Amtrak is smashing ridership records. Is it ready to handle the World Cup?
Summary
Amtrak is experiencing record numbers of passengers and expects to play a big role in transporting fans during the upcoming World Cup in the US. The Northeast Corridor, running from Washington DC to Boston, will be heavily used by soccer fans traveling between host cities, but Amtrak faces challenges like crowded tracks and budget issues.Key Facts
- Amtrak carried 34.5 million passengers last year, a 5% increase from the previous year.
- The US will host the World Cup from June 11 to July 19, with 11 host cities.
- The Northeast Corridor, Amtrak’s busiest rail line, saw 15 million riders in 2025 and runs about 150 trains daily.
- World Cup matches are held in cities along the Northeast Corridor, including Boston, New York/New Jersey, and Philadelphia.
- Some US cities not hosting matches, like Washington DC and Portland, can use Amtrak trains to reach nearby host cities.
- Amtrak uses rail lines owned by freight companies in many areas, limiting its ability to upgrade tracks or schedules.
- The system may face budget cuts under President Trump’s administration.
- The World Cup will test Amtrak’s ability to handle a big surge of passengers traveling between cities.
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