Hello Reader, it is Kev again,

Welcome back!

This week, you will learn about changes to the Keystone Service, Amtrak adding some temporary stops, and learn about an additional Mississippian Runner in 2026!

Reminder: Reservations Are Required on Keystone Service Weekends

If you're planning a weekend trip on Amtrak’s Keystone Service, remember that reservations are now required for all Saturday, Sunday, and holiday weekend trains.

Here’s what travelers should know:

• Monthly and 10-ride ticket holders are exempt — no additional reservation needed.
• Reservations can be made on Amtrak.com, through the Amtrak app, at staffed stations, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Extra Stops for Fall Fun in North Carolina!

Suppose you’re traveling through North Carolina this October, or looking for a reason. In either case, Amtrak’s Carolinian and Piedmont trains are making special stops for two significant events — the North Carolina State Fair and the Lexington Barbecue Festival!

North Carolina State Fair — October 16–26

• Preview Day (October 16): Trains 72 and 79 will make a special stop at the fairgrounds.
• Fair Week (October 17–26): Trains 72, 77, 79, and 80 will make daily stops at the North Carolina State Fair station.
  • Train 72: Arrives 1:34 p.m. (discharge only)
  • Train 80: Arrives 9:53 a.m. (discharge only)
  • Train 77: Departs 3:23 p.m. (receive only)
  • Train 79: Departs 5:38 p.m. (receive only)

Lexington Barbecue Fest - October 25

On Saturday, October 25, trains 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, and 80 will all make an extra stop in Lexington, making it easy for travelers to enjoy one of the state’s most famous food festivals.

Updated schedules are now available on Amtrak.com — search your travel dates to plan your trip.

So whether you’re going to the fair for funnel cake or heading to Lexington for legendary BBQ, Amtrak has your ride covered!

Amtrak Adds Third Daily River Runner for 2026 World Cup

According to KCUR, Missouri is adding an extra train for soccer fans for the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches in Kansas City. The Missouri River Runner will increase from two to three daily round-trip trains between Kansas City and St. Louis from April through June 2026. One of those trains will originate from Chicago!

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission approved $1.7 million for the temporary expansion. Kansas City will host six World Cup matches next summer, including four group stage games, a Round of 32 match on July 3, and a quarterfinal on July 11.

With heavy traffic forecasted on I-70, the extra train service provides travelers with an alternative to driving as international visitors and soccer fans gather in Kansas City for one of the world's most-watched sporting events.

British Airways is also launching nonstop flights between St. Louis and London Heathrow, with four weekly departures to meet World Cup travel demand. So you can fly across the ocean and then take the train!

What has Kev been up to?

I spent this week updating TravelswithKev.com with a much-needed refresh. While the layout stays the same, I've changed the cover photos and improved the content throughout.

While reviewing older posts, I realized the homepage wasn't making the best first impression for new visitors. I looked at it with fresh eyes—updating cover photos, tightening explanations, and fixing typos (some mine, some caused by my temperamental editing software).

The result? A cleaner, more inviting site that helps you find what you need more easily, whether you're planning your first Amtrak trip or need a quick refresher on checked baggage rules.

What's new:

• Updated images across popular posts
• Verifying information and updating as necessary.
• Fixed formatting issues that were making some posts harder to read

If you haven't checked it out in a while, now's a great time to explore. And if you notice anything that needs fixing, hit reply—I'm always eager to improve the site.

Looking at the Markers

Thanks to Michael D for clicking the green button below and helping me stay on track!

If you'd like to support this free resource, here are some easy ways to help:

• One-time support: You can support me via PayPal, Buy Me a Coffee, or the green button at the bottom of this email.
• Alternatively, you can visit my Support Page for additional options.
• If you donate $15 or more, you can request a thank-you postcard by simply messaging me privately with your address.
• Ongoing support: Join me on Patreon! You'll get a monthly postcard from me as a thank-you gift.

Every contribution, whether big or small, helps me expand this resource and motivates more people to enjoy train travel—one trip at a time.

Until Next Week…

Happy planning and safe travels,
Kev Monteith