventure Meet

Making Time Stand Still

From the moment your party steps on-board one of our beautifully refurbished train cars, they’ll feel like they’ve been transported to a simpler, more leisurely time where the distractions and of our modern world suddenly disappear. Breathe deep, enjoy a drink and relax as you lose yourself on a round-trip, four-hour, 25-mile rail journey through the Piney Woods of East Texas where history is just part of the journey.

About Texas State Railroad

Vintage steam and diesel locomotives take passengers across the celebrated rails of the Piney Woods Route between the quaint East Texas towns of Palestine and Rusk on a 50-mile roundtrip adventure.

This quintessential day trip, only a few hours from the metropolitan communities of Dallas and Houston, will create a memory that will last a lifetime.

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Because of special, incidental or consequential situations that may be out of our control, Texas State Railroad reserves the right to adjust our operation between the date of your booking and the day of departure. These changes could include (but not be limited to): locomotive power for the day, passenger car assignments, layover and/or meal time during the four-hour ride and departure and/or arrival times. Thanking you in advance for your consideration.

© 2024 All Rights Reserved Texas State Railroad. Website by Andrea Fowler Design

5 Epic Train Rides In Texas That Will Give You An Unforgettable Experience

Katie Lawrence

Katie Lawrence is a Southeast Texas native who graduated 18th in her high school class with a GPA of 4.25. She attended college in the Houston area and began writing for OnlyInYourState in 2015. Today, Katie writes, edits, and performs several other tasks for OnlyInYourState and has never been more passionate about a job before. Outside of work, you can likely find her curled up on with a hot cup of coffee, practicing yoga, baking, or exploring the beautiful Lone Star State (in particular, the vast and mystical West Texas desert).

More by this Author

Train rides are so nostalgic – they transport us back to simpler days before cell phones and radios, days when looking out the window and enjoying the scenery was the only option on a long road trip. If you want to experience the abundant breathtaking beauty of Texas in a unique way, this is your chance. Here are five unforgettable train rides in Texas. And we urge you to try them all.

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Have you ever been on any of these train rides in Texas? What was your experience like?

Looking for an epic, train-themed day trip extravaganza in Texas? We put together this  railroad-themed road trip in Texas that will take you to train rides, historic sites, and much more throughout our great state. If you need overnight accommodations along the way, check out the options on Booking.com .

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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More to Explore

Train trips in texas.

Are there any dinner trains in Texas?

If the idea of enjoying a delicious meal during one of the above train trips in Texas sounds like your ideal night out, you'll definitely want to check out the offerings at the Texas State Railroad . Here are some of this railroad's amazing offerings:

• Dinner trains
• Lunch trains
• Wines in the Pines
• Pints in the Pines
• Speakeasy Special

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METRORail is Houston’s light-rail network, offering convenient access to many popular destinations in and around downtown Houston. These include the Texas Medical Center, Museum District, Houston Zoo, Theater District, NRG Stadium, University of Houston and Texas Southern University. With trains running frequently, you’ll be on board and on track to your destination quickly.

Scroll down for regular fare information, schedules, maps and more.

Regular Fare

For all METRORail customers who aren’t eligible for a discounted fare.

Discounted Fare

* For students, seniors 65-69, or people with disabilities who aren't METROLift customers.

*Must provide proof of eligibility to receive discounted fare card

Ways to Pay

There are multiple options for paying the regular or discounted fare when you board METRORail, as shown below.

METRO Q® Fare Card

A contactless fare payment option – this is the form of payment used by most METRO riders. It functions as a debit card for riding METRO. You can continually load and store money on it – and then money will be deducted each time you pay your fare.

Tap your regular or discounted METRO Q® Fare Card on the validator located on the rail platform and the fare amount will be deducted. Some fare validators are attached to ticket vending machines. Others are freestanding or attached to the platform railing, as shown in the photo.

If you prefer to go contactless, you can wave your card close to the validator as well.

Make sure the light registers green in the upper right when you tap or wave.

After the fare amount is deducted from your card, you’ll receive free transfers between any of these METRO services for up to three hours in any direction:

• METRO curb2curb

For transfers to Park & Ride bus service, you only pay the fare difference for up to three hours in any direction.

Paying your fare with a METRO Q® Fare Card entitles you to METRO’s 5 for 50 offer – you’ll be credited with five free trips for every 50 paid trips.

Each of your five free trips may be used on any of the following services for up to three hours at no charge, regardless of the service(s) you typically use or where you board:

• Park & Ride bus

Immediately after you reach 50 paid trips, your five free trips will be applied automatically to the next five trips you take.

• METRO Q Mobile Ticket

This is a contactless fare payment option. Download the METRO Q Ticketing app to your smartphone and sign up for an account on the app. That will allow you to purchase regular fare mobile tickets to board METRORail. Discounted fare mobile tickets aren’t available for purchase.

Once you purchase and activate a mobile ticket, it will display animated colors and motion on your phone. Upon request, show it to the METRO Fare Inspector or METRO Police Officer – either on the rail platform prior to boarding (as shown in the photo) or on the train during your ride. After you activate your mobile ticket, it's valid for three hours .

After you activate a Local Single Ride or Local Day Pass   mobile ticket, you’ll receive free transfers between any of these METRO services in any direction:

To transfer to Park & Ride service, you'll need to purchase and activate a  Park & Ride mobile ticket. It entitles you to free transfers between any METRO service of equal or lesser value.

Paying your fare with a METRO Q Mobile Ticket entitles you to METRO’s 5 for 50 offer – you’ll be credited with five free trips after you’ve activated 50 mobile tickets.

For each of your five free trips, you can choose to activate a Local Single Ride mobile ticket or any Park & Ride mobile ticket for up to three hours at no charge.

• METRO Day Pass

A contactless fare payment option – this offers the best value if you ride local services three or more times in a day (at different times of the day). It functions as a debit card for riding METRO. You can continually load and store money on it – and then money will be deducted each time you pay your fare.

The maximum daily amount deducted is $3 from a regular METRO Day Pass or $1.50 from a discounted METRO Day Pass. The pass is only valid on the day of activation. It expires at 2 a.m. the following morning.

Tap your regular or discounted METRO Day Pass on the validator located on the rail platform and the fare amount will be deducted. Some fare validators are attached to ticket vending machines. Other are located on freestanding poles, as shown in the photo.

After each of the first two times the fare amount is deducted from your card, you’ll be entitled to free transfers between any of these METRO services for up to three hours in any direction:

After the third time the fare amount is deducted from your card, you’re entitled to unlimited use of those services for the rest of the day.

METRO Money

A contactless fare payment option – this is a popular choice for agencies, hotels and convention groups looking to provide a disposable fare card to clients, customers or guests. The card comes preloaded with amounts ranging from $1.25 to $20. These cards can't be reloaded.

Tap your METRO Money card on the validator located on the rail platform and the fare amount will be deducted. Some fare validators are freestanding or attached to the platform railing. Others are attached to ticket vending machines, as shown in the photo.

Make sure the light registers green in the upper right when you tap or wave,

• METRO curb2curb 

• METRORail Ticket

You’re welcome to pay with a rail ticket which can be purchased from a ticket vending machine using cash, credit card or debit card. Ticket vending machines are located on all METRORail platforms. The ticket is only valid on METRORail for up to three hours in any direction.

Upon request, show it to a METRO Fare Inspector or METRO Police Officer – either on the rail platform prior to boarding or on the train during your ride.

When paying with a METRORail ticket, transfers to other METRO services aren’t included.

METRORail Lines

Mon-Fri: Runs every 6 min. *

Sat-Sun: Runs every 12 min. *

* For most operating hours. Exact times may vary.

Additional Services Near the Station

Click or tap on any station name for more details.

Hours of Operation

Explore Popular Destinations

Popular Destinations

• Health Care

Learn About Rider Rewards

Rider Rewards

With Rider Rewards, you can enjoy discounts at participating area restaurants, attractions and retailers along the Red Line. When you make a purchase, all you need to do is show any of the following:

• METRO Q® Fare Card
• METRO Money Card
• METRO Veterans Pass
• Jury summons

To find participating partners along the Red Line, close this window and click or tap on the Stations tab.

