Travels with Kev

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! How is your week going? Amtrak Lounge Access Just Got an Update Starting July 1, Amtrak will tighten the rules for using its Metropolitan Lounges at major stations like Chicago Union Station, New York’s Moynihan Hall, Washington Union Station, and others. Here’s what’s changing: No more lounge access after arrival—unless you’re booked in Acela First Class or a sleeper car on a different Amtrak train later the same day. Access is now...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! How is your week going? VIA Rail’s Big Year: Growth, Challenges & Bold Plans Ahead Ridership and Revenue Rise. In 2024, VIA Rail served 4.4 million passengers, representing an increase of approximately 6.6% from 2023, which boosted revenue by C$49.5 million (+11.5%) to reach C$480.2 million. Operational Hiccups Despite this growth, VIA encountered timing setbacks in the Québec City–Windsor corridor due to new infrastructure...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! How is your week going? 🌊 Pacific Surfliner Adds 12th Daily Round‑Trip (LA ↔ San Diego) On June 16, 2025, Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner started enhancing its Southern California service by adding a 12th round-trip between Los Angeles and San Diego, offering more afternoon and late-evening options. New Train Times: Train 582 (Southbound): Departs from LA Union Station at 4:10 p.m. and arrives at San Diego Santa Fe Depot at 7:04 p.m....

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! 🚆 Featured Route: Ride the Lake Shore Limited If you’re dreaming of a classic overnight train trip, Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited is a fantastic way to experience long-distance rail travel. This train operates daily between Chicago and both New York City and Boston, providing you with options based on your destination—and offering some beautiful views along the way. 🌆 What You’ll See From the shores of Lake Erie to the scenic Hudson...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! 🚉 Reader Highlight: Don’t Miss Dodge City, Kansas on the Southwest Chief! One of my readers shared this excellent information in response to my recent newsletter on the Amtrak Southwest Chief. I had to pass that info along! The Southwest Chief stops in Dodge City, Kansas, right near an original Harvey House and directly across from Boot Hill, which is packed with history tied to Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday, and Bat Masterson. Look...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! Chicago Union Station is receiving significant upgrades on the train side of the station. To accommodate these improvements, boarding procedures may differ from what you're accustomed to. Your line-up could change from visit to visit, and Metra may not be using its usual tracks. If you have a trip to or through Chicago, bring a bit more patience and understanding. Hopefully, once the work is finished, Chicago Union Station will...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! 5 Fantastic Reasons to Ride Amtrak’s Southwest Chief This fall, I’m going to ride the Southwest Chief. I’ve ridden this train multiple times, in Coach and a Roomette, and I never tire of the experience. It’s a journey that combines relaxing travel with breathtaking scenery—and it’s one of the best ways to see the heart of the American West without needing to get behind the wheel. Whether you’re a first-time rider or simply dreaming...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! This is just a friendly reminder that these emails are sent out every Thursday morning! If you don't spot one, check your spam folder. A Planning Tip from Ruth: Use Google Maps to Help Plan Your Amtrak Adventure! Big thanks to Ruth, one of my awesome readers, for the reminder that Google Maps can be a fantastic tool for planning your Amtrak trip—I use it all the time! You can search for Amtrak stations across the country and explore...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! As a reminder, these emails are sent every Thursday morning. If you don't see one, please check your spam folder. Not all Amtrak stops are created equal.... Tickets can be booked for getting on or off the train at most stations; however, a few stops impose restrictions that limit regional traffic. These “receive only” and “discharge only” stops help minimize congestion from local passengers, especially where alternative transit...

The Travels with Kev Newsletter Hello Reader, Welcome back! Happy Birthday, Amtrak! Today, marks the anniversary or birthday of Amtrak. A Quick Ride Through Amtrak’s HistoryAmtrak, officially known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, was founded in 1970 and began service on May 1, 1971. Congress established it to ensure intercity passenger trains continued operating as private railroads wanted to start phased them out. Beginning with a combination of routes from various rail...