Amtrak Long-Distance Trains: On-Time Performance

As a frequent train traveler, I have been affected by Amtrak’s long-distance on-time performance in positive and negative ways. While Amtrak aims to maintain punctuality, various factors can influence whether a train arrives on schedule. Some of my delays have been minutes, while others have lasted hours. Not all hour-long delays were terrible, at least not for me. Sometimes, the delays gave me more time on the train and less time sitting at a station.

I updated this article with the December 2024 numbers on January 15, 2025. It covers why trains are delayed and shows the average delay per route. You can also access the quarterly numbers from the Federal Railroad Administration’s on-time report.

The table now indicates if a route has improved over the previous periods.

Understanding On-Time Performance Standards

For Amtrak long-distance trains, “on-time performance” is measured by specific criteria. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics, trains traveling over 551 miles are considered on time if they arrive at their final destination within 30 minutes of the scheduled time.

In addition, a 2020 Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) ruling requires Amtrak trains to maintain an 80% on-time performance rate. However, achieving this benchmark can be challenging due to host railroad delays, weather disruptions, and mechanical issues—challenges we’ll explore in more detail below.

Factors That Impact Amtrak’s On-Time Performance

Amtrak’s long-distance trains sometimes experience delays due to various challenges, both within and outside the system.

Understanding these factors can help you set more realistic expectations for your journey, making it more enjoyable!

Freight Train Interference

Amtrak primarily operates on tracks owned by freight railroads, which sometimes prioritize their trains. Amtrak’s On-Time Performance Reports show freight train interference accounted for over 900,000 minutes of delay in 2023. Despite federal laws requiring freight railroads to prefer passenger trains, enforcement has been inconsistent. For example, in July 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern for delaying Amtrak trains on the Crescent Route (Reuters).

Weather and Acts of Nature

Severe weather, such as snowstorms, flooding, and extreme heat, can cause significant disruptions. For instance, in August 2024, extreme heat strained rail infrastructure and caused delays in New York City’s busiest corridors (Politico). Additionally, fallen trees, flooding, and other secondary effects can delay trains.

Infrastructure Challenges

Aging infrastructure and maintenance needs further impact schedules. These issues are especially prevalent in high-traffic areas like the Northeast Corridor, as highlighted by Politico. Amtrak is working to address these challenges, but upgrades take time and funding.

Amtrak Operational Challenges

Delays caused by Amtrak often stem from equipment failures or tight turnarounds. While Amtrak strives to maintain its trains in top condition, unexpected mechanical issues can occur. Also, trains arriving late from previous journeys can affect the next departure, creating a ripple effect of delays.

Collisions and Emergencies

Occasionally, external emergencies such as collisions with vehicles or incidents involving trespassers (people on the tracks) can delay trains. Amtrak may also need to stop for medical or police assistance, which impacts schedules.

Commuter and Host Railroad Conflicts

In busy commuter corridors, scheduling conflicts between Amtrak and other passenger services can cause delays. Host railroads, which maintain the tracks, also contribute to delays through maintenance work or technical issues. Despite federal regulations, host railroads often prioritize their schedules over Amtrak’s, a practice that requires ongoing negotiation and cooperation.

Amtrak Passenger On-Time Performance by Route

The data below is from the December 2024 Amtrak On-Time Performance Report. It reflects the average passenger’s on-time performance and delay times (measured in minutes).

This report provides:

• The latest yearly average.
• The most recent monthly average.
• Average delay times over the past 12 months.

Key:

• * – An asterisk shows improvement compared to the previous report.
• Bold – Route meets or exceeds performance goals.

Federal Railroad Administration Report On Amtrak’s On-Time Performace Reports

The Federal Railroad Administration publishes a quarterly report listing all Amtrak trains and breaking them down by route number. Here is a link to the FRA’s 2024 Quarter 4 Customer On-Time Performance Metrics.

