Amtrak is entering the Thanksgiving travel rush on a high note after announcing a record 34.5 million customer trips in fiscal year 2025 — a 6% jump from the previous year and a clear sign, the company says, that Americans are increasingly turning to rail.
“There’s a genuine interest in passenger rail travel throughout the country,” Amtrak President Roger Harris said in a recent interview, according to Fox News.
He said the company has been focused on improving service, adding capacity, and adjusting schedules to better fit travelers’ needs.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy echoed that optimism in a recent statement, declaring that “faster trains, more affordable service and extended routes are opening up a new era of American rail.”
A key part of that future is Amtrak’s new Airo trains, set to launch in 2026.
The fleet will feature modern seating, larger restrooms and what the company describes as a “contemporary food service experience.” Harris noted the upgrade will replace equipment that is half a century old. “The Airo service that comes out next year is going to be replacing trains that are 50 years old,” he said.
As millions begin heading out for Thanksgiving — AAA estimates nearly 82 million people will travel this season — Harris said Amtrak is already feeling the surge.
“It’s the busiest time of year here at Amtrak,” he said. He urged passengers to pack light because “the trains are going to be really full,” and reminded travelers that doors close two minutes before departure. “You don’t want to leave it till the very last minute to get on the train.”
Harris said train travel remains less chaotic than flying, but travelers should still arrive with enough time to comfortably board. “Plan on being there in time and getting on the train before we leave,” he said.
Winter weather is also shaping travel patterns, with record cold in the East, lake-effect snow around the Great Lakes, and unsettled conditions across the West.
Harris said Amtrak prepares extensively for harsh conditions. “We do things like winterize the trains beforehand to make sure that they don’t freeze up,” he said, adding that stations are maintained to prevent slips and falls.
But strong demand has also brought scrutiny, particularly over rising ticket prices. Some frustrated customers have posted examples of steep price swings online.
One user on X wrote, “Amtrak is a scam. Why [are] there $360+ tickets for the same route I paid $25 for yesterday?” Another shared a photo comparing a $20 fare with a $236 fare for the same route.
Harris acknowledged the issue. “It’s true that with the tremendous interest we have in train travel today, trains are really full and that does have the impact of driving up prices,” he said. Still, he emphasized that Amtrak’s pricing structure allows passengers to find better deals if they are flexible. “If you can travel on trains at less popular times a day, you can save money. So, we really suggest that people shop around before they buy their ticket.”
He also encouraged riders to book “as soon as” they know their plans and highlighted the ease of making last-minute changes on the app.
With record ridership, packed trains and winter weather rolling in, Harris said the key to a smooth trip is simple: preparation — and getting to the station early.
