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. 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. 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.
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.
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