How to Track Amtrak Trains

There are several ways you can track Amtrak trains:

Text or Email Alerts

You can passively track trains by signing up for Amtrak delay alerts for specific routes and stations. Amtrak allows you to receive up to six alerts at a time. If the train runs on time, you won’t receive any notifications.

To sign up, provide your phone number or email address, then select the train number and stations you want to track. After that, choose the date or range of dates for which you’d like to receive updates. You can set alerts for individual days or multiple weeks in advance.

Track Amtrak Trains in Real-Time

For real-time tracking, there are several websites you can use to monitor trains. You can also use the Amtrak website or the official Amtrak app, which provides updates on train statuses, delays, and locations.

I’ve written a detailed post about how you can track Amtrak trains and the websites and tools that can help you do it. The best option is the one that fits your preferences, so try a few before your next trip to see which one works best for you.

My Personal Experience with Delays

I’ve experienced my fair share of manageable and sometimes disruptive delays throughout my travels. There have been delightful moments when a delay allowed me to savor an extra meal onboard or soak in beautiful scenic views, enhancing the charm of my journey. Of course, there have also been times when delays meant missing connections or having to tweak my travel plans.

Sometimes, delays work in your favor.

I once found myself delayed on the Coast Starlight due to a freak incident, which meant I missed the chance to take my favorite sunset photo. Although I was disappointed at the time, the delay led to an unexpected conversation with a fellow traveler, which was one of the most memorable parts of my trip.

Sometimes, delays have decreased the time I spend waiting at a station. If I can get extra train time and maybe an extra meal without missing my connection, that can be a bonus.

Delays are not always fun!

It can be tedious and frustrating if you are waiting to start your trip and are at a station.

While traveling on a delayed Silver Meteor, I called Amtrak to check my connection to my next train. I wasn’t sure if I’d make it on time or if I needed to make alternate plans. It was frustrating, but I tried to stay calm and use the available resources.

Conductors and onboard staff can sometimes assist, but they often have limited information. If you’re concerned about delays, calling Amtrak directly can be helpful. However, even they may not always have all the answers you need.

Looking back at this experience reminded me that being proactive can make a big difference when dealing with unexpected travel challenges.

Make the best of things.

Love them or hate them, delays can be part of the journey.

I’ve learned that being flexible and open to unexpected moments often enriches the experience. While you can’t control everything, you can control how you react to the bumps. Sometimes, those bumps lead to the most memorable experiences.

Realistic expectations and booking considerations

Set Realistic Expectations for Travel

Setting realistic expectations is key when traveling—delays can happen.

I always plan for delays and treat it as a bonus when everything runs on time. This mindset applies to all forms of travel, including flights, road trips, and especially Amtrak journeys.

Booking Tips for a Smooth Amtrak Experience

Book your journey’s segments on a single ticket from your starting point to your final destination to protect your connections. This tip ensures Amtrak will assist you if a delay causes you to miss a connection. For example, if traveling from Sturtevant to New Orleans, include all train segments on one reservation.

If you’re taking the train both ways, you can book a round trip or break it into two one-way tickets.

Remember: when you book each segment separately in one direction, Amtrak cannot guarantee connections or provide assistance if delays occur.

Why Booking Individual Segments Can Be Risky.

If your connection time is too short—typically less than two hours—and you’ve booked separate tickets, you risk missing your next train. In these cases, Amtrak may be unable to assist with rebooking or offer compensation.

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Wrap up

To wrap things up, we all hope our trips will run on time, but keeping things in perspective is essential. Delays happen, and they’re not always Amtrak’s fault. Whether caused by equipment issues, weather, or freight train interference, delays are simply part of the adventure. So, let’s plan ahead, keep an open mind, and embrace the journey! With a bit of flexibility, we can turn any hiccup into an opportunity for a new adventure.

I don’t schedule anything on the day I arrive at my destination that I can’t change or that would upset me if I missed it.

For more detailed information on Amtrak’s on-time performance, visit the official Amtrak page on how freight trains impact delays.