Amtrak trains roll through Reno

#about - The two most common ways to arrive in or leave Reno - automobiles and airplanes - are certainly handy, but not exactly pleasant modes of transportation. There is another choice that provides a more relaxing trip and hearkens back to the days when the trip was as much an adventure as the destination - Amtrak passenger trains.

Amtrak passenger train in Reno, Nevada.
Photo © Stan White

Reno's historic train station is still the arrival and departure point. A modern addition was added to accommodate the tracks being lowered below street level by the ReTRAC project. The Union Pacific line through the middle of town follows the same route it has for decades, but is now out of the way and doesn't disrupt street traffic several times a day as it did in the days before the train trench. It's a lot quieter, too - no more blasting whistles at every street crossing.

The Amtrak train through Reno is designated the California Zephyr and makes daily runs between Emeryville, CA and Chicago. You can hop aboard going either direction. My Amtrak Trains in Reno article has information about riding the train and having an adventure rather than just going on a trip.

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