After breaking its ridership record during Thanksgiving last year, Amtrak is encouraging riders to purchase their train tickets as quickly as possible before this year’s busy holiday travel season begins.
Historically, Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods across the country; it’s specifically the busiest travel season for Amtrak.
And this year doesn’t seem to be any different.
Officials says tickets for Thanksgiving travel are “selling quickly,” and it predicts last year’s ridership record will be overtaken.
“Amtrak is experiencing record demand, a testament to the comfortable and convenient experience of traveling by train,” said Interim President Byl Herrmann. “We are honored to help customers reach their holiday destinations safely and comfortably, while offering more departures, amenities and services during a time when they appreciate them most.”
2025 Thanksgiving travel broke Amtrak ridership record
In 2025, Amtrak recorded more than 1.2 million customer trips during Thanksgiving, a nearly 6% increase from the previous year, eclipsing its previous all-time travel record.
Officials say that record will likely be broken again, and passengers are heavily encouraged to secure their reservations as soon as possible.
“Advance ticket reservations secure guaranteed seats and the best fares,” officials stated in a news release, adding that train travel avoids the typical stresses of holiday travel. “Train travel offers many benefits: no waiting in long airport lines, a quick and easy boarding process, no roadway traffic, and arrival downtown, where connecting travel options are abundant.”
Read More: Amtrak to replace aging long-distance fleet with 800 new train cars
Amtrak is also highlighting the improvements across its system, including the brand new Airo trains operating on the Cascades route, offering four daily trips in the Pacific Northwest. The Airo trains made their debut only weeks ago, and are significant upgrades from the previous fleet, offering improved comfort, amenities, connectivity and food and beverage options.
New trains can also be found on the busiest railroad corridor in the nation. Fifteen new NextGena Acela trains are currently in service on the Northeast Corridor, more than ever before. The trains are the fastest in Amtrak’s fleet, are larger than the previous trains in the corridor, and offer high-speed internet and improved beverage and food service.
Read More: High-speed Acela trains already logged 1 million riders
The nation’s passenger railroad is also adding additional cars along its busiest rail segment for the Thanksgiving holiday to accommodate the expected surge of customers.
“During Thanksgiving week, Amtrak is expanding capacity by adding cars to select Northeast Regional trains from Nov. 20-30,” Amtrak writes. “Two additional Northeast Regional round trips will be added with service between Washington Union Station, New York Penn Station, and cities in between on Nov. 24-25 and Nov. 28-29.”
Amtrak said that, despite the additional capacity, “record demand” will have these seats filled quickly.
Those looking to purchase tickets for the Thanksgiving holiday can do so on the website or mobile app, or at in-station ticketing kiosks and at staffed stations. Tickets can also be purchased by calling the railroad ticket office at 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Based on Amtrak’s own recommendations, online or over-the-phone purchases are the best bet, and should be completed as soon as possible.
For additional information, click here.
The increased ridership demand is good news for America’s passenger railroad, which is currently undergoing significant change. Amtrak is replacing most of its aging and outdated long-distance trains, as many as 800 train cars, but is also dealing with widespread equipment shortages that are threatening those very same routes.
Still, officials say the 2026 fiscal year ended with a 6.8% year over year increase in riders.
Demand for regional and long-distance rail is obviously stronger than ever, but can Amtrak meet the moment? Time will tell.
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