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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Jacksonville and Waterloo. The average train journey from Jacksonville to Waterloo takes 38 hours and 3 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 37 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 790 mi (1271 km) |
| Fastest train | 37h 25m |
| Lowest price | $398.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Jacksonville to Waterloo?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Jacksonville to Waterloo. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 1d 14h 3m | $438.00 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Jacksonville to Waterloo every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $398.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Jacksonville and Waterloo is approximately 790 miles, or 1271 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 38 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 37 hours and 25 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Trains from Jacksonville to Waterloo are the most crowded on Friday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Jacksonville at 5:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Jacksonville twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Waterloo to Jacksonville.
City Information
Jacksonville
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Jacksonville, or simply "Jax," is the largest city by area in the continental United States. Located in the northeastern corner of Florida, this sunny city along the St Johns River also boasts 22 miles of beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, coastal cuisine, and many historic neighborhoods to explore.
Natural beauty is king in Jacksonville, and where better to soak in some of the Sunshine State's outdoor wonders than the beach? Try Little Talbot Island for beachcombing or fishing, Big Talbot Island for exploring wetlands and marshes, and Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park for surfing. If you don't have the patience for birdwatching in the wild, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens will let you get up-close and personal with over 2,400 animals.
To take a break from the sun's rays, head indoors to one of Jacksonville's many eclectic museums. The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens combines European-inspired gardens with an impressive collection of fine art, while the Museum of Science and History is worth a stop for its planetarium alone. On Saturdays, you wouldn’t want to miss the Riverside Arts Market where artisans and farmers set up stalls along the river, and you can catch live music, food trucks and even free yoga.
Jacksonville is easily accessed by air, train, or bus, and connects Florida to locations throughout the South. Amtrak's Jacksonville train station is located in the northern outskirts of the city, and most bus service in and out of Jacksonville conveniently departs from the JTA Intercity Bus Terminal in the heart of downtown.
Waterloo
Image credit: Unsplash
Waterloo is a town in Indiana, getting its unique name from the city of the same name in Belgium. Despite being a small town, it offers a wide range of activities for families and sports lovers. You can take golf classes at the Bridgewater Golf Club or go skating with the family at the Skatin' Station. The family-friendly town is home to the Ft Wayne Children's Zoo and Potawatomi Zoo. During your visit, some historical markers to check out include the Immaculate Conception Church and St. Paul's Episcopal Church.
Shopping enthusiasts will be pleased in Waterloo, as the town is home to different specialty shops and boutiques. You can also visit when the De Kalb County Fair is in town, offering special events and auctions. The Summer Parade and Festival is an annual highlight in Waterloo, offering delicious food, activities for all ages, and fun presentations.
Waterloo is known as the crossroads of Northeastern Indiana, as it connects several major transportation routes. The travel hub has routes like I-69, US G, and IN 427 and is the only Amtrak passenger train stop in northeast Indiana.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Jacksonville?
Image credit: Ryan Crierie
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 3570 Clifford Ln
When traveling to and from Jacksonville by train, you’ll pass through the city’s Amtrak station at 3570 Clifford Lane. Located northwest of the city center, Jacksonville’s Amtrak station has a large seating area, clean restrooms, and free onsite parking. Several fast food options are within a half mile, or grab a snack from one of the station’s vending machines for a quicker bite. If you’re headed to downtown Jacksonville, you can connect to a local bus line from the station, or a rideshare or taxi can get you to the business district and waterfront in about 15 minutes.
All train stations in Jacksonville:
3570 Clifford Ln
Where is the train station in Waterloo?
Main arrival station: 485 West Van Vleek Street
Waterloo has one train station.
All train stations in Waterloo:
485 West Van Vleek Street
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Need a return trip from Waterloo to Jacksonville?
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