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===Maps===
===Maps===
* Printed: Steam Powered Video publish a [[Printed_Maps#United_States | series of rail atlases]] covering the United States but a number are now out of print.
* Printed: Steam Powered Video publish a [[Printed_Maps#United_States | series of rail atlases]] covering the United States but a number are now out of print.
* [https://www.djcooley.com/ Sonrisa publications] currently (late 2024) have 19 books, mainly of the western states, of strip maps each covering one or more states.
===Holidays===
Holiday periods may see reduced passenger services, or even no passenger services at all, whereas heritage railways may have increased services. If visiting a country check [https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/ here for holiday dates.


===Information===
===Information===
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===Regional Routes===
===Regional Routes===
Various state-supported regional routes have their own websites, which may provide more information than is available from the Amtrak website.
Various state-supported regional routes have their own websites, which may provide more information than is available from the Amtrak website.
* [https://www.capitolcorridor.org/ Capitol Corridor]: Sacramento - Oakland - San Jose (California). The front page includes a PDF schedule.
* [https://www.capitolcorridor.org/ Capitol Corridor]: Auburn-Conheim - Sacramento - Oakland - San Jose (California). The front page includes a PDF schedule.
* [https://www.amtrakcascades.com/ Cascades]: Eugene, OR - Portland, OR - Seattle, WA - Vancouver, BC. [https://www.amtrakcascades.com/our-train-schedules Train Schedules] includes a PDF schedule.
* [https://www.amtrakcascades.com/ Cascades]: Eugene, OR - Portland, OR - Seattle, WA - Vancouver, BC. [https://www.amtrakcascades.com/our-train-schedules Train Schedules] includes a PDF schedule.
* [https://amtrakdowneaster.com/ Downeaster]: Boston, MA - Brunswick, ME. [https://amtrakdowneaster.com/schedule/ Schedule and Fares] includes a PDF schedule.
* [https://amtrakdowneaster.com/ Downeaster]: Boston, MA - Brunswick, ME. [https://amtrakdowneaster.com/schedule/ Schedule and Fares] includes a PDF schedule.
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* [https://amtraksanjoaquins.com/ San Joaquins]: Oakland / Sacramento - Stockton - Bakersfield (California). [https://amtraksanjoaquins.com/stations-schedules/ Schedules] includes a PDF schedule.
* [https://amtraksanjoaquins.com/ San Joaquins]: Oakland / Sacramento - Stockton - Bakersfield (California). [https://amtraksanjoaquins.com/stations-schedules/ Schedules] includes a PDF schedule.


==Other Railways==
==State Pages==
Information for operators within individual states, including metro and light rail systems, is broken down by state:
Information for operators within individual states, including metro and light rail systems, is broken down by state:


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| Connecticut || see [[Connecticut | state page]]
| Connecticut || see [[Connecticut | state page]]
|-
|-
| Delaware || service provided only by Amtrak and SEPTA (see [[Pennsylvania]])
| Delaware || see [[Delaware | state page]]
|-
|-
| District of Columbia (DC / Washington city) || see [[District_of_Columbia | state page]]
| District of Columbia (DC / Washington city) || see [[District_of_Columbia | state page]]
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| Louisiana (including New Orleans) || see [[Louisiana | state page]]
| Louisiana (including New Orleans) || see [[Louisiana | state page]]
|-
|-
| Maine || only Amtrak service
| Maine || see [[Maine | state page]]
|-
|-
| Maryland (including Baltimore) || see [[Maryland | state page]]
| Maryland (including Baltimore) || see [[Maryland | state page]]
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| Nevada (including Las Vegas) || see [[Nevada | state page]]
| Nevada (including Las Vegas) || see [[Nevada | state page]]
|-
|-
| New Hampshire || only Amtrak service
| New Hampshire || see [[New Hampshire | state page]]
|-
|-
| New Jersey || see [[New_Jersey | state page]]
| New Jersey || see [[New_Jersey | state page]]
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| Pennsylvania (including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh) || see [[Pennsylvania | state page]]
| Pennsylvania (including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh) || see [[Pennsylvania | state page]]
|-
|-
| Rhode Island || service provided only by Amtrak and MBTA (see [[Massachusetts]])
| Rhode Island || see [[Rhode Island | state page]]
|-
|-
| South Carolina || only Amtrak service
| South Carolina || only Amtrak service
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| Utah || see [[Utah | state page]]
| Utah || see [[Utah | state page]]
|-
|-
| Vermont || only Amtrak service
| Vermont || see [[Vermont | state page]]
|-
|-
| Virginia || see [[Virginia | state page]]
| Virginia || see [[Virginia | state page]]
|-
|-
| Washington (state) || see [[Washington | state page]]
| Washington (state) || see [[Washington | state page]]
|-
| Washington D.C. || see [[Washington D.C. | state page]]
|-
|-
| West Virginia || service provided only by Amtrak and MARC (see [[Maryland]])
| West Virginia || service provided only by Amtrak and MARC (see [[Maryland]])
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DETAILS
DETAILS
-->
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==Obscure and Sparse Passenger Services==
==Recent and Future Changes==
See [http://www.psul4all.free-online.co.uk/wbe.htm#US PSUL: World Beyond Europe]
===Recent Changes===
<!--
==Special Notes==
DETAILS
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[[Category:Countries in North America]][[Category:Countries]]


==='''Alaska'''===
The re-instated Amtrak ''Mardi Gras'' service between New Orleans and Mobile commenced on 18 August 2025.
===Matanuska, south siding switch – South Palmer AK1===


At the end of August/beginning of September each year the [https://www.alaskastatefair.org/site/Alaska State Fair]  is held at Palmer. Alaska Railroad operate excursions from Anchorage on some days (2024 dates: 30 August, 31 August, 1 September); for timings see [https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ride-a-train/event-trains/fair-train Alaska Railroad website]. South Palmer is 4.2 miles from the junction. ''Report updated: July 2024''
SMART will extend 3 miles from Sonoma County Airport to Windsor, Ca on 31 May 2025.


===Anchorage, Airport Branch Junction – Anchorage Ted Stevens International Airport AK2===
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) began passenger service on the South Coast Rail on 24 March 2025. The Middleborough/Lakeview line which runs Braintree to Middleborough, is extended to Fall River (the Fall River line) with a branch to New Bedford (the New Bedford line). The Middleborough/Lakeview line will be renamed the Fall River/New Bedford line.
This spur line [http://www.alaskarails.org/maps/S-Anchorage-2008.jpg see schematic plan] - 2.5 miles long - is used only by chartered trains for cruise companies Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Silversea which berth at Seward. Services in 2017 were: from Seward Cruise Dock at 08:00 on alternate Thursdays for Silversea and at 0650 on Fridays for Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International, returning from the airport at about 13:00 the same days, to connect into the respective vessels' evening departures. Tickets are obtainable only from the cruise line concerned. There are no booked workings over the north leg of the wye. Report updated: November 2017


===Fairbanks AK3===
Chicago "L": The Brown Line towards Kimball has used a flyover north of Belmont since 19 November 2021.  
To turn ready for their return journey, trains normally approach the station direct (0.2 miles) and leave around a balloon loop (1.3 miles - both distances from road overbridge) [http://www.alaskarails.org/maps/Fairbanks-2008.jpg see schematic plan]. Note that the current passenger station is on Golden Heart Lead, east of the road overbridge shown, while the previous (now closed) 1960-built passenger station was on the short south-facing spur on right of plan. ''Report updated: October 2013''


===Portage : wye AK4===
From an unknown date after 2018, Amtrak services to/from New Orleans and Chicago or Houston use a new connecting line in New Orleans off their previous route from just north of Southport Junct to west of Carrollton Junct.
The south-east leg of the wye at Portage is used by the summer-only [https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ride-a-train/schedules Glacier Discovery train] on the morning segment from Whittier to Grandview; it reverses at both south junction (to turn the train) and at Portage station (the north junction, to pick up/set down passengers). In the afternoon, the return working from Grandview to Whittier simply reverses at Portage station and does not use the south-east leg. Trains Anchorage ⇔ (a) Whittier or (b) Seward, respectively, use the other two legs of the wye. ''Report updated: March 2021''
The daily Fort Worth to Oklahoma City Amtrak trains have run via a changed route in the northern Fort Worth suburbs since 2018 or 2019 when the previous line some distance to the east of Haslet West Alliance yard was severed by an extension of the runway at Fort Worth Alliance Airport. They now run via previously freight only lines south and north of the yard, plus a new alignment to the west of the SPV Atlas shown yard wye. This is shown correctly on OpenRailwayMap and the Conductor timing sheets on October 2024 travellers train showed the new construction is from mp 362.4 to 366.5 but the changed route in total is 8.5 miles including the previous freight only lines either end of the yard. The service to Oklahoma City had resumed on 14.6.1999.


===Seward AK5===
===Future Changes===
There are two passenger "branches" at Seward, south of Yard Switch [http://www.alaskarails.org/maps/Seward-2008.jpg see schematic plan]. Note: Yard Switch is connection between Jesse Lee Main and Upper #8 https://rrmetro.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Streetcar-Map_U21.pdf


* Passenger station: 1.2 miles of the original main line, to its current terminus, used by the [https://www.alaskarailroad.com/ride-a-train/schedules summer-only Coastal Classic train] Anchorage ⇔ Seward
The [https://www.metrotransit.org/northstar NorthStar] commuter service between Target Field Minneapolis and Big Lake will cease running on Friday
* Cruise passenger dock terminus: 1.3 miles of the coal dock/cruise dock branch, used only by chartered trains for cruise companies Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Silversea. Services in 2017 were as shown in entry ''AK2'', plus a Sunday train at 0650 for Holland America to Anchorage station ("Historic Depot"), returning at 1230. All connect with vessel sailings. Tickets are obtainable only from the cruise line concerned. A summary of cruise ship arrivals and departures at Seward can be found via [https://claalaska.com/ Schedules] (but not all vessels have train connections!). ''Report updated: August 2021''
2 January 2026, with last services either on Saturday or Sunday 3rd or 4th January subject to when the Minnesota Vikings [American Football] play their last home match of the 2025/26 season. The first two miles from Target Field will lose all passenger services, the rest is covered by Amtrak's Empire Builder.  


