Some delays have lasted only a few minutes, while others have lasted for hours. Not every delay has ruined my trip; in fact, sometimes a late train means more time spent onboard and less time waiting at the station for a connection.
Update: I have updated this article to include Amtrak’s Host Railroad Report for June 2026. The table below presents the June figures, the month-over-month changes from May, and the latest 12-month rolling averages. June proved to be a particularly challenging month for Amtrak’s long-distance network, as Customer On-Time Performance significantly decreased across most routes.
This article examines the reasons behind Amtrak delays, evaluates the performance of each long-distance route, and provides information on where to find the Federal Railroad Administration’s quarterly on-time performance reports.
Quick Answer: On-Time Performance of Amtrak Long-Distance Trains
June 2026 proved to be a challenging month for Amtrak’s long-distance trains. The Customer On-Time Performance for the long-distance network dropped to 40.1%, down from 50.1% in May. Passengers who arrived late were, on average, 112 minutes behind schedule, compared to an average of 92 minutes late in May.
The top long-distance routes in June included the Lake Shore Limited at 62.6%, the Texas Eagle at 58.7%, and the Auto Train at 58.4%.
The weakest performers were the Floridian at 5.4%, the Southwest Chief at 15.8%, and the Cardinal at 28.9%. No long-distance route met the federal Customer On-Time Performance standard of 80%.
Understanding Amtrak On-Time Performance Standards
Amtrak on-time performance can be measured in more than one way.
Traditional endpoint-based on-time performance measures whether a train reaches its final station within a set number of minutes of its scheduled arrival. For long-distance trains, arriving within 30 minutes is generally considered on time under this measurement.
The figures in this article use Customer On-Time Performance, which measures whether each passenger arrives at their destination within 15 minutes of the scheduled time. This provides a better picture of the experience for passengers getting off at stations along the route, not just those traveling to the train’s final stop.
Federal standards call for Amtrak routes to achieve at least 80% Customer On-Time Performance. However, host railroad interference, weather, mechanical problems, infrastructure issues, and other disruptions can make that standard difficult to meet.
Understanding On-Time Performance Standards
Amtrak’s on-time performance can be assessed in multiple ways.
Under the traditional endpoint-based measurement used in historical Amtrak statistics, a train traveling more than 551 miles is considered on time if it reaches its final destination within 30 minutes of its scheduled arrival, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
This article uses Customer On-Time Performance to assess the percentage of passengers who arrive at their destination within 15 minutes of their scheduled arrival time. Unlike traditional measurements, this approach accounts for passengers disembarking at each station rather than focusing solely on the train’s final destination.
The Federal Railroad Administration’s 2020 final rule established a minimum Customer On-Time Performance standard of 80%, measured over two consecutive calendar quarters.
Meeting this standard can be difficult due to host railroad delays, weather disruptions, mechanical issues, infrastructure problems, and other factors discussed 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 impacts Amtrak’s on-time performance.
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 give preference to 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, resulting in delays on 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. Politico highlighted that these issues are particularly prevalent in high-traffic areas, such as the Northeast Corridor. Amtrak is working to address these challenges, but implementing upgrades takes time and requires funding.
Amtrak Operational Challenges
Delays caused by Amtrak often stem from equipment failures or tight turnarounds. While Amtrak strives to keep its trains in top condition, unexpected mechanical issues can occur. Additionally, trains arriving late from previous journeys can affect subsequent departures, creating a cascading effect of delays.
Collisions and Emergencies
Occasionally, external emergencies such as collisions with vehicles or incidents involving trespassers (people on the tracks) can cause train delays. 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 rail services can lead to 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.
Responsible Party
Below are the numbers from the June 2026 report, based on the most recent 12-month snapshot:
| Responsible party | Delay minutes per 10,000 train-miles | Percentage of total delays |
|---|---|---|
| Six major host railroads | 998 | 65.7% |
| Amtrak | 351 | 23.1% |
| Third parties | 169 | 11.1% |
Most delays experienced by Amtrak trains on the six major host railroads were primarily caused by those host railroads. In the most recent 12-month period, the six major host railroads accounted for 65.7% of all delay minutes, while Amtrak was responsible for 23.1% and third parties accounted for 11.1%.
The host railroad share increased slightly from 65.4% in the May report, while the overall host-responsible delay rate rose from 989 to 998 minutes per 10,000 train-miles.
Amtrak Passenger On-Time Performance by Route
The data presented originates from Amtrak’s June 2026 Host Railroad Report. It details each route’s monthly Customer On-Time Performance, changes from May, the most recent 12-month average, and the average delay experienced by passengers who were late.
The report provides:
- June 2026 Customer On-Time Performance.
- The change compared with May 2026.
- The most recent 12-month Customer On-Time Performance.
- Average delay times for passengers who arrived late.
Key:
- ▲ improved from May
- ▼ declined from May
- Changes are shown in percentage points.
- Average delay is measured in minutes and excludes passengers who arrived on time.
Amtrak’s official archive now lists the June report alongside the earlier monthly reports.
