Amtrak Cardinal Route

Amtrak Cardinal

New York-Washington-Charlottesville-Cincinnati-Indianapolis-Chicago

Amtrak Cardinal Journey Time: 26 hours 30 minutes

Amtrak Cardinal Departures: Departures Three Days a Week

The Cardinal operates between New York and Chicago, offering unforgettable views of the Southeast's stunning natural beauty. You'll see gently rolling horse country, the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, the Shenandoah Valley, and the wild white-water rivers of West Virginia as they can only be seen by train. Heading westward, the train rolls along the banks of the mighty Ohio River - from the quaint towns of Ashland and Maysville, to the skyline of Cincinnati. From there, your journey continues to Indianapolis, and then northward to Chicago.

Soak up the scenery in a wide, comfortable Reserved Coach seat, or upgrade to Business Class and enjoy a fully refundable ticket if canceled prior to departure, 25% point bonus for Amtrak Guest Rewards members, seating in a dedicated car, leather seating with extra legroom and footrests, a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage and access to the Metropolitan Lounge at Chicago - Union Station. Even better, reserve spacious Viewliner bedroom accommodations to make your trip more enjoyable, with a variety of room types, friendly service and delicious dining.

''Some old-fashioned things like fresh air and sunshine are hard to beat.'' - Laura Ingalls Wilder

Dip into the heart of the eastern U.S., where history awaits in the nooks and crannies of great cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore. Find inspiration in the beauty of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains and explore architecture and viniculture in Jefferson’s Charlottesville. Roll along the New River Gorge in West Virginia, paddle on a steamboat in Cincy and get a rush at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Amtrak Cardinal Features & Amenities

WiFi Onboard
Checked baggage service is available at most staffed stations on this route.

Look for the checked baggage icon when making your reservation to ensure this service is available at your desired departure and arrival points.

Amtrak Cardinal Amenities: Amenities Vary by Train.

Train Stations Served by the Amtrak Cardinal

New York, NY - Moynihan Train Hall (NYP)
Newark, NJ - Penn Station (NWK)
Trenton, NJ (TRE)
Philadelphia, PA - William H. Gray III 30th St. Station (PHL)
Wilmington, DE (WIL)
Baltimore, MD - Penn Station (BAL)
Washington, DC - Union Station (WAS)
Alexandria, VA (ALX)
Manassas, VA (MSS)
Culpeper, VA (CLP)
Charlottesville, VA (CVS)

Staunton, VA (STA)
Clifton Forge, VA (CLF)
White Sulphur Springs, WV (WSS)
Alderson, WV (ALD)
Hinton, WV (HIN)
Prince, WV (PRC)
Thurmond, WV (THN)
Montgomery, WV (MNG)
Charleston, WV (CHW)
Huntington, WV (HUN)
Ashland, KY (AKY)

South Shore, KY - Portsmouth, OH (SPM)
Maysville, KY (MAY)
Cincinnati, OH - Union Terminal (CIN)
Connersville, IN (COI)
Indianapolis, IN (IND)
Crawfordsville, IN (CRF)
Lafayette, IN - Amtrak Station (LAF)
Rensselaer, IN (REN)
Dyer, IN (DYE)
Chicago, IL - Union Station (CHI)

Amtrak Cardinal Route Highlights ''Baltimore, Maryland''

Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore Amtrak Station: Baltimore Penn Station

Enchantment abounds in the history, flavors and culture of Charm City. Enjoy the “broad stripes and bright stars” of Fort McHenry, the historic ships and renowned aquarium of the bustling Inner Harbor. Stroll to world-class art museums or catch a few innings at Camden Yards.

Reminisce in the B&O Railroad Museum’s historic roundhouse before you grab some crab cakes in Fells Point and gelato in Little Italy.

Amtrak Cardinal Route Highlights ''Charlottesville, Virginia''

Charlottesville, Virginia

Nestled amid the rolling hills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Charlottesville is a mecca for history buffs, architecture enthusiasts and wine lovers. Explore more than 25 wineries as well as Jefferson’s Monticello, Madison’s Montpelier and Monroe’s Highland.

Admire the rotunda and colonnades of the University of Virginia, then shop and eat ‘til you drop in the pedestrian-only Historic Downtown Mall.

Amtrak Cardinal Route Highlights ''Cincinnati, Ohio''

Cincinnati, Ohio

Cincinnati Amtrak Station: Cincinnati Union Station

Taste all that the Queen City has to offer. Grab a bike and explore its riverfront, where paddle wheelers have given way to two-wheelers. Ponder bravery and liberty at the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

Visit the Museum of Natural History & Science and the Children's Museum in the Art Deco masterpiece of Union Terminal. Then cross the bridge Roebling built before he tackled the Brooklyn Bridge for a taste of Kentucky bourbon before heading back to town for some famous Cincinnati chili.

Baltimore - Charlottesville - Cincinnati