Key Highlights
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Find out what you need to know about train travel in Kentucky. The state is mainly served by Amtrak.
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There are only a few active Kentucky Amtrak stations. You will need to plan ahead for your trip.
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Amtrak has two main routes that go through Kentucky: the Cardinal and the City of New Orleans.
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Most Kentucky Amtrak stations do not have staff. There are only a few things onsite, like a place to wait, and you will not find a ticket office.
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See how these rail lines help people in smaller towns get around, while major cities such as Lexington do not have amtrak service right now.
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Look into what could happen with train travel in the future, as there are talks about growing passenger rail.
Introduction
Welcome to your 2026 guide to train travel in Kentucky. Riding the rails here lets you see the beautiful places in the Bluegrass State in a new and easy way. The train network is not as big as some other states, but Amtrak still connects a number of towns. It does an important job here. If you have spent years taking the train or if this is your first ride, it helps to know the routes, where the stops are, and what services you will get. This way, you can have a good trip. Let’s help you get set for your next train travel with Amtrak in Kentucky.
Overview of Train Travel in Kentucky
When you talk about train travel in Kentucky, you need to know that the passenger rail service is there, but it is not very big. Amtrak is the only company that runs intercity passenger trains in the state. It connects a few places in Kentucky to the bigger, national train network. So, using the train can be a good option if you want to get to some places without having to drive.
Right now, two main Amtrak routes go through Kentucky. They go to different parts of the state. These routes are important for towns that do have trains, but they do not stop in major cities like Louisville or Lexington. It helps to know which towns have the Amtrak train stops and what each station is like before you make your plans for a trip.
Growth of Passenger Rail Service in Kentucky
Kentucky has a long history with passenger rail service. Many years ago, places like Fulton were important spots for big lines such as the Illinois Central Railroad. Back then, trains were the main way for people to travel between towns and cities in the state. That big network is smaller now for passenger use, but Amtrak still runs and keeps the spirit of train travel going strong.
People still talk about growing passenger rail service in Kentucky. Groups and leaders across the state look for ways new routes or more service could help connect the places people live. There is talk about starting up old lines again or building new ones, but so far, plans have not been set in stone.
Some names, like the “Central KY Lines,” are not found in the current Amtrak passenger rail service. However, the freight lines that run through the state today suggest ways to build more options for train travel in the future. The main idea is to get the best use of Kentucky’s railroad lines to improve how residents and visitors get around by train.
Major Train Operators Serving Kentucky
If you want to go by train in Kentucky, Amtrak is the train operator you will use. Amtrak is the national passenger rail service, and it is the only one running in the state. Amtrak runs two main routes in Kentucky. These routes help connect some towns in Kentucky with big cities like Chicago, New Orleans, New York, and Washington, D.C.
The train stations in Kentucky are simple, because of the size of the train service there. Most of these stations do not have staff on site and only have a few things for people. You should get ready to handle most things yourself with train travel in Kentucky. At these stations, you will find:
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An enclosed waiting area
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No workers selling tickets or helping with bags
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You need to book your tickets ahead of time by using the website or the Amtrak app
Knowing Amtrak is the only choice makes planning your trip easier. You can get all schedules, route information, and book your trip through Amtrak’s website or the app. You will have two train travel options in Kentucky: the Cardinal and the city of new orleans. Thinking about these two routes will help you see if a passenger rail service fits what you want for your trip.
Active Amtrak Stations in Kentucky
Kentucky now has three working Amtrak stations. Each one is a stop for one of the two main train routes running through the state. These places help people from small Kentucky towns travel to big cities around the country. The amtrak stations are in Ashland, Maysville, and Fulton.
Every one of these kentucky amtrak stations have their own feel. Still, they all have something in common. They are not staffed, so there are no ticket desks or baggage helpers. Below, we will talk about each of the kentucky amtrak stations in more detail. This will help you know what to get when you start your trip, maybe with the City of New Orleans route.
Ashland Amtrak Station (AKY)
The Ashland Amtrak station, located at the Ashland Transportation Center, is one of the key Amtrak stations in eastern Kentucky. It serves as a stop on Amtrak’s Cardinal route. Like other stations in the state, this is an unstaffed station, which means you need to plan ahead. You should purchase your tickets online or through the Amtrak app before you arrive.
