Amtrak is encouraging travelers to book early ahead of the 2026 summer travel season as Dallas prepares to host World Cup matches, following a record-breaking year for passenger rail ridership nationwide.
The advisory comes as the passenger railroad anticipates elevated demand tied to major global events scheduled for summer 2026, including the FIFA World Cup, which will bring thousands of visitors to Dallas and other U.S. host cities. Amtrak said travelers planning trips connected to large events are likely to see higher demand across key corridors and long-distance routes and should plan accordingly.
“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,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “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,” said Harris.
Dallas and the surrounding North Texas region will be one of the most prominent host areas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. AT&T Stadium in Arlington — referred to as Dallas Stadium for the tournament — is scheduled to host nine matches during the 39-day competition, more than at any other venue. The slate of games includes five group-stage matches, two Round of 32 fixtures, one Round of 16 match and a semifinal on July 14, 2026.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the World Cup is “an opportunity to showcase American ingenuity, including how our transportation infrastructure moves and builds our cities.”
The early booking guidance follows a strong performance for the railroad in fiscal year 2025. Amtrak reported more than 34.5 million riders nationwide during the year, marking the second consecutive year of record ridership.The company also reported $2.7 billion in ticket revenue, the highest annual total in its history.
“Amtrak’s operational success is not just about moving more people, it’s about moving them better,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “These results show what’s possible when we lead with purpose. By prioritizing reliability and the customer experience, we’re laying the foundation for the next generation of passenger rail in America.”
In fiscal year 2025, Amtrak operated an average of five intercity trains per day on three permanent routes serving Texas, with 454,189 passengers boarding or alighting in the state. Rail service in Texas included the long-distance Texas Eagle, connecting San Antonio, Austin, Fort Worth and Dallas with Midwest and national destinations; the tri-weekly Sunset Limited, linking Texas cities to New Orleans and Los Angeles; and the state-supported Heartland Flyer, which provides daily service between Fort Worth and Gainesville before continuing into Oklahoma under a partnership with the North Central Texas Council of Governments and the Texas Department of Transportation. In that year, sponsoring partners contributed roughly $5.7 million in operating support for the Heartland Flyer, helping sustain its ridership within Texas.
Amtrak also maintained scheduled stops at 19 locations across the state, including major urban centers such as Dallas, Fort Worth, Austin, Houston and San Antonio, as well as smaller communities. The railroad’s Americans with Disabilities Act Stations Program aims to improve accessibility at stations throughout Texas, with an estimated $46.9 million in ADA-related investments planned as part of broader efforts to modernize infrastructure and enhance the passenger experience.
“Amtrak’s growth is a preview of what’s possible when everyone is working together to help get the American people where they need to go,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “Faster trains, more affordable service, and extended routes are opening up a new era of American rail. The best is yet to come as we continue to build big, beautiful infrastructure to support this bright future of transportation.”
In Texas, Amtrak operated an average of five intercity trains per day during fiscal year 2025 across three permanent routes serving the state, with more than 450,000 passengers boarding or alighting at Texas stations. The railroad also reported ongoing investments in station accessibility and infrastructure improvements as part of its national capital program.
Amtrak said travelers planning to attend World Cup matches or other major summer events in 2026 should consider reserving tickets early to secure preferred travel times and accommodations as demand increases across the network.
