Travel can be both exciting and stressful, and Amtrak holiday travel lets you bypass highway traffic and enjoy scenic views. A bit of preparation can make your trip much smoother, especially when trains and stations are busiest.
The short version: Book your travel as soon as you finalize your holiday plans. If your dates are flexible, compare nearby travel days to find more options. Pack only what you can carry on your own, and allow extra time in your schedule. Holiday trains can fill up quickly, particularly sleeping car accommodations.
This guide walks you through booking, choosing the right fare, packing, getting through the station, and handling the surprises that come with holiday travel.
Key 2026–27 Holiday Dates
| Holiday | Date | Expect the heaviest crowds |
|---|---|---|
| Thanksgiving | Thursday, Nov. 26, 2026 | Tuesday–Wednesday before (Nov. 24–25) and Sunday after (Nov. 29) |
| Christmas | Friday, Dec. 25, 2026 | The weekend before and Dec. 23–24 |
| New Year’s Day | Friday, Jan. 1, 2027 | Sunday, Jan. 3, as everyone heads home |
Kev’s Tip: The quietest day on the train is often the holiday itself. If you can eat turkey on Friday instead of Thursday, Thanksgiving Day travel can mean emptier trains and calmer stations.
When Should You Book Amtrak Holiday Travel?
Amtrak lets you book up to 11 months in advance. You don’t need to book every trip that early, but for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s, start searching as soon as your dates are confirmed.
I recommend starting your search three to six months in advance, especially if you want to book a roomette or bedroom. While booking early doesn’t always guarantee the lowest fare, it does provide more options. If the holidays are approaching, start by exploring available options now and consider nearby dates or alternative accommodations.
Booking early also helps you:
- Compare dates and fares. If your schedule is flexible, consider checking the days around your preferred date. Don’t assume that a specific weekday will be cheaper.
- Lock in time off. The earlier you request vacation, the more likely you are to get the days you want.
- Plan the rest of the trip. This includes arrangements for getting to the station, your accommodations, and your transportation options for getting around.
If you’re booking late in the season, don’t worry. Check for availability anyway, and consider nearby dates or different train accommodations. If you receive a “sold out” message, it doesn’t always mean that your options are exhausted. Here’s what I do when a train shows as sold out.
Which Amtrak Fare Should You Buy for the Holidays?
Holiday plans can change due to illness, weather, or rescheduled dinners. Your choices affect how much money you get back.
| Fare type | Cancel before departure | Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Flex | Full refund | No fee (fare difference may apply) |
| Value | 70% refunded, 30% forfeited | Not permitted |
| Sale | 50% refunded, 50% forfeited | Not permitted |
| Private rooms (roomettes & bedrooms) | Full refund 121+ days out. 75% refund 120–15 days out. Within 14 days, 75% back as an eVoucher | No fee (fare difference may apply) |
A few more things to know:
- 24-hour risk-free cancellation: If you cancel a reserved ticket within 24 hours of purchase and before departure, you get a full refund.
- No-shows lose everything. If you don’t cancel before the train leaves, you forfeit the ticket.
- BidUp upgrades are final. If you win a BidUp upgrade, the ticket is non-refundable and non-changeable, even if you originally booked a Flex fare.
- Illness waiver: With a doctor’s note, Amtrak will waive change and cancellation penalties for the sick passenger and their whole party.
Kev’s Tip: If you’re planning to book a sleeping car room for Thanksgiving or Christmas this October, be aware that you will be within the 120-day cancellation window. After the initial 24-hour risk-free cancellation period, cancellation fees apply, so double-check your dates before you buy. For coach travel, compare the Flex fare with other options to see whether the added flexibility justifies the price difference.
Read the full Amtrak refund and cancellation policy
The Cost of Amtrak Holiday Travel
Amtrak uses dynamic pricing, often called bucket pricing. This means that once all the seats at a certain price level sell out, the price increases to the next tier until the train is fully booked. As a result, the same trip can cost much more or less depending on when you book, and fares tend to rise quickly during holidays. Here’s how you can check Amtrak ticket prices.
The system works both ways; prices may drop when people cancel or change their plans. This has happened to me multiple times, and it’s always a pleasant surprise to find a price drop.
If you outline your plan early, even before buying, you’ll be ready to take advantage of any sales that arise.
Plan the Whole Trip, Not Just the Train
Holiday travel raises the same four questions as any trip. The sooner you answer them, the smoother things go.
Where Are You Going?
When visiting family, the destination is set, but the train station might not be nearby. Treat train stations like airports: consider the distance between the station and your actual destination.
When I visited my sister in Bellevue, Nebraska, the Omaha station was a short drive for her. Not every trip turns out that neatly. Sometimes the station is closer than the airport; other times, it isn’t.
