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Barstow Station

4.4
·265 reviews·Barstow, United States

A historic Route 66 landmark and travel center, famous for its train-themed McDonald's and diverse food options.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, shorter waits

CrowdLow
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Vintage Architecture

Barstow Station

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, shorter waits

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Route 66 landmark and travel center, famous for its train-themed McDonald's and diverse food options.

4.4
(265 reviews)

"A unique and iconic stop on the LA to Vegas drive, offering great food and a blast of Route 66 nostalgia."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Availability

Plenty of parking available, but can fill up during busy periods.

⏳ Beat the McDonald's Line

Expect long waits for McDonald's; consider other food options if time is tight.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 267 reviews

Type

Tourist Attraction

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

McDonald's in Train Cars

McDonald's in Train Cars

Inside Barstow Station

Dine inside vintage Pullman train cars at this unique McDonald's. A truly memorable road trip stop!

Instagram
Route 66 Nostalgia

Route 66 Nostalgia

Barstow Station grounds

Experience the charm of historic Route 66 with the station's western-themed architecture and train decor.

Instagram
Diverse Food Options

Diverse Food Options

Various outlets within the station

From Subway and McDonald's to Alien Food and Boba, satisfy any craving here.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Pit Stop Paradise

Barstow Station is a popular midway point between LA and Vegas, offering a unique blend of fast food, shops, and train-themed decor. It's a great spot to stretch your legs, grab a bite, and experience a bit of Route 66 nostalgia. Plan for potential waits at popular eateries like McDonald's, especially during peak travel times. Instagram

Trainspotting & Snack Stops

This historic Route 66 landmark is more than just a rest stop; it's an experience. With multiple food options, unique shops, and a distinctive train car aesthetic, it's a fun break for any road trip. Keep an eye out for the iconic McDonald's housed within vintage train cars. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, shorter waits
Crowd
Low
When
Early mornings
Why
Beat the rush before lunch
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends/Holidays
Why
Peak travel time, expect queues
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Have you been to Barstow Station in the past 6 months? If so, this one’s for you 🎶✌️🚂⛽️🚙🍭
josh.fleury
19.2K likes • 285.8K views

🚗 Parking Availability

Plenty of parking available, but can fill up during busy periods. Reddit

⏳ Beat the McDonald's Line

Expect long waits for McDonald's; consider other food options if time is tight. Reddit

Barstow Station Barstow California #BarstowStation #barstow #california #travel #hiddengems #viajandoporcalifornia1 #losangeles #adventure
viajandoporcalifornia1
18 likes • 1.7K views
A quick pit stop at📍Barstow Station —————————————— #barstowstation #barstow #lasvegasroadtrip #historicroute66 #route66roadtrip #route66 #americanroadtrip #usaroadtrip
eat.travel.live03
199 likes • 702 views

🧼 Clean Restrooms

Restrooms have been noted as clean and well-maintained. Great job! Reddit

🛍️ Unique Shops

Explore various mini-mall style gift shops for souvenirs and snacks. Instagram

Barstow Station. A popular stop on the way to Las Vegas. Known for its old town style buildings and train decor. A popular bus stop travel center Food outlets- Subway, McDonald’s, Wetzel’s Pretzel’s, Alien Food Chinese Food, Boba Drinks, Tacos Candy Shop. Snack Shop. Liquor Store and Cigarettes. Jed’s Beef Jerkey Mini mall type gift shops and retail stands. Souvenirs and knickknacks. A littl...
thecasinoparents
410 likes • 12.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Availability

Plenty of parking available, but can fill up during busy periods. Reddit

⏳ Beat the McDonald's Line

Expect long waits for McDonald's; consider other food options if time is tight. Reddit

🧼 Clean Restrooms

Restrooms have been noted as clean and well-maintained. Great job! Reddit

🛍️ Unique Shops

Explore various mini-mall style gift shops for souvenirs and snacks. Instagram

🎶 Road Trip Soundtrack

Check out the original songs inspired by Barstow Station! Instagram

What Travellers Say

4.4
(265 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Barstow Station is a beloved and convenient stop for travelers on the LA-Vegas route, praised for its unique train-themed atmosphere and diverse food options. Visitors appreciate the cleanliness of the facilities and the nostalgic Route 66 charm, though long waits at popular eateries like McDonald's can be a drawback.

