As gas prices fluctuate and airports continue to face delays, many Americans are rediscovering the convenience of rail travel. In fact, Amtrak is experiencing a surge in ridership, both nationally and right here in Virginia.
According to Mass Transit, Amtrak marked a record-breaking year in 2024, with 32.8 million customer trips, representing a 15% increase over the previous year. Ticket revenue also hit an all-time high of $2.5 billion. The upward trend is continuing into 2025, where ridership in the first two months alone was up 106% compared to the same period last year (Rail Passengers Association).
Virginia is part of this story. According to the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority, state-supported Amtrak services carried 1,451,276 passengers in 2025, the highest in the program’s history. That number represents a 4.8% increase over the prior year and a 45% jump compared to pre-pandemic levels. For a state with several growing college towns—including Lynchburg—this surge demonstrates how rail is becoming a more practical choice for students and families alike.
Lynchburg’s Kemper Street Station, which serves Amtrak’s Crescent and Northeast Regional routes, connects the city to Washington, D.C., New York, and even New Orleans. Tickets to D.C. can cost as little as $27 one way (Omio), making it a competitive alternative to driving or flying out of a regional airport. With about three trains departing daily for the nation’s capital, Lynchburg travelers have access to flexible schedules without the stress of long security lines.
Nationally, trains are also benefiting from a broader transit rebound. The American Public Transportation Association reports that U.S. transit ridership overall has recovered to roughly 85% of pre-pandemic levels and continues to rise. This momentum is especially clear in places where new routes have been added, such as the Midwest’s Borealis line between Chicago and St. Paul, which grew ridership by 227% year-over-year (Amtrak Media Center).
For Lynchburg residents, the growing popularity of train travel is more than a statistic—it’s a practical, affordable way to stay connected. With rising demand and record-breaking numbers, it seems that 2025 is shaping up to be the year Americans truly get back on track.
References
Rail Passengers Staff. (2024, December 20). Amtrak ridership, revenues roar into FY25: Rail passengers association. Rail Passengers. https://railpassengers.org/happening-now/news/blog/amtrak-ridership-revenues-roar-into-fy25/
Amtrak Virginia Closes State Fiscal Year with record ridership. VPRA. (2025, July 28). https://vapassengerrailauthority.org/amtrak-virginia-closes-state-fiscal-year-with-record-ridership/
Lynchburg, VA to Washington, DC train from $27 (€22) with Amtrak - Omio. (n.d.). https://www.omio.com/trains/lynchburg-va/washington-dc
New Apta Reports Show Strong Industry Growth, U.S. ridership reaching 85 percent of pre-pandemic levels and rising. American Public Transportation Association. (2025, May 14). https://www.apta.com/news-publications/press-releases/releases/new-apta-reports-show-strong-industry-growth-u-s-ridership-reaching-85-percent-of-pre-pandemic-levels-and-rising/
Magliari, M. (2025, May 21). Borealis tops 205,800 guests at first anniversary. Amtrak Media. https://media.amtrak.com/2025/05/borealis-tops-205800-guests-at-first-anniversary/
