Best Amtrak Trips From Cincinnati

If you are seeking a distinctive travel experience from Cincinnati, board the Cardinal Amtrak route at Union Terminal to reach destinations throughout the country. This route offers connections to Chicago, where you can transfer to several scenic Amtrak lines, or directly visit numerous cities, resorts, and national parks in the eastern United States without changing trains. Keep in mind that service from Cincinnati runs only three days a week, mostly during overnight hours. Consider booking sleeper accommodations for comfort and flying back to Cincinnati for added convenience. 

The Greenbrier

Located in West Virginia, The Greenbrier is a luxury resort just a short walk from the White Sulphur Springs Amtrak Station on the Cardinal route. This upscale retreat offers a wide range of activities, including a casino, spa, golf course, pools, bike rentals, bowling, horseback riding, bunker tours, and whitewater rafting. The journey takes about 8.5 hours, with arrival around midday.

Chicago

Known for its exceptional food, vibrant live music scene, and world-class museums, Chicago is a must-visit city. Popular attractions include the 360 Chicago Observation Deck, Chicago Riverwalk, Navy Pier, and Wrigley Field. Summer travelers can enjoy beaches, baseball games, and boat tours. Arrival time is usually in the morning, after about 9.5 hours of travel. Chicago also serves as a gateway for further scenic Amtrak trips.

Milwaukee

About 14 hours from Cincinnati via a transfer between the Cardinal and Hiawatha routes, Milwaukee is rich in culture with its breweries, sports events, and festivals such as Summerfest and German Fest. The train stops near the Historic Third Ward, RiverWalk, and the Harley-Davidson Museum. Guided tours like the Discover Iconic Milwaukee tour offer insight into the city’s highlights and hidden gems.

New River Gorge

Travelers can experience one of the East Coast’s most scenic train rides through the New River Gorge on the Cardinal. For those wanting to visit the gorge rather than just view it from the train, stopping at Charleston, WV, and renting a car is recommended, as the drive to the New River Gorge National Park takes just over an hour. Travel time to the gorge area is around 15 hours.

Alexandria

Just a stone’s throw from Washington, D.C., Alexandria offers colonial charm with its Old Town district and easy access to landmarks like George Washington’s estate at Mount Vernon. Visitors can use water taxis or take the train at the King Street-Old Town Metro Station for quick transportation into Washington, D.C. Travel time from Cincinnati is roughly 15 hours.

Washington, D.C.

The nation’s capital provides endless activities, including museums, monuments, year-round events, and a thriving restaurant scene. Sightseeing tours simplify visits to the numerous attractions, and the cherry blossom season in March or the fall months is an especially popular time to visit. The Cardinal route takes just over 15 hours to reach D.C.

Baltimore

A 16-hour train ride from Cincinnati, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is a favorite destination with attractions like the National Aquarium, Fort McHenry, and the historic Fell’s Point neighborhood. Visitors can explore the city via taxis, rideshares, or boat tours. The B&O Railroad Museum is a must-see for rail enthusiasts.

Springfield

Illinois’ capital offers rich historical experiences, including the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum, Lincoln Home National Historic Site, and the Illinois State Museum. Reaching Springfield takes about 16.5 hours from Cincinnati with a train connection in Chicago.

Wilmington

About 17 hours away by train, Wilmington, Delaware, is a smaller city known for its parks, museums like the Nemours Estate, and nightlife in the Trolley Square district. Rental cars and rideshares make it easy to explore attractions such as Longwood Gardens and nearby Pennsylvania Amish Country.

Philadelphia

Over 17 hours from Cincinnati, Philadelphia is packed with historic sites, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The city’s vibrant waterfront offers museums and scenic biking trails such as the Schuylkill River Trail. Visitors can get around via commuter trains, trolleys, bikeshares, or rideshares.

Wisconsin Dells

A family-friendly destination famed for water parks, theme parks, and unique glacial rock formations. The trip requires a train connection in Chicago and lasts around 18 hours. The Amtrak station is near hotels and attractions, including White Rose Inns and the Alpine Motel.

New York City

The final stop on the Cardinal route is New York City, about 19 hours from Cincinnati. Arriving at Penn Station provides easy access to subway and commuter trains. From there, visitors can explore landmark museums, Broadway shows, restaurants, and shopping.

Amtrak trips from Cincinnati on the Cardinal route offer a relaxing way to explore key destinations across the eastern U.S. With service three days a week, this scenic train route connects Cincinnati to major cities and natural attractions. Overnight schedules make sleeper accommodations a smart choice. Overall, Amtrak from Cincinnati provides a comfortable and unique travel experience for discovering historic towns, vibrant cities, and beautiful landscapes.