Upon arrival, you will find a waiting area to shelter you from the elements, but other services are limited. There are no ticket agents, baggage check services, or other amenities you might find in a larger, staffed station. The focus is purely on providing a platform for you to board and disembark from the train safely.
Being prepared is essential for a smooth experience at the Ashland station. Ensure you have your ticket, arrive with enough time before departure, and handle your own luggage.
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Feature |
Availability at Ashland (AKY) |
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Staffing |
Unstaffed Station |
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Ticket Office |
Not available |
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Checked Baggage |
Not available |
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Waiting Room |
Yes, an enclosed waiting area is available |
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Restrooms |
Not available |
Fulton Amtrak Station (FTN)
The Amtrak station in Fulton, KY is at 21 Newton Road. This spot is known for its long railroad history. The station is on the City of New Orleans route and links the western part of the state with places north and south.
When you get to the station, you need to know that it is unstaffed. This makes a big difference in the things you will find there. There is no ticket office, so you should buy your ticket before you come. You will not find public restrooms, and there is no checked baggage service. You have to bring and carry all of your luggage by yourself.
The station has a waiting room. Its hours are set to match the times when trains come and go. The waiting room is open from 2:00 PM to 4:00 AM every day. You should look at the schedule before you visit, so you are not stuck outside.
There is parking for cars. You can use it for the day or overnight, but there are no promises that a spot will be open for you. For people who need help, there is an accessible platform. But there are no accessible restrooms or a wheelchair lift at this station. It is a good idea for everyone to get there at least 30 minutes before the train leaves.
Maysville Amtrak Station (MAY)
The Maysville Amtrak station is an important stop on the Cardinal route in Kentucky. It is a key link for people in the north part of the state. The station is in the historic city of Maysville. From here, you can go to cities like Chicago and New York. Like other Kentucky Amtrak stations, this one is an unstaffed station.
This means the process is simple but you need to take care of things yourself. Buy your ticket ahead of time and keep it on your phone or print it out before you go. There is a waiting area inside where you can sit and wait for your train. This is good, especially if the weather is bad. But you will not get a ticket counter here. There are no staff to help you. There is also no baggage service at this location.
It is important to plan your trip well when you leave from Maysville. Know the train times, get there early, and be ready to carry your own bags. The station is set up to make it quick and easy for people to get on and off the amtrak train. This makes it a good choice for those who just want a simple way to use kentucky amtrak stations.
Cities With Passenger Train Service
Passenger train service in Kentucky is focused in a few small cities, not in Kentucky’s biggest metro areas. The cities with active Amtrak stations are Ashland and Maysville in the east, and Fulton in the west. Right now, these three kentucky amtrak stations are the only places in the state where people can get on an Amtrak train.
This means if you want to take the train from big cities like Louisville, Lexington, or Bowling Green, you will not find a direct train there. The Amtrak stations in Kentucky work as important but small connection points for those local towns. In the next parts, we will talk about how these connections work for people and what the future could look like for other major cities.
Connecting Kentucky Communities by Rail
The passenger rail service in Kentucky may be small, but it is important. It helps connect some towns to the rest of the country. For people living in Ashland, Maysville, and Fulton, Amtrak is a good way to travel. You can use this train travel instead of driving or flying. The service links these places with the national network and more destinations.
This is very helpful for people who do not have good access to major airports. Some people just like the way it feels to ride the train. It is easy and comfortable. The train bridges the gap between these small Kentucky towns and the major cities in other states. The towns with active passenger rail service are:
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Ashland
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Maysville
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Fulton
While some still wish for a bigger train route in Kentucky that would go through more major cities, the lines that are here give people a way to get around. Train travel keeps some parts of Kentucky open to visitors and helps local people get where they need to go. This service is an important travel choice for many who live in the Bluegrass State.
Covington and Lexington: Current and Future Prospects
Today, big cities in Kentucky like Covington and Lexington do not have Amtrak stations or any passenger rail service. If you want to find a train station in Covington, you will see that the closest one is not in Kentucky. It is right across the river in Cincinnati, Ohio. That is where Amtrak’s Cardinal route stops. In the same way, Lexington, even though it is one of the largest cities in the state, does not have a passenger rail link.
The fact that these major cities do not have passenger train service is something people talk about a lot. This comes up often with state leaders and many people who support transportation. They want more Amtrak stations and passenger rail service in places like these in Kentucky. Over the years, ideas have been put forward. People have studied if it is possible to start new routes that could connect Lexington and Louisville, too.