===Skagway AK6===
The Dallas Area Rapid Transit's (DART) new Silver Line service from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport east via Addison to Shiloh Road Plano is announced as opening on [https://www.progressiverailroading.com/passenger_rail/news/DART-Silver-Line-commuter-rail-service-to-begin-Oct-25--75389?oly_enc_id=7687H2266256C9R&utm_medium=email&utm_source=prdailynews&utm_campaign=prnewsletter-2025 25 October 2025]. The linked article claims it is 26 miles.
In addition to the public service from the depot at Second and Spring Streets, the White Pass & Yukon Route operate chartered trains for cruise companies from alongside the several docks where the cruise ships berth. Tickets are obtainable only from the cruise line concerned. A summary of cruise ship arrivals and departures can be found at Skagway's [https://www.skagway.com/cruises-and-ferries/cruise-ship-calendar/ Cruise Ship Calendar] or Schedules. ''Report updated: August 2021''


===White Pass summit balloon ===
SEPTA in Philadelphia announced major [https://wwww.septa.org/fundingcrisis/service-cuts/ service cuts] due to a funding crisis. Phase 1 implements 20% service cuts on August 24, August 25 and September 2 [with all Regional Services reducing to hourly off-peak] and a 21.5% fare increase on September 1, with a suggestion of complete service withdrawals of the following from 1 January 2026.
* Valley to Cynwyd
* North Philadelphia to Chesnut Hill West
* Philadelphia to Thorndale
* Jenkin to West Trenton
* SEPTA service to Trenton and Wilmington via the NEC (Amtrak line)
Also on the suggested closure list is the subway branch from Girard to 8th/Market and Streetcar lines 10 and 15


See under Canada - British Columbia. White Pass & Yukon Route trains to the summit only use a balloon loop at 21.4 mile post to return to Skagway. The summit itself is at the border - the new balloon is inside British Columbia.
As at August 2025 the PRT website in Pittsburgh advises that due to a [https://www.rideprt.org/2025-funding-crisis/funding-crisis/ funding crisis], without additional funding the Silver Line would be withdrawn. If this goes ahead it would close the branch from Washington Junction to South Park Library 


===Fraser balloon loop===
The Chicago South Shore Lines' new West Lake Corridor passenger service on 8 miles from Gary to Dyer was hoped to commence by 31 October 2025, but has been delayed by issues concerning a bridge "to at least" the end of 2025. Elsewhere there is progress on a possible replacement line to South Bend Airport direct from the west as opposed to the current route approaching the Airport from the east but construction has yet to commence.


See under Canada - British Columbia
Orange County Transit Authority are building a 7km tram (streetcar) route between Santa Ana Regional Transportation  Center and Harbor / Westminster. Testing is due to begin later in 2025 for public opening in Spring 2026. See [https://www.octa.net/programs-projects/projects/rail-projects/oc-streetcar/overview/ OCTA streetcar website].


==='''Arizona'''===
UTAH Transit Authority (UTA) has finalised plans for a new Trax light rail line connecting Salt Lake City International Airport with the University of Utah's Research Park. The new Orange Line is expected to open by 2032, ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics.


===Vail, CP S1000 – Mescal, CP S1023 AZ1===
Updated August 2025.
The two tracks used by the west and eastbound Sunset Limited (trains 1 and 2) are separated for 23.3 miles of the Lordsburg Subdivision: one uses the original Southern Pacific alignment, the other the original El Paso & Southwestern alignment. ''Reported: August 2006''


===Grand Canyon : wye AZ2===
==Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services==
[https://www.thetrain.com/ Grand Canyon Railway] trains use the wye to turn prior to arrival at Grand Canyon station. ''Reported: August 2006''
See [[USA - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services]].


===Griffith – Kingman AZ3===
==See also==
The two bi-directional tracks over this 10.4 mile section are separated. The working of Southwest Chief (trains 3 and 4) is at dispatcher's discretion. (There are also more minor divergences further east, at other locations in Arizona and New Mexico). ''Reported: June 2012''
{{Navbox USA}}
 
[[Category:Countries in North America]][[Category:Countries]]
===Truxton AZ4===
A long flyover (opened 25 October 2020), between Kingman and Seligman, enables eastbound trains to cross from the south track to the north track (both tracks are reversible), without fouling westbound trains, to take advantage of optimum grades. The eastbound Southwest Chief (train 4) would normally be expected to use the flyover - at dispatcher's discretion. ''Reported: February 2022''
 
==='''Arkansas'''===
 
===Little Rock: Central Arkansas Transit - River Rail AR1===
'''A temporary service is in operation until December 2024 with part of the system closed - [https://rrmetro.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Streetcar-Map_U21.pdf see route map.]'''
In normal operations, two short linking curves are used only as follows:
* River Market Avenue to East Second Street: Blue Line daily but only after 1745. ''This is used by all Blue Line cars during the temporary service''
* Main Street to Cumberland Street (along East Markham Street): Green Line SuX but only until 1800. ''This is not in use during the temporary service''
The branch between River Market Avenue/Second Street and the Presidential Library/Heifer International (World Avenue/Third Street) is used by both Green (not Sundays) and Blue Lines - but only until 1745 daily. Service suspended on this branch until December 2024. ''Report updated: December 2022''
 
===[Van Buren - Winslow - ] Springdale - Monett, MO AR2===
The [https://amtrainrides.com/ Arkansas & Missouri Railroad] operate regular excursions south of Springdale over 66.9 miles of former St. Louis San Francisco line. In addition, very occasional excursions run northwards towards Monett, MO (61.0 miles), as in September 2022 but unlikely to apply often. ''Reported: August 2022''
 
==='''California'''===
 
===San Diego : Santa Fe Depot – Seaport Village CA1===
Entry deleted - now part of regular Green line route ''but see entry CA22 instead.''
 
===San Bernardino Depot – Rana CA2===
There are two bi-directional routes between San Bernardino and the Riverside line at Rana (approx. 1.6 miles): Amtrak trains take the former Santa Fe's San Bernardino subdivision via West Yard while Metrolink trains (from and to their own platforms at San Bernardino Depot) use the more direct line. ''Reported: November 2000''
 
===Cajon – Summit CA3===
Over this 6.9 mile section, track 3 follows a shorter, separate alignment from tracks 1 and 2. Although the eastbound ''Southwest Chief'' (train 4) usually uses the shorter track, the working of trains 3 and 4 is flexible and no particular track is certain. ''Report updated: June 2012''
 
===Rocklin - Newcastle - Auburn - Bowman - Colfax CA4===
Over this 31.3-mile section, the two tracks follow different alignments, becoming adjacent between Newcastle and tunnel 18, and between Bowman and Clipper Gap. Both tracks are reversibly signalled between Colfax and Rocklin, and though normal operation has been westbound on track 1 and eastbound on track 2, crossovers at Colfax, Bowman and Newcastle allow trains to be routed on either track in either direction, at dispatcher's discretion. Track 1 is the original 1865 alignment (for the most part) of the transcontinental railroad, and track 2 is the more recent 1909 alignment. The Auburn passenger station (located at the site known as "Auburn - Nevada Street" in Southern Pacific days) is located on track 2 and served only by originating and arriving Amtrak ''Capitol Corridor'' trains which thus use track 2 in both directions between Newcastle and Auburn, and can use either track between Newcastle and Rocklin. The ''California Zephyr'' (trains 5 and 6) can use either track between Rocklin and Colfax, and may cross from one track to another at Colfax, Bowman or Newcastle. ''Report updated: December 2016''
 
===Clipper Gap – Colfax CA5===
Entry deleted - now subsumed within entry CA4
 
===Ventura-East - CP Wye - Montalvo CA6===
The platform - used by originating and arriving [https://metrolinktrains.com/schedules/ Metrolink] Ventura County trains - is on the north leg of the triangular junction (wye) of the Fillmore branch; it is normally accessed from the south with a reversal on the branch at CP Wye. There is no regular use of the north access to the station. Amtrak trains do not serve this location and use the third (main line) leg. ''Report updated: September 2018''
 
===East Ash Hill – Siberia CA7===
The two bi-directional tracks are separated (9.5 miles via northerly Track 1; 7.7 miles via southerly Track 2). Although the westbound ''Southwest Chief'' (train 3) usually uses the shorter track, the working of trains 3 and 4 is at dispatcher's discretion. ''Report updated: June 2012''
 
===West of Ibis CA8===
The two bi-directional tracks are separated (0.8 miles longer via northerly Track 1 than southerly Track 2). The ''Southwest Chief'' (trains 3 and 4). Either track may be used at dispatcher's discretion. ''Report updated: June 2012''
 
===Los Angeles, CP Dayton – CP Pasadena Junction CA9===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
 
===Millbrae – San Francisco International Airport / San Bruno CA10===
Entry deleted - both lines in regular service.
 
===Port of Long Beach CA11===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn.
 
