Nestled in the American Midwest, Iowa often evokes images of wide cornfields, historic barns, and peaceful small towns. Yet beyond this tranquil charm lies a quietly efficient rail network that connects Iowa to major cities across the country. While the state doesn’t have the busiest train corridors, the amtrak stations in iowa offer valuable and scenic access to Amtrak’s cross-country services. From historic depots to simple platforms nestled in charming towns, Iowa’s six Amtrak stations reflect both the heritage and evolving needs of American rail travelers.
This detailed blog takes you through every active Amtrak station in Iowa, the routes they serve, the experiences they offer, and how they fit into the wider web of U.S. train travel.
Iowa: A Quiet Powerhouse in the Amtrak Network
Though Iowa doesn’t have sprawling rail terminals or massive commuter systems, it sits at the crossroads of two of Amtrak’s most iconic lines: the California Zephyr and the Southwest Chief. These routes stretch from coast to coast, allowing passengers in Iowa to travel to cities like Chicago, Denver, Salt Lake City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco—without ever stepping on a plane.
With six Amtrak stations spread across the state, Iowa maintains a vital link in the chain of America’s long-distance rail infrastructure.
The Two Amtrak Routes Through Iowa
🚄 California Zephyr
Route: Chicago ➝ Denver ➝ Salt Lake City ➝ Emeryville (San Francisco Bay Area)
Iowa Stops: Burlington, Mount Pleasant, Ottumwa, Osceola, Creston
Known For: The most scenic route in America, with unforgettable views of the Rockies and Sierra Nevada
🚄 Southwest Chief
Route: Chicago ➝ Kansas City ➝ Albuquerque ➝ Los Angeles
Iowa Stop: Fort Madison
Notable For: Historic Southwest landscapes, desert vistas, and a smooth ride through ancient lands
Both of these lines run daily and provide sleeping accommodations, a dining car, Wi-Fi (in some segments), and incredible sightseeing from the comfort of your seat.
A Station-by-Station Tour of Amtrak in Iowa
Let’s take a closer look at each of Iowa’s Amtrak stations, offering travelers a glimpse into what makes each stop unique.
1. Fort Madison Station (FMD)
Line: Southwest Chief
Location: 902 20th Street, Fort Madison, IA
Fort Madison is the only Iowa stop on the Southwest Chief line and is home to a beautifully restored historic depot. The Spanish Mission-style architecture makes it one of the most picturesque Amtrak stations in the Midwest.
Key Features:
Indoor waiting area
ADA accessible
Restrooms and parking
Scenic riverfront location
Fun Fact: It’s located along the Mississippi River and offers a rare chance to watch both freight and passenger trains from a scenic riverside vantage point.
2. Burlington Station (BRL)
Line: California Zephyr
Location: 300 South Main Street, Burlington, IA
Located near the Great River Bridge and the downtown riverfront, Burlington is a hub of scenic simplicity. Though it's a basic outdoor platform, its central location makes it an easy jumping-off point for local exploration.
Key Features:
Outdoor shelter only
Street parking nearby
ADA limited accessibility
Nearby Attractions: Snake Alley (the most crooked street in the U.S.), the Art Center of Burlington, and the riverwalk.
3. Mount Pleasant Station (MTP)
Line: California Zephyr
Location: 418 N. Washington Street, Mount Pleasant, IA
This station is quiet and minimally developed, yet highly functional. Mount Pleasant is best known for hosting the Midwest Old Threshers Reunion, one of Iowa’s biggest heritage festivals.
Key Features:
Outdoor platform
Minimal shelter
Street parking available
Travel Tip: This is a “flag stop” station, meaning the train will only stop if you have a reservation to board or get off here.
4. Ottumwa Station (OTM)
Line: California Zephyr
Location: 210 W. Main Street, Ottumwa, IA
Ottumwa’s station is a true gem. It’s located inside the Wapello County Historical Museum, making it the only station in the state where you can admire historic artifacts while you wait for your train.
Key Features:
Indoor waiting
Restrooms
ADA compliant
Connected to local shops and eateries
Insider Info: The museum features a fascinating history of railroads in Iowa and the region, enhancing your travel experience with a sense of context and nostalgia.
5. Osceola Station (OSC)
Line: California Zephyr
Location: 201 South Main Street, Osceola, IA
Osceola is the most important station for central Iowa residents, especially those from Des Moines. It offers full passenger amenities and rental car options, making it a prime connection point.
Key Features:
Indoor waiting room
ADA access
Long-term parking
Taxis and car rentals available
Ideal For: Travelers looking to visit or depart from Iowa’s capital city.
6. Creston Station (CRN)
Line: California Zephyr
Location: 116 West Adams Street, Creston, IA
Creston’s platform is a modern boarding spot next to a grand historic depot built in 1899. Although the old depot is no longer used by Amtrak, it still serves as a city building and community landmark.
Key Features:
Outdoor platform
ADA accessible
Nearby historic architecture
Free parking
Perfect For: History buffs and architecture lovers.
Quick Comparison: Amtrak Stations in Iowa
Station | Route | Indoor Waiting | ADA Access | Parking | Nearby City | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fort Madison | Southwest Chief | Yes | Yes | Yes | Keokuk | Historic depot by the Mississippi River |
Burlington | California Zephyr | No | Partial | Yes | Galesburg, IL | Close to Snake Alley |
Mount Pleasant | California Zephyr | No | No | Yes | Fairfield | Home of the Old Threshers Reunion |
Ottumwa | California Zephyr | Yes | Yes | Yes | Oskaloosa | Inside a historical museum |
Osceola | California Zephyr | Yes | Yes | Yes | Des Moines | Closest to the state capital |
Creston | California Zephyr | No | Yes | Yes | Council Bluffs | Historic 1899 depot nearby |
Why You Should Consider Train Travel in Iowa
✅ Comfort and Space
With roomy seating, panoramic windows, and the ability to move freely throughout the train, Amtrak offers a far more comfortable experience than economy flights or long car rides.
✅ Environmentally Friendly
Trains emit fewer greenhouse gases per mile than cars or airplanes, making rail travel one of the most sustainable ways to get around.
✅ Scenic Routes
Enjoy the ever-changing Iowa countryside, from misty morning farmland to golden hour sunsets—all without a windshield or highway stress.
✅ Connectivity
Even from Iowa’s small towns, Amtrak can get you to major U.S. cities like Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco with ease.
Tips for First-Time Iowa Amtrak Travelers
Buy Early: Ticket prices are lower when booked in advance.
Download the Amtrak App: Track your train and manage your reservations on the go.
Pack Snacks: Some stations have limited food options, so come prepared.
Check Weather: Many stations are outdoor-only, so dress accordingly.
Arrive Early: Especially at unstaffed stations, plan to arrive 30–45 minutes before departure.
The Future of Amtrak in Iowa
As national interest in expanding rail infrastructure grows, there’s potential for Amtrak to introduce new service routes or increase frequencies in Iowa. Proposals have mentioned possible connections to Cedar Rapids, Dubuque, and even direct service to Des Moines.
While these developments are still in planning stages, the foundation laid by existing amtrak stations in iowa is strong and ready for future growth.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking
Iowa might not be the first place you associate with iconic train travel, but it should be. The offer timeless journeys, rich local experiences, and access to some of the most beautiful train routes in the country. Whether you're a native Iowan or a traveler passing through, these stations invite you to slow down, enjoy the ride, and rediscover the joys of rail.