There are no plans right now, with money set aside, to build new train stations or start amtrak service to Covington or Lexington. Still, a lot of people hope this can happen one day. In the future, the government might put more money into infrastructure. That could give Kentucky the chance to add these train links, which would be a big change for the state’s public transportation. But for now, anyone going to or leaving these big cities must use some other way to travel.
Amtrak Routes and Rail Lines Through Kentucky
Your train trip through Kentucky will happen on one of two old Amtrak rail lines. One rail line runs through the northeast part of the state. The other rail line goes through the southwest corner. These are the only two ways for people to use train travel in Kentucky.
For the best and newest information about train schedules and stops, you should use the official Amtrak app. It gives you real-time train information and your tickets are right there. Now, let’s look more at the two routes—the Cardinal and the City of New Orleans—that let people travel by train in the state.
The Cardinal Route and Its Stops
The Cardinal route is an Amtrak rail connection in eastern Kentucky. It runs three days a week between New York City and Chicago. On this trip, you get to see beautiful hills and small towns from your seat. The train stops at two Kentucky Amtrak stations: Ashland and Maysville.
If you travel on the Cardinal route from one of the Kentucky Amtrak stations, remember the station is unstaffed. You will need to handle your own luggage because there is no checked baggage service. These things are important to know:
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You carry and watch your own luggage on the train, as the checked baggage service is not there.
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There is usually a waiting room or a shelter at the station, but other things are not there.
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Make sure you buy your tickets before your trip.
This Amtrak route links these small communities of Kentucky with big cities on the East Coast and in the Midwest. The Amtrak Cardinal may not have many station services, but it is a special and helpful way to travel through the Bluegrass State.
City of New Orleans Route and Its Importance
The City of New Orleans train connects Chicago to New Orleans. It makes just one big stop in Kentucky. Each day, this train stops in Fulton, KY, bringing an important way to get around for the western part of the state. The route follows the old Illinois Central Railroad path. This line made Fulton a busy place for trains many years ago.
For people living in the Jackson Purchase area, the City of New Orleans train means more than just another way to travel. It’s a direct link for the western part of the state to other places in the country. This helps people from Kentucky get north to Illinois or south into Louisiana and Mississippi with ease. Because of the train’s stop in Fulton, KY, the area is not cut off from the big train network in the U.S.
Since this train runs every day, it gives people more options and is easier to use than the Cardinal, which only runs three days a week. This city of new orleans train keeps western part of the state connected and continues the long history of train travel in Kentucky.
Conclusion
To sum up, Kentucky’s train stations give people a special mix of history, ease, and great travel options. The focus on better passenger rail makes these stations important for travel. They help people get into lovely cities and bring everyone closer. There are busy spots like Ashland Amtrak Station and old train lines like The Cardinal and city of new orleans to check out. This is good for those who have been riding trains for years or anyone new to train travel. Riding through Kentucky lets you see beautiful sights. If you want to plan your next trip, don’t wait to ask for help! One great way to start your exploration is to visit train stations near downtown Louisville, which serve as key hubs for both local and long-distance travel. These stations not only connect you to various destinations but also provide a chance to experience the vibrant atmosphere of the city. Make sure to check their schedules and amenities, as they can enhance your overall journey through Kentucky.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any historic train stations still operating in Kentucky?
Kentucky has a strong railroad past. The amtrak stations in the state are new and made to be useful. The Fulton station, for example, is in a town known for trains. But, the current building there is simple. If you want to see real old train stops, you will need to go to old depots. These are not used for amtrak or any passenger rail service now.
Where can I find current train schedules for Kentucky stations?
The best way to get the latest schedule for kentucky amtrak stations is to visit the official Amtrak website or use the amtrak mobile app. You can use the app on your phone to check real-time train times, see info on different amtrak stations, and keep your e-tickets for simple boarding. This makes it easy to travel in and out of kentucky with Amtrak.
Are there upcoming plans for new train stations or route expansions in Kentucky?
People are talking more about bringing more passenger rail service to Kentucky. They want to see it in big cities like Lexington and Louisville. Right now, Amtrak does not have solid or funded plans for new train stations or new routes in Kentucky. If anything changes in the future, it will likely depend on money from the federal government and the state.