Amtrak expects record Thanksgiving travel demand on Northeast Corridor between Washington, New York and Boston with double-digit booking growth: Everything you need to know

Posted on November 1, 2025

Amtrak Travelers are urged to book early High demand for travel around Thanksgiving across its national network, with a particular focus on Northeast corridor link Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Passenger rail service is expected Breaking the 2025 Thanksgiving travel recordwith double-digit growth in early bookings compared to last year, after the 2024 season, which witnessed more than 1.2 million passengers Traveling on American railways during the busy holiday period.

The announcement comes as Amtrak expects to set new records Revenues and number of passengersAlong with strong customer satisfaction scores for Fiscal year 2025Reflecting consumers’ growing preference for rail travel as a convenient and convenient alternative to congested highways and congested airports.

Expanding capacity to meet growing demand

To accommodate the increased demand, Amtrak is Maximize capacity by adding additional cars to Northeast Regional Roads between November 25-30travel window at the peak of Thanksgiving. Popular destinations along the Northeast Corridor will also benefit from the expanded service, ensuring travelers have seats during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Elliot HamlischAmtrak provides a convenient and convenient alternative to congested highways and crowded airports year-round, especially during the busy holiday season, Amtrak’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer emphasized. He invited longtime guests and first-time passengers to experience the ease and hospitality of Amtrak as they traveled to holiday gatherings.

The expanded service meets the growing demand for Sustainable and stress-free travel options Which allows passengers to avoid traffic delays, airport security lines, and parking challenges while enjoying scenic routes through the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions.

The NextGen Acela makes its Thanksgiving season debut

One of the highlights of this Thanksgiving season is availability NextGen Acela trains On selected departures. NextGen Acela is for Amtrak All-new high-speed rail service It operates between major city centers on the Northeast Corridor of Washington, D.C., to New York, to Bostonwith destinations in between.

The NextGen Acela is designed with innovative features and amenities Travel in first and business class On America’s only high-speed rail service. Passengers can enjoy enhanced comfort, modern interiors, improved connectivity and faster travel times, strengthening Amtrak’s position as a competitive alternative to regional air travel.

The new NextGen Acela trains feature a unique branding “Next generation brand” on Amtrak.com and the Amtrak mobile app, making it easier for travelers to learn about and book these premium services.

Amtrak’s “Travel Retraining” Campaign: Reimagining Rail as Hospitality

Amtrak’s Thanksgiving push is consistent with its plan “Travel Retraining” campaign.which reimagines the company’s role from transportation provider to… Hospitality leader. The campaign highlights the key benefits of train travel, including:

• The boarding process is easy Without long security checks
• Wide reclining seats with plenty of legroom
• Stunning window views Of landscapes and cityscapes
• There are no middle seatsWhich ensures more personal space
• Freedom to roam During the cruise, including access to dining cars and observation lounges

These features make train travel a more comfortable and enjoyable alternative to flying or driving, especially for families and groups traveling together during holidays.

Booking made easy across multiple channels

Purchasing tickets is fast and convenient through multiple channels, including:

• Amtrak.com and Amtrak mobile app
• Ticket selling kiosks inside stations
• In person at equipped stations
• By phone at 800-USA-RAIL

Amtrak encourages travelers to book now to ensure the best prices and guaranteed seats before they sell out, especially on routes with high demand and peak travel dates.

Tourism Impact: Supporting regional travel and economic activity

Amtrak’s expanded service for Thanksgiving has major implications for… Regional tourism and economic activity Along the Northeast Corridor and beyond. By facilitating convenient and affordable travel between major cities, Amtrak supports:

• Family reunions and holiday gatheringsStrengthening social ties
• Tourism to major urban areasincluding museums, restaurants and cultural attractions
• Economic activity in small and medium cities Served by Amtrak lines
• Sustainable travel practiceswhich reduces carbon emissions compared to air travel and car

Rail service also benefits communities along its lines by bringing visitors to destinations that may lack major airports or easy access to highways, and distributing tourism benefits more equitably across regions.

Amtrak’s broader modernization efforts

The Thanksgiving travel increase reflects Amtrak’s broader efforts to modernize and expand its services within Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Actwhich has allocated historic funding to improve rail infrastructure. Amtrak invests in:

• New and updated trainsincluding NextGen Acela and long-haul equipment
• Station renovations To improve accessibility and passenger experience
• Path and signaling improvements To enhance safety and reliability

These investments support Amtrak’s mission to meet the growing demand for train travel while providing unforgettable experiences for more than one person Five hundred destinations across forty-six states and parts of Canada.

Image credit: National Railway Passenger Company