America’s Railroad

Amtrak, officially the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, is the United States’ primary provider of intercity passenger rail service. Created by Congress in 1971 to consolidate the nation’s failing private passenger lines, Amtrak now connects more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., the corporation operates a range of routes, from the high-speed Acela and Northeast Regional in the Northeast Corridor to long-distance services like the California Zephyr, Empire Builder, and Sunset Limited.

Functioning as a quasi-public corporation, Amtrak receives federal support while operating as an independent entity. It partners with state agencies to expand regional routes and continues to modernize its infrastructure with projects like Moynihan Train Hall and new Acela trainsets.

Over five decades, Amtrak has become both a practical transit network and an enduring symbol of American rail travel—bridging history, public service, and the push toward sustainable, modern transportation.

America’s Railroad

Notable Amtrak Stations