Subscribe to Receive Alerts

Subscribe for Free

You can receive alerts for this route by text and/or email. Please fill in your preferred contact method below. If you’d like alerts delivered both ways, please fill out both fields below.

Stop-by-Stop Schedule

Red Line schedule

Mon-Fri: Runs every 12 min. *

Sat-Sun: Runs every 18 min. *

With Rider Rewards, you can enjoy discounts at participating area restaurants, attractions and retailers along the Green Line. When you make a purchase, all you need to do is show any of the following:

To find participating partners along the Green Line, close this window and click or tap on the Stations tab.

Green Line schedule

Purple line.

With Rider Rewards, you can enjoy discounts at participating area restaurants, attractions and retailers along the Purple Line. When you make a purchase, all you need to do is show any of the following:

To find participating partners along the Purple Line, close this window and click or tap on the Stations tab.

Purple Line schedule

See where all three lines intersect

View traditional METRORail map

Common Questions

How much does it cost to ride metrorail.

The regular fare to board is $1.25

The discounted fare is 60 cents.

The following passengers ride free :

• Children five or younger, accompanied by an adult
• Seniors 70 and older who have a discounted METRO Q® Fare Card
• Disabled or decorated veterans who have a METRO Veterans Pass
• METROLift customers with a METROLift Freedom Q® Card, and up to one assistant

What can I use to pay my fare?

You can pay your METRORail fare using any of the following:

• METRO Money card

The All About Fares page has information on where you can obtain various fare cards.

Are transfers included when I ride METRORail?

If you pay your fare using a METRO Q® Fare Card, METRO Q Mobile Ticket, METRO Day Pass or METRO Money card, you’re entitled to free transfers between any of these METRO services for up to three hours in any direction:

When paying with a METRORail paper ticket, transfers to other METRO services aren’t included.

If you wish to pay with a mobile ticket and plan to ride or transfer to a Park & Ride bus during your trip, you'll need to purchase and activate a Park & Ride mobile ticket. It's valid for three hours once activated and entitles you to free transfers between any METRO service of equal or lesser value during that time.

Only regular fare mobile tickets are available for purchase.

Trip Planning

Where can i find routes and schedules.

Frequency of service, a stop-by-stop schedule, a PDF schedule and a linear route map for each METRORail line are found on the METRORail page .

Is there a map of the METRORail lines?

A linear route map for each METRORail line is found on the METRORail page .

You can also use our Interactive System Map (best viewed on a desktop or laptop computer). In the rail section of the map, you can check a box next to any METRORail line and the map will draw a line showing the entire route and where it runs.

If you’d prefer a physical map, we include a map image in the printed brochure for each individual METRORail line. Brochures are available for free at all METRO RideStore locations:

• Downtown Transit Center - 1900 Main St.
• Main Street Square - 1001 Travis St.
• Northwest Transit Center - 7373 Old Katy Road
• Fannin South Transit Center - 1604 West Bellfort St.

How do I plan my trip?

Trip planning tools are available on:

• Various pages of the METRO website, including the home page
• RideMETRO app for your smartphone (“Plan Your Trip” section)
• ONE to Ride app for your smartphone
• Google or Apple maps

Prior to Arrival

How do i know where to wait and which is my train.

METRORail trains make stops at rail station platforms along city streets in and around downtown Houston. You can also board a METRORail train at the following transit centers:

• Burnett (Red Line)
• Downtown (Red Line)
• Fannin South (Red Line)
• Magnolia Park (Green Line)
• Northline (Red Line)
• Palm Center (Purple Line)
• Texas Medical Center (Red Line)

All METRORail trains have large, bright destination signs on the front of the train above the windshield and along the side of the train as it pulls into the station.

Red Line trains would say one of the following:

• Northline TC
• Smith Lands
• Fannin South

Green Line trains would say one of the following:

• Magnolia Park
• Theater District

Purple Line trains would say one of the following:

• Palm Center TC

Where can I see if my rail line has alerts or detours?

Alerts or detours could affect your train’s arrival time and/or the length of your trip. Subscribing to receive this information is a convenient way to know before you go.

On the METRO website, you can subscribe to receive notifications direct to your phone or email.

The quickest and easiest signup option can be found next to each rail line on the METRORail page .

All subscriptions are free and you can unsubscribe at any time.

If you don’t wish to subscribe, you can use any of the following:

• METRORail page (if there are any active alerts, a link to view them will be visible where the rail lines are shown)
• RideMETRO app (click or tap Service Alerts on main menu)
• ONE to Ride app (a red triangular icon will appear on the screen if your selected rail line is experiencing a service alert)

You can also use our Trip Planner which is available on:

How do I know when my train will arrive?

All METRORail platforms have scrolling digital messages in both English and Spanish that display the estimated wait time for the next train.

Estimated wait times are also posted at select  transit centers where METRORail is available.

Transit centers are sheltered waiting areas where you can transfer to other METRO routes and services that provide access to even more destinations.

Certain locations feature  digital signs and screens displaying service alerts and estimated wait times for routes that stop there.

This information is also available on:

• METRO website home page (“Track Bus or Train” tab)
• Google maps

How do I board the train?

First, please let riders exit the train before you board. After all riders have disembarked through the railcar doors, please enter the train and choose an open seat. Please avoid sitting in the priority seating areas for the elderly and people with disabilities, marked by the International Symbol of Access (Wheelchair Symbol).

All METRORail platforms are accessible under the standards of the Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA ). They offer sloped ramp access from both ends of the platform and level boarding that easily accommodates mobility devices.

How do I pay my fare?

Any METRO fare card:

Prior to boarding, tap your card on the validator located on the rail platform and the fare amount will be deducted. Some fare validators are located on freestanding poles. Others are attached to ticket vending machines.

If you prefer to go contactless, you can wave your card close to the validator as well. Make sure the light registers green in the upper right when you tap or wave.

METRO Q Mobile Ticket (only regular fare available):

Activate the ticket on your smartphone before boarding. It will display animated colors and motion on your phone. Upon request, show it to a METRO Fare Inspector or METRO Police Officer – either on the rail platform prior to boarding or on the train during your ride.

METRORail Ticket:

All METRORail platforms have ticket vending machines where you can purchase a three-hour METRORail ticket for $1.25.

The machines accept cash, credit card or debit card.

Can I bring an animal onboard?

Yes, based on the guidance below:

Service animals

You’re allowed to travel with a service animal.

Service animal means any guide dog, signal dog, or other animal individually trained to work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability, and must be kept under the handler’s control.

Non-service animals (including emotional support animals)

You’re allowed to travel with non-service animals (pets) on METRO vehicles, but they must be transported and properly restrained in an animal carrier at all times.

Rider Tools

Below are some tools to make your METRO riding experience easier and more convenient so you can drive less and do more .

Plan Your Trip

Explore METRO transit services near you

Questions and Answers

Valuable information to help you ride

Savings Calculator

Compare your cost of driving vs. what it would cost to ride METRO - and see how much money you'd save each month.

ONE to Ride App

Plan and manage your trip on METRO Local bus, Park & Ride bus, METRORail or METRORapid using an interactive map.

traditional rail map transfer point

Traditional METRORail Map (intersection point)

The three light rail lines intersect near the following platforms:

Central Station Main (on Main Street along the Red Line) Central Station Rusk  (on Rusk Street along the eastbound Green and Purple Lines) Central Station Capitol (on Capitol Street along the westbound Green and Purple Lines)

The Green and Purple lines share the same stations between Theater District and EaDo / Stadium, before splitting off in different directions.

Traditional Rail Map (full-size)

Traditional METRORail Map (full-size)

Here's a full-size version of the traditional METRORail map showing the full length of all three light rail lines.

Browser not supported

It appears you’re on an older web browser we don’t support. Please try one of the options below so you can view the METRO website.

