With the busy travel season approaching, Amtrak is strengthening service to accommodate holiday travelers.
Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel periods each year, so Amtrak is adding extra trains on the Northeast Corridor and several Midwest routes, and increasing capacity by attaching additional cars to West Coast services. Many trains will continue to offer complimentary Wi‑Fi to help passengers stay connected during the journey.
Last year Amtrak set a record for Thanksgiving week ridership, carrying more than 777,000 passengers nationwide. The single busiest travel day was the Sunday after Thanksgiving, when more than 160,000 customers rode Amtrak.
Tickets for peak travel days often sell out quickly, so plan ahead and book early to secure preferred departure times and seating. Keep an eye on service updates, scheduling changes and any last‑minute adjustments by following Amtrak’s official social channels for real‑time alerts and information on corridor-specific service updates.
When planning travel, consider flexible itineraries and arrive at the station early to allow time for boarding and baggage handling. If you need assistance, customer service representatives at stations and onboard crew can help with seating questions, connections and accessibility needs.
Travelers can also benefit from packing light, bringing essentials for longer trips, and charging devices before departure—taking advantage of onboard Wi‑Fi and power outlets where available. For group or family travel, reserving seats together and confirming baggage allowances in advance will make the holiday journey smoother.
In summary, expect increased capacity across major corridors this Thanksgiving season, book tickets as soon as possible, monitor service alerts for changes, and prepare for a busy travel period by arriving early and packing thoughtfully.