Cardinal Route Guide

Trains on Amtrak’s Cardinal route travel between New York City and Chicago three times a week, offering one of the most scenic train rides in the eastern United States. The route winds through the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia and the spectacular New River Gorge, often called the “Grand Canyon of the East.” Along the way, passengers can explore historic towns and cities rich in culture, architecture, and outdoor adventure, making the Cardinal ideal for travelers seeking both beautiful scenery and unique stops.

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Cardinal Route Overview

What to Know	Facts & Highlights
Distance	1,146 miles
Travel time	27.5 hours
Frequency	3x per week
Best time to ride	Summer and fall
Best travel direction	Eastbound from the Midwest
Scenery highlights	New River Gorge, Shenandoah Valley

Popular Stops

Explore the popular stops along the Cardinal route below and click the links for travel guides. For more information, see the 10 best stops along the Cardinal route to plan a trip around.

Schedule Highlights

Trains travel through Ohio overnight.
Trains depart Chicago in the early evening.
Eastbound trains reach the New River Gorge in the morning.
Westbound trains travel through the gorge later in the day, so travel in the summer for the most scenery before sunset.

Tickets and Onboard Options

When booking tickets, you can select coach seats or private rooms on the Cardinal. Coach seats are the most affordable option, but you’ll need to sleep sitting up if you’re traveling overnight. On the plus side, you’ll have a comfortable reclining seat and power outlets for your devices.

In comparison, private rooms are more expensive, but include a bed along with free water, coffee and meals. Based on availability, you can choose from the following private room options:

Roomettes
Accessible bedrooms
Standard bedrooms

Things to Know

The Cardinal is the only Amtrak route that stops in Indianapolis and Cincinnati.
Chicago is in Central Time Zone and the other cities on the route are in Eastern.
This route is popular in the summer and fall, so book your tickets in advance.
The Greenbrier Resort is a historic luxury retreat next to the White Sulphur Springs Station.
Exit in Charleston, West Virginia to rent a car and drive to the New River Gorge National Park.
Exit in Staunton, Virginia to reach the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum.
The Capitol Limited train also travels between Washington D.C. and Chicago and is about 300 miles shorter as another option.

FAQ

Where does Amtrak’s Cardinal go?

The Cardinal travels between Chicago and New York City via Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The route is basically a large “U” shape.

Is the Cardinal scenic?

The Cardinal route has great scenery in West Virginia and Virginia, especially as you travel through the New River Gorge. You’ll have the best views when traveling east (more daylight) or during the summer on westbound trains.

Does the Cardinal have sleeper cars?

Yes, the Cardinal has Viewliner sleeper cars, typically fewer sleeper cars than other long-distance trains, so be sure to buy tickets in advance if you plan to book a roomette or bedroom.