Hermann Park Conservancy

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• About the Conservancy
• The First 100 Years
• Vintage Photo Gallery
• Community Events
• Staff Directory
• Board of Directors
• HOURS | DIRECTIONS
• Train & Pedal Boats
• Ginger Kale
• Points of Interest
• Interactive Map
• McGovern Centennial Gardens
• TOURS | FIELD TRIPS
• ART IN THE PARK
• Helpful Links
• Play Your Park
• The Commons
• McWilliams Dog Park
• Master Plan Update
• PNC ImagiNature Playground
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• Japanese Garden
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• Become a Member
• urban green
• Member Events
• General Donation
• Dedications
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• hats in the park
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• Train, Pedal Boats & Carousel

Lifted Up Aerial Photography

• Hours & Directions
• Tours & Field Trips
• Art in the Park

Buy Tickets

Train, pedal boat and carousel tickets can be purchased online by clicking here . Tickets are also sold at the Hermann Park Conservancy Gift Shop at Kinder Station, 6102 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030.

Hours for train, boats, and cafe are subject to change based on weather conditions or seasonally. For the most up-to-date hours, please click here .

HERMANN PARK RAILROAD

Regular Hours

Monday through Sunday: 10 am to 6 pm.  Click here for the most up-to-date operating hours.

Hours for the train are subject to change based on weather conditions and change seasonally. The Hermann Park Railroad is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas day. For a complete list of operating hours, click here .

Pricing & Tickets

The Hermann Park Railroad has replaced its single ride tickets with day passes. The pass allows for unlimited stops and rides during the day.

Off-peak (weekdays, excluding holidays): $6

Peak (weekends and holidays): $7

Tickets will expire on the day they are first scanned. Tickets expire 30 days from the date or purchase.

Current paper train gift tickets must be brought to the Gift Shop to be exchanged for a day pass. There will be no additional charge.

Getting on or off at train stops

The Hermann Park Railroad takes a 18-minute journey around Hermann Park. The train departs from Kinder Station every 20-25 minutes.

You may board the train at any stop, with a ticket, and ride to Kinder Station in Lake Plaza, where all riders must exit. We can not guarantee pick up at the remote stops after 5:00 p.m.

A ticket is required to board the train at any of the stops throughout the Park. Signage with a QR code to purchase tickets are located at every station. All passengers must depart Kinder Station and reenter the line to continue their ride. 

Train Rules

• All riders must have a ticket or mobile barcode to board at all of our stations
• All riders must depart Kinder Station and reenter the line to continue their ride. We apologize for the inconvenience.
• All children 12 years old and younger must be accompanied by an adult
• The train must come to a complete stop before loading and unloading passengers 
• Passengers must remain seated at all times
• Passengers must keep hands and feet inside the train at all times
• Food and drinks are not permitted on the train
• Pets are not permitted on the train except for ADA trained service dogs

Please Note

• Tickets valid only on day of purchase
• The train and train stops are wheelchair accessible
• Strollers and wagons are not permitted on the train
• During peak hours we are unable to guarantee a seat while boarding at the remote train stops.

Free Rides for Members

Hermann Park Conservancy members enjoy free, unlimited train rides on the second Saturday of every month. Members also have access to a Member Express line to skip the wait. To learn about additional membership benefits or to join today,  click here .

Please Note: During peak hours we are unable to guarantee a seat while boarding at the remote train stops.

SPECIAL TRAIN PROGRAMS

Hermann Park Conservancy offers unique and exciting experiences for train enthusiasts from 7 to 107 years old including private rentals of the Hermann Park Railroad, a special day of helping the Railroad staff with our Engineer-for-a-Day program, and more! 

To learn more about our special train programs, click here .

PEDAL BOATS

Monday through Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm

Hours for the pedal boats are subject to change based on weather conditions and change seasonally. The pedal boats are closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas day. For a complete list of operating hours, click here .

Price is $14.50 per boat for 30 minutes

• One rider must be at least 18 years of age with a government issued photo ID
• Up to 4 riders per boat
• Children must be able to sit on their own
• All riders must wear a life vest
• Only ADA trained service dogs are allowed on the pedal boats

Sunday through Thursday: 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Friday through Saturday: 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Hours for the carousel are subject to change based on weather conditions.

• Riders under 42" must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. That adult does not have to have a ticket and must stand next to their child
• The carousel has the ability to accommodate one wheelchair
• The carousel will be cleared of all passengers at the end of each ride
• The carousel ride will be 2.5 minutes

Carousel tickets are $5 per person per ride. Tickets can be purchased at the Gift Shop or online HERE .

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Hermann Park Conservancy | 1700 Hermann Drive | Houston, TX 77004 | 713-524-5876 Copyright © 2024 Hermann Park Conservancy

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

5 Epic Train Rides In Texas | For a Relaxed and Picturesque Journey

• Destinations
• Types of Travel
• United States

Note: The Travel Awaits team regularly updates content to provide the latest, and most accurate information to our readers. The updated content in this article may not reflect the views or opinions of the original author.

I love to ride trains. My great-grandparents saw travel evolve from horse-drawn carriages to electric street cars, urban subways, and passenger trains.

Today, we seek fast travel by jet or a sleek car, but what about turning back the clock to railroad transit and passenger trains? There is something about the golden age of train travel that’s fun for all ages. It’s a time to slow down, relax, and let the landscape flow past us. Let’s explore train rides in Texas, great fun for the whole family. All aboard!

5 Epic Train Rides In Texas for an Amazing Experience

1. palestine to rusk, texas state railroad.

Step aboard a refurbished train car at the Texas State Railroad and feel like you have stepped back in time 100 years, where time slows down and tensions disappear. Relax and enjoy a 4-hour roundtrip train excursion from Palestine to Rusk and back, with vintage steam and diesel locomotives gliding through the piney woods of East Texas as the fall leaves begin to turn shades of golds, oranges, yellows, and reds.

At the depot, learn about the railroad communities, savor a bite to eat with family at the Rusk Mail Car Cafe, and shop the gifts and keepsakes at Roundhouse 1909 in Palestine. Ride comfortably, enjoy a historical narrative, meet friendly and entertaining staff, and sample food and adult beverages on your journey. The four-hour train ride breaks down to a 1.5-hour 25-mile trip to the destination depot, a one-hour lunchtime, and a 1.5-hour return trip.

In October, the Pumpkin Patch Express leaves from Rusk, a 30-minute round trip train ride, including hayrides, spooky music, a bounce house, concessions, and trick-or-treating on Trick or Treat Street. Each child picks out a pumpkin to take home for carving. Fall is a fabulous time to take a train trip through the U.S .

Make reservations now for the Polar Express for November and December. The Presidential Class car seating is limited where a ride with Santa, keepsake Polar Express mugs, hot chocolate, and cookies make for a magical experience.

Camping facilities at the Rusk Campground offer a stay onsite at a historic railroad, with access to depot amenities including lunch, gift shop, and movie theater access on train departure days. Movies filmed on the Texas State Railroad are featured, with stars like Denzel Washington, George Clooney, John Goodman, and Sam Elliot.

This was definitely one of my favorite U.S. train rides .

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Palestine To Rusk

2. Cedar Park To Burnet

Austin steam train association.

All aboard! Take the historic 6-hour, 66-mile roundtrip Hill Country Flyer from Cedar Park, north of Austin, and just east of Lake Travis, to Burnet with a brief layover there for lunch and shopping. There are at least four classes of service : excursion coach, first-class coach, first-class lounge, and adults-only first-class lounge.

The Bertram Flyer is a shorter trip, traveling from Cedar Park to Bertram, with a 15-minute layover in Bertram and enough time to tour the 1912 train depot there. The train runs from March through November on Saturdays and Sundays.

The North Pole Flyer 2021 with Santa leaves from Bertram and is a 2-hour roundtrip. Arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure and be in your seat no later than 10 minutes before the train leaves. Read the Terms and Conditions about no refunds and restrictions.