===North Elmhurst – North Newark, CP CO031 CA12===
Coast Starlight (trains 11 and 14) use this 17.5 mile line instead of the route via Hayward and Fremont used by Capitol Corridor trains. ''Reported: December 2010''
 
===Haggin (Sacramento) – El Pinal (Stockton) CA13===
When planned engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak route between Sacramento and Stockton - the former Southern Pacific line via Lodi (Fresno Subdivision) - trains are diverted via the former Western Pacific line (Sacramento Subdivision) to the west - the normally freight-only route is 44.7 miles. Such diversions (which applied in spring, summer and autumn 2016, January 2017 and September 2019) appear on Amtrak's website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories when the Lodi stops are omitted. ''Report updated: October 2019''
 
===[Los Angeles – ] Palmdale Junction – Tehachapi – Bakersfield – Modesto – Hicks (Stockton) [ – Oakland] CA14===
When planned engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak route between Oakland and Burbank - the coastal line - the Coast Starlight (trains 11/14) are diverted via the Union Pacific line through the Central Valley; no public joining/alighting stops are made (the normally freight-only element is 320.5 miles). The train also uses the three legs of the Lathrop wye (to turn), the Altamont Commuter Express route and the north leg of the Newark wye, to rejoin its normal route to Oakland (the earlier practice of continuing from Hicks via Stockton to Sacramento does not seem usually to apply now). Such diversions (which applied in autumn 2008, September 2011, February 2012, March 2013, September 2013, October 2017, April 2018 and September 2019) should appear on Amtrak's website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories when the intermediate calling points are omitted or replaced by Thruway bus. Report ''Up-dated: August 2020''
 
===Suisun-Fairfield – Napa Junction – Schellville – Sear's Point CA15===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
 
===[Folsom Junction – ] Hampton station (Placerville Road, Folsom) – White Rock – El Dorado County boundary – Latrobe CA16===
The operations of the Placerville & Sacramento Valley Railroad are normally between Hampton and White Rock Road crossing because of restrictions on the use of (a) the road crossings between their base in the triangle (wye) at the former Folsom Junction and Hampton, and (b) the line within El Dorado County.
There are no regular opportunities to ride the section between Folsom Junction and Hampton. At present, trips beyond White Rock as far as the El Dorado County boundary (County Line Limited) usually run the last weekend of summer months, with one train on that Sunday morning running to Latrobe (Latrobe Breakfast Special), as advertised. Since January 2017 these trips have been limited to the site of a washout, 3 miles short of Latrobe. Pumpkin Patch excursions in October use part of the Folsom Junction - Hampton section instead. Approximate milepost mileages: Folsom Junction 111.1, Hampton 116.3, White Rock 118.0, El Dorado county boundary 119.6, Latrobe 125.2.
For details of the isolated operations on the Placerville branch between Shingle Springs (MP 136.9) and El Dorado (MP 142.7) see El Dorado Western Railroad's website. ''Report updated: May 2023''
 
===Mount Hermon - Roaring Camp (Felton) [ - ] Santa Cruz wye [ - Santa Cruz Boardwalk] CA17===
The Santa Cruz, Big Trees & Pacific Railway operates Roaring Camp ⇔ Santa Cruz; trains arriving at Santa Cruz turn on the wye there. Each Wednesday during the season, passenger trains start back from Mount Hermon station (0.8 miles north of Roaring Camp station) on a charter basis for patrons of the Mount Hermon Christian Conference Center - enquiries should be directed to the centre. ''Reported: July 2016''
 
===Honby - Humphreys CA18===
Entry deleted - separated tracks replaced by conventional double track.
 
===[Yosemite Mountain (Fish Camp) - ] Lewis Creek balloon loop CA19===
The Yosemite Mountain Sugar Pine Railroad (3 foot gauge) operates Yosemite Mountain station ⇔ Lewis Creek. The balloon loop at Lewis Creek is only completely traversed by steam trains as the Jenny (petrol-railcar) services arrive and depart over the same half of the balloon. ''Reported: September 2018''
 
===Santa Paula - Fillmore - Piru CA20===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn. See instead Sunburst Railbikes.
 
===[West Sacramento - ] Fremont - Woodland trestle CA21===
The Sierra Northern Railroad River Fox Train operates from Fremont (which it calls both Woodland and West Sacramento...) towards West Sacramento and back, so it seems unlikely that the section Fremont to Woodland trestle will be used. Despite the rolling stock being stabled at Woodland, and despite the implication of their advertising, it seems no passenger-carrying train actually reaches Woodland now - the claimed round trip mileage of 28 is clearly overstated. It is not clear in which direction the railbike facility (also based at Fremont) operates. ''Report updated: August 2021''
 
===San Diego Trolley CA22===
The weekend downtown circular (clockwise only) Silver line of San Diego Trolley [a light rail system] uses two curves which otherwise have no regular service, to allow movements between Santa Fe Depot ⇔ America Plaza and Park & Market ⇔ Gaslamp Quarter (at 12th and Imperial Transit Center). ''Report updated: May 2023''
 
===[Niles - ] Sunol - Verona CA23===
The Niles Canyon Railway normally operate over the 5 mile section of former Southern Pacific, through the eponymous canyon, between Sunol and Niles, although without joining/alighting at Niles until further notice. On a limited number of occasions, trips run east over the 5 mile section towards Hearst and Verona but, pending repair of storm damage, there are no trips east of Sunol on any regular basis until further notice. ''Report updated: July 2024''
 
===San Jose History Park Trolley CA24===
The California Trolley & Railroad Corporation museum operates trips from their depot (trolley barn) in Phelan Avenue, normally within the confines of History Park. When specially advertised, trips are offered on a track (approx. ½ mile) alongside Senter Road, towards Happy Hollow Zoo. ''Reported: December 2023''
 
==='''Colorado'''===
 
===Denver (UP Pullman Yard) – Speer Junction, WY [ – Cheyenne, WY] CO1===
Entry deleted - ''Denver Post's'' Cheyenne Frontier Days special train withdrawn after 2018 trip; see instead CO6
 
===Denver : wye at Prospect Junction CO2===
The inbound ''California Zephyr'' (trains 5 and 6) use the Prospect Junction - 31st. Street Yard link to turn prior to backing in to arrive at Denver Union Station. The outbound trains use the direct legs of the wye. Thus, the westbound train (5) covers the 31st. Street Yard - Prospect Junction and Prospect Junction - Union Station legs of the wye, while the eastbound train (6) covers the Prospect Junction - 31st. Street Yard and 31st. Street Yard - Union Station legs. ''Report updated: September 2018''
 
===Silverton : wye CO3===
Most [Denver (UP Pullman Yard) – Speer Junction, WY [ – Cheyenne, WY] CO1
Entry deleted - ''Denver Post's'' Cheyenne Frontier Days special train withdrawn after 2018 trip; see instead CO6
 
===Silverton : wye CO3===
Most [https://www.durangotrain.com/ Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad] trains are wyed (turned) between arrival and departure without passengers aboard. However, when a four-train service operates, one train may be wyed with passengers aboard. ''Reported: September 2016''
 
===Evans – Louisiana-Pearl CO4===
This south-east curve - avoiding I25 & Broadway station - is used by E and H line depot workings from Evans: those journeys shown with an Evans departure on the southbound E, F and H [https://app.rtd-denver.com/en-US/schedules#rail current timetables.] Note that in the opposite direction, depot journeys reverse at I25 & Broadway station or run empty. ''Report updated: May 2021''
 
===Antonito CO5===
[https://cumbrestoltec.com/ Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad] trains use different sides of a balloon loop in- and out- bound: inbound trains use a longer arc than outbound. ''Reported: September 2010''
 
===Denver – Speer Junction, WY [ – Salt Lake City, UT] CO6===
When planned major engineering work or other obstruction (such as brush fire) blocks the regular Amtrak route Denver ⇔ Salt Lake City via the Moffat Tunnel, the ''California Zephyr'' (trains 5/6) is diverted via this route, the Union Pacific main line. The normally freight-only element is 618.7 miles (although about 1.3 miles of this also appear under entry ''CO13'', below). Such diversions (which applied during May and June 2012, May 2014, May and June 2015, October 2016, September/October 2017 and August 2020), and should appear on [https://www.amtrak.com/service-alerts-and-notices Amtrak's website] → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories [use the Amtrak journey planner to check whether a replacement bus is serving intermediate points]. ''Report updated: August 2023''
 
===Tabernash CO7===
The two bi-directional tracks used by the west and eastbound ''California Zephyr'' (trains 5 and 6) are separated through Tabernash, between mileposts 65.1 and 67.1, the more southerly track 2 being longer than track 1. Either track may be used at dispatcher's discretion. ''Reported: September 2013''
 
===Durango, Val-Air wye CO8===
This wye and short "branch" - just south of Val-Air Airport, near Home Ranch siding - are used when 90 minute short distance round-trips are advertised from Durango by [http://www.durangotrain.com/events/ Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad]. These include their ''Great Pumpkin Patch and Polar Express trains''. ''Reported: December 2022''
 
