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By Rich Percival
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Amtrak is urging Americans to book Thanksgiving journeys early, saying tickets are selling quickly as it prepares for another potentially record-breaking holiday season.
The national passenger railroad company announced extra Northeast Regional capacity on November 2, including additional cars on selected trains between November 20 and 30.
Two additional round trips connecting Washington D.C. Union Station, New York Penn Station and intermediate cities will operate on November 24 and 25 and November 28 and 29.
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Why It Matters
Thanksgiving is Amtrak’s busiest travel season. The company says it recorded more than 1.2 million customer trips during the 2025 holiday period, nearly 6 percent more than in 2024.
Amtrak says advance reservations offer the best fares and guaranteed seats, and expects the additional holiday capacity to fill quickly.
What Other Services Are Being Added?
Travelers heading to Pennsylvania will have another option before the holiday. Amtrak is introducing a second daily Pennsylvanian round trip between New York and Pittsburgh from November 18, serving Philadelphia, Harrisburg and communities along the route.
The expansion, announced separately on October 7, is an ongoing increase in service rather than a temporary Thanksgiving addition.
From November 18, checked baggage and bicycle service on the Pennsylvanian will be available exclusively on trains 42 and 45. Passengers needing those facilities should check which departure they select.
How Much Do Tickets Cost?
Amtrak’s advertised-fares page analysed by Newsweek, where extra services are being added, lists New York–Washington DC journeys from $155 one way for November 26, alongside New York–Boston journeys from $116 one way and New York–Philadelphia journeys from $68 one way.
However, just two days before, on November 24, fares are much lower on some routes and start from $45 one way for New York–Washington D.C. journeys and $10 for New York–Philadelphia journeys; however, New York-Boston journeys start from $155 one way.
Passengers should check the travel date, train, accommodation and ticket conditions before completing a purchase.
Amtrak says prices vary by departure date and time and are generally higher during holidays and peak travel periods. Its booking guidance recommends reserving early and being flexible when possible.
Travelers should check both their outward and return journeys before booking, particularly if they need to travel at specific times.
Tickets can be purchased through Amtrak’s website and mobile app, at station kiosks and staffed ticket offices, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.
How Early Should Passengers Arrive?
Amtrak recommends arriving at least 30 minutes before departure, with additional time allowed at large or busy stations and for passengers needing assistance with baggage, bicycles, or tickets.
Its guidance specifically advises travelers to anticipate longer lines during holiday periods.
Passengers should also check station facilities before setting out. Checked baggage is not available on every train or at every location, so travelers intending to use it should confirm that their service and both stations can accommodate their bags.
What Are the Baggage Rules?
Amtrak’s published allowance permits each traveler to bring one personal item and two carry-on items, subject to size and weight restrictions.
Bicycles, sporting equipment and other special items may involve additional packing requirements or fees. Passengers traveling with those items should review the relevant policy before arriving at the station.
What If Plans Change?
Travelers should check the conditions attached to their ticket before purchasing, particularly if their holiday arrangements remain uncertain.
For Coach, Acela Business and Acela First Class tickets sold under the relevant fare categories, Flex fares allow cancellation before departure for a full refund and changes without a change fee, although a fare difference may apply.
Value fares do not permit changes and return 70 percent of the fare when canceled before departure. Sale fares also prohibit changes and return 50 percent when canceled before departure.
For qualifying reserved fares purchased directly from Amtrak, a full refund is available when cancellation occurs within 24 hours of purchase and before scheduled departure. Separate conditions apply to unreserved services and third-party purchases.
Passengers who neither travel nor cancel before departure forfeit the value of the missed segment under the railroad’s no-show policy.
Passengers can check Amtrak’s timetable and service-alert pages for departures, disruptions and schedule changes affecting their journeys.
“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.”
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: Richard Percival and Paul Donnelley.
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