Las Vegas, NM (LSV)

Ticket Revenue

FY 2011

$385,121

Station Ridership

FY 2011

4,952

Note: Fiscal year is from
October through September.

The current Amtrak stop in Las Vegas is at the Las Vegas Intermodal Center, which is truly a piece of this city’s history.

Built in 1878 as Las Vegas’ second train depot, the station served as a major transportation hub for those seeking new opportunities in New Mexico and the burgeoning American southwest. The station itself reflects the culture and history of the town in which it was built. The facility was designed by the Santa Fe Railway (now BNSF Railway) as a two-story brick structure in the Spanish Mission style, highlighting the town’s origins as a Spanish pueblo.

Renovation of this station began in August 2000, when funds were secured from various sources, including federal and state matching grants and private contributions. In addition to those hired to work on the project, painting renovation at the depot was performed by a motion picture art department after the production was allowed to use the station to film scenes for the 2000 movie, “All the Pretty Horses.”

The total cost of renovation, originally estimated at approximately $900,000, was around $1.2 million by the project’s conclusion. The station was reopened as the Las Vegas Intermodal Facility and also now acts as the Visitor Center for the city of Las Vegas.

The city of Las Vegas was first established by a land grant from the Mexican government to a group of Spanish settlers in 1835. It was constructed to mirror the traditional Spanish colony, a central plaza and market surrounded by the town’s most important means for prosperity. Las Vegas became a major stop for those traveling along the Santa Fe Trail during this time period. In 1846, Las Vegas and all of New Mexico were claimed for the United States in a speech delivered at the Las Vegas plaza during the Mexican-American War. By 1880, the Santa Fe railroad had arrived in the region, although it was established slightly east of the Las Vegas plaza, creating a “New Town” meant to rival the older, established Las Vegas. Today, the city maintains much of its cultural heritage and historical legacy.

Some of the more notable people to have spent time in Las Vegas include Jesse James, Billy the Kid and Wyatt Earp. Theodore Roosevelt’s Rough Riders named this city their official reunion home, beginning in June 1899.

Amtrak does not provide ticketing or baggage services at this facility. The Visitor’s Center is open for the train passengers.

Las Vegas is served by the twice daily Southwest Chief.