Experience riding the rail from OKC to Ft. Worth on Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer train
There is something nostalgic about railroads. Who hasn’t daydreamed about jumping on a train and riding the rail to wherever it stopped? If you were one of the lucky kids who had a toy train growing up, you probably even spent hours just watching it wind around and around the Christmas tree among all the beautifully wrapped presents, shiny tinsel and colorful lights.
Here’s the thing. You don’t have to daydream anymore! You can experience the actual thrills and sounds of riding on a train by climbing aboard Amtrak’s Heartland Flyer! The Heartland Flyer makes a daily round-trip run to Fort Worth, Texas, where you can spend the day(s) in and around the Metroplex or connect with Amtrak’s Texas Eagle to continue your trip to places such as Chicago, Austin and San Antonio. You can even continue on to Los Angeles on the Texas Eagle three days a week through San Antonio. In case you may not want to travel all the way to Fort Worth, the Heartland Flyer also makes quick stops in Norman, Purcell, Pauls Valley, Ardmore and Gainesville, Texas.
The Heartland Flyer is comprised of three coach cars, one of which includes a café where passengers can purchase snacks, sandwiches, chips, soft drinks and cocktails. Souvenirs are also sold in the café. Sofa-style seating is available so that passengers can visit with other passengers or simply watch the scenery glide by as they partake in their food, snack or drink of choice. Riding in the upper-level coach section, you will be impressed by the spacious reclining seats, individual reading lights and large windows (Sorry! Wi-Fi access is not available on the Heartland Flyer).
The cost to ride the Heartland Flyer depends on how far out you make your reservations and the demand for that particular day, or if there are special promotions, such as the Big Game Train that takes football fans to Dallas for the annual OU-Texas football game at State Fair Park.
To purchase tickets on the Heartland Flyer, you can do so by visiting Amtrak’s website or calling 1-800-872-7245. Daily service to Fort Worth will typically depart OKC’s train depot at 8:30 a.m. The station is located at 100 E.K. Gaylord, directly east of Prairie Surf Studios, formerly the Cox Convention Center. Parking is available next to the station and at the various uncovered and covered parking garages around the area. To learn more about the Heartland Flyer, please visit heartlandflyer.com.
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