===[Leadville - ] French Gulch water tank – Talus Slope – Stork(e) Curve (Alicante) CO9===
[https://leadvillerailroad.com/ Leadville, Colorado & Southern Railroad's] regular 2½ hour trips - over the former Denver, South Park & Pacific - run 9.4 miles to French Gulch (141.8 mile). If 2¾ hour trips are [https://leadvillerailroad.com/special-events-on-the-leadville-railroad/ advertised], they extend another 1.5 miles to Talus Slope (140.3 mile). Any trip advertised to Stork (sic) (usually only one a year) extends a further 1.7 miles to Storke Curve (Alicante) (138.6 mile). ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===Fort Collins: Roosevelt Avenue / Mountain Avenue junction – Carbarn (1801 West Mountain Avenue) CO10===
[https://www.fortcollinstrolley.org/ Fort Collins Municipal Railway's] regular summer weekend trips cover 1.3 miles between City Park (Sheldon Drive) and Howes Street/Mountain Avenue. At the end of service, the car runs out of service from City Park at about 1700 to their carbarn, covering an additional 0.3 miles. Subject to the agreement of the motorman, it may be possible to ride this section. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===Denver downtown CO11===
The downtown section of Denver's light rail system is a one-way (anti-clockwise) circuit of 14th St., California St., 19th St. and Stout St., with triangular (wye) junctions at each end. All trams entering the circuit return immediately in service to the route whence they entered (not so advertised but passengers are routinely carried - there is no facility for trams to lay-over), so it is practicable to cover all legs of the two wyes by riding L line plus any of D, F or H lines into, round, and out of the circuit. ''Reported: September 2018''
 
===Cumbres wye CO12===
The wye (normally used for turning helper locomotives returning to Chama) is extended to run alongside a pavilion built at the top of the 10,000ft pass. Occasional Saturday evening trains run from Chama, NM, to Cumbres then reverse back over the wye through the snow shed to the side of the pavilion where passengers alight for a meal and entertainment. The return trip uses the other leg of the wye back to Chama. Usually once a month during the season May to October. ''Reported: January 2019''
 
===Denver Rocky Mountaineer loading point (36th Street Yard) – York Street, Beltline southern junction – UP Belt Line – Pecos, Beltline western junction CO13===
[https://www.rockymountaineer.com/train-routes/rockies-red-rocks Rocky Mountaineer] inclusive tour trains use 1.3 miles of the Greeley Subdivision and 4.5 miles of the Moffat Tunnel Subdivision departing from and arriving at Denver, on a regular, seasonal basis. ''Report updated: August 2023''
 
===Big Horn wye===
See under New Mexico
 
==='''Connecticut'''===
 
===Providence & Worcester Railroad CT1===
See ''MA6'' under Massachusetts.
 
===Essex - Old Saybrook and Deep River Landing - Haddam CT2===
The [https://essexsteamtrain.com/ Valley Railroad]'s ''Essex Steam Train'' regular operation is '''north''' from Essex to Deep River Landing (3.6 miles). Beyond there, the [https://essexsteamtrain.com/dinner-train/  Essex Clipper] dinner train, [https://essexsteamtrain.com/ Eagle Flyer] (February weekends) excursion and [https://essexsteamtrain.com/ Fall Foliage] excursion (October weekends - when advertised) extend to Goodspeed station [opposite East Haddam] (a further 4.6 miles) as advertised. ''These trains may extend a further mile to the present northern limit of useable track at 13½ mile post, short of Haddam station.''
A rail-bike facility is offered over the section ''south'' from Essex to Old Saybrook (4.0 miles each way) [https://essexsteamtrain.com/experiences/rail-bike-2/ as advertised]. ''The Autumn (Fall) rail-bike facility to Chester is over the normal train route towards Haddam.''
''Report updated: November 2021''
 
==='''Delaware'''===
 
===[Greenbank - ] Mouth Cuba - Hockessin DE1===
The 4.7 mile section of the [https://www.wwrr.com/default.aspx Wilmington & Western Railroad] beyond Mount Cuba is covered only by their [https://www.wwrr.com/404-not-found.aspx?aspxerrorpath=/ride/events/hockessin-flyer.aspx  Hockessin Flyer] and '''weekend''' [https://www.wwrr.com/404-not-found.aspx?aspxerrorpath=/ride/events/autumn-leaf.aspx Autumn Leaf] Special excursions, as advertised. ''Report updated: May 2021''
 
==='''Florida'''===
 
===Tampa : Neve wye FL1===
''Silver Star'' (trains 91 and 92) use Neve wye, near Gary, to turn prior to arrival at Tampa. Report updated: February 2022
 
===Jacksonville : wye at Grand Junction FL2===
Entry deleted - no longer used in passenger service
 
===Auburndale : wye FL3===
The east-west main line is used by ''Silver Star'' (trains 91 and 92) as between Orlando and Tampa, the south-west connector by ''Silver Star'' (trains 91 and 92) as between Miami and Tampa, and the south-east connector by ''Silver Meteor'' (trains 97 and 98). ''Report updated: December 2022''
 
===Tavares - Toronto - Winter Garden FL4===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn.
 
===[Fort Myers (Colonial Station) - ] Tucker's Grade (beyond Gilchrist) - Punta Gorda FL5===
The [https://semgulf.com/ Seminole Gulf Railway] operates on former Atlantic Coast Line's Naples branch. Murder Mystery trains (3½ hours round trip) normally work to "Tucker's Grade" (ca. 20 miles), but '''"certain special events such as our New Year’s Eve Gala" '''(to quote their website) may extend to Punta Gorda (a further 8.5 miles). Since [https://www.floridarail.com/news/getting-back-on-track/  hurricane Ian blew down Caloosahatchee trestle bridge in November 2022] trains have been confined to the line ''south'' from Fort Myers, but were expected to resume running northwards in August 2024 - enquire locally. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
==='''Georgia'''===
 
===[Grand Junction (Chattanooga) – East Chattanooga, TN – ] Chickamauga – Summerville GA1===
In addition to their frequent ''Missionary Ridge'' short trips Grand Junction ⇔ East Chattanooga, TN, [https://www.tvrail.com/ Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum] excursions run two or three Saturdays or Sundays a month from March to September between Grand Junction ⇔ Chickamauga. Beyond there, their [https://www.tvrail.com/train-rides/summerville-steam-special/ Summerville Steam Specials] run a further 31.7 miles, as advertised from June to November (more freqently during October and early November). ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===Savannah, Telfair Junction – Burroughs GA2===
There are two bi-directional routes between these points for Savannah - Jacksonville Amtrak trains: the normal route is via Savannah Yard (ex-Seaboard Air Line) but the alternative via Southover Yard (ex-Atlantic Coast Line) may be used at dispatcher's discretion. ''Reported: October 2013''
 
===Willacoochee - Nashville - Moody Air Force Base GA3===
[https://cprailnet.com/ CaterParrott Railnet] is a regional rail carrier which runs occasional excursions over this 40 mile section of former Georgia & Florida Railway (a Southern subsidiary, track now owned by the State of Georgia) as [https://www.azaleasprinter.com/ Azalea Sprinter]. Trips start in Nashville (Georgia, not Tennessee!) or Willacoochee but only ''Liberty Runner'' trips cover the whole line. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===Cordele - Georgia Veterans State Park [ - Americus - ] Plains - Archery GA4===
[https://www.samshortline.com/ Historic S A M Short Line Railroad] operate over this 43 mile section of the [https://www.gwrr.com/hog/  Heart of Georgia RR], former Seaboard Air Line. Only The ''Presidential Flyer'' and ''Peanut Express'' cover the Plains - Archery section and only those trains specifically mentioning Cordele as start or destination cover the Cordele - Georgia Veterans State Park section; other services cover portions of the middle section as advertised - see their [https://www.samshortline.com/excursions schedule.] ''Reported: August 2024''
 
==='''Illinois'''===
 
===Chicago Union Station : Canal Street wye IL1===
The south-west leg of the wye is used by any trains that turn prior to arrival at the south end of Union station. There is much less wying of loaded trains, with arriving or departing short haul trains with a quick turn-round in Chicago being the most likely candidates. Report updated: March 2023
 
===Chicago Union Station – 16th Street IL2===
Between the south end of Union station and 16th Street, Amtrak trains can take one of four routes (given numbers here for convenience) ''en route'' to or from the CN (former Illinois Central) line to Champaign-Urbana:
 
* Route 1: '''North arm of Amtrak Canal Street wye - Union Avenue interlocking''' (= Halsted Street Metra station) - change direction - ''16th Street'''
* Route 2: '''Just short of 21st Street''' - change direction - '''southwest arm of Amtrak Canal Street wye - Union Avenue interlocking''' - change direction - '''16th Street'''
* Route 3: '''21st Street - 23rd Street''' (on the ex-Pennsylvania, now Norfolk Southern, line towards Englewood) - change direction - '''CN/NS (ex-IC/Penn.) Connection (857 - 877 points;    also known as Amtrak wye) - 16th Street'''
* Route 4: '''21st Street - Cermak''' [''on CN line towards Bridgeport''] - change direction - '''16th Street '''
 
That section of routes 1 and 2 between Union Avenue and 16th Street is the '''St.Charles Air Line'''; BNSF and UP jointly own the line between Union Ave. and a point 70 feet west of the Bascule Bridge over the South Branch of the Chicago River, CN owns the line from that point to 16th Street. The bascule bridge is controlled by CSX Bridge Tender. The St. Charles Air Line is currently closed for [https://www.cn.ca/en/news/2020/07/cn-investing-$165-million-in-illinois/ renewal work] - so routes 1 and 2 are presently unavailable.
Routes 1, 3 and 4 involve an inbound train propelling (backing) into Union station and an outbound train propelling (backing) out. The normal route for trains had been 1, but during the St.Charles Air Line closure route 3 is normally used. ''Report updated: March 2023''
 