How Are You Getting to the Station?
How will you get to the train station, and where will you park? Can you take Amtrak directly to your destination, or will you need to fly, drive, or take a bus? Is using a rideshare service for both trips more convenient or cost-effective than opting for long-term parking?
Some airports, such as Milwaukee’s General Mitchell International Airport, offer direct Amtrak access, while others may require public transportation or rideshare services.
Where Are You Staying?
If you’re staying with family or friends, confirm your travel dates with them before buying your tickets. It’s much less stressful to get it right the first time than to change your reservation later. I’ve had to do that a few times myself, and it’s never enjoyable.
It’s also helpful to ask about your host’s schedule: when they work, what plans they already have, and whether they can pick you up at the station. Having this information in advance makes the visit easier for everyone.
Your accommodation choice can affect how you navigate the area once you arrive. Staying in a hotel near the station may let you walk to most places, while staying with relatives in the suburbs might require a ride or a rental car.
How Are You Getting Around?
Family and friends can give you rides, as long as you don’t rely on them too much. If you plan to explore or your trip goes in different directions, renting a car after your Amtrak trip is a solid option. Or see if you can borrow a car.
Mapping apps like Google Maps can help you explore local transit options. However, check holiday schedules before you travel. Taxi and rideshare availability can vary by location and arrival time. If you plan to use either service, research your options in advance and, when possible, arrange a pickup.
Learn More About Getting Around Once You Arrive
Scheduling Your Amtrak Holiday Travel
Here are a few ways to reduce your stress.
Give Yourself Travel Time
Trains usually take longer than planes, so factor the full journey into your departure date. If you’re traveling from California to Chicago for Thanksgiving, check your train’s arrival date carefully, as you’ll likely spend more than one night on board. To avoid missing an important gathering, try to arrive at least a day early, if possible. This gives you extra time in case your train is delayed.
Don’t Book Tight Connections With Amtrak Holiday Travel
I have several options for getting from my area to Chicago: Metra, Amtrak, buses, and technically planes. During the holidays, it’s tempting to pick the latest train that still lets you make your next connection. Avoid it. Cutting it close may look fine on paper, but it creates unnecessary stress and can leave you stranded if anything goes wrong.
When booking, keep all connecting trains in each direction on the same reservation. This lets Amtrak see your complete journey and help if a train delay causes you to miss a protected connection. Getting you there may involve a wait or a change of plans, so allow some flexibility.
You can book a round trip or two separate one-way reservations. I prefer two one-way reservations because they’re easier to modify. The key is to keep the connecting trains in each direction on one reservation.
If you book each leg of your journey as a separate ticket, Amtrak may not have visibility of your entire trip and will not be responsible if you miss any connections. In that case, you would need to rebook it yourself. This also applies to other services, such as Metra or city buses. If any of these transportation options take you to your Amtrak train, allow extra time.
Your Trip May Include More Than Trains
Amtrak collaborates with various transportation providers, including buses, commuter trains, ferries, and shuttles, through its Amtrak connecting and thruway services. When booking your trip, if you notice mixed service options, this means that part of your journey will not take place on a train. You may also need to manage your own luggage when transferring between different vehicles.
Your Accommodations May Change Along the Way
On multi-train trips, your seating arrangements may change from one segment to another.
For instance, if you are traveling from Sturtevant, WI, to St. Petersburg, FL, you would first take the Hiawatha train in coach class to Chicago. From Chicago, you would board the Floridian, where you could have a roomette or bedroom for the rest of the journey. Finally, in Tampa, you would complete your trip with a bus connection to St. Petersburg.
Once you board the train, your accommodation will remain the same unless you choose to upgrade while on board.
Unreserved Trains and Commuter Rail at the Holidays
Before planning your holiday travel, check your train’s reservation requirements, even if you have traveled on it before. In past years, Amtrak has temporarily required reservations for Thanksgiving travel on some services that usually don’t require them, including parts of the Keystone Service. Check Amtrak.com for any route changes before finalizing your plans.
Commuter trains can be quite crowded during holiday travel times, and schedules may differ from the usual weekday service. Check the schedule for your travel date, allow extra time, and be ready to stand on busy trains.
Traveling With Your Pet
Amtrak allows small dogs and cats on many routes, but plan during the holidays.
- Dogs and cats only, in a carrier, with a 20-pound limit for pet and carrier combined
- Trips of up to seven hours total, including transfer time
- One pet per customer, and pet spots per train are limited, so book early
- Pets ride in Coach and Acela Business Class only, not in sleeping car rooms
- Unreserved trains require a pet reservation
- At staffed stations, check in at the ticket office 45 minutes before departure.