Enjoy hot chocolate and the elf’s reading of the North Pole Flyer book.

Read about the vintage train cars here .

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Cedar Park To Burnet

3. Grapevine To Fort Worth Stockyards

The grapevine vintage railroad .

Travel from Main Street Station in Grapevine to the Fort Worth Stockyards on the Grapevine Vintage Railroad while relaxing in air-conditioned Victorian train cars. 

See the schedule for special events like Murder Mystery Trains and reserved group events.

Wear your costume on the Witches Brew Train on October 29, 2021, which features hors d’oeuvres and local draft brew served in a souvenir mug. Take time to tour the Haunted Depot. Wear your Halloween costume on the Trick ‘R Treat Trains on October 30 and enjoy this 1-hour excursion.

Make your reservations now for the hour-long North Pole Express November through December, presented by Great Wolf Lodge and Trinity Metro TEXRail. Wear your Christmas pajamas while you take a Christmas train journey to Santa’s Workshop, a family-friendly trip. The After Christmas Trains run December 26 through 30, 2021, on holiday-decorated coaches as you continue the Christmas spirit.

In April, ride The Jazz Wine Train aboard the 1920s Victorian coaches with soulful jazz entertainment while sipping great Grapevine wine. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres plus a dessert trio box. Sip wine from several winery tasting rooms from a souvenir wine glass.

Bring the little ones for a Day Out With Thomas , presented by Mattel. Ride the train with the classic storybook engine and have fun with “trains, games & miles of smiles!” 

Mattel and the Museum of the American Railroad helped sponsor this event. I took my grandchildren for a train ride right after Christmas on the Grapevine Railroad Stockyards Trinity River Excursion . We traveled from the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards, through Trinity Park to the 8th Avenue historic railyard, then returned to the stockyards. 

You’ll see the Great Train Heist, with greedy outlaws and the railroad detectives close behind.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Grapevine To Fort Worth Stockyards

4. Along The Big Cypress Bayou

Historic jefferson railway.

The gas-powered 1910 Plymouth Locomotive called “The Critter” and the Historic Jefferson Railway take you for a ride along the Big Cypress Bayou and through the piney woods. The 40-minute ride stops at Diamond Don Gator Pit where hungry alligators have lunch.

Watch for the Boggy Creek monster, the star of the 2010 horror movie, Boggy Creek , filmed locally. 

The beast resembles the old Bigfoot or Sasquatch monster and is directed, and produced by Brian T. Jaynes.

Jefferson Train Days, happening every May, is the Historic Jefferson Train Show with operating model train layouts, Kids Corral, model train and toy vendors, and Thomas The Train Play area. You can ride the historic Jefferson Railway and the Lonesome Dove Safari and Train petting zoo.

Halloween Express runs day and evening narrated rides every Saturday in October featuring monsters of the deep. Listen to the storyteller along with this 40-minute train excursion with ghostly spirits, the monster, or Bigfoot emerging from the swamplands, but it’s not scary.

Enjoy the Christmas Express Train narrated day and evening tours with Christmas vignettes along the beautiful Big Cypress Bayou River. The New Year’s Express features beverages, noisemakers, and with the ball drop and five authentic cannons firing dramatic “dragons’ breath.”

On the last weekend In May, see the Great Locomotive Chase and Civil War Battle with reenactors from the North and South. Ride the 1870s replica steam train and hear the tale of the Andrews Raid, a thrilling railroad story. Engine #7, known as the Robert E. Lee will take you along Big Cypress Bayou, through the piney woods, where you will view a Confederate Powder Magazine and travel to the site of one of the oldest historical towns in Texas. Ride the Historic Jefferson Railway’s famous Ghost Train to experience the haunts of the Civil War.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Along The Big Cypress Bayou

5. Amtrak Texas Eagle

Amtrak isn’t necessarily a tourist train ride like the others we’ve mentioned here, but it must be included when talking about train rides in Texas. One of the three Amtrak routes in Texas is the Texas Eagle , which, by the way, is the longest train route in the whole country. There are more attractions to enjoy en route than we could ever list and is one of the best train trips in Texas.

The Texas Eagle will take you deep into the heart of Texas where you get to see the land of Lincoln, Illinois, travel across the Mississippi River and the Ozarks, and the trilling Piney Woods of East Texas. Along the way, you will Marvel at the gorgeous views of big cities, like the cosmopolitan Dallas, and Austin, before you arrive in popular San Antonio.

Amtrak’s Texas Eagle consists of double-deck Superliner cars and is staffed with a crew dedicated to your comfort. Anyone booking a private room in a sleeper car gets additional perks like complimentary meals and lounge access. In-room amenities include the fold-down tray, 110V outlet, attendant call button, lighting and climate controls, clothes closet, soap, and towels.

Now that’s some modern-day train travel for you.

Explore hotels and Airbnbs near Amtrak Texas Eagle

Is Food and Drink Available Onboard Texas State Railroad Train?

Yes. There is a concession car available offering a variety of non-alcoholic beverages as well as beer, wine, and premium liquor service. You can also buy snacks like candy bars, ice cream, and popcorn. 

What Days Does the Austin Steam Train Association Train Run?

Their train usually runs on Saturdays and Sundays only. Whether the train runs Saturday AM, Saturday PM, or mid-day Sunday changes by season. Twice a year there may also be a mid-week Spring Break Train or Summertime Train. 

What Time Does the Grapevine Vintage Railroad Train Board in Grapevine?

Boarding begins 20 minutes before the scheduled departure time in Grapevine. All passengers should be on board at least 10 minutes before departure because the train doesn’t stop for late passengers once it gets moving.

Which Is the Busiest and Most Popular Scenic Train Ride in Texas?

The state’s busiest and most popular scenic train ride is the Texas State Railroad, which hosts a multitude of excursions and numerous special events throughout the year depending on your interest. There are historic steam and diesel locomotives as well as trolleys in operation. 

Why Take a Tourist Train Ride in Texas?

Tourist train rides offer entertaining journeys for the whole family. Whether you’re a local looking for something to do in your home state, a visitor interested in a unique experience, or an avid locomotive enthusiast, you will have a splendid time on one of these train rides in Texas.

Janie H. Pace is a travel writer and photographer based in Fort Worth, Texas. Her culinary, wine, and travel photography adventures have led her across Peru from Cusco through the Sacred Valley to Machu Picchu; up the Canadian Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise to Banff and Jasper, indulging in Fairmont luxury hotels; and to the four largest islands of Hawaii. Her latest adventure was a Viking Cruise to the Norwegian Homelands. After a career in advertising and sales, Janie knows what makes compelling, substantial content. Whether she's participating in a wine tasting, restaurant review, or local craft beer or distillery tour, Janie posts her adventures at Journey Mapped .

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Choo-Choo, All Aboard Houston's Best Holiday Trains

November 20, 2019

Maybe it's all those readings of The Polar Express, or maybe it's the images of model trains chugging around a Christmas tree, but there is no denying that trains and the holidays seem to go together like hot cocoa and marshmallows. This season, Houston has several ways to experience the magic of trains with model trains, actual train rides and a few reindeer games. Here are five of our favorite holiday train rides for Houston families! 

Trains Over Texas at the Houston Museum of Natural Science

Houston Museum of Natural Science 5555 Hermann Park Drive Houston, TX When: Now through the holidays

Cost: Free with general admission to the museum—$25 for adults, children $16

What to expect: The Houston Museum of Natural Science is finally bringing back this impressive O-scale model train display that celebrates state pride in a big way by recreating iconic Texas landmarks. The largest indoor O-scale display in Texas, this puppy is the size of a tennis court. Kids will recognize the oil country, salt domes, prairies and wetlands alongside national monuments like Enchanted Rock, Pedernales Falls, Big Bend National Park and The Balcones Escarpment. See if you can pick out the train routes to Galveston, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio.