"Love coming here on the way to Las Vegas. It’s great rest area with a great selection of food to go. There’s food, clothing, bathrooms and gas stations near by. It has plenty of parking and it looks like you’re getting on a train and it’s an iconic spot to visit."

Sandy Herrera

"All these years driving down the 15 to vegas, I never took thr time to stop here. What a surprise. Subway, McDonald's, Alien Boba/food, and so many mini shops. I would definitely make the time to stop here again. Just prepare to wait a while if your gonna get McDonald's. Long wait for food on a Tuesday."

Melystikal

"We always love stopping here. I must say, it’s cleaner than in past experiences, even the restroom! Great job to the maintenance crew!"

Arlene Aninion

What People Like

Unique train car dining
Variety of food choices
Clean facilities

What People Dislike

Long food waits

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Barstow Station is located at 1611 E Main St, Barstow, CA 92311. From Los Angeles, take I-15 North. It's a common stop for road trips between LA and Las Vegas. Instagram

Yes, Barstow Station serves as an Amtrak stop, making it a convenient point for train travelers as well as road trippers. TikTokInstagram

The address is 1611 E Main St, Barstow, CA 92311. Instagram

Barstow Station is a popular travel center and a common stop for bus tours and travelers heading to Las Vegas. Instagram

From Las Vegas, take I-15 South towards Southern California. Barstow Station will be a convenient stop along the way. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Barstow Station is a public travel center and does not require tickets for entry. You can freely explore the shops and common areas. Instagram

While specific hours can vary by individual shops, the station itself is generally accessible during daylight hours as a travel stop. It's best to check individual food vendors for their specific operating times. Instagram

There is no admission fee to enter Barstow Station. You only pay for food, drinks, or merchandise you purchase. Instagram

Yes, Barstow Station is an Amtrak stop, and you can typically purchase tickets or manage your travel plans there. TikTokInstagram

Barstow Station is primarily a travel stop, but its unique atmosphere and location on Route 66 make it a point of interest for road trip enthusiasts and occasional local events. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Barstow Station features a variety of shops, including candy stores, snack shops, liquor stores, and general gift shops selling souvenirs and travel essentials. Instagram

Recent reviews indicate that the restrooms at Barstow Station are clean and well-maintained, a positive improvement noted by visitors. Reddit

The station is themed around trains, with vintage Pullman train cars used for seating at the McDonald's and other western-style architecture throughout the complex. Instagram+1

Absolutely! The unique train car McDonald's and the overall western theme make Barstow Station a very photogenic spot for road trip memories. Instagram

Barstow Station is a historic Route 66 landmark, originally serving as a Santa Fe Railroad depot. It has been repurposed into a unique travel center. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You'll find a range of options including Subway, McDonald's, Wetzel's Pretzels, Alien Food (Chinese), Boba Drinks, and Tacos. Jed's Beef Jerky is also available. Instagram+1

Yes, the McDonald's is famous for its unique setting inside vintage Pullman train cars, offering a dining experience unlike any other. Instagram

While options like Subway offer healthier choices, many of the offerings are typical fast food. Boba drinks and pretzels are also available. Instagram

Alien Food is a Chinese fast-food vendor located within Barstow Station, known for offering bacon-wrapped hot dogs among other items. Instagram+1

Wait times can be significant, especially for McDonald's, even on weekdays. It's advisable to factor in extra time for meals. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The McDonald's interior with its train car seating is a must-capture. The exterior architecture and Route 66 signage also make for great shots. Instagram

Yes, visitors are welcome to take photos inside the train cars while dining or visiting the McDonald's at Barstow Station. Instagram

Daylight hours are best for capturing the details of the station. Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer lighting. Instagram

Generally, casual photography for personal use is permitted. However, it's always good practice to be mindful of other visitors and staff. Instagram

Its unique blend of Route 66 Americana, vintage train cars, and diverse food stalls creates a visually interesting and nostalgic backdrop for photos. Instagram+1

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