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In February I am planning a trip to San Antonio. I will be renting a car the next day to drive to Harligen, TX. The train is scheduled to arrive at approximately 10PM from St Louis. I know that is wishful thinking. My question is have any of you learned and experienced travelers ever arrived via Amtrak in San Antonio? And if so was there any problem hiring a taxi to a hotel? Currently I am considering either the Crockett or the Menger. I have contacted both of these hotels and they gave me numbers of the cab companies, Yellow and San Antonio Taxi. The hotel personnel assured me that cab service would be available. Just trying to make sure of my options.
Thanks.
Geoff Mayo Member # 153
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I have arrived there, albeit from the opposite direction so a dark o'clock arrival. No taxis. It wasn't far to walk to my hotel, or so I thought, so I walked.
Some hotels have a shuttle bus to and from downtown. Maybe they would consider an Amtrak pick-up?
Uber, Lyft, etc too.
Gilbert B Norman Member # 1541
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This article from a "questionable recognized news source" is long on human interest and short on facts. The reporter is an intern from Germany. I'm sure she was astounded by the "one point three three a day" frequency serving a city of 1.5M:
When Amtrak’s Texas Eagle leaves its station in historic St. Paul’s Square, it does so in reverse. Slow and steady, until you can see the Lone Star neighborhood through the windows. There, it changes tracks and finally heads northbound, toward its final destination, Chicago.
The Eagle is scheduled to depart San Antonio at 7 a.m. on a recent Thursday. While passenger after passenger arrives on the platform, the train already waits on the tracks. It’s still dark, and fluorescent lights reflect off the train’s metal surface, making it look somehow futuristic and old-fashioned at the same time.
People shuffle around on the platform, waiting to board. Many of them carry blankets and pillows for the journey; some opt for coffee instead. Each yawns at one point or another.
palmland Member # 4344
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I would not stress over taxi availability. Just get the Uber or Lyft app, and maybe try it out on a short trip near your home. It really is so much better than taxi on all counts: comfort, price, reliability.
I’d vote for the Menger Hotel. You can’t beat its location, history, and ambiance. The ghost of Teddy Roosevelt may buy you a drink at the bar. Supposedly it’s the oldest continuously operating hotel west of the Mississippi. My one visit there was prior to a trip on the Aztec Eagle, so my recollection may be a bit dated!
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