Packing and Luggage for Holiday Travel
For years, packing was one of my greatest sources of stress. These days, I have a variety of luggage options that help me pack as little or as much as I need.
Pack Light
The lighter you pack, the easier your travels will be. Make sure your luggage is durable, too. Bad zippers and holes won’t hold up on the road, and wheels and handles must work properly.
Carry-On Allowance
- 1 personal item: Up to 25 lbs. and 14 x 11 x 7 inches
- 2 carry-on bags: Up to 50 lbs. and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each (Pacific Surfliner: 28 x 22 x 11 inches)
On some trains, you will need to carry your bags to your seat and place them in the overhead rack or a designated luggage area, and you may need to navigate stairs on Superliners.
Checked Baggage
- 2 bags free: Up to 50 lbs. and 75 linear inches each
- 2 additional bags: $20 each
- Oversized bags (76–100 linear inches): $20 each
- Linear inches = length + width + height
Not all stations or trains provide checked baggage services. To check your bags, both your departure and arrival stations must offer this service. You can find this information in the Amtrak app or on Amtrak.com. Check your bags at least 45 minutes before departure, though check-in times may vary by station.
People often ask me about checked bags on the Auto Train. There aren’t any, because your luggage rides in your car. You can’t get to your car during the trip, though, so pack a small overnight bag with everything you’ll need onboard.
Trainside checked baggage (where you hand your bag to the crew at the baggage car) is now offered at only three stations: Columbus, WI; Mount Pleasant, IA; and Winona, MN.
Kev’s Tip: If your checked bags need to transfer between trains, Amtrak recommends at least a two-hour scheduled layover so your luggage makes the connection. That’s one more reason not to book a tight connection.
More on Amtrak’s baggage policy
Medications
Never pack needed medications in checked bags. If your luggage is delayed or lost, you won’t have them. You also can’t access checked bags during the trip or on the Auto Train.
Amtrak can’t store or refrigerate medication because of FDA regulations and limited space. If your medication needs to stay cold, bring a cooler or insulated bag. The crew may be able to provide ice, but don’t rely on it. Also, check whether you can get refills from a nationwide pharmacy while you are away.
Comfort and Entertainment
A travel blanket, pillow, sleep mask, and earplugs can make overnight coach trips more comfortable.
The views can be breathtaking, but if you’re looking for movies or games, bring your own entertainment and download it ahead of time. Sometimes station stops run long, the train waits in a siding, or you’re on a night journey and want more than just the views. Here are my Amtrak entertainment ideas for a little inspiration.
Be sure to pack snacks, drinks, and a water bottle too. I use a small reusable bag that folds up and fits into my luggage when it’s empty. If you prefer, you can also bring money for the café car, but keep in mind that popular items can run out on busy holiday trains.
Kev’s Tip: If you plan to use an electronic device on your trip, bring headphones and chargers. The best advice I ever received was to pack a small extension cord. Often, the outlet is on the wall, and you’ll need to share it with your seatmate.
Gifts: Ship Them Instead
The easiest way to handle holiday gifts is to send them ahead. Ship them to your host (with their permission) or arrange pickup near your destination. This leaves you with less to carry through the station and onto the train.
Get to the Station Early
If you’re new to taking the train, arriving early can reduce stress. This gives you extra time for possible bad weather and holiday traffic.
When traveling from smaller stations, arriving 30 minutes early is usually sufficient if you are not checking bags or requesting assistance. However, at larger stations like Chicago, Washington, D.C., or Los Angeles, it’s wise to allow additional time to navigate the station and manage holiday crowds. Check your station’s specific arrival recommendations, especially if you need baggage services or help boarding.
I learned this the hard way. I once cut it so close that by the time I’d parked and paid, all I could do was grab my bag and watch my train pull away.
Not every station has staff, baggage services, or even an indoor waiting room. Check your station details in the Amtrak app and know what tools are available to track your train. Many unstaffed and platform stations have no baggage service.
Learn More About Boarding Amtrak Trains
Making the Most of a Layover
Since I live in Wisconsin, most of my trips involve a layover in Chicago. When traveling with Amtrak, you don’t have to go through TSA-style security, which means you can leave the station and return whenever you want. Just make sure you get back on time. If you miss your train because you wandered off, Amtrak is not obligated to accommodate you.
Before I leave, I look up places to eat or grab coffee in and around the station so I don’t waste my layover figuring it out. You can do this on the train!