Pro tip: While you’re there, consider getting tickets to Art of the Brick , Stonehenge or a screening of Superpower Dogs in 3D. If you would rather stay in the holiday spirit, visit the Cockrell Butterfly Center’s White Christmas . For the holiday season, the rainforest is filled with hundreds of white butterflies and white flowers that make this tropical spot seem downright seasonal.

Texas State Railroad's Polar Express

Texas State Railroad Palestine Depot 789 Park Road 70 Palestine, TX

When: November 16-December 28, 2019

Cost: Varies—adults $45-$100, children (ages 2-12) $30-$75, or adult (with lap child) $55-$110

What to expect: If you are a serious Polar Express fan, plan a trip to Palestine, Texas to take a ride on the Texas State Railroad Polar Express. Get aboard this real-life train for a 60-minute immersive ride with hot cocoa, cookies, PJs, Santa, and a reading of the book Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.

Pro tip: Palestine is about a three-hour drive from Houston, so you may want to make a weekend out of your trip. If you do plan to drive up there and back in one outing, be aware that they request you arrive 45 minutes prior to your ticketed time. PJs are encouraged for all of the riders, but make sure you bring jackets and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. 

Holiday Train at Hermann Park

Hermann Park 6001 Fannin Street Houston, TX When: December 1-January 5, 2020. Holiday hours vary, so be sure to check their website.

Cost: $3.75 a rider, children one and under free

What to expect: The Hermann Park Train is getting a holiday makeover! Starting December 1, you can catch a ride on the Holiday Train. It's outfitted with lights and festive garlands, which makes nighttime rides even more special. Trains typically leave the station every 25 to 30 minutes, and the entire ride around the park is roughly 18 minutes.

Pro tip: The Holiday Train is a great addition if you are already planning on heading to Zoo Lights .

The Christmas Train at Victory Camp in Alvin

Victory Camp 1407 Victory Ln Alvin, TX When: December 6-7, 12-14 and 16-23, 2019. Weekdays 6:30-9:30pm; Friday and Saturday 6-10pm

Cost: Tickets $10 online and $12 at the door; select discount nights $8; children under two free. Note: they strongly encourage you to purchase tickets ahead of time and arrive at least 30 minutes prior to boarding time. 

What to expect:  The Christmas Train in Alvin has been keeping holiday spirits on track for nearly 20 years. Organized by volunteers from the LS Church, the old-fashioned train ride takes you through over 300,000 lights and Christmas decorations (think gingerbread villages and penguin snow lands!). If the train isn't enough for you, there is also a fully lit walking path with more lights.

Pro tip: You can bring hot chocolate and popcorn on the train ride if you purchase them from the concession areas; there are also storytimes with Mrs. Claus and a Santa to snap photos with. If you forget to eat beforehand, Big Al’s is also serving up pizza.

Reindeer Bootcamp at Rosenberg Railroad Museum

Rosenberg Railroad Museum 1921 Avenue F Rosenberg, TX When: December 14, 2019

Cost: $8 ,  though be advised—the museum tour is not included. Up to two adults may accompany the child, and the activities are geared for kids ages three to seven.

What to expect: When trains are always in season at your museum, for the holidays you need to be a bit “extra.” This year, the Rosenberg Railroad Museum is planning a “Reindeer Bootcamp,” where kids will get a chance to see if they have what it takes to be one of Santa’s elite team members. There will be several “training” stations to test your balance, agility and flexibility. At “Up on the Rooftop,” you’ll need perfect balance beam walking; then, get your running shoes on to maneuver through the “Christmas Trees” (or cones), on your route to make all of those toy deliveries. It’s not all games, though—there is some fun thrown in, too, with crafts and cookie decorating.

Pro tip: If you can’t make the Reindeer Bootcamp, don’t fret! The museum is also participating in Rosenberg Christmas Nights on December 6 and 7 for citywide celebrations. Santa will also be in on December 6 for photos.

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Best places to see holiday lights in the houston area, 20 must-dos for your houston holiday bucket list, things to do, all aboard 6 train adventures for houston kids.

West Texas grew up around the train, and the train still delivers visitors to Big Bend. Your vacation begins as soon as you take a seat in the city of origin. Please double check with AMTRAK as times may change and schedules sometimes run behind.

Passenger Train Service to Big Bend

Amtrak’s Sunset Limited runs through Alpine 3 days per week running each way:  New Orleans, Houston and San Antonio from the east; Los Angeles, Tucson, and El Paso from the west.  Please note that AMTRAK frequently runs behind schedule. If you can  allow  extra time and be  flexible the train is an extremely rewarding way to see the countryside on the way to Big Bend. From the East From Houston, the train leaves bound for Alpine on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 6:55 pm From San Antonio:  Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2:45 am Arriving Alpine Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 10:38 am

To The East Leaving Alpine: Monday, Thursday, and Saturday at 8:45 pm Arriving San Antonio: Tuesday, Friday and Sunday at 4:50 am Arriving Houston: Tuesday, Friday and Sunday at 11:10 am

From the West Depart El Paso  Monday, Thursday and Saturday at 3:45 pm Mountain  time zone Arrive Alpine same days 8:45 pm Central time zone

To the West Leave Alpine Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 10:38 am Central Arrive El Paso same days at 1:22 pm Mountain

Rent a vehicle in Alpine Lodging adjacent to Alpine Amtrak Station Lodging in Alpine

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Amtrak says Dallas-Houston bullet train could be built within 10 years

Amtrak officials are holding an ambitious goal of getting the Dallas to Houston bullet train built within 10 years, although planners are being careful not to set a specific timeline for the project that has garnered nationwide attention.

During the Southwestern Regional Rail Conference in Hurst this week , an executive for Amtrak, the national passenger railroad company of the United States, reiterated that it supports the multi-billion-dollar plan and continues to work toward developing it. Amtrak had previously announced it was exploring a partnership with Texas Central , the Dallas-based company that hatched the bullet train idea a decade ago, and Amtrak received a $500,000 federal grant in December to further study the proposal .

"This is very much a project that Amtrak is now leading," said senior vice president Andy Byford, who heads Amtrak's high-speed rail development program. "I have to make sure that in any recommendation I give to my CEO and to my board, that it is a project that is worthwhile pursuing. And right now, having looked at the revenue forecasts and done our due diligence to date, I still think that is the case. That again, though, does not mean that it's a done deal."

During the conference, Byford told a crowd that construction could begin as soon as the "early 2030's," although he was careful not to set anything in stone for a timeline.

The plan is to construct a 240-mile high-speed railway with one stop in between Houston and Dallas, and Texas Central cleared several key hurdles before longtime CEO Carlos Aguilar resigned in 2022 after land acquisitions and fundraising had slowed. The company secured federal approval for the proposed route and the high-speed technology to be used, and the Texas Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that Texas Central had the legal authority to acquire land through eminent domain.

Byford said about 30% of the land needed has been secured for the project, which he estimated will cost at least $30 billion. Further land acquisition amidst opposition by some rural property owners along the route, broad political support and a mix of private and public funding sources will be required to see the bullet train initiative to fruition, according to Byford, who said Amtrak officials view the Houston-to-Dallas connection as one of the most viable high-speed railways in the U.S. because of the size of their population bases, the distance between them and the relatively flat topography between them.

He also said there is a lack of attractive transportation options between Dallas and Houston, with both Interstate 45 and the region's airports expected to become more and more congested. It takes at least 3-4 hours to travel between the cities by car or truck.

"I think this goes beyond just Dallas to Houston, I think as a nation," Byford said. "The alternative is to condemn Americans to ever more crowded interstates, to condemn taxpayers to just paying for ever-widening of highways, and potentially using ever more crowded airports. Surely now is the time to look at, ‘There is an alternative.' It is a proven alternative. It is a system that is safely used in just about every other developed country of the world, except for the U.S."

The proposed project has significant backing in the Dallas City Council, including from Mayor Eric Johnson. Byford met with the council in March to share details of the plan. While most council members support the Dallas-Houston bullet train, others were skeptical about the Fort Worth to Dallas connection , which is being led by the North Central Texas Council of Governments.

