If you’re planning to travel by train this Thanksgiving, don’t wait until the last minute to buy your ticket. Amtrak is warning that trains are filling up quickly and another record-breaking holiday travel season is expected. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, whether you’re flying, driving or taking the train. And if you’re considering skipping crowded airports and congested highways this year, you’re apparently not alone.
According to a November 3 press release from Amtrak, the railroad is encouraging passengers to book their Thanksgiving trips as soon as possible to secure the best fares and guarantee themselves a seat. The warning comes after a record-breaking Thanksgiving travel season in 2025, when Amtrak carried more than 1.2 million passengers, an increase of nearly 6% compared to 2024. The company expects demand to be even stronger this year.
“Amtrak is experiencing record demand, a testament to the comfortable and convenient experience of traveling by train,” said Amtrak 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.”
Amtrak is adding more trains and seats for Thanksgiving
To accommodate the expected crowds, Amtrak is increasing capacity on some of its busiest routes. Between November 20 and November 30, Amtrak will add extra railcars to select Northeast Regional trains. The company is also introducing two additional Northeast Regional round trips between Washington Union Station and New York Penn Station, with stops in between, on November 24-25 and November 28-29.
That’s welcome news for travelers along the Northeast Corridor, one of the country’s busiest transportation routes. However, Amtrak warns that even with the additional capacity, seats are expected to sell quickly.
The company is also highlighting some of its newer trains. Fifteen NextGen Acela trainsets are now in service, offering an upgraded premium travel experience along the Northeast Corridor.
Meanwhile, in the Pacific Northwest, Amtrak Cascades is operating its new Airo trains on four daily trips. These trains feature upgraded seating, food and beverage options and modern amenities designed to make the journey more comfortable.
Why I love traveling by train
It’s hardly surprising that a travel company would issue a press release encouraging customers to book early. After all, getting people to purchase tickets sooner rather than later is good for business. However, I do think Amtrak has a legitimate reason to sound the alarm. With so many Americans traveling for Thanksgiving and concerns about fuel costs, I wouldn’t be surprised if trains are especially busy this year.
I’ve taken Amtrak many times over the years (a dozen years ago) and when everything runs smoothly, it’s a fantastic way to travel. For starters, you don’t have to worry about driving, sitting in traffic or paying attention to the road for hours. Instead, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery.
One of my favorite things about traveling by train is that I can actually get work done. Most Amtrak trains have power outlets, so I can plug in my laptop, answer emails, write articles or watch movies without worrying about my battery dying. There’s also generally more legroom than you’ll find in economy class on an airplane, which makes a big difference on longer trips.
Another perk is Amtrak’s generous baggage policy. On many routes, passengers can bring two personal items and two carry-on bags for free. Amtrak also offers two free checked bags on eligible routes and at stations that provide checked baggage service. That’s a pretty sweet deal compared to what some airlines charge these days.
Of course, train travel isn’t perfect. I’ve experienced delays, including times when our train had to wait for other trains to pass. When that happens, the experience can quickly become frustrating, especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
But when trains run on time, I think rail travel is one of the most relaxing ways to get from one city to another.
My advice for Thanksgiving train travelers
If you’re thinking about taking Amtrak over Thanksgiving, here are a few tips to make your trip smoother:
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Book now. Don’t assume you can wait until a few days before Thanksgiving. Popular departures could sell out and fares may increase as seats fill up.
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Be flexible with your travel dates. If possible, consider traveling a day or two earlier or returning after the holiday weekend. Compare different departure times, too.
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Arrive at the station early. Train boarding is generally much easier than flying, but busy stations can still get crowded during the holidays.
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Bring snacks and entertainment. Although many Amtrak trains offer food and beverages, I always recommend bringing your own snacks, especially when traveling with kids.
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Allow extra time for delays. Don’t schedule an important event immediately after your train is supposed to arrive. Delays happen and holiday travel is not the time to cut things close.
High gas prices could make Amtrak even more appealing
Another factor worth considering is the cost of driving. According to AAA, the national average price of regular gasoline was approximately $4.15 per gallon on November 3, compared to about $3.04 a year earlier. That’s the highest national average recorded on a congressional Election Day, although it’s not the all-time record for gasoline prices. For travelers facing a long drive, especially those traveling alone, taking the train could be an appealing alternative. Of course, whether it’s cheaper depends on ticket prices, the number of people traveling and the distance.
Bottom line
I think Amtrak is a great alternative to flying or driving, especially when you’re traveling between cities with convenient train connections. But with more than 1.2 million Thanksgiving passenger trips last year and another record expected in 2026, I wouldn’t procrastinate.
If you’re planning to take the train to visit family or friends this Thanksgiving, head to Amtrak.com and compare fares and schedules now. Even if you’re not ready to purchase, it’s worth seeing what’s available before the most convenient trains fill up.
And remember, just because you’re avoiding the airport doesn’t mean you should wait until the last minute to make your travel plans.