===Granite City, WR Tower – St.Louis, MO, Gratiot Street IL4===
There are two routes between these points for Chicago - St.Louis Amtrak trains: the normal route is via Venice Yard, East St.Louis Relay (Q Interlocking) and the MacArthur Bridge. The slower alternative route is via SH Interlocking, Merchants Bridge and the former Washington Avenue station but since June 2000 this has not been the normal Amtrak route; it is used only when freight congestion prevents use of the MacArthur Bridge or to provide the opportunity for arriving southbound Lincoln Service trains to turn - using the Poplar Street / Rutger Street / Gratiot Street wye - prior to arrival at St.Louis (instead of on the wye west of the station after discharging passengers) or for turning the Texas Eagle (trains 21/22) when using the diversion under route ''IL16'' or other diversion requiring the train to be turned. ''Report updated: June 2016''
 
===Chicago : links at 17th Street Interlocking between Orange and Green Lines and Red Line IL5===
A very short link between the Red Line and the elevated Orange and Green Lines - just north of Cermak-Chinatown station - is used by Red Line trains diverted over the loop elevated lines when the Red Line's tunnel section is closed for engineering work
A reverse connection - south of the Roosevelt stations - is used by:
- Orange and Green Line trains - to or from the west or south - diverted through the Red Line tunnel when engineering work blocks their elevated section
- Red Line trains - to or from the north - diverted to the Green (or Orange) Lines when engineering work blocks their line south of Cermak-Chinatown station (as applied during 2013)
''Both these links were parts of the Red Line itself until its present line between Roosevelt and Cermak-Chinatown stations was opened on 21 February 1993.'' ''Report updated: September 2019''
 
===[Chicago –] Yard Center, Thornton Junction – Villa Grove – Lenox Tower [– St.Louis, MO] IL6===
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak route Chicago ⇔ St.Louis via Springfield, the ''Texas Eagle'' (trains 21/22) is diverted via this route - the former Chicago & Eastern Illinois (the normally freight-only element is 255.9 miles). Note that ''Lincoln Service'' trains Chicago ⇔ St.Louis are usually replaced by bus. Such diversions (which applied during June, September, October 2016, May 2017 and May 2018) '''should''' appear on [https://www.amtrak.com/service-alerts-and-notices Amtrak]'s website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories. ''Report updated: May 2018''
 
===Prairie Crossing: link track between former Milwaukee and former Wisconsin Central routes IL7===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
 
===Gresham Junction – Blue Island, Western Avenue Junction IL8===
This 6.0 mile section of the former Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific main line is not "obscure", but may easily be overlooked: it is used by trains not scheduled to call at any of the Beverly Hills stations. [https://ridertools.metrarail.com/maps-schedules Current schedule] → Rock Island District. ''Report updated: February 2022''
 
===Marion – Ordill IL9===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
 
Mapleton (Pekin) – Rawalts (Canton) IL10
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
 
===[Omaha, NE – ] East Clinton – Elburn [ – Chicago] IL11===
See ''IA3'' under Iowa.
 
===[St.Paul, MN – ] East Dubuque – West Aurora [ – Chicago] IL12===
See ''WI2'' under Wisconsin.
 
===Joliet – Streator – Cameron Junction (Galesburg) CP1705 or CP1850 IL13===
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular ''Amtrak'' route Chicago ⇔ Galesburg via Mendota, the ''Southwest Chief'' (trains 3/4) and ''California Zephyr'' (trains 5/6) are diverted to Joliet, then via this 147.5 mile section of the former AT&SF main line. Note that trains Chicago ⇔ Quincy, IL are usually replaced by bus. Such diversions (which applied during October 2012 and November 2014) ''may'' appear on [https://www.amtrak.com/service-alerts-and-notices Amtrak's website] → Service Alerts & Notices. ''Reported: October 2014''
 
===Museum Campus/11th Street [Chicago] – 18th Street IL14===
The tracks used by the inbound and outbound Metra Electric and South Shore Line trains are separated on the 0.79 miles between these stations. ''Reported: November 2013''
 
===Rosemont [Chicago] IL15===
The tracks used by the inbound and outbound Chicago Transit Authority Blue Line trains are separated on the ca. 0.5 miles west to the CN (ex-Wisconsin Central) overbridge. ''Reported: November 2013''
 
===East St.Louis, MacArthur Bridge north approach - Thebes Bridge [ - Poplar Bluff, MO] IL16===
When planned engineering work or other obstruction blocks the regular Amtrak route St.Louis ⇔ Poplar Bluff, MO - the former Missouri Pacific line - the Texas Eagle (trains 21/22) is diverted via the former St.Louis South Western route along the east bank of the Mississippi river - the normally freight-only route is 198.6 miles. Such diversions applied in May/June 2016, January and November 2017 and August 2020, and should appear on [https://www.amtrak.com/service-alerts-and-notices Amtrak's website] 𔾮 Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories when the Arcadia stop is omitted. Such diversions may also wye (turn) by use of route ''IL4''. ''Report updated: August 2020''
 
===[https://www.mrym.org/ Monticello Railway Museum] IL17===
Normal passenger operation is on former Illinois Central track between the relocated former Wabash depot (200 East Livingston Street, Monticello) and the private "Heath crossing" (1.3 miles beyond County Road 1900 N, towards White Heath), and on a short section of former Illinois Terminal trackbed into the Nelson Crossing museum site station at 992 Iron Horse Place (a total of 5.2 "unique" miles). [https://www.mrym.org/railroad-days Railroad Days] is an annual event (usually a weekend in mid-September - 2024 dates: 21-22 September) when the Museum sometimes - depending on whether cars are stored on the line - may operate various of the trains operating on those days beyond their normal route: at the north end to the wye at Commercial Street, White Heath; at the south end, past the depot to Market Street crossing; and along a short segment of former Illinois Terminal south from the Nelson Crossing station to Camp Creek Yard - a potential extra 0.7 "unique" miles. Prospective visitors should make enquiries of the museum. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis IL18===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn.
 
==='''Indiana'''===
 
===[Tipton - Noblesville - ] Fishers – Indianapolis, Indiana State Fairgrounds IN1===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
 
===[Jasper – ] Dubois – Cuzco [ – French Lick] IN2===
The City of Jasper Park & Recreation Department operate - as [https://spiritofjaspertrain.com/  The Spirit of Jasper] - Jasper ⇔ Dubois (8.6 miles). The Indiana Railway Museum operate - as the [https://frenchlickscenicrailway.org/  French Lick Scenic Railway] - French Lick ⇔ Cuzco (9.5 miles), and occasionally as advertised (but none for 2024) the whole 24.8 miles French Lick ⇔ Jasper. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===Cincinnati (Riverside), OH – Batesville – Greensburg IN3===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
 
==="Pumpkin Patch" – North Judson – English Lake IN4===
Most [http://www.hoosiervalley.org/ Hoosier Valley Railroad Museum] services operate on former a Chesapeake & Ohio route between North Judson and English Lake (4.2 miles). Pumpkin Trains (in October), in addition to visiting English Lake, return through North Judson and run southwards about 1.4 miles on former Erie route to the pumpkin patch. ''Report updated: October 2023''
 
===South Milford - Ashley IN5===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
 
===Tell City - Lincoln City IN6===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn. Service apparently ''suspended'' sine die ''after 2022 season - check [https://www.ohiorivertrain.com/ Ohio River Scenic Railway] for possible future resumption.'' ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===Indiana Northeastern Railroad IN7===
Various lines of the [https://inerailroad.com/rail-service-map/ Indiana Northeastern Railroad] are used by excursions operated by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Inc, as [https://www.indianarailexperience.org/#booknow Indiana Rail Experience.] Check their website for specific routes (including adjacent states). ''Reported: April 2024''
 
==='''Iowa'''===
 
===Osceola – Woodburn and Shannon – Indianola Junction and Halpin – Frederic IA1===
The two bi-directional tracks used by the west and eastbound California Zephyr (trains 5 and 6) are separated over these three sections. Either track may be used at dispatcher's discretion. ''Report updated: October 2009''
 
===Coralville – Iowa City IA2===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
 
===Omaha, NE – Council Bluffs – Clinton [ – East Clinton, IL – Chicago, IL] IA3===
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular ''Amtrak'' route Omaha ⇔ Chicago via Burlington, the ''California Zephyr'' (trains 5/6) are diverted via this route - the former Chicago & NorthWestern (the normally freight-only element is 444 miles, Omaha, NE ⇔ Elburn, IL). Such diversions (which applied in late summer and early December 2011 and February and March 2012) '''may''' appear on [https://www.amtrak.com/service-alerts-and-notices Amtrak]'s website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories. ''Report up-dated: March 2012''
 
===[Boone - ] Fraser Siding - Wolf (Fraser Junction) IA4===
The 3.7 mile section beyond Fraser Siding is normally used only by the [https://bsvrr.com/ Boone & Scenic Valley Railroad]'s dinner and picnic/dessert trains, and Saturday "motorcar rides" as advertised. Other trains are normally restricted to the 7.6 mile section between Boone and Fraser Siding. No service passes West Fraser until further notice as the section beyond there is currently (August 2024) out of service, undergoing relaying. Check locally whether or not this still applies. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
==='''Kansas'''===
 
===Enterprise - Woodbine KS1===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn.
 
===[https://www.watco.com/service/rail/skol/ South Kansas & Oklahoma Railroad] KS2===
The [http://www.heartlandstrainclub.org/aboutus.html Heart of the Heartlands Railroad Club] of Carona, KS, operate occasional passenger excursions on this Watco subsidiary (former Missouri Pacific, St.Louis San Francisco and Atchison, Topeka &Santa Fe trackage) in southern Kansas and northern Oklahoma, as advertised. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
==='''Louisiana'''===
 
===New Orleans : wye at Clara Street tower LA1===
Arriving trains use the wye at Clara Street Tower to turn prior to arrival at New Orleans. ''Report updated: September 2011''
 
===New Orleans : Canal Street connection LA2===
Entry deleted - route no longer restricted.
 
