Amtrak
The United States’ national intercity passenger railroad, operating an extensive network of daytime and overnight trains rather than conventional flights.
About Amtrak
Amtrak is the trading name of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, a federally chartered company created by Congress and launched in 1971 to preserve intercity passenger rail service in the United States. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., it receives substantial public funding and operates under a federally appointed board rather than functioning like a privately owned airline. Its 2V code is used for certain rail bookings in airline reservation systems.
Amtrak has no single primary hub comparable to an airline hub. Its busiest corridor runs between Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, while Chicago is the principal interchange for many long-distance trains. The wider network serves more than 500 destinations across 46 states, Washington, D.C., and parts of Canada, including routes to Toronto and Vancouver. California, the Pacific Northwest and the Midwest also have important regional services.
The fleet comprises electric and diesel locomotives, single-level and bi-level passenger coaches, sleeping cars, dining and café cars, and Acela trainsets used on the Northeast Corridor. Accommodation varies by route: most trains offer Coach, selected services have Business Class, and Acela includes Business and First Class. Overnight trains may provide roomettes, bedrooms and accessible sleeping accommodation, with meals included for many sleeping-car passengers.
Amtrak does not belong to Star Alliance, SkyTeam or Oneworld because it is a railway rather than an airline. Its loyalty programme is Amtrak Guest Rewards, through which members can earn and redeem points for train travel and may qualify for tier benefits. Amtrak also participates in selected airline and travel partnerships, while its reservation-system code allows some rail journeys to appear alongside connecting flights.
Amtrak’s main strength is city-centre access: many stations are more convenient than distant airports, and rail travel avoids conventional airport security and boarding procedures. Service quality and punctuality can vary, particularly on long-distance routes that share tracks with freight railroads. Delays may accumulate over journeys lasting one or more nights, so travellers should allow generous margins before fixed onward connections.
Good to know
Flying with Amtrak — what to expect
Rail, Not Air
Amtrak is a passenger railway, and 2V is used for certain rail segments in airline reservation systems. Journeys depart from railway stations rather than airport terminals.
Generous Baggage
Amtrak generally permits more cabin baggage than most airlines, but limits and checked-baggage availability depend on the station and route. Confirm the current allowance before travelling with large or heavy items.
Arrive Before Departure
Boarding is usually simpler than at an airport, but passengers should still arrive early enough to locate the platform and complete any baggage procedures. Major stations may begin boarding before the platform is publicly announced.
Long-Distance Delays
Long-distance trains often share infrastructure with freight services and can encounter substantial delays. Avoid tight connections to flights, cruises or other time-sensitive departures.
Sleeping-Car Benefits
Roomettes and bedrooms on overnight trains provide private accommodation, and meals are commonly included for sleeping-car passengers on eligible services. Facilities and dining arrangements vary by train.
Station Facilities Vary
Large terminals offer staffed services, lounges or baggage handling, while smaller stops may have minimal facilities. Check the station page before relying on checked baggage, parking or waiting-room access.
Route network
Popular routes operated by Amtrak
Notable destinations on Amtrak's network.
2VNew Yorkdirect2VWashingtondirect2VBostondirect2VPhiladelphiadirect2VChicagodirect2VLos Angelesdirect2VSan Franciscodirect2VSeattledirect2VPortlanddirect2VNew Orleansdirect2VMiamidirect2VSan DiegodirectDestination list is indicative of Amtrak's network; see the airline's official route map for its complete, current schedule.
More from United States
Other airlines based in United States
FAQ
Amtrak — frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the details travellers usually check first, from codes and locations to the practical basics that help with planning.
8 common questions
- Amtrak rail fares are often lowest when booked early, particularly for the Northeast Corridor, holiday periods and sleeping accommodation. Midweek and off-peak departures may cost less, while flexible and premium fares are usually more expensive.
- Originfacts compares live fares from hundreds of airlines and travel agencies via its partner Travelpayouts and never adds a fee. For Amtrak, which is a railway rather than an airline, availability in flight-search systems may be limited to eligible rail segments or combined itineraries.
- Amtrak generally allows passengers to bring personal items and carry-on bags, with a more generous allowance than most airlines. Size and weight limits apply, so check Amtrak’s current baggage policy, especially for oversized items or routes without checked-baggage service.
- Amtrak says its rail network serves more than 500 destinations across 46 states, Washington, D.C., and Canada. The exact count can change as routes and stops are adjusted.
- Amtrak has no single primary hub in the airline sense. New York Penn Station is central to its busiest corridor, while Chicago is the main connecting point for many long-distance routes.
- Amtrak does not fly; it operates passenger trains across the United States and to selected Canadian cities. Its network includes the Northeast Corridor, major regional systems and long-distance routes linking cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Seattle, New Orleans and Miami.
- Amtrak services depart from railway stations, not airports. Important departure points include New York Penn Station, Washington Union Station, Philadelphia 30th Street Station, Boston South Station, Chicago Union Station and Los Angeles Union Station.
- The Texas Eagle’s through service between Chicago and Los Angeles is generally marketed as Amtrak’s longest journey, operating in conjunction with the Sunset Limited west of San Antonio. Schedules and through-service arrangements can change, so verify the current timetable before booking.