It also has federal and international backing: President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in a list of political understandings released by the White House on Monday, expressed their support for the initiative, which would utilize Japan's Shinkansen technology to transport travelers between Texas' two largest cities in a matter of about 90 minutes.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism both "welcomed Amtrak's leadership" of the project and the utilization of Shinkansen technology.

"The successful completion of development efforts and other requirements would position the project for potential future funding and financing opportunities," the White House said.

Byford said Amtrak plans to spend the next 18 months or so further exploring the high-speed railway and how to pay for it, adding that support from the Texas Legislature would be beneficial. And he acknowledged that there are opponents to the plan, such as the nonprofit organization Texans Against High-Speed Rail, which did not immediately respond to a Wednesday email seeking comment.

Texans Against High-Speed Rail wrote in a Monday post on Facebook that there is "still a lot for the Biden Administration to understand about this project before committing our tax dollars to what was to be a ‘private' project. We are working daily to ensure the right people in key positions know and understand the significant issues this project faces."

Notably, the Texas Department of Transportation has little to no involvement in the project. Jeff Davis, regional rail director at TXDoT, told KERA that that's because Texas Central, and now Amtrak, are leading the project.

"We are just simply completing the studies," Davis said. "Once the studies are completed, then it would be up to the legislature what they want to do."

Davis added that if Amtrak is successful in building the project, then TXDoT would have regulatory enforcement power over the rail's operating lines.

"They would have to come to TxDOT to look at grade crossings, they cross our right away and they cross a couple of our roads," Davis said. "We would treat them as any other railroad when they come to us. We would look at the agreements."

But Byford with Amtrak maintains the high-speed rail would benefit the state and its residents, even if they don't plan on riding and don't want their tax dollars going toward the project.

"If you are, for example, an airline and you might argue what's in it for you, well, you can free up gates slots and planes to operate much more revenue-generating medium-to-long-haul routes than what is typically not very profitable, short-haul routes.

"And even if you're say, for example, a resident of Central Texas who might think, ‘Well, I don't go to Dallas, and I don't go to Houston, so what's in it for me?' Well, if our forecasting is correct, and the ridership is what we predict it will be, which is very healthy levels of ridership and a very healthy return. ... Those are riches that can be disseminated throughout the whole state, so I think there's something in it for everyone."

Pablo Arauz Peña is KERA’s growth and infrastructure reporter. Got a tip? Email Pablo at [email protected] . You can follow him on X @pabloaarauz .

KERA News is made possible through the generosity of our members. If you find this reporting valuable, consider making a tax-deductible gift today . Thank you.

Amtrak is now driving Dallas to Houston bullet train proposal

"this is very much a project that amtrak is now leading," said andy byford, amtrak's vice president of high-speed rail development, by phil prazan • published april 16, 2024 • updated on april 16, 2024 at 11:07 pm.

An Amtrak leader says they're in the engineer's seat for the proposal to build a high-speed train between Dallas and Houston. The proposed route makes one of the best cases for the technology train advocates argue.

After a presentation at the Southwestern Rail Conference in Hurst, the man overseeing high speed rail for Amtrak told reporters they've come to a non-binding agreement with Texas Central, the company pushing the idea before the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Andy Byford, details of the agreement between Amtrak and Texas Central are subject to a non-disclosure agreement but much of the work previously done has been helpful for planners. Amtrak staff is now doing intense due diligence over where the project stands and the next steps. The transition includes working through federal environmental approval, the sign-off for the Japanese technology behind the bullet train, and a court decision giving the project eminent domain authority.

Many significant hurdles remain for the idea but Byford said he's optimistic about what he's seen so far. Amtrak joined the project with Texas Central in 2023 and submitted it to the Federal Railroad Administration's Corridor ID program. That program acts like a pipeline of projects to get priority funding. Tuesday, the Amtrak leader gave a full-throated endorsement of the project, arguing it's the next best route in the country for high-speed rail.

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"I think the alternative is to condemn Americans to ever more crowded interstates; to condemn taxpayers to ever widening of highways," said Byford.

The Southwestern Rail Conference gathered rail advocates across the state to hear Byford's presentation along with a speech by Amit Bose, the Federal Railroad Administrator, and other advocates and train operators. With a train-friendly Biden Administration in Washington and a huge influx in new transportation money coming from the bipartisan infrastructure law passed in 2021, rail advocates say the time is now to get major projects off the ground.

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Byford argues that the Dallas-to-Houston route has the right geography, the right population size, and the right distance apart for a high-speed train to thrive. He told the crowd that if the project is successful, it may be a reality by the early 2030s. The largest hurdles remain to cobble together money for the project and win over skeptics in the Texas legislature and landowners between the two cities.

“My watchword is transparency. I don’t believe you can please everyone. I don’t think the interstates would have been built if you tried to please absolutely everyone. I think sometimes what you’re aiming to do is at least hear people out, hear their point of view," said Byford.

Amtrak estimates the project may be north of $30 billion and over the next eighteen months Byford said he will be putting together a public and private funding package "the likes of which has not been seen before."

Support from D.C.

Amtrak taking over the project gave the idea a shot in the arm. Amtrak's board is appointed by the President of the United States. The Biden Administration recently threw its support behind the Dallas to Houston rail project.

"We believe in this. Obviously, it has to turn into a more specific design and vision but everything I've seen makes me very excited about this," said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg on Lone Star Politics, NBC 5's Sunday morning public affairs show.

Last week, President Biden and the Prime Minister of Japan released a fact sheet detailing their support for the project after their state dinner.

"The successful completion of development efforts and other requirements would position the project for potential future funding and financing opportunities," staff for the two leaders wrote.

Amtrak is currently working on a Service Development Plan to then pitch the project to the Federal Railroad Administration for priority funding. Recently, a train between Los Angeles to San Francisco and another form Las Vegas to Los Angeles just received $3 billion each in federal funds.

Challenges remain

A coalition of landowners opposes the plan because the route is slated to go through their property. Texans Against High-Speed Rail president Trey Duhon spoke with NBC 5. Duhon has also served as the Waller County Judge for the past decade.

Texans Against High Speed Rail recently filed a complaint with the Department of Justice, claiming the company was working as a foreign agent. It is unclear what will become of the complaint if Texas Central steps away from the project. Texas Central's board disbanded, and its CEO resigned. NBC 5 requested an interview with the company's leaders but has not yet heard back.

Duhon said just the planning for this project has led to negative consequences for landowners along the route.

“People forget, we’ve got thousands of landowners along the route. This has now been hanging over their head for ten years. Once that line goes on a map, you’re hosed," said Duhon.

Around thirty percent of the land is already acquired for the project.

Duhon said Amtrak taking over the project does change things because decisions will now be made in Washington, D.C., and funding becomes less of an issue.

"It becomes hogs at the trough, and they’re all just trying to get their piece of this infrastructure money," said Duhon.

Several years ago the Texas legislature rejected the idea of using any state money to build high-speed rail. Leaders in the Texas legislature have been relatively quiet recently on the idea. Texas Central had problems getting enough support for the plan in its many years of advocating for the program.

“Are the feds going to fund this thing because nobody else is coming to the rescue," said Duhon.

Byford aims to get the project far enough along so leaders in Texas make a decision: do they want high-speed rail or not?

"Ultimately, if we can’t make the case, or we can’t raise the money, or if people really don’t want it, then there are plenty of other viable city pairings," he said.

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Houston-to-dallas high-speed rail project seems to be gaining momentum.

The longstanding plan to connect Texas’ two largest cities with a bullet train has support from political leaders in the U.S. and Japan, where the high-speed technology was developed. Amtrak continues to explore the idea.

The idea to construct a high-speed railway between Houston and Dallas, which in recent years appeared to have stalled out, seems to be gaining momentum.

President Joe Biden and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, in a list of political understandings released by the White House on Monday, expressed their support for the initiative, which would utilize Japan's Shinkansen technology to transport travelers between Texas' two largest cities in a matter of about 90 minutes.

