Travels with Kev

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, ALL ABOARD for this week’s newsletter! Amtrak Temporarily Sidelines Horizon Cars, Affecting Several Routes Amtrak has temporarily removed its Horizon railcar fleet from service after routine inspections uncovered corrosion issues. Consequently, several routes—including the Downeaster, Hiawatha, Borealis, and Amtrak Cascades. If you’re traveling on one of these routes, you may notice fewer trains running or be placed on a bus instead. While this...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, ALL ABOARD for this week’s newsletter! A Fun Fact About the Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle, and Southwest Chief Schedules Did you know the schedules for Amtrak’s Sunset Limited (1/2), Texas Eagle (Trains 420/421), and Southwest Chief (3/4) change automatically twice a year? 🚂 But here’s the twist—it’s not because of Amtrak or even the host railroads, Union Pacific or BNSF. The real reason? Arizona! 🌵 Unlike most of the USA, Arizona doesn’t observe...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, ALL ABOARD for this week’s newsletter! Amtrak’s App Just Got a Major Upgrade—Here’s What’s New! If you’re like me, you appreciate anything that makes travel easier—especially when keeping track of your Amtrak trips! Good news: Amtrak rolled out significant updates to its mobile app, making it even more convenient for passengers. Many of you rely on the Amtrak app to check train status, manage reservations, and get trip updates. Amtrak listened to...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, ALL ABOARD for this week’s newsletter! The Borealis Gets A Schedule Update On Monday, March 3, 2025, the Borealis implemented a revised schedule, adding a 12-minute buffer time in the westbound direction and 7 minutes in the eastbound direction. While Amtrak has not provided an official reason, I would guess that the update improves the train’s movement in and out of Chicago. The train shares tracks with Metra between Union Station and Rondout....

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, ALL ABOARD for this week’s newsletter! Reminder: Please check your spam folder ifI send these emails on Thursdays. If you don't receive them one week. Amtrak is increasing the capacity of many trains. This week, I received great news from the Rail Passengers Association’s Hotline #1,385 Newsletter! Passengers on the Texas Eagle have something to look forward to—the Sightseer Lounge is returning by March 3 after a long absence! Jim Mathews,...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, ALL ABOARD for this week’s newsletter! Reminder: I send these emails on Thursdays. If you don't receive them, please check your spam folder. Last week, I told you that I had planned a trip, and I thought sharing how I chose my destination might be helpful. How I Planned My Next Amtrak Trip When I am looking at taking a trip, I start with a question: 👉 Why do I want to take this trip? It may seem obvious, but addressing this can significantly...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, ALL ABOARD for this week’s newsletter! Reminder: I send these emails on Thursdays. If you don't receive them, please check your spam folder. Auto Train Sale Amtrak is running a limited-time Auto Train Flash Sale. Coach fares start at just $39, plus the cost of your vehicle, while roomette fares begin at $239. This promotion allows travelers to bypass the stress of I-95 and enjoy a pleasant trip between Lorton, Virginia (close to Washington, D.C.)...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, ALL ABOARD for this week’s newsletter! A few things this week: a free reference guide, saving your Amtrak points, and more. I created an exclusive guide for the newsletter! Need a printable overview of Amtrak's long-distance train services? You're in luck! As a newsletter subscriber, you have exclusive access to my new guide, which lists cross-country routes, destinations, food services, and more. If you don't need this guide right now, no...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, ALL ABOARD for this week’s newsletter! Amtrak is running a Roomette Flash Sale! The Roomette Free Companion Flash Sale is available through February 6, 2025. With this promotion, when you book a Roomette for two, your travel companion rides for free! To take advantage of this offer, book by February 6 for travel between January 29 and April 17, 2025. Use code C105 on the Amtrak app or visit the Amtrak Roomette sale page for booking and full...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, ALL ABOARD for this week’s newsletter! Are you ready to plan your next train journey? With the new year underway, it’s the perfect time to dream about travel for the year ahead. Whether you envision a fall getaway, a holiday travel, or a spur-of-the-moment adventure, now is the time to start planning! Here's a helpful tip: Amtrak lets you book your trips up to 11 months in advance. This point can come into play if you want accommodations like...