Learn About the States Without Amtrak Service

If you’re interested in exploring the U.S. by train, Amtrak offers service to over 500 destinations across 46 states. However, there are four states without Amtrak service. There is a chance that by the third quarter of 2025, this could be five states without Amtrak service. It’s surprising for both new and experienced travelers to learn that a few states are currently not included on the Amtrak map, two with very legitimate reasons.

So, which states don’t have Amtrak service, and why? I even cover states with limited Amtrak service. Let’s dive in.

The Four States Without Amtrak Service

Currently, four U.S. states do not have any Amtrak passenger rail service.

• Hawaii
• Alaska
• South Dakota
• Wyoming
• Oklahoma – tentatively losing services

Here’s a closer look at each one:

Hawaii

I believe this is obvious. Hawaii, as an island state located in the middle of the Pacific, cannot be connected to the continental U.S. rail network.

Although you won’t find Amtrak services here, Oahu has introduced a new elevated rail system called Skyline, which is gradually expanding.

Alaska

Alaska does not have Amtrak or VIA Rail service, Canada’s passenger rail system. However, this does not mean that trains do not operate in Alaska.

The Alaska Railroad offers scenic routes between Anchorage, Denali, Fairbanks, and more. Although it is not part of the Amtrak system, the journey is worth it if you are heading that far north.

South Dakota

South Dakota does not currently have Amtrak service, as the last passenger train departed in 1970, before Amtrak was created. The lack of connecting passenger train lines makes rail service impractical at this time.

If you plan to visit Mount Rushmore or the Black Hills, your best options are to drive or fly into a nearby airport, such as Rapid City International Airport.

Wyoming

Amtrak once served Wyoming through the old San Francisco Zephyr route, which became the California Zephyr. However, this route underwent a change in the 1980s and now completely bypasses the state.

Currently, the California Zephyr travels through Colorado to the south. For train enthusiasts visiting Wyoming, the only option is to drive to stations in neighboring states, such as Colorado or Utah.

Oklahoma – tentatively losing services

Oklahoma is currently served by only one Amtrak train: the Heartland Flyer, which operates once daily between Oklahoma City and Fort Worth, Texas. While this route is important for rail enthusiasts in the region, it faces challenges. It relies heavily on state funding and has a relatively low ridership compared to other routes.

Currently, the Heartland Flyer is still operating; however, its future highlights the fragility of passenger rail service in certain regions of the country, particularly where there is only one line in service.

States Limited Amtrak Service

Amtrak offers limited service in these states due to factors such as route frequency, station availability, political considerations, or limited geographic coverage.

• Arkansas: This state offers limited train service on the Texas Eagle, with stops in Little Rock and a few other locations.
• Delaware: Served exclusively by the Northeast Corridor, which includes cities such as Wilmington and Newark.
• Kentucky: Served by the Cardinal, three times a week, and City of New Orleans routes, with limited station access.
• Mississippi: Served by the City of New Orleans, though it has only a few limited stations.
• Montana: The Empire Builder runs along the northern edge of the state.
• Nebraska: Served by the California Zephyr, which travels through the southern region of the state.
• New Hampshire: Served by the Downeaster in the far southern part of the state.
• North Dakota: The Empire Builder serves various small towns across the northern part of the state.
• Oklahoma: It has one daily train, the Heartland Flyer, which connects Oklahoma City to Fort Worth, Texas.
• Rhode Island: Served by the Northeast Regional and Acela, stopping only in Providence and Kingston.
• Vermont: Served by both the Ethan Allen Express and the Vermonter.
• West Virginia: Served by two trains: the Cardinal, three times a week, and the Floridian (daily), both with limited stops.

If you plan to visit these areas by train, consider checking nearby major hubs and exploring options for a rental car or bus connection to enhance your travel experience.

What If I’m Visiting States Without Amtrak Service?

If you’re planning to visit one of these four states without Amtrak, don’t worry—there are still ways to include train travel in your trip.

• Take Amtrak to a nearby state, then rent a car or take a bus to continue your journey.
• Take advantage of Amtrak’s Thruway Bus service, where available, to ensure a smooth connection for your journey.
• Combine Amtrak with a flight; this is particularly effective for destinations like Alaska or Hawaii.

An example: You could take the California Zephyr to Denver and then drive into southern Wyoming for a national park adventure.

Why Doesn’t Amtrak Serve All 50 States?

The short answer? Four major factors influence where Amtrak trains go:

• Infrastructure
• Geography
• Demand
• Politics

Amtrak relies heavily on freight rail tracks for most of its routes, and those tracks don’t always line up with where passengers want—or need—to go. In some cases, the tracks do exist but need significant upgrades to handle passenger trains safely and efficiently.

Additionally, low population density, limited political support, and funding hurdles can hinder Amtrak’s ability to operate in certain areas. Without local or federal backing, a new service is not feasible. That is where Amtrak Connecting Service can come into play.

But There’s Hope!

For those of us who love train travel, there’s good news: Amtrak is expanding! In recent years, it has introduced new routes, including the Borealis and the Mardi Gras Express. The company is also considering adding even more routes in the coming decade.

Who knows what the future may hold? With the growing interest in sustainable travel and federal investments in passenger rail, Amtrak might someday expand into some of today’s underserved states.

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Final Thoughts on States Without Amtrak Service

Just because there are states without Amtrak service doesn’t mean your journey has to stay off the rails. It can be fun to hop off the train and get creative with your travel plans! For many travelers, an Amtrak ride is just the beginning of a bigger adventure.

If you’re excited to explore a state without Amtrak service, consider it an excellent opportunity for a hybrid trip—mixing trains, rental cars, buses, or even flights to reach your final d

I hope that you can plan a fun and exciting trip to visit a state without Amtrak Service. If you’re new to travel or prefer not to plan larger trips, consider using a travel agency that specializes in rail adventures.

Happy Planning and Safe Travels!

Kev