Capitol Limited

Capitol Limited
Name	Capitol Limited
Locale	United States
Start	Chicago
End	Washington, D.C.
Operator	Amtrak
Type	Inter-city rail

Capitol Limited is a daily Amtrak train service that runs between Chicago and Washington, D.C., passing through the states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. The train service is operated by Amtrak, a United States government-owned corporation, and is one of the busiest routes in the Amtrak network, with stops at major cities like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore. The Capitol Limited train service is known for its scenic route, which passes through the Allegheny Mountains and the Ohio River Valley, offering passengers stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and the Mid-Atlantic region. The train service is also popular among passengers traveling to and from major events like the Kentucky Derby and the Indy 500, which take place in Louisville and Indianapolis, respectively.

Introduction

The Capitol Limited train service has a long history, dating back to the early 20th century, when it was operated by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) and the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR). The train service was initially designed to connect the East Coast with the Midwest, providing a direct link between New York City and Chicago. Over the years, the Capitol Limited has undergone several changes, including the introduction of new equipment and the modification of its route. Today, the train service is operated by Amtrak, which took over the service in 1971, following the creation of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation (NRPC). The Capitol Limited train service is an important part of the Amtrak network, which also includes other popular routes like the Acela Express, the Northeast Regional, and the California Zephyr.

History

The Capitol Limited train service has a rich history, with roots dating back to the 19th century, when the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) and the Pennsylvania Railroad (PRR) first introduced passenger services between Baltimore and Chicago. The train service was initially known as the National Limited, but was later renamed the Capitol Limited in 1912, in honor of the United States Capitol building in Washington, D.C.. During the early 20th century, the Capitol Limited was one of the most popular train services in the United States, with luxurious accommodations and fine dining options. The train service was also known for its speed, with an average journey time of just over 18 hours between Chicago and Washington, D.C.. The Capitol Limited played an important role during World War II, when it was used to transport troops and equipment between the East Coast and the Midwest. The train service was also used by famous passengers like Franklin D. Roosevelt, who traveled on the Capitol Limited during his presidency.

Route

The Capitol Limited train service runs on a daily basis, departing from Chicago's Union Station and arriving at Washington, D.C.'s Union Station. The train service passes through the states of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the District of Columbia, with stops at major cities like Cleveland, Pittsburgh, and Baltimore. The route takes passengers through the scenic Allegheny Mountains and the Ohio River Valley, offering stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and the Mid-Atlantic region. The train service also passes through the Indiana Dunes National Park and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, which are popular tourist destinations. The Capitol Limited train service is an important part of the Amtrak network, which also includes other popular routes like the Lake Shore Limited, the Cardinal, and the Hoosier State.

Equipment

The Capitol Limited train service is operated by Amtrak, which uses a variety of equipment, including the Acela Express-style cafe car, the Viewliner-style sleeping car, and the Amfleet-style coach car. The train service is typically hauled by GE Genesis locomotives, which are known for their speed and efficiency. The Capitol Limited train service also features a dining car, which offers a range of meal options, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The train service is equipped with modern amenities, including Wi-Fi, electrical outlets, and restrooms. The Capitol Limited train service is also accessible to passengers with disabilities, with features like wheelchair-accessible seating and restrooms.

Service

The Capitol Limited train service offers a range of amenities and services to passengers, including food and beverage options, electrical outlets, and restrooms. The train service also features a dining car, which offers a range of meal options, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Capitol Limited train service is known for its scenic route, which passes through the Allegheny Mountains and the Ohio River Valley, offering stunning views of the Appalachian Mountains and the Mid-Atlantic region. The train service is also popular among passengers traveling to and from major events like the Kentucky Derby and the Indy 500, which take place in Louisville and Indianapolis, respectively. The Capitol Limited train service is an important part of the Amtrak network, which also includes other popular routes like the Acela Express, the Northeast Regional, and the California Zephyr.

Stations

The Capitol Limited train service stops at a number of major stations along its route, including Chicago's Union Station, Cleveland's Cleveland Lakefront Station, Pittsburgh's Pittsburgh Union Station, and Washington, D.C.'s Union Station. The train service also stops at smaller stations, like South Bend's South Bend Regional Airport, Toledo's Toledo Union Station, and Cumberland's Cumberland Station. The Capitol Limited train service is an important part of the Amtrak network, which also includes other popular routes like the Lake Shore Limited, the Cardinal, and the Hoosier State. The train service is popular among passengers traveling to and from major cities like New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia, which are connected to the Capitol Limited route by other Amtrak services like the Acela Express and the Northeast Regional. The Capitol Limited train service is also connected to other modes of transportation, like air travel and bus travel, with stations like Chicago's O'Hare International Airport and Washington, D.C.'s Reagan National Airport offering convenient connections to other destinations.

Category:Amtrak routes