==='''Maine'''===
 
===Brunswick - Rockland ME1===
Delete entry - service withdrawn
 
==='''Maryland'''===
 
===Hurlock - Federalsburg MD1===
The [https://www.mdde.com/ Maryland & Delaware Railroad] annually participates in the Hurlock Fall Festival (held on the first Saturday each October - 2024 date: 5 October) with train trips from Hurlock usually to beyond Federalsburg (total about 10 miles each way) - see [https://www.dorchesterchamber.org/events/details/hurlock-fall-festival-and-train-rides-2024-12474 this webpage.] ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===Cumberland - Maryland Junction, WV MD2===
See entry '''WV3''' under West Virginia.
 
===[Frederick (Route 26) - ] Walkersville - Woodsboro MD3===
The [http://wsrr.org/ws/schedule Southern Railroad] operates heritage service 4 miles south from Walkersville to Route 26 (north Frederick) on former Pennsylvania Railroad, but ''Sunday Picnic Trains'' also cover the three miles northwards towards Woodsboro. The northern section may also be used for Pumpkin Patch specials in the autumn. ''Report updated: May 2024''
 
==='''Massachusetts'''===
 
===Walpole – Foxboro / Gillette Stadium – Mansfield MA1===
This 8.5mile long CSXT line, linking two MBTA routes, is used - when advertised - for New England Patriots National Football League games or other events at Foxboro/Gillette Stadium by two special services: (a) Boston South Station ⇔ the stadium station, and (b) Providence, RI ⇔ the stadium station. Details from the [https://www.mbta.com/destinations/gillette-stadium MBTA website.]
The northern section Walpole ⇔ Foxboro is also covered by a Monday to Friday service - see [https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable current schedule.] ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===Wilmington – Wilmington Junction, CPW WJ MA2===
The 3 mile Wildcat Branch - linking the Lowell and Haverhill commuter lines - is used by all Amtrak trains Boston, MA ⇔ Portland, ME. It is also used by any MBTA Haverhill line commuter service on Mondays to Fridays running without stop at Reading in the Haverhill line timetable ([https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Haverhill/timetable see current schedule]). ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===Lowell depot (station) – Dutton Street MA3===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
 
===Boston : Government Center – Bowdoin MA4===
Entry deleted - service no longer restricted
 
===South Worcester – Providence, RI MA5===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
 
===Providence & Worcester Railroad MA6===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
 
===Readville MA7===
The MBTA Franklin line has links with the main line and with the Fairmount line here. Most Franklin and Foxboro line trains use platform 5 on the ramp track on the west side, while most Fairmount line trains terminate at high level platform 4, on the east side of the station. On Mondays to Fridays, occasional Franklin and Foxboro line trains access the Franklin branch by high level link from the Fairmount line - they are endorsed VIA FAIRMOUNT LINE in the Franklin/Foxboro branch timetable and use platform 4 at Readville ([https://www.mbta.com/schedules/CR-Franklin/timetable see current schedule]). Note that although there are platforms (2 and 3) on the main line, there are no trains booked to stop at them. Report updated: August 2024
 
===Various MA8===
The [http://www.massbayrre.org/ Massachusetts Bay Railroad Enthusiasts] run a number of public charter excursions over non-passenger lines. ''Report updated: June 2020''
 
===Kingston / Plymouth MA9===
Entry deleted - Plymouth service withdrawn - trains only serve Kingston
 
===[Boston South Station - ] Middleborough/Lakeville - Hyannis MA10===
A summer weekend service for the Cape Cod Regional Transit Authority (CCRTA) extends 43 miles beyond the Middleborough/Lakeville limit of the MBTA commuter route - see [https://capeflyer.com/ Cape Flyer] webpages. This is operated by MBTA over the state-owned Cape Main Line (operated for freight by Massachusetts Coastal Railroad). ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===[Braintree] Green interlocking, South leg MA11===
The Greenbush MBTA line joins the Old Colony main line at a wye (triangular junction) at Green interlocking, north of Braintree. When planned engineering work blocks the line between the wye and Boston South Station, Greenbush line trains may be diverted to run to and from Braintree, using the south leg of the wye (approx 0.2 miles). Such diversions (which applied in May 2023 but will not apply often) should appear in the [https://www.mbta.com/alerts/commuter-rail MBTA Alerts Rail webpage], under Greenbush line. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
==='''Michigan'''===
 
===Grand Rapids : wye at Sunnyside MI1===
Entry deleted - no longer used in passenger service
 
===[Coldwater – ] Quincy – Hillsdale MI2===
In addition to their regular tourist services between Coldwater and Quincy (7 miles), [https://littleriverrailroad.com/ Little River Railroad] very occasionally operate excursions to Hillsdale (a further 16 miles) when advertised as Hillsdale Flyer (2024 date: 11 August). ''Report updated: April 2024''
 
===Owosso – Ithaca – Alma – Cadillac MI3===
In addition to their ''North Pole Express'' and ''Yard Goat Caboose Rides'' at Owosso the [https://www.glcrailroad.com/ Great Lakes Central Railroad] also run longer autumn excursions [https://michigansteamtrain.com/coming-soon/ as advertised] in October although these and other shorter excursions still await restoration of their steam locomotive. ''Report updated: April 2024''
 
===[Clinton – ] Tecumseh – Raisin Center MI4===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
 
===Indiana Northeastern Railroad MI5===
Various lines of the [https://inerailroad.com/rail-service-map/ Indiana Northeastern Railroad] are used by excursions operated by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Inc, as [https://www.indianarailexperience.org/#booknow Indiana Rail Experience]. Check their website for trips to Jonesville, MI or Hillsdale, MI. ''Little River Railroad also operates over a section of the INER (see '''MI2''').'' ''Report updated: April 2024''
 
==='''Minnesota'''===
 
===Newport – St.Croix Junction MN1===
The two bi-directional tracks used by the ''Empire Builder'' (trains 7 and 8) are separated (10.4 miles via north Track 1 (former Milwaukee); 11.7 miles via south Track 2 (former Burlington)). Either track may be used at dispatcher's discretion. ''Report updated: October 2009''
 
===Minneapolis, University - St.Anthony MN2===
The ''Empire Builder'' (trains 7 and 8) has two available routes - the former Great Northern line via Union Yard (4.4 miles) or the former Northern Pacific line to Park Junction (3.5 miles) and then the Minnesota Commercial Railway's link to St.Anthony. Either route may be used at dispatcher's discretion, although the doubling of the former Great Northern has largely obviated the need to use the former Northern Pacific alternative. East of St.Anthony, both use the Minnesota Commercial Railway through the former Amtrak Midway Station and Merriam Park. ''Report updated: June 2016''
 
==='''Missouri'''===
 
===Granite City, WR Tower – St.Louis, MO, Gratiot Street MO1===
See ''IL4'' and ''IL18'' under Illinois.
 
===Camden, CA Junction - Hardin (west end) MO2===
Over this 12.8 mile section there are three bi-directional tracks (two BNSF ex-AT&SF, one NS ex-Wabash which diverges slightly in places), all now available for Amtrak use at BNSF dispatcher's discretion, although for line speed reasons the ex-AT&SF tracks are preferred. ''Reported: March 2014''
 
===Hardin (east end) - Carrollton, WB Junction MO2===
Over this 16.7 mile section there are two bi-directional tracks (one BNSF ex-AT&SF, one NS ex-Wabash), all now available for Amtrak use at BNSF dispatcher's discretion, although for line speed reasons the ex-AT&SF track is preferred. ''Reported: March 2014''
 
===[East St.Louis, IL, MacArthur Bridge north approach - ] Thebes Bridge - Poplar Bluff MO3===
See ''IL16'' under Illinois.
 
===[Springdale, AR - ] Seligman - Monett MO4===
See ''AR2'' under Arkansas.
 
==='''Nebraska'''===
 
===Oreapolis - East Wye Ashland NE1===
When planned major engineering work or a flood wall against Missouri River flooding in Omaha blocks the regular Amtrak route through that city, the ''California Zephyr'' (trains 5/6) is diverted via this route, 25.7 miles. Such diversions (which applied during 2019 and June 2024) should (if planned) appear on [https://www.amtrak.com/service-alerts-and-notices Amtrak]'s website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories [use the Amtrak journey planner to check whether a replacement bus is serving Omaha]. ''Reported: June 2024''
 
==='''Nevada'''===
 
===Winnemucca, Weso – Alazon NV1===
The two bi-directional tracks used by the west and eastbound ''California Zephyr'' (trains 5 and 6) are separated: the westbound normally uses the original Southern Pacific route (track 1, Elko and Shafter Subdivisions, 182.7 miles), the eastbound the original Western Pacific route (track 2, Elko and Shafter Subdivisions, 178.5 miles). ''Reported: August 2006''
 
===[Virginia City - ] Gold Hill - Eastgate - Eureka (Carson Canyon) NV2===
The 10.2 mile section of the [https://vtrailway.com/ Virginia & Truckee Railroad] between Gold Hill and Eastgate is covered only by their ''Carson City - Virginia City Train Rides'', as advertised on Saturdays and Sundays in summer. The 1.9 mile section from Eastgate to Eureka (towards Carson City) is covered only by their ''Toast of the Canyon'' evening excursions as advertised (2024 dates: 17 August, 21 September). [https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=virginia+ands+truckeee+route+map#vhid=Gy8nJ1nACN5sFM&vssid=l Route map]. ''V&T's "Carson City" is actually Eastgate, near Mound House.'' ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===[Keystone - ] East Ely Junction - Lavon NV3===
On that section of the [https://nnry.com/ Nevada Northern Railroad] that is still operational, most excursions from East Ely run south-west to Keystone ("Robinson Canyon"), turning on the wye there (7.1 miles from East Ely Junction). However, those marked "Valley Vista" instead run east towards McGill using the main line to Hiline Junction and the Mill (a.k.a. Adverse) branch thence to Lavon (7.2 miles from East Ely Junction). The 0.4 mile section East Ely Junction ⇔ East Ely station is common to both trips. For patrons participating in the the Shops walking visit, both excursions start or finish at the Shops (0.1 miles west of East Ely station, on the original main line). ''Report updated: June 2020''
 
