Amtrak urges early booking ahead of World Cup and US anniversary summer

Amtrak is urging customers to plan ahead for what is expected to be one of the busiest travel periods in its history, as the summer of 2026 brings together the FIFA World Cup and nationwide celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. With more than 100 World Cup matches scheduled across North America, the rail operator says demand for intercity travel is likely to surge.

The company provides daily services to almost all World Cup host cities, including Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Miami, the New York and New Jersey area, Philadelphia, Seattle, the San Francisco Bay Area, Toronto and Vancouver. In many locations, Amtrak stations are linked by local public transport or rideshare services to nearby stadiums, offering an alternative to road and air travel.

In preparation for the influx of visitors, Amtrak has been working with a wide range of partners and government bodies. Representatives attended the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 2026 FIFA World Cup Summit last year, joining discussions with host cities and transit agencies. Planning has also involved participation in regional working groups and coordination with the White House Task Force on the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Department of Transportation’s Major Events Working Group, and the Northeast Corridor Commission’s World Cup planning forum.

On the Northeast Corridor, the country’s busiest passenger rail route, Amtrak is planning targeted infrastructure work ahead of the summer. During major match days, additional maintenance staff and rescue locomotives will be positioned at key locations to respond quickly to any service disruption. The operator also plans to reduce the number of maintenance outages during this period to maintain reliable services.

Additional capacity will be provided through the continued introduction of NextGen Acela trains on selected services. The new fleet operates between Washington, DC, New York and Boston, offering high-speed travel with First Class and Business Class accommodation. Amtrak says the rollout will help absorb the expected increase in passenger numbers along the corridor.

Elsewhere on the network, Amtrak will deploy trained management staff known as Amtrak Ambassadors to support station teams during peak periods and major events. The Amtrak Police Department will also increase patrols at key stations and continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies at all levels.

Amtrak President Roger Harris said:

“Amtrak is excited to welcome soccer fans from North America and across the globe as they cheer on their home nation teams and travel between cities for matches. With more than 300 daily trains, Amtrak is prepared to play a key role in delivering safe and reliable intercity travel this summer. We are fully committed to running a world-class railroad, serving as a trusted partner to peer agencies, and ensuring our infrastructure is ready to accommodate new and returning guests.”

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said:

“The 2026 FIFA World Cup is an opportunity to showcase American ingenuity, including how our transportation infrastructure moves and builds our cities. This summer, rail will help thousands of fans from around the world reach stadiums across America. To see America is to love America.”

Image: Amtrak