Amtrak’s state-sponsored services are on a roll, setting record-breaking ridership numbers in April 2025. From the St. Paul to Chicago Borealis train to Amtrak Virginia’s growing corridors, the data highlights strong public demand for safe, efficient intercity rail travel across the U.S.
Amtrak Borealis and Amtrak Virginia trains post record-breaking ridership in April
Borealis Train Shatters Expectations in First Year
The Amtrak Borealis train, running daily between St. Paul, Minnesota and Chicago, has been an unqualified success. In just 11 months since its launch in May 2024, Borealis carried over 205,800 passengers, helping to boost the total ridership on the St. Paul-Chicago corridor—which includes the Empire Builder—to 293,000 passengers. That marks a staggering 227% increase year-over-year.
The route, operated through partnerships with Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, offers mid-morning and midday departures and features amenities such as a café car with regional fare, wide reclining seats, and scenic views of the Mississippi River.
“Amtrak is proud to celebrate a successful first year of the Borealis, and it’s only going to improve,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris.
Transportation officials from all three states praised the train’s role in improving regional mobility and fostering tourism, particularly in smaller Wisconsin communities and major hubs like Milwaukee and Chicago.
Amtrak Virginia Hits Record April Ridership
While the Midwest celebrates Borealis’ rise, the East Coast has its own reason to cheer. Amtrak Virginia reported 129,670 passengers in April, setting a new record for that month. The Norfolk-Washington corridor saw the highest number of riders at 49,246, while Roanoke experienced the sharpest growth at 11.8% year-over-year.
The growth in Virginia rail is attributed to ongoing Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) projects led by the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA). The latest milestone is the New River Valley Project, which broke ground in April and will reconnect Christiansburg to the state’s passenger rail network for the first time since 1979.
VPRA also continues development on the Long Bridge Project, a two-track span linking Arlington, Virginia, with Washington, D.C., solely dedicated to passenger rail. Scheduled for completion in 2030, it’s expected to increase Amtrak capacity and service frequency dramatically.
“Seeing increases along all four of our corridors shows that the popularity of rail travel is growing all across Virginia,” said VPRA Executive Director DJ Stadtler.
Amtrak Sets New Ridership Records
Why the Surge? Accessibility, State Funding, and Travel Trends
The boom in Amtrak state-sponsored ridership records reflects broader trends in U.S. travel: a renewed focus on sustainable mobility, infrastructure investment, and affordable regional connectivity.
Discounted fares for students, seniors, veterans, and groups, coupled with improved on-board amenities and reliable scheduling, are converting new riders and keeping loyal ones coming back.
Amtrak’s partnerships with state transportation departments have proven crucial. These contracts help tailor routes to regional needs—like commuter service to Washington, D.C. or tourist-friendly Midwest routes—while ensuring operational funding stability.
What’s Next for Amtrak?
With Amtrak train record ridership surging, plans are underway to expand capacity and introduce more state-supported routes. In Virginia alone, daily roundtrips are set to increase from eight to thirteen, including:
- Three roundtrips: Norfolk – Washington, D.C.
- Two roundtrips: Roanoke – Washington, D.C.
- Two roundtrips: Newport News – Washington, D.C.
- One roundtrip: Richmond – Washington, D.C.
These routes also connect passengers to Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor, offering direct service to Philadelphia, New York, and Boston.
In the Midwest, the St. Paul-Chicago corridor is being eyed for further enhancements and potential new stops.
Australian Parallel: Lessons for State Rail Investment
For an Australian audience, the success of Amtrak’s Borealis and Virginia services offers a compelling case study. Much like V/Line services in Victoria or NSW’s XPT, regional U.S. trains thrive when state governments invest in infrastructure, affordability, and reliable scheduling.
As Australia debates the future of its intercity and high-speed rail ambitions, Amtrak’s April 2025 data shows that people will ride trains—if they’re worth riding.
