Amtrak Reports Record Ridership and Revenue for Fiscal Year 2025
Amtrak achieved unprecedented growth in both ridership and revenue during the 2025 fiscal year, marking a significant milestone for the national rail operator. This surge in numbers was particularly pronounced on long-distance routes, which have increasingly attracted vacationers seeking unique travel experiences.
For the fiscal year ending in September, Amtrak recorded 34.5 million customer trips, reflecting a 5.1% increase compared to the previous year. Operating revenue soared to $3.9 billion, an impressive 9.1% jump from 2024. Despite these record highs, Amtrak reported an operating loss of $598.4 million, although this was an improvement from the $705.2 million loss of the previous year.
Long-distance services, defined by Amtrak as routes exceeding 750 miles, also experienced substantial growth with a ridership increase of 4.2% year-over-year and a 9.7% rise in ticket revenue. Noteworthy gains were seen on the Chicago-San Francisco line, with ridership rising by 14.8%. Other key routes also saw significant increases, including an 18.9% boost on the Los Angeles-New Orleans line, a 14.3% increase on the Chicago-San Antonio route, and a 12.6% rise on the Chicago-Los Angeles route. The enhanced capacity on these routes, such as the addition of extra coach and sleeper cars, played a crucial role in driving these numbers up.
Amtrak has actively adjusted its network to cater to vacation travelers. In August, the company reinstated service between New Orleans and Mobile, Alabama, a route that had been offline since Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Additionally, last November saw the consolidation of routes from Miami to Washington, D.C., and Washington to Chicago, enabling single-train service from the Windy City to South Florida, further streamlining travel options.
While Amtrak has enjoyed these gains, spokesperson Marc Magliari noted that the potential for revenue on long-distance routes could be even higher if it weren’t for fleet size limitations. New long-distance coach cars are not anticipated before the end of the decade, which could restrain the railway’s ability to capitalize on growing demand.
Amtrak’s improved revenue is echoed in its Amtrak Vacations brand, managed by rail travel operator Railbookers. Amtrak Vacations reported a 16% increase in revenue for the current calendar year, with 2026 sales tracking up by 22%. This surge highlights the ongoing excitement and demand for rail travel, both domestically and internationally, through the Railbookers brand.
Funding and Infrastructure Insights
Amtrak has benefitted significantly from the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which allocated $22 billion in guaranteed funding, alongside the possibility of billions more for upgrades and modernization. Much of this funding focuses on enhancing track and tunnel infrastructure and modernizing stations.
The current administration, while perceived to be less supportive of Amtrak compared to its predecessor, has continued to back the infrastructure program. During the 2025 fiscal year, Amtrak recorded a record $5.5 billion in capital expenditures. However, the political landscape remains unstable, as evidenced by the President’s statements regarding federal funding for the Gateway Program—a crucial $16 billion initiative aimed at doubling rail capacity in the highly trafficked corridor between Newark and New York’s Penn Station. Although there have been vocal criticisms about funding intentions, no formal actions to terminate the project have been taken, and work remains ongoing.
Nick Little, former director of the railway management program at Michigan State University, remains optimistic that the Gateway Program will proceed as planned, despite the political risks that surround Amtrak. He cautioned that the railway’s reliance on federal funding makes it vulnerable to shifts in political priorities.
As Amtrak navigates this complex landscape, ongoing investments and strategic modifications to its services point towards a future of potential growth and enhanced rail travel experiences for millions across the nation.
For more insights on Amtrak’s operations, visit Trains.com for detailed coverage of train services and developments.
