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Station guide · MO, USA

St. Louis Gateway Station

St. Louis Gateway Station serves as a major Midwestern hub for Amtrak passengers, offering direct rail connections to Chicago, Kansas City and Texas.

By USA by Rail editors · Last checked October 2026 · How we research

Routes serving St. LouisSchematic map of 3 passenger train routes. Each line links to its route guide. Positions are approximate.Texas EagleLincoln ServiceMissouri River RunnerSt. LouisChicagoChicagoSt. LouisSan AntonioSt. LouisKansas CitySchematic · positions approximate
Station
St. Louis Gateway Station
City
St. Louis, MO
Code
STL
Routes
3

At a glance

  • Gateway Transportation Center downtown, shared with Greyhound
  • MetroLink light rail connects to the airport and the city
  • Served by the Texas Eagle, Lincoln Service and Missouri River Runner

Located in downtown St. Louis, the Gateway Transportation Center is a busy multimodal transit hub. It handles passenger rail traffic for the region, sharing its facilities with Greyhound buses. The station acts as a crucial transfer point for travelers moving across the Midwest and beyond.

Whether you are arriving from Chicago or heading west towards Kansas City, the station provides a straightforward starting point for your journey. As a major Amtrak stop, it connects the city to both regional corridors and long-distance routes. Passengers will find a functional layout designed to handle daily commuter and cross-country traffic.

Trains from St. Louis

TrainBetweenRuns
Texas EagleChicago to San AntonioDaily between Chicago and San Antonio
Lincoln ServiceChicago to St. LouisSeveral round trips a day
Missouri River RunnerSt. Louis to Kansas CityTwo round trips a day

Multiple Amtrak routes call at St. Louis Gateway Station. The Lincoln Service operates several round trips a day between Chicago and St. Louis, taking about 5 hours 30 minutes. The Missouri River Runner runs two round trips a day from St. Louis to Kansas City, with an end-to-end journey time of about 5 hours 40 minutes.

For longer trips, the Texas Eagle travels daily between Chicago and San Antonio. The full journey to San Antonio takes about 32 hours. As of 2026, through cars on the Texas Eagle continue to Los Angeles three times a week via the Sunset Limited. This makes St. Louis a practical boarding point for overnight travel across the country. Check current timetables before booking, as schedules can change.

Getting to and from the station

St. Louis Gateway Station is part of the Gateway Transportation Center downtown. This complex is shared with Greyhound, making bus transfers convenient. For local transit, the MetroLink light rail stops right at the station. MetroLink connects passengers directly to the airport and various neighborhoods throughout the city.

If you are relying on public transit, allow extra time to navigate the connections between the train platform and the light rail or bus bays. Travelers should check local transit websites for current schedules and route maps before arriving. Taxis and ride-hail services are also generally available outside the main entrance.

Around the station

Because the station is located in downtown St. Louis, passengers are close to the city center. The Gateway Transportation Center provides quick access to central business districts and local attractions.

While the immediate station area is focused on transit, a short ride on the MetroLink light rail brings you to major sights, hotels, and dining options. Travelers with a long layover can easily use the light rail to explore the city or reach the airport. Always keep an eye on the time to ensure you make it back for your train departure.

Station tips

  • Review Amtrak and VIA booking tips to secure the best fares for your journey.
  • Check the luggage rules on Amtrak and VIA before packing for a long-distance trip.
  • Arrive early to navigate the shared bus and rail facilities at the Gateway Transportation Center.
  • Use the MetroLink light rail for a straightforward connection to the airport.

Popular trips from St. Louis

Questions travellers ask

How long does the train take from Chicago to St. Louis?

The journey from Chicago to St. Louis takes about 5 hours 30 minutes. Both the Lincoln Service and the Texas Eagle operate on this route, providing multiple daily departures.

Can I take a direct train from St. Louis to Kansas City?

Yes, you can travel directly from St. Louis to Kansas City on the Missouri River Runner. The trip takes about 5 hours to 6 hours 15 minutes, with two round trips available a day as of 2026.