===[https://www.carsonrailroadmuseum.org/ Nevada State Railroad Museum], Carson City NV4===
The museum offers steam train rides or (rail) motor car rides as advertised, most weekends, May to September, and a few dates in October, November and December. Trains leave from the main entrance to the museum property and ride a 0.4 miles radial loop around the museum grounds, used by all trains. Additionally, a wye and its reversing siding (tail track), a further 0.4 miles, are used only by steam trains. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
==='''New Hampshire'''===
 
===[Lincoln – Woodstock – ] Plymouth – Meredith [ – Lakeport] NH1===
The [https://gsscenic.com/ Granite State Scenic Railway] (now owned by Patriot Rail) operate regular seasonal tourist services - normally restricted to two elements of the line:
 
(a) Lincoln (Hobo Junction station, not the original Lincoln station) to Jack o'Lantern, Woodstock ⇔ West Thornton, about mile 14.6 (6.7 miles). The [https://www.nhdinnertrain.com/ Café Lafayette Dinner Train] operates over the same route but from North Woodstock (about ¾ mile south of Hobo Junction) to West Thornton ⇔ Thornton, about mile 12.75 (7.8 miles) [mile posts measure up from zero at Plymouth], and
 
(b) Meredith via Weirs Beach to Lakeport (Laconia) (8.7 miles).
 
As advertised on Saturdays and Sundays at the end of September/beginning of October, they run additionally a round trip over part of the intervening section: from Meredith to The Common Man Inn, one mile north of Plymouth (14.6 miles) - the only advertised use made of this section. Details from [https://gsscenic.com/fall-foliage-trains/ theirwebsite's Fall Foliage trains] or the [http://www.foliagetrains.com/ Foliage Trains] website.
There does not appear to be any advertised operation on the remaining intervening section. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===[Conway – North Conway (ex-B&M station) - Mountain Junction (near Intervale) - Bartlett - ] Crawford Notch (a.k.a. Crawford's) - Fabyans NH2===
The [https://www.conwayscenic.com/ Conway Scenic Railroad] operate regular seasonal tourist services - normally restricted to North Conway - Conway (5.3 miles) (''Conway Valley Train'') and North Conway - Bartlett - Crawford Notch (25.7 miles) (''Mountaineer - formerly Notch train''), extended between mid September and mid October to Fabyans (a further 4.0 miles) although their website unhelpfully does not readily distinguish which are the longer trips.... - enquire locally. [Bartlett-Sawyer River Excursion is only a short version]
The [https://www.facebook.com/470RailroadClub/ 470 Railroad Club] and [http://www.massbayrre.org/ The Massachusetts Bay Railroad Enthusiasts] occasionally run public charter excursions which may run beyond Crawford Notch.
''Conway - Mountain Junction is part of the former Boston & Maine line from Boston to Intervale; Redstone - Mountain Junction - Hazens is part of the former Maine Central Mountain Division line from Portland to St. Johnsbury.'' ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
==='''New Jersey'''===
 
=== [Secaucus Junction – ] Sport interlocking – Meadowlands NJ1===
This 1.9 mile branch from a junction with New Jersey Transit's Pascack Valley line serves major events at the sports complex, with a shuttle service from/to Secaucus Junction when advertised by [https://www.njtransit.com/meadowlands New Jersey Transit]. It is usually possible to make a quick round trip without attending the event. There is no service over the north-facing connection with the branch. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===County, Millstone Junction - Jersey Avenue [New Brunswick] NJ2===
[https://www.njtransit.com/train-to/ New Jersey Transit] (select North East Corridor) arriving and starting trains here use a turn-back platform on the Millstone (now Clyde) freight branch. There is also a southbound platform on the through lines used by trains continuing to Trenton but none for northbound trains. ''Report updated: May 2023''
 
===[Newark Penn Station – ] Kearny – Meadows [ – Hoboken] NJ3===
This link line - the Waterfront Connection (previously known as Gold Coast Connection) - between the North East Corridor and the New Jersey Transit Hoboken line is used only by 0507 Mon to Fri Raritan - Hoboken (''train 2406'') ([https://www.njtransit.com/train-to/ New Jersey Transit] (select Raritan Valley) - look for note '''HOB''' and a Hoboken timing). At all other times, passengers Newark Penn ⇔ Hoboken change trains at Secaucus Junction.'' ''Report updated: August 2024''
''
 
===[Newark Broad Street Station – ] Kearny – Allied Junction [ – Secaucus] NJ4===
The two tracks of this link line - the Midtown Connection - between the North East Corridor and the New Jersey Transit Morris & Essex line are separated on either side of the North East Corridor. Although both tracks are reversibly signalled, they are generally used uni-directionally by NJT trains direct Newark Broad Street ⇔ New York (see [https://www.njtransit.com/train-to/ New Jersey Transit] (select Morris & Essex)). ''Report updated: May 2023''
 
===[Three Bridges – Flemington - ] Ringoes – Bowne – Lambertville NJ5===
[https://www.blackriverrailroad.com/ Black River & Western Railroad] excursions run regularly Flemington ⇔ Ringoes (5.0 miles). The railway intend to extend southwards to Lambertville (''opposite New Hope''). Of this, the first section, to Bowne (2.5 miles), had been in use but has yet to enter regular service. Excursions north-eastwards from Flemington to Three Bridges have ceased. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===Swedesboro - South Woodstown - Salem NJ6===
[https://woodstowncentral.com/ Woodstown Central Railroad] operate excursions over this 16 mile section of the [https://smsrail.com/ SMS Lines] (former Pennsylvania-Reading Seashore Lines) branch from Woodbury. Most excursions cover only one part of the line, but the [https://woodstowncentral.com/excursions/#scenic-rambler Scenic Rambler] trips cover this whole length, as advertised (2024 dates: 11 May; 10 August). ''Reported: August 2024''
 
==='''New Mexico'''===
 
===Anapra – El Paso, South Line Junction NM1===
The two tracks used by the west and eastbound ''Sunset Limited'' (trains 1 and 2) are separated for 3.7 miles of the Lordsburg Subdivision: one uses the original Southern Pacific alignment, the other the original El Paso & Southwestern alignment. ''Reported: August 2006''
 
===Gallup - Albuquerque NM2===
The two bi-directional tracks are separated over three sections of the route between Gallup and Albuquerque. The working of ''Southwest Chief'' (trains 3 and 4) is at dispatcher's discretion. ''Reported: June 2018''
 
===Big Horn wye NM3===
This wye (on the [https://cumbrestoltec.com/ Cumbres & Toltec line]) sees occasional use by charter photographer's specials setting back to allow passage of regular passenger trains. The specials are available to the general public and run over 2-3 days a couple of times a year. ''Reported: January 2019''
 
===Chama wye NM4===
Normally used for turning empty stock trains, this sees occasional use by charters with passengers on board. Also [https://cumbrestoltec.com/about-us-2/engineer-fireman-school-2/ Fireman and Engineer School] workings which '''may''' resume in 2025). ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===[Santa Fe - ] CP Hondo - Lamy (Santa Fe Southern depot) NM5===
This 13.6 mile section of the Santa Fe Southern Railway is used by [https://www.skyrailway.com/ Sky Railway]'s excursions of 4+ hours round-trip duration from Santa Fe (shorter excursions may not traverse the full length). The only trip to Lamy (none from there) is for the [https://www.skyrailway.com/train-rides/lamy-beer-fest/ Lamy Beer Festival] (2024 date: 21 September). ''Santa Fe to Hondo (originally Blewett) is also used by New Mexico Rail Runner Express.'' ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
==='''New York State'''===
 
===Queens Village – Belmont Park NY1===
This Long Island Rail Road branch, ca.¼ mile long, is used only when so advertised for access to events at the Belmont Park racetrack or UBS Arena, by special service from New York Penn station or Jamaica. Two round trips operate Wednesday to Sunday during [https://www.nyra.com/belmont/calendar/ NYRA] horse racing seasons [Spring-Summer Meets: late April to mid July; Fall Championship Meet: early September to late October - [https://www.nyra.com/belmont/news/ see their news page]. Two direct trains Jamaica ⇔ Belmont Park operate before and after events at UBS Arena (Belmont Park is adjacent to UBS Arena). The [https://new.mta.info/agency/long-island-rail-road/timetables LIRR] website carries timings nearer the relevant dates. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===NY2===
Entry deleted.
 
