Amtrak's Passenger Service to and from Las Vegas: Routes and Connections

Amtrak's train service to Las Vegas, Nevada may be limited, but there are several alternative routes and connections that make traveling to the city possible. In this article, we will explore the different options for reaching Las Vegas via Amtrak and its connecting services.

Which Las Vegas Does Amtrak Serve?

Amtrak's most direct route to Las Vegas currently serves Las Vegas, New Mexico rather than the major metropolis of Las Vegas, Nevada. However, there are still ways to travel to the famous Las Vegas, Nevada from Amtrak's stop in New Mexico.

Amtrak's passenger trains, such as the Southwest Chief, do stop at Las Vegas, New Mexico. Here, passengers can connect to a shuttle service that transfers them to Las Vegas, Nevada. Prospective travelers should note that the shuttle can be booked through Amtrak for a seamless journey to their final destination.

Connecting via Shuttle Services

Amtrak partner companies often provide shuttle services to nearby airports or major cities. In this case, there is a shuttle service from Las Vegas, New Mexico to Las Vegas, Nevada's Reid International Airport. Additionally, another shuttle service operates from Kingman, Arizona to Las Vegas, Nevada. This shuttle service can be accessed by booked Amtrak passengers.

For those who prefer ground transportation, Amtrak's bus services from Southern California (such as Santa Barbara, Bakersfield, Tehachapi, or Mojave) also terminate in Las Vegas, Nevada. These buses intersect with Amtrak's train services, making it more convenient for travelers from the west to reach the city.

Train and Bus Connections

From the east, many travelers opt to get off at the Southwest Chief train in Kingman, Arizona and connect to a shuttle bus service. Amtrak did have a bus service between Kingman and Las Vegas in the past, but this service may not be available anymore. The train often runs late due to the frequent freight trains on the same tracks, which could be a factor in the discontinuation of this service.

The Proposed Salt Lake City to Los Angeles Route

If a direct train service from Salt Lake City, Utah to Los Angeles, California were to be established via Las Vegas, the route would involve several railroad companies owning the tracks. Here is a breakdown of the proposed route:

Union Pacific

Provo - Salt Lake City, UT to Provo, UT Provo - Lynndyl, UT to Lynndyl, UT Lynndyl - Milford, UT to Milford, UT Milford - Las Vegas, NV to Las Vegas, NV Las Vegas - Yermo, CA to Yermo, CA Yermo - Daggett, CA to Daggett, CA Daggett - Colton, CA to Colton, CA Colton - Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA

BNSF

Daggett - Barstow, CA to Barstow, CA Barstow - Hesperia, CA to Hesperia, CA

Economic Considerations

While the establishment of direct train services connecting Salt Lake City, Utah to Las Vegas, Nevada and further to Los Angeles, California remains a possibility, the current situation is challenging. The cost of train tickets is often higher than airfares, and there are fewer choices for train passengers. Additionally, the probability of delays or cancellations due to the higher priority of freight trains is relatively high.

Nonetheless, the reliability of train travel, the scenic route, and the overall passenger experience might still make train travel a preferred choice for some travelers. Always check the most up-to-date schedules and available connections to ensure a smooth trip to and from Las Vegas, Nevada.