In anticipation of the busiest travel week of the year, Amtrak is prepared to accommodate the surge of holiday travelers with additional trains and added capacity— operating every available passenger railcar. Tickets sell out quickly, so customers are encouraged to plan ahead and book tickets early.
In response to customer demand, Amtrak Acela Express (Boston – Washington, D.C.) and Northeast Regional (Boston – Washington, D.C./Virginia) services will operate extended schedules with additional frequencies and added capacity during the week of Thanksgiving. Regular Amtrak booking procedures apply.
Just in time for Thanksgiving, some customers may get to travel in newly, refreshed train cars as Amtrak is investing in a nearly $17 million refresh of its train interiors. Several services, including the Northeast Regional, are undergoing a series of phased improvements including new seat cushions, carpeting, curtains and refreshed restrooms to provide a more modern, comfortable experience onboard.
Hear are some tip to ensure your trip goes smoothly:
•Avoid the Rush, Arrive Early— The busiest travel days are the Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday of Thanksgiving week. Customers are encouraged to arrive 45 minutes before departure.
•Check Train Schedules— Check holiday train schedules and status before arriving at the station on Amtrak.com, Track Your Train (on Amtrak.com), or Amtrak mobile apps.
•Carry Photo ID— Customers are required to show travel documents and valid photo identification at all times aboard trains.
•Safety First— If you see something, say something. Report any suspicious activity or unattended items to an Amtrak employee or the Amtrak Police Department at (800) 331-0008, by calling 911, or by sending a text to APD11 from a smartphone, or to 27311 from a standard cell phone.