A record-breaking 34.5 million people have traveled on an Amtrak train in Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25), which is over 5 percent more than last year, which, at 32.8 million, was also a record-breaking number, according to the company—appearing to show a steady upward trend for train travel across the U.S.
Why it Matters
In 2025, Amtrak invested $5.5 billion in infrastructure projects—a 24 percent increase over the previous year—including $1.1 billion for track, catenary, signal, and structural maintenance, as well as progress on major bridge, tunnel, and station upgrades. These improvements support jobs, strengthen local economies and enhance accessibility.
What To Know
Amtrak—America’s primary provider of intercity passenger rail service—said it had set a new ridership record in FY25, carrying 34.5 million passengers across a 21,000-mile network to more than 500 station stops in 46 states, a 5.1 percent increase over FY24’s then-record of 32.8 million trips. This comes alongside other major milestones, including $2.7 billion in adjusted ticket sales and $3.9 billion in total operating revenue.
Plus, passengers logged a total of 6.9 billion miles in 2025—which is an all-time high—while on-time performance and customer service scores reached historic highs, with rave reviews about Wi-Fi coverage, food and drink, and communication, the company said in a press release on Tuesday.
Long-distance routes saw increased capacity and strong ridership, especially on the California Zephyr and Coast Starlight trains, and state-supported services like the Pacific Surfliner, Borealis, and Empire Service posted record gains.
Amtrak also introduced several new services, including the Mardi Gras route between Mobile, Alabama, and New Orleans—the first Gulf Coast service in nearly two decades—and launched the NextGen Acela on the Northeast Corridor, which welcomed more than 60,000 riders in its first month.
What People Are Saying
Amtrak President Roger Harris said, “These results show what’s possible when we lead with purpose. By prioritizing reliability and the customer experience, we’re laying the foundation for the next generation of passenger rail in America.”
Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said, according to the Amtrak press release: “Amtrak’s growth is a preview of what’s possible when everyone is working together to help get the American people where they need to go. Faster trains, more affordable service, and extended routes are opening up a new era of American rail. The best is yet to come as we continue to build big, beautiful infrastructure to support this bright future of transportation.”
What Happens Next
Amtrak aims to roll out additional NextGen Acela trains, debut new Airo fleets, and achieve operational profitability by FY28.