Where Route 66 meets Interstate 15, you’ll find a desert pit stop that’s really off the rails…in the best way. Barstow Station, built from a lineup of old rail cars, has been welcoming road trippers, bus tours, and curious travelers since 1975.
The brainchild of Fred Rosenberg, who once ran one of the largest McDonald’s in the world right here in Barstow, this place was designed to stand out. Instead of another ordinary fast-food stop, Rosenberg turned vintage train cars into a roadside depot, creating a travel hub that’s part station, part shopping mall, and all quirk.
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Today, Barstow Station still draws in travelers looking for a break from the road. You’ll find everything from McDonald’s, Subway, and Popeye’s to Wetzel’s Pretzels, Dunkin’ Donuts, and local favorites like Jed’s Jerky and Alien Boba. You can even pick up a souvenir, get a haircut, purchase a lucky lottery ticket, or get your fortune told by the Zoltar Fortune teller.
Greyhound and FlixBus stop here, thousands of tour buses roll in each year, and across the street is one of the largest Tesla charging stations in the country. Add in clean restrooms, Wi-Fi, and lounges for drivers, and it’s clear Barstow Station is more than a stop.
So climb all aboard this quirky roadside attraction and make it your next stop on Route 66!
Photos of Barstow Station in Barstow, California
