Iowa has Amtrak stations on two long-distance routes, but no service to or from Des Moines. Explore the list of Iowa Amtrak stations and routes below to view your options.
This content was created by train travel advocates and is not affiliated with Amtrak. Visit Amtrak.com for latest information, including schedules and station amenities.
Iowa Amtrak Stations
| Station | Route |
| Burlington, IA (BRL) | California Zephyr |
| Creston, IA (CRN) | California Zephyr |
| Fort Madison, IA (FMD) | Southwest Chief |
| Mt. Pleasant, IA (MTP) (closest station to Iowa City) | California Zephyr |
| Osceola, IA (OSC) (closest station to Des Moines) | California Zephyr |
| Ottumwa, IA (OTM) | California Zephyr |
Iowa Amtrak Routes
- California Zephyr (Chicago-Emeryville, CA)
- Southwest Chief (Chicago-Los Angeles)
FAQ
How many Amtrak stations are in Iowa?
Iowa has six Amtrak stations: Burlington, Fort Madison, Mount Pleasant, Osceola, Ottumwa, and Creston.
Is there an Amtrak station in Des Moines?
No. Des Moines does not currently have Amtrak service. The nearest station is Osceola, about 40–50 minutes south of the city.
Can you travel from Iowa to Chicago by train?
Yes. All Iowa stations have service to Chicago with no transfers.
Where can you travel westbound from Iowa on the Zephyr?
Westbound trains from Iowa travel to destinations including:
- Omaha
- Denver
- Salt Lake City
- Reno
- Sacramento
- San Francisco Bay Area
Are there overnight sleeper cars on Iowa Amtrak trains?
Yes. Both the California Zephyr and Southwest Chief have roomettes and bedrooms, ideal for long-distance travel to Denver, Chicago, and other cities.
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