Starting from Chicago and Further East
for a rail trip by Amtrak
to the Depot Inn & Suites in La Plata, Missouri
www.trainweb.com/depotinn/east.html
Route of the Amtrak Southwest Chief (click here for a larger image)
STARTING FROM CHICAGO:
Starting from Chicago, you can take an Amtrak train trip to La Plata, Missouri, and be back home in just a bit more than 24 hours from the time your journey began. Or, you can extend your trip by spending one, two or more days in La Plata. The westbound Amtrak Southwest Chief departs from Chicago at 3:15 PM every day and arrives into La Plata, Missouri, at 8:06 PM, about a 5 hours rail journey when the train is running on schedule. A free shuttle will transport you to the comfort of your room at The Depot Inn & Suites from the La Plata Amtrak Station. There is no need to worry if your train is running late. As long as the hotel knows you are arriving by Amtrak, they will be there to pick you up when the train arrives.
For a short trip, the hotel will transport you right back to the station in the morning so that you can board the eastbound Amtrak Southwest Chief at 8:06 AM. That train is scheduled to be right back into Chicago at 3:20 PM! Thus, you can take a quick railroad outing on Amtrak lasting barely more than 24 hours and spend a wonderful night at the Depot Inn & Suites.
If you have a bit more time, you can spend a day or two in La Plata exploring all that the hotel has to offer as well as the local tour options described in greater detail on the prior page.
STARTING FURTHER EAST THAN CHICAGO:
Chicago is the hub of the entire Amtrak nationwide passenger rail network. Most Amtrak trains arrive from the east in plenty of time to connect with the westbound Amtrak Southwest Chief that departs at 3:15 PM every day and is scheduled to arrive into La Plata at 8:06 PM. Even if your layover in Chicago is a few hours, there is plenty to see and do both inside and right outside the station. There are several eateries and stores both inside and outside the station within easy walking distance. If you are traveling in an Amtrak Sleeping Car, you are welcome to use the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge where you will find comfortable chairs, free refreshments and televisions.
You can board the westbound Amtrak Lakeshore Limited at Noon from Boston or at 3:45 PM from New York City or at later times from various cities between the east coast and Chicago. You will spend the night on the train and arrive into Chicago at 9:45 AM. That is plenty of time to explore Chicago Union Station, have lunch, and connect with the westbound Amtrak Southwest Chief at 3:15 PM, even if your train arrives late into Chicago.
You can board the westbound Amtrak Capitol Limited at 4:05 PM if you are starting from Washington, DC, and at later times from cities between Washington, DC, and Chicago. This is an overnight Amtrak trip that arrives into Chicago at 8:40 AM, with plenty of time to connect to the westbound Amtrak Southwest Chief that departs at 3:15 PM.
Click here for exact schedules and fares from the above cities and Amtrak travel options from other eastern cities not covered above.