And an executive for Amtrak, the national passenger railroad company of the United States, reiterated Tuesday at a railway conference in the Dallas area that it supports the multi-billion-dollar plan and continues to work toward developing it. Amtrak had previously announced it was exploring a partnership with Texas Central , the Dallas-based company that hatched the bullet train idea a decade ago, and Amtrak received a $500,000 federal grant in December to further study the proposal.

"This is very much a project that Amtrak is now leading," said senior vice president Andy Byford, who heads Amtrak's high-speed rail development program. "I have to make sure that in any recommendation I give to my CEO and to my board, that it is a project that is worthwhile pursuing. And right now, having looked at the revenue forecasts and done our due diligence to date, I still think that is the case. That again, though, does not mean that it's a done deal."

The plan is to construct a 240-mile high-speed railway with one stop in between Houston and Dallas, and Texas Central cleared several key hurdles before longtime CEO Carlos Aguilar resigned in 2022 after land acquisitions and fundraising had slowed . The company secured federal approval for the proposed route and the high-speed technology to be used, and the Texas Supreme Court ruled in 2022 that Texas Central had the legal authority to acquire land through eminent domain.

Byford said about 30% of the land needed has been secured for the project, which he estimated will cost at least $30 billion. Further land acquisition amidst opposition by some rural property owners along the route, broad political support and a mix of private and public funding sources will be required to see the bullet train initiative to fruition, according to Byford, who said Amtrak officials view the Houston-to-Dallas connection as one of the most viable high-speed railways in the U.S. because of the size of their population bases, the distance between them and the relatively flat topography between them.

He also said there is a lack of attractive transportation options between Houston and Dallas, with both Interstate 45 and the region's airports expected to become more and more congested. It takes 3-4 hours to travel between the cities by car or truck.

"I think this goes beyond just Dallas to Houston, I think as a nation," Byford said. "The alternative is to condemn Americans to ever more crowded interstates, to condemn taxpayers to just paying for ever-widening of highways, and potentially using ever more crowded airports. Surely now is the time to look at, ‘There is an alternative.' It is a proven alternative. It is a system that is safely used in just about every other developed country of the world, except for the U.S."

The office of new Houston Mayor John Whitmire did not immediately respond to a Wednesday request for comment about whether he supports the high-speed rail proposal, which had the backing of his predecessor, Sylvester Turner, as well as Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson. The idea also is supported by the Greater Houston Partnership, which serves as a chamber of commerce and economic development organization.

The U.S. Department of Transportation and Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism both "welcomed Amtrak's leadership" of the project and the utilization of Shinkansen technology, according to the White House's list of political understandings between Biden and Kishida, who met last week in Washington D.C.

"The successful completion of development efforts and other requirements would position the project for potential future funding and financing opportunities," the White House said.

Byford said Amtrak plans to spend the next 18 months or so further exploring the high-speed railway and how to pay for it, adding that support from the Texas Legislature would be beneficial. And he acknowledged that there are opponents to the plan, such as the nonprofit organization Texans Against High-Speed Rail, which did not immediately respond to a Wednesday email seeking comment.

Texans Against High-Speed Rail wrote in a Monday post on Facebook that there is "still a lot for the Biden Administration to understand about this project before committing our tax dollars to what was to be a ‘private' project. We are working daily to ensure the right people in key positions know and understand the significant issues this project faces."

Addressing concerns about the Houston terminus being slated for the former Northwest Mall site at the convergence of U.S. 290, Loop 610 and Interstate 10 – as opposed to a downtown location – Byford said the more outlying site was selected because of logistical reasons and also because ridership is projected to be higher there. He also spoke to why people who don't plan to ride a bullet train from one city to the other, or don't want their tax dollars going toward the project, might still benefit from it and see value in it.

"There'll be 12,500 fewer cars on the I-45 once this thing opens, so I would argue that there's benefit for you," Byford said. "If you are, for example, an airline and you might argue what's in it for you, well, you can free up gates slots and planes to operate much more revenue-generating medium-to-long-haul routes than what is typically not very profitable, short-haul routes.

"And even if you're say, for example, a resident of Central Texas who might think, ‘Well, I don't go to Dallas, and I don't go to Houston, so what's in it for me?' Well, if our forecasting is correct, and the ridership is what we predict it will be, which is very healthy levels of ridership and a very healthy return. ... Those are riches that can be disseminated throughout the whole state, so I think there's something in it for everyone."

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Houston train crash: Abandoned SUV hit in Downtown near Main Street

Train hits abandoned suv in downtown houston.

Officials say a train hit an abandoned SUV in Downtown Houston on Monday morning.

A crash involving a train and an SUV is impacting traffic in Downtown Houston on Monday morning.

The crash occurred around 3:20 a.m. near the University of Houston Downtown campus, along the tracks near Main Street.

FOX 26 Houston is now on the FOX LOCAL app available through Apple TV, Amazon FireTV, Roku, Google Android TV, and Vizio!

Officials say the train hit an abandoned SUV. No occupants of the vehicle were located, and no injuries have been reported.

The train extends east down the line across San Jacinto Street and over I-10.

Wreckers are working to remove what’s left of the vehicle from the tracks.

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The push to deliver high-speed rail to Texas

High speed trains are lined up after undergoing maintenance in preparation for the annual Lunar New Year travel peak, at a maintenance base in Wuhan, in China's central Hubei province early on January 26, 2024. China has the world's largest high-speed rail network, covering nearly 28 thousand miles. STR/AFP via Getty Images hide caption

High speed trains are lined up after undergoing maintenance in preparation for the annual Lunar New Year travel peak, at a maintenance base in Wuhan, in China's central Hubei province early on January 26, 2024. China has the world's largest high-speed rail network, covering nearly 28 thousand miles.

For the last 60 years a transportation revolution has largely passed America by. Bullet trains were invented in Japan in the early 1960s. Since then, countries all over the world have adopted the technology and constructed sprawling networks of high speed rail lines. Despite spending billions of dollars in federal funding, he U.S. lags far behind. But a recent visit from Japan's Prime minister has revived interest in bullet train projects around the country. One of those projects is in Texas – a proposed high-speed rail line between Houston and Dallas. NPR's Andrew Limbong s peaks with Dallas Morning News mobility and transportation reporter Amber Gaudet about what it will take to get Texas' high-speed rail project completed, and what it could mean for high-speed rail in America. For sponsor-free episodes of Consider This , sign up for Consider This+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org . Email us at [email protected] .

This episode was produced by Avery Keatley. It was edited by Adam Raney. Our executive producer is Sami Yenigun.

Amtrak makes its case for high-speed rail from Houston to Dallas at Southwestern Rail Conference

“if we are successful in putting together that funding package, which will itself take about a year, then we will be looking to open in the early 2030s and get the line open.”.

DALLAS, Texas (KBTX) - For the first time since announcing its partnership with Texas Central Railway, Amtrak met with KBTX to discuss its plans to introduce high-speed rail to the area, aiming to revolutionize transportation in Texas and beyond.

At the Southwestern Rail Conference, hosted by the nonprofit Texas Rail Advocates , Andy Byford, senior vice president of high-speed rail for Amtrak, shared details of the project’s current status, addressing key elements such as service development plans, community engagement, land acquisition and funding.

Byford outlined the three stages of the Corridor Identification (CID) program, emphasizing the ongoing development of a service development plan (SDP). He expressed optimism about completing this phase by mid-June, highlighting the collaborative effort with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to provide necessary information in a timely manner.

Community engagement emerged as a central theme, with Byford acknowledging the diverse array of opinions surrounding the project. He underscored Amtrak’s commitment to transparency, citing ongoing efforts to address concerns raised by stakeholders, including local elected officials and residents.

“We understand that not everyone is a fan of the project. We understand that this is a democracy, people are entitled to their views and we understand also as Amtrak that we have to make the case. And you can’t just, you know, force these things through. You’ve got to properly explain the benefits of a project and you’ve got to properly consult with communities and with elected officials,” said Byford.

