Boston joins New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., in leading the way for record Thanksgiving travel in 2025 as Amtrak sees unprecedented surge in early ticket bookings

Posted on November 1, 2025

Boston joins New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., in leading the way for record-breaking Thanksgiving travel in 2025, as Amtrak sees an unprecedented surge in early ticket bookings. The growing demand for train travel reflects a shift in consumer behaviour, with more travelers choosing to plan their holiday trips in advance. This increase in bookings, especially along the busy Northeast Corridor, highlights not only the growing popularity of rail travel, but also Amtrak’s efforts to meet growing demand by expanding services and train capacity. The 2025 Thanksgiving season is expected to be one of Amtrak’s busiest, as these major cities prepare to welcome a record number of passengers traveling by rail.

Heading into Thanksgiving 2025, Amtrak is set to see one of its busiest travel periods yet, driven by a surge in early ticket purchases. With more travelers planning ahead than ever before, Amtrak is expanding its services to accommodate the increase in demand.

Early booking for Thanksgiving travel increases

Amtrak reported a spike in ticket sales well before the Thanksgiving holiday, continuing a trend seen in recent years. This increasing pattern of early bookings indicates a shift in how travelers approach vacation planning. Major routes along the Northeast Corridor, including those serving Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City and Boston, saw the largest increase in demand.

Thanksgiving has long been peak time for Amtrak, and this year is no exception. With an increasing number of passengers securing their tickets early, the holiday week is expected to be the company’s busiest. Travelers are increasingly realizing the benefits of booking early, such as getting better prices and guaranteeing their seats during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

Convenient ticket options for travelers

To make booking as convenient as possible, Amtrak offers several options for purchasing tickets. Travelers can use Amtrak’s website, mobile app, self-service kiosks at stations, or work with licensed travel agencies. Digital payment methods are strongly encouraged to simplify the reservation process, making check-in faster and more efficient.

Due to expected high demand, early booking is essential. Ticket prices fluctuate based on availability, so booking in advance ensures the best prices and ensures a seat on one of the busiest travel days of the year.

Expanded services to handle holiday traffic

To meet the increased demand, Amtrak increased its seat capacity and the number of trains operating during the Thanksgiving period. From November 25 to November 30, additional trains will run along major routes, especially those serving high-traffic corridors in the northeast. This increase in train services will help accommodate the significant increase in the number of passengers.

Passengers are advised to arrive early at stations, as a large number of passengers may result in longer waiting times and more crowded platforms. By arriving in advance, passengers can ensure a smoother boarding process and avoid unnecessary delays.

How Amtrak fits into broader Thanksgiving travel trends

The rise in Amtrak bookings reflects broader trends in U.S. Thanksgiving travel. According to the American Automobile Association (AAA), nearly 80 million Americans are expected to travel more than 50 miles on Thanksgiving in 2025, representing a slight increase from the previous year. As fuel prices continue to rise, many travelers are choosing to travel by rail, which provides a convenient and cost-effective alternative to driving.

Rail travel is also gaining preference due to its ease and reliability. Amtrak’s downtown to downtown service allows travelers to travel from city centers without the hassles of airport security or navigating traffic. This convenient option, coupled with affordable fares, makes Amtrak the best choice for Thanksgiving travelers.

Investing in the future of travel

Amtrak continues to invest in its infrastructure to support growing demand. The company is modernizing its stations and trains, improving capacity and comfort for passengers. These upgrades are part of Amtrak’s long-term strategy to enhance the travel experience and ensure it can handle future increases in demand, especially during peak holiday periods like Thanksgiving.

These improvements are scheduled to continue until 2027, with plans to modernize the railway system and expand services across the country. This continued investment will help make Amtrak even more accessible and reliable for travelers in the years to come.

Boston joins New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C., in leading Thanksgiving travel in 2025, as Amtrak sees an unprecedented surge in early bookings, reflecting growing demand for rail travel.

Tips for a smooth Thanksgiving trip

To avoid the stress of last-minute bookings, passengers are advised to secure their tickets as soon as possible. Booking early helps ensure better rates and availability, and is a smart way to avoid a rush during the busiest travel days. The Amtrak website is a valuable resource for real-time updates on schedules, additional services, and any specials that may arise.

By planning ahead and taking advantage of expanded Amtrak services, travelers can enjoy a more relaxed and enjoyable Thanksgiving experience. With improved capacity, additional train services, and easier booking options, Amtrak is well-equipped to handle the expected holiday rush.