Super-Sized Trains Scheduled for Amtrak Midwest^SM Thanksgiving Travel

Extra service in Downstate Illinois; Reservations required for Hiawathas

CHICAGO –Amtrak is prepared to accommodate the surge of Thanksgiving travelers with additional capacity on Amtrak Midwest^SM network routes for the holiday in Illinois, Michigan, Missouri and Wisconsin, plus extra trains to Downstate Illinois stations in Normal and Quincy. While we will operate every available passenger railcar, our trains sell out quickly and customers are encouraged to plan ahead and book tickets early.

The Chicago-Milwaukee corridor is the Midwest’s busiest and space is limited on Amtrak Hiawatha Service, so a reservation will be required to travel from Nov. 26 – Dec. 2. This route is sponsored by the state transportation departments in Wisconsin and Illinois. Our Amtrak Midwest Services in Michigan and Missouri are also sponsored by those states’ DOTs.

At Chicago Union Station, Sleeping Car and Business Class customers, as well as top-tier Amtrak Guest Rewards members, can experience the Metropolitan Lounge and pre-board their trains. Coach customers can purchase day passes to the lounge.

Customers with questions can connect directly with Amtrak customer service representatives via social media. Other tips:

• Follow @Amtrak on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to connect with customer service and receive the latest news including sales and updates on new offerings
• On Twitter, follow @AmtrakAlerts for real-time service information on Amtrak Midwest and other trains
• We encourage customers to share their Amtrak experience on all social media by tagging @Amtrak and using the hashtag #Amtrak in their posts
• Download the Amtrak app for easy booking and travel updates

Last year, Amtrak had its largest passenger count ever during the Thanksgiving week with more than 846,000 riders on its trains across the country; more than 160,000 customers on the Sunday following Thanksgiving.