If you don’t want to carry your bags around, many staffed Amtrak stations provide temporary bag storage. For Amtrak passengers with a valid ticket, it costs $20 per bag, charged per 24-hour period. This means a short layover costs the same as a full day. To see whether this service is available at your station, visit Amtrak.com and check the station’s page. In larger cities, luggage-storage apps and nearby shops also offer bag storage for a fee. Additionally, many large stations, including those in Chicago, offer free Red Cap service to help you get your bags to the train.
Have Your Paperwork and IDs Ready
I prefer to be overprepared rather than scrambling for things at the last minute.
Bring a Valid Photo ID
Make sure your ID doesn’t expire while you are traveling. Amtrak doesn’t have an airline-style check-in process, but it does conduct random ID checks, so always carry your ID. If you are 18 years or older, you will also need your ID to store bags at a station or to exchange or refund a ticket in person. Amtrak does not require a Real ID; a standard driver’s license or other valid photo ID, such as a school ID or passport, is acceptable.
If your journey takes you across the border into Canada, you will need a passport or another accepted travel document, as a driver’s license alone is not sufficient. See Amtrak’s border crossing requirements.
Kev’s Tip: When booking your ticket, enter your name exactly as it appears on your ID. If your name has changed or you commonly use a nickname, use your legal name. This way, if they check your ID, you won’t have to explain any discrepancies between your ticket and your ID.
Keep Your Tickets Handy
I keep both digital and paper copies of my travel documents. I keep all my travel papers, including schedules, tickets, and reservations, in a blue plastic folder with a top flap and a small pouch. The flap keeps papers from falling out, and the pouch holds any tickets I buy at stations. The folder color isn’t important; whatever system works for you is best.
E-tickets may require an internet connection to load. Take a screenshot of your ticket or add it to your phone’s digital wallet to ensure it works offline.
Check Your Cards
Make sure your credit and debit cards don’t expire during your trip, and check whether your bank needs to know about your travel plans. Many banks don’t require notification for domestic trips, but it is best to confirm.
When Amtrak Holiday Travel Goes Wrong
Even with careful planning, unexpected issues can arise. Sometimes it’s weather; other times, it’s unforeseen circumstances. Sometimes we contribute to the problems by skipping research or expecting the trip to unfold like a Hallmark movie.
I always plan for delays because they’re easier to handle when they happen. When a trip goes smoothly, it feels like a bonus. It gives me a chance to treat myself at the station, like popcorn or a beer.
In October 2023, I took the Metra train to O’Hare for a flight. I had three options and chose Plan B because Plan A felt too early. However, the train encountered a problem, forcing me to switch to Plan C. Although this option worked out, I arrived with less time to spare and felt stressed. If I had chosen Plan C as my first option, I wouldn’t have had a backup plan if something similar happened.
Kev’s Tip: Sign up for Amtrak delay alerts and keep the Amtrak app on your phone. When plans change, you may hear about it before the station announces it.
Stay Calm and Be Kind
Yelling at the people trying to help you never solves anything. Most of them had nothing to do with the delay or the lost bag. They represent Amtrak, but they are human and have limits on what they can do.
Keep your expectations realistic. A delay does not automatically guarantee a full refund, especially if you still arrived at your destination. Be friendly, listen to their offers, and then communicate your needs. This podcast on what to do when a trip goes wrong covers it better than I can.
Amtrak Holiday Travel FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions.
Does Amtrak run on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day?
Yes, some routes operate on a holiday schedule. Check your specific train on Amtrak.com or in the app.
What are the busiest days for Amtrak holiday travel?
The Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving, along with the Sunday after, are the busiest days. For Christmas and New Year’s, expect crowds the days leading up to each holiday and on the first Sunday of the new year.
How far in advance should I book Amtrak for Thanksgiving?
Amtrak opens bookings 11 months in advance. I recommend booking three to six months ahead, especially for sleeping car rooms, which tend to sell out first.
Can I get a refund if my holiday plans change?
Refund policies vary by fare type. Flex fares are fully refundable before departure. Value fares offer a 70% refund, while Sale fares provide a 50% refund. Refunds for private rooms depend on when you cancel.
Do I need a reservation on unreserved trains during the holidays?
Sometimes. Amtrak has required reservations on some normally unreserved trains over Thanksgiving in past years. Check your route before you travel.
Can I check bags on any Amtrak train?
No. Both your departure and arrival stations must offer checked baggage, and not all trains do. Please use the Amtrak app to confirm this before you pack.
Amtrak Holiday Travel Wrap-Up
Relax and enjoy your time with your loved ones, or the ones you put up with, this holiday season. If this was your first train trip, celebrate. You traveled during the busiest time of the year, and if you can handle that, you can handle anything.
Smile, be prepared, and roll with the punches. Things happen when you travel, and when they do, you get great stories to tell later.
Safe Travels and Happy Planning!
Kev
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