At a Glance
- TypeHeritage railroad & tourist attraction
- LocationOH
- Rating4.5 ★197 Google reviews
About Cincinnati Union Terminal
At Cincinnati Union Terminal, the Amtrak Cardinal arrives three times weekly, threading the Art Deco rotunda before departing toward Chicago or New York. The station sits in the Queensgate neighborhood, its half‑dome and mosaic murals framing the platform. Beyond the tracks, the Cincinnati Museum Center occupies the building, offering history, natural science, a children’s museum, an Omnimax theater, and a library, all accessible while waiting for the next late‑night train.
Upcoming Events
No ticketed events are currently listed for Cincinnati Union Terminal. Many heritage operators publish schedules seasonally or run on regular open hours instead of dated events.
Check the operator’s website for current hours and special runs, or subscribe to event alerts and we’ll email you when something is scheduled.
Plan Your Visit
- ParkingFree lot · paid lot
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · accessible restroom · accessible parking
Find the Depot
History
See full history
The Cincinnati Union Terminal Company is created in 1927 to consolidate five local stations used by seven railroads into a single union station. Construction proceeds from 1928 through 1933, and the terminal opens in 1933 with six railroads as joint owners while the Baltimore and Ohio operates through services. Train service ends in 1972, Amtrak relocates to a smaller nearby station, and the terminal remains largely dormant from 1972 to 1980, during which its platforms and train concourse are demolished. A “Land of Oz” shopping mall occupies the building from 1980 until 1985; in the late 1980s two Cincinnati museums merge, renovate the structure, and the complex reopens in 1990 as the Cincinnati Museum Center. Amtrak resumes service in 1991, and a two‑year, $228 million renovation is completed in 2018. The City of Cincinnati owns the facility while CSX Transportation owns the tracks and platforms, and Amtrak operates the passenger service today.
Around the Depot
Cincinnati Union Terminal sits about 5 mi from the Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati, with EnterTRAINment Junction roughly 19 mi out for a fuller Ohio rail day.
Cincinnati Museum CenterMuseum·★ 4.7 (9609)1 min walkDirections →
The Children's MuseumMuseum·★ 4.7 (2454)1 min walkDirections →
Cincinnati History MuseumMuseum·★ 4.7 (18)1 min walkDirections →Museum of Natural History & ScienceMuseum·★ 4.7 (144)1 min walkDirections →The Nancy and David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity CenterMuseum·★ 4.8 (124)1 min walkDirections →
Getting There & Staying Nearby
Optional trip extras from our travel partners.
Rent a Car
Most heritage railroads sit well off the interstate. Picking up a rental at the nearest airport is usually the easiest way in.
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Tours & Activities Nearby
Tours
Guided tours, day trips, and things to do around the area, bookable in advance through Viator.
Browse nearby tours →Bookings made through this link support usatrainrides at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cincinnati Union Terminal located?
Cincinnati Union Terminal is located in OH.
How do I get tickets to Cincinnati Union Terminal?
Tickets and current schedules are available on the operator's official website at https://www.cincymuseum.org/union-terminal/.