Amtrak & Daylight Saving Time

We’ve been observing Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the USA since around 1916. Despite its unpopularity today, we still participate in this event. Many are wondering how Amtrak handles this time change, and I think that is a fair question.

I wondered about this and was lucky to experience it firsthand while on the Silver Meteor. Although I got more time to sleep and extra time on the train, the process wasn’t as exciting as I had imagined. I admit my expectations were pretty low, so I wasn’t upset. Nothing special happens while you are on the train, but if you are waiting for a train, there are some things you should know!

So, if you’ve ever wondered what happens when the clocks change mid-journey, here’s what you need to know.

What Happens in the Spring?

Every year, on the second Sunday in March, we move the clocks forward an hour.

When daylight saving time occurs, Amtrak’s overnight trains usually run about an hour behind schedule due to the time change.

While Amtrak works to recover from this delay, the time change may cause temporary disruptions. Please keep this in mind if you plan to catch the train later.

How About the Fall?

We set the clocks back an hour in the fall on the first Sunday in November.

During this time, Amtrak trains usually stop at the next station after the time change and then depart according to the new local time. If a train is delayed by an hour or more, it will continue its journey and attempt to compensate for lost time by adhering to the schedule as closely as possible.

Those on the train during that time can catch an hour of sleep without the sway of the train. But that often wakes me up; the sway helps me to sleep. People waiting for the train must be aware that this could be confusing.

Trains Can Get Renumbering During Temporary Schedule Changes

Occasionally, during certain schedule adjustments, your train may be temporarily renumbered with a 1XXX designation. For example, Lake Shore Limited might change from train 49 to 1049. They do this because of something to do with their scheduling system.

Generally, if the train number starts with “1,” it indicates a schedule adjustment, possibly due to DST or temporary changes.

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Keeping Track of Your Train’s Schedule

Although Amtrak strives to maintain schedules, it’s wise to monitor your train’s performance, particularly during multi-night journeys or if you’re boarding the route on its second or third day.

Daylight Saving Time can complicate travel—you want to catch that train! So, staying updated on your train’s status is essential to ensure smooth travel. It’s better to arrive early and wait at the station than risk making mistakes and missing your train.

A Brief Note About Arizona

As a side note, Arizona doesn’t observe Daylight Saving Time, so if you’re traveling through that region, there’s no need to worry about a time change!

Hawaii does not observe Daylight Saving Time either, but Amtrak does not operate there, which is irrelevant to this article.

Final Thoughts

While Daylight Saving Time can complicate travel plans, Amtrak has a solution. Even if you are ready and aware of what is happening, you must ensure that whatever you use to reference time is correct. Is there still a number you can call for time?

If you are on the train, you may get an extra hour of sleep or try to compensate for lost time. If you are waiting at the station, you may wait a little longer. Understanding how DST impacts train schedules can help make your journey a bit more predictable.

Have you experienced a time change while traveling with Amtrak? Share your story in the comments below!