June 2026 Numbers
| Route | June Customer OTP | Change from May | June avg. delay | 12-month Customer OTP | 12-month avg. delay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long-distance system average | 40.1% | ▼ 10.0 | 112 | 57.0% | 95 |
| Auto Train | 58.4% | ▲ 7.3 | 95 | 66.3% | 83 |
| California Zephyr | 39.7% | ▼ 31.8 | 127 | 59.0% | 116 |
| Cardinal | 28.9% | ▼ 30.0 | 102 | 53.4% | 84 |
| City of New Orleans | 30.2% | ▼ 36.7 | 121 | 69.1% | 81 |
| Coast Starlight | 55.2% | ▼ 8.7 | 67 | 65.9% | 78 |
| Crescent | 55.0% | ▼ 0.7 | 92 | 72.2% | 69 |
| Empire Builder | 29.2% | ▼ 14.6 | 151 | 49.6% | 131 |
| Floridian | 5.4% | ▼ 10.5 | 158 | 32.2% | 105 |
| Lake Shore Limited | 62.6% | ▼ 7.5 | 61 | 70.2% | 73 |
| Palmetto | 48.1% | ▼ 7.4 | 59 | 71.6% | 51 |
| Silver Meteor | 37.3% | ▼ 7.3 | 77 | 57.4% | 72 |
| Southwest Chief | 15.8% | ▼ 15.3 | 125 | 30.8% | 117 |
| Sunset Limited | 47.3% | ▼ 7.2 | 84 | 63.2% | 89 |
| Texas Eagle | 58.7% | ▲ 3.6 | 100 | 57.2% | 87 |
Amtrak states that these figures are preliminary and are intended for informational purposes only.
What Changed From May to June 2026?
After a decline in May, Amtrak’s long-distance network saw another significant drop in June. Customer On-Time Performance decreased from 50.1% in May to 40.1% in June.
The average delay for late passengers rose from 92 minutes to 112 minutes. This indicates that fewer passengers were on time, and those who were late faced longer delays.
Routes that improved
In June, only two long-distance routes showed an improvement in their customer on-time performance.
The Auto Train’s performance improved from 51.1% in May to 58.4% in June, an increase of 7.3 percentage points. However, passengers on late Auto Trains faced an average delay of 95 minutes, up from 66 minutes in May.
The Texas Eagle’s on-time performance improved from 55.1% to 58.7%. Its average delay for passengers who arrived late decreased slightly from 103 to 100 minutes.
Despite improvements, both trains still fell short of the federal standard of 80% Customer On-Time Performance.
Routes that declined
In June, twelve out of Amtrak’s fourteen long-distance routes had a decrease in Customer On-Time Performance.
The City of New Orleans experienced the largest decline, dropping from 66.9% in May to 30.2% in June, a decrease of 36.7 percentage points.
The California Zephyr decreased from 71.5% to 39.7%, while the Cardinal declined from 58.9% to 28.9%. The Southwest Chief, Empire Builder, and Floridian also saw significant drops.
The Crescent experienced the smallest decline, decreasing from 55.7% to 55.0%.
Routes still struggling
In June, no Amtrak long-distance route achieved the 80% standard for Customer On-Time Performance.
The Floridian had the lowest on-time performance at just 5.4%. Late passengers on the Floridian arrived an average of 158 minutes behind schedule, which is more than two and a half hours late.
The Southwest Chief recorded 15.8%, followed by the Cardinal at 28.9%, the Empire Builder at 29.2%, and the City of New Orleans at 30.2%.
Even the Lake Shore Limited, which was the strongest route of the month, only achieved a performance rate of 62.6%.
The Host Railroad Scorecard
In the most recent 12-month period, the six major host railroads averaged 998 host-responsible delay minutes for every 10,000 train-miles. This figure was slightly higher than the May count of 989 and continued to exceed Amtrak’s target of 900 minutes.
Two of the six major host railroads met that target:
| Host railroad | Delay minutes per 10,000 train-miles |
|---|---|
| CPKC | 740 |
| Norfolk Southern | 872 |
| CSX | 983 |
| BNSF | 995 |
| Union Pacific | 1,042 |
| CN-IC | 1,314 |
CPKC had the best performance over the last 12 months, followed by Norfolk Southern. Among the six major railroads, CN-IC had the highest host-responsible delay rate.
These figures measure delays caused by host railroads, distinct from the federal requirement that at least 80% of Amtrak passengers arrive within 15 minutes of their scheduled time.
Federal Railroad Administration Customer On-Time Performance Reports
How to Monitor the On-Time Performance of 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, please provide your phone number or email address, then select the train number and stations you would like 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 on how to track Amtrak trains, including websites and tools to help you. 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
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 perhaps an extra meal without missing my connection, that would be beneficial.
Delays are not always fun!
It can be tedious and frustrating to wait to start your trip 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 whether I’d make it on time or needed to make alternative plans. It was frustrating, but I tried to stay calm and use the available resources.
Conductors and onboard staff can sometimes assist, but often have limited information. If you’re concerned about delays, calling Amtrak can be a helpful step. However, they may not always have all the answers you need.
Reflecting on this experience, I realize that being proactive can make a significant difference when facing 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 them as a bonus when everything runs on time. This mindset applies to all forms of travel, including flights, road trips, and especially Amtrak journeys.
Tips for Booking a Smooth Amtrak Experience to Ensure You Make Your Connections
Book your journey’s segments on a single ticket from your origin to your destination. This tip ensures Amtrak will assist you if a delay causes you to miss a connection. For example, when traveling from Sturtevant to New Orleans, include all train segments on a single 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 booking each segment separately in one direction, Amtrak cannot guarantee connections or assistance if there are delays.
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 situations, Amtrak may not be able to assist with rebooking or provide compensation.
Summary of Amtrak Long-Distance Trains: On-Time Performance.
I don’t schedule anything for the day I arrive at my destination that I can’t change or that would upset me if I miss it.
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