“Political will is always the other big challenge. Can you get sufficient political support, which is in itself a reflection of community support?” Byford added.

He says the necessity for the project stems from anticipated population growth and escalating congestion on existing transportation arteries like I-35 and I-45. Byford emphasized the urgency of exploring alternatives to mitigate future congestion on interstates and at airports, positioning high-speed rail as a proven solution employed in developed countries worldwide.

“I think time is of the essence and I think I see that in a macro way as well as a micro. And the reason I say that, is I think this goes beyond just Dallas to Houston. I think as a nation, and obviously, I’m a newcomer to the nation, but I think the alternative is to condemn Americans to ever more crowded interstates, to condemn taxpayers, to just paying for ever-widening highways and potentially using ever-more crowded airports,” Byford added.

Despite encountering pushback, he says Amtrak remains persistent in its commitment to the project’s success. Byford stressed the importance of understanding and addressing differing viewpoints while highlighting the potential benefits for the majority.

“I don’t think the interstates would’ve ever been built if you tried to please absolutely everyone. I think sometimes what you’re aiming to do is to at least hear people out, hear their point of view and give them a courtesy of going to see them, hearing and trying to address their concerns,” said Byford. “It’s not always possible to please everyone. If what you are trying to do is deliver a public good, that ultimately does benefit the majority,’ said Byford.

Regarding land acquisition, Byford provided detailed insights, indicating that roughly 30% of the required land has been procured by Texas Central. Negotiations are ongoing for the remaining parcels.

Challenges persist, including securing political support, finalizing funding and acquiring the remaining right-of-way. However, Byford exuded confidence in the project’s potential and the robust demand for high-speed rail, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“One of the first things Amtrak did in taking over the project was to undertake research to see if the demand was still there post-COVID,” said Byford.

“So our forecast, the actual forecast in terms of the projected ridership is very strong. And that’s important because that means that you can then make a business case for the capital investment to raise the funding in the private markets and in the public sector in order to actually then stick a spade in the ground and make this thing a reality,” Byford added.

Byford says if all goes well the project could be completed in the early 2030s.

“If we are successful in putting together that funding package, which will itself take about a year, then we will be looking to open in the early 2030s and get the line open. And that includes testing, commissioning, trial operations and everything else that you have to do,” said Byford. “So watch this space. There are still a lot of big hurdles to overcome. But I really do think that if we can pull it off, it will be an absolute jewel in Texas’s crown,” Byford added.

At Southwestern Rail Conference in Hurst, Amtrak exec says high speed rail is “crucial to the success of the US.” He says demand is growing, so they’re looking at how to connect cities in the Texas Triangle. He says the only other option is to keep widening roads. pic.twitter.com/Og0d7aST3z — Alan Scaia (@scaia) April 16, 2024

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2024 Houston Open one and done picks, top sleepers, rankings: PGA Tour predictions, expert golf betting advice

T he push towards the 2024 Masters is on with the PGA Tour descending upon the Lone Star State this week for the 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open at Memorial Park Golf Course in Houston. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler headlines the 2024 Houston Open field. Scheffler, a Texas native, notched outright wins in his last two starts at the Arnold Palmer Invitational and The Players Championship, and enters this week as the heavy betting favorite at 14-5 in the latest 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open odds. He is followed by Wyndham Clark (14-1), Tony Finau (18-1), Will Zalatoris (18-1), Sahith Theegala (20-1), Jason Day (28-1), and Si Woo Kim (35-1). The total 2024 Houston Open purse is $9.1 million, with the winner's share coming in at $1.638 million. The winner of this event will also earn 500 FedEx Cup points. 

In a wide open field, would it make sense to back Scheffler this week in One and Done pools? Or would this be a good week to target a long shot like Beau Hossler, Billy Horschel, or Kurt Kitayama? Before locking in your 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open one and done picks, you need to see what SportsLine DFS pro and PGA expert Mike McClure has to say . 

The One and Done format is growing in popularity. It has several noticeable similarities to NFL Survivor pools, with the main difference being entries are not eliminated with a bad week. Players pick one golfer per week and earn points based on their selected golfer's prize money for that tournament. Golfers can only be used once per season, and the point format makes nailing majors, signature events, and big money tournaments critical.

McClure is a DFS legend with over $2 million in career winnings, and he's been red-hot on his PGA picks dating back to the PGA Tour restart in June of 2020. McClure uses his proprietary simulation model to analyze the field and crush his  golf picks .

McClure has been on fire with his One and Done picks in 2024. At The American Express he backed Justin Thomas, who finished in third place and took home $635,600. At the Genesis Invitational, McClure tabbed Patrick Cantlay, who finished in fourth place at the signature event, as his top OAD pick. At the Cognizant Classic, McClure's top one and done pick, Min Woo Lee, finished in a tie for second place. Finally, at the Arnold Palmer Invitation, another signature event, McClure recommended using Scottie Scheffler and Will Zalatoris. The Result: Scheffler won the event by five strokes, and Zalatoris finished in fourth place.

His hot steak continued at the Players Championship, where McClure again recommended using Scheffler (if was still available) and Xander Schauffele. Both players were in contention until the end, with Scheffler coming out with the win and Schauffele finishing in second place. Then, at last week's Valspar Championship, McClure recommended using Cameron Young, who finished in second place, in OAD pools.

Now, McClure has dialed in on the Texas Children's Houston Open golf tournament and just locked in his one and done picks and PGA predictions. They are a must-see for any player looking for an edge in their One and Done pool. You can only see McClure's Texas Children's Houston Open 2024 one and done picks at SportsLine .

Top 2024 Houston One and Done picks

One of McClure's top OAD picks this week at Memorial Park is 30-year-old Wyndham Clark. The reigning U.S. Open champion has three career PGA Tour victories, with one of those coming at this year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Clark also notched a win at this year's AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and finished in second place at The Players and the Arnold Palmer Invitational. 

The Denver, Colo. native has climbed to No. 4 in the Official World Golf Ranking and has become a threat to win any tournament he enters. Clark enters this week ranked third on the PGA Tour in total strokes gained (1.869), eighth in strokes gained tee-to-green (1.214), 12th in strokes gained putting (0.656), and 17th in strokes gained on approach (0.615). With the Houston Open field being wide open, McClure expects Clark to be in contention until the end.  You can see who else to back at SportsLine .

How to make Texas Children's Houston Open 2024 One and Done picks

McClure is also targeting another golfer for his 2024 Texas Children's Houston Open one and done picks who has a long track record of success against elite competition. This former major championship winner has the ability to win any tournament he enters, and is one of the most talented golfers in this field. You can find out who it is, and check out all of McClure's Texas Children's Houston Open one and done picks at SportsLine .

Who wins the the Texas Children's Houston Open 2024, and which golfers should you target for your PGA one and done picks this week at Memorial Park Golf Course? Visit SportsLine now to get Mike McClure's Texas Children's Houston Open 2024 one and done picks, all from the DFS pro who called Nick Taylor's epic win at the RBC Canadian Open and Rickie Fowler's win at the Rocket Mortgage Classic in 2023, and Scottie Scheffler's win at the Arnold Palmer Invitational , and find out.

Woman fatally stabbed on train, suspect detained

A woman was fatally stabbed on a Metro train in Los Angeles early Monday, police said, and a suspect has been detained.

The woman was attacked around 5 a.m. while on the train, "somewhere between the last stop and here at Universal City station," Los Angeles police Detective Meghan Aguilar told reporters.

The victim got off the train at Universal City station and was taken to a hospital where she died, according to police.

The suspect also got off the train at Universal City and fled on foot, according to police.

Around 5:30 a.m., officers saw a person matching the suspect description and apprehended him, police said.

"Detectives are in the process of interviewing him," police said in a statement. "They strongly believe he is the suspect based on witnesses and other evidence."

A motive for the attack was not clear.

Crimes reported on Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority properties have increased by 65% since 2020 and average monthly violent crimes on MTA properties rose more than 15% between March 2023 and February 2024, according to LAPD data compiled by ABC News.

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