Amtrak Adding Trains for Midwest Holiday Travelers

In anticipation of the busiest travel week of the year, America's Railroad is prepared to accommodate the surge of holiday travelers with extra trains and additional capacity on several routes in the Midwest. Amtrak will also operate every available passenger rail car in its fleet. Tickets sell out quickly so passengers are encouraged to plan ahead and book tickets early for best availability and pricing.

Amtrak is adding extra trains and schedules to several of the Chicago hub corridors to downstate Illinois and to Michigan. Amtrak Lincoln Service and Illinois Zephyr/Carl Sandburg trains are operated under a contract with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and all Amtrak services in Michigan are under a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

In 2014, Amtrak carried a record 772,211 passengers during the Thanksgiving travel period, the most ever for the holiday. Similar passenger counts are anticipated this year.