===Mott Haven : wye NY3===
The third side of the triangle (wye) at Mott Haven junction (MO interlocking) is used by Metro-North Railroad special trains - when advertised during the baseball season - linking the New Haven and Harlem Lines with the Yankees-East 153rd Street station, serving the Yankees' Stadium. Train service details at [https://new.mta.info/guides/stadiums/yankee-stadium MTA website]. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===Bethpage, BETH (Bethpage Junction) – Babylon, Belmont Junction NY4===
The Central Branch is an 8.2 mile link between the Main Line and the Montauk branch, providing an alternative route for the latter west of Babylon. It is a normal route for through trains Jamaica or beyond ⇔ stations Bay Shore or beyond in [https://new.mta.info/agency/long-island-rail-road/timetables Montauk timetable] (i.e. '''not''' those marked with '''T''' note). However, some trains do run non-stop (by dextrous dispatching to avoid stopping trains!) via the western section of the Montauk Branch (now also known as Babylon Branch) via Freeport and do not use the Central Branch. To be sure of using route NY4, use one of the trains shown to call at Hicksville or Mineola. ''Report updated: February 2022''
 
===Buffalo : Canalside – Special Events Station NY5===
For [https://www.nhl.com/sabres/schedule Buffalo Sabres] games and the some other events at the KeyBank Center Arena or at Canalside, a train departs from the Special Events Station (also referred to as the Events Only Station) 30 minutes after the end of the event, and uses this short section of line at the southern end of the [https://metro.nfta.com/schedules/heading-to-an-event NFTA-METRO line], although it is not clear whether or not this facility still applies - enquire locally. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===Long Island City – Fresh Pond – Jamaica, Jay Tower NY6===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
 
===Long Island City – Hunterspoint Avenue – Harold Tower NY7===
This 1.8 mile section of the Main Line has only Mon to Fri peak-hour service, of which the 0.6 mile section between Long Island City and Hunterspoint Avenue has only the seven inwards, five outwards trips through from/to Long Island City, shown in either [https://new.mta.info/agency/long-island-rail-road/timetables City Terminal Zone timetable] (Long Island City table). ''Note: trains starting or terminating at Hunterspoint Avenue run without passengers between there and Long Island City. Report updated: August 2024''
 
===Buffalo: CP2 - CP437 NY8===
The normal route of ''Lake Shore Limited'' (trains 48/49) between the above points is by the Buffalo Creek line (CSX Buffalo Terminal Subdivision tracks 1 or 2, via CP Draw and the former FW Tower: 2.9 miles). When that is not available, the alternative CSX Buffalo Terminal Subdivision track 3 (former New York Central 'Compromise Branch' via CP 1: 2.5 miles) may be used instead. Reported: October 2014
 
===Lakeville - Industry NY9===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
 
===Tompkinsville, NY - Ballpark (at St.George) - St.George, NY NY10===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
 
===South Buffalo (Buffalo Creek Junction, CP Draw) - Hamburg - Eden - North Collins NY11===
[https://www.bcjrailroad.com/ Buffalo Cattaraugus & Jamestown Scenic Railway] operate excursions as advertised (no regular schedule) from Hamburg over parts of the [https://buffalosouthernrr.com/ Buffalo Southern Railroad]'s former Erie Railroad line. An extended trip normally operates at least once a year north to South Buffalo, then south to North Collins - see their [https://www.bcjrailroad.com/train-rides/ Rail Fan Train Ride] page. However, the trip for 2024 (29 September) offers a journey no different from other "20 mile round trip" rides. ''Report updated: September 2024''
 
===North Buffalo Junction CP8 - Sycamore - CP 434 NY12===
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular ''Amtrak'' route Depew ⇔ Niagara Falls via Buffalo Exchange Street station, the Empire Service trains to and from Niagara Falls (and Toronto) are diverted via CSX's freight Belt Line branch around the north and east of downtown, 7.2 miles. From Sycamore to the Chicago Main Line, the route is via the east leg of the wye past the east end of the former Central Terminal at CP 437, then south of Frontier yard. ''The Niagara-bound journey may involve a double reversal past the Central Terminal to access the east leg of the wye.'' Such diversions, which applied in 2013 and June and July 2020, may appear on [https://www.amtrak.com/service-alerts-and-notices Amtrak]'s website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories showing the omission of Exchange Street calls. ''Reported: June 2020''
 
===[Utica - ] Thendara (Old Forge) - Big Moose - Beaver River - Tupper Lake NY13===
The [https://adirondackrr.com/ Adirondack Railroad], operating over former New York Central track, operate regularly from Utica to Thendara (which they usually call Old Forge), with short extensions to Big Moose (11 miles from Thendara) or Beaver River (20 miles) (no alighting or joining at either). Occasional extended excursions to Tupper Lake (56 miles from Thendara) operate as The ''High Peaks Limited'' when advertised. ''Report updated: June 2023''
 
===Port Road CP187 or Carman CP156 - Hoffmans CP 169 NY14===
When planned engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak/CSX route Albany ⇔ Hoffmans via Schenectady, trains towards Buffalo can be diverted by either of two routes:
  i. from Albany setting back to Port Road CP187 thence via CSX's Boston Line, Selkirk Yard and Selkirk Line to CP169 (38.2 miles)
 
  ii. from Albany north to Carman CP156 thence via CSX's Carman Branch, South Schenectady and Selkirk Line to CP169 (14.4 miles)
 
Such diversions (which could also apply in reverse) may appear on [https://www.amtrak.com/service-alerts-and-notices Amtrak]'s website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories showing the omission of Schenectady calls. Diversion i. applied on 30 September and 1 October 2023 to some trains. ''Reported: September 2023''
 
==='''North Carolina'''===
 
===Dillsboro – Bryson City – Nantahala NC1===
The regular [https://gsmr.com/ Great Smoky Mountain Railroad] tourist services Bryson City ⇔ Dillsboro (15.8 miles - Tuckasegee River Excursion) and Bryson City ⇔ Nantahala [run round loop at Hellards Court Circle] (23.0 miles - Nantahala Gorge Excursion) are normally scheduled in such a way that both services cannot be ridden on the same day. Excursions covering the whole line in one day have occasionally been organised by the [https://wataugavalleynrhs.org/excursions.php Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society & Museum] (but not in 2024). ''Report up-dated: August 2024''
 
===Red Springs – Parkton NC2===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn.
 
===Various NC3===
Entry deleted - North Carolina Transportation Museum public charter excursions over non-passenger lines no longer apply
 
==='''North Dakota'''===
 
===[Minot – ] Surrey – New Rockford – Nolan – KO Junction – Casselton – West Fargo – Fargo ND1===
When planned major engineering work or flooding of the headwaters of the Missouri blocks the regular ''Amtrak'' route Minot ⇔ Fargo via Grand Forks, the ''Empire Builder'' (trains 7/8) is diverted via BNSF Railway's freight line via New Rockford, 228.4 miles (sometimes referred to as the "Surrey cut-off") (as applied during late October / early November 2012, early July 2020 and late February 2022). Similarly, when pressure of freight traffic (crude oil movements) requires "directional running", in one direction the train operates by the diversionary route while in the other direction it runs the regular route (as applied during much of 2014). Such diversions may appear on [https://www.amtrak.com/service-alerts-and-notices Amtrak]'s website → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories [use the Amtrak journey planner to check whether a replacement bus is serving intermediate points]. ''Report up-dated: February 2022''
 
==='''Ohio'''===
 
===Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway / Orrville Railroad Heritage Society OH1===
Entry deleted - service withdrawn
 
===Cleveland Tower City/Public Square – South Harbor OH2===
Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority's [https://www.riderta.com/routes/waterfrontline Waterfront Line] from 4 August 2024 operates Saturdays and Sundays only. In addition, there is usually service for every regular-season home game at Cleveland Browns Stadium. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===Cincinnati (Riverside) – Batesville, IN – Greensburg OH3===
See entry ''IN3'' under Indiana.
 
===Ohio - various OH4===
[https://www.facebook.com/cincinnatiscenicrailway/ Cincinnati Scenic Railway] is the operator of the [https://lebanonrr.com/ Lebanon Mason Monroe Railroad] and The [https://www.ohiorailexperience.com/ Ohio Rail Experience]. Together these operations provide year-round excursion train rides in western Ohio - the former regularly Lebanon ⇔ Hageman Junction, the latter as advertised over various sections of the Indiana & Ohio Railway system. ''Report updated: March 2021''
 
===Indiana Northeastern Railroad OH5===
Various lines of the [https://inerailroad.com/rail-service-map/ Indiana Northeastern Railroad] are used by excursions operated by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society Inc, as [https://www.indianarailexperience.org/#booknow Indiana Rail Experience]. Check their website for specific routes, some of which include Edon, OH. ''Reported: April 2024''
 
==='''Oregon'''===
===Portland : Rose Quarter Transit Center – Interstate/Rose Quarter OR1===
On MAX [Metropolitan Area Express - TriMet's light rail system] is a junction between the Blue and Yellow lines. A linking curve, forming a triangle, is used for depot workings at beginning and end of service on the Yellow (Expo Center) line, daily. Such journeys at beginning of service are marked '''Y''' from Ruby Junction in the ''Blue Line'' westbound timetable and those at the end of service are marked '''Y''' in the ''Yellow Line'' southbound timetable, at the [https://trimet.org/max/index.htm#lines TriMet website]. ''Report updated: May 2023''
 
===[Garibaldi – Rockaway Beach – ] Haddon - Wheeler – Batterson OR2===
[https://oregoncoastscenic.org/ Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad]'s Coastal Excursion train runs Garibaldi ⇔ Rockaway Beach (4.8 miles) and their regular dinner trains normally operate to Wheeler (a further 7.3 miles). East of Wheeler, ''Spring Splendor'' and ''Fall Splendor'' trains run to Batterson (8.5 miles) weekends in April, May, October and early November. ''Report updated: May 2023''
 
==='''Pennsylvania'''===
 
===Rockhill Furnace : wye and Colgate Grove : wye PA1===
[https://eastbroadtop.com/ East Broad Top Railroad] trains used to wye at each end of their journey before being suspended after 2011 season. When service resumed on 6 May 2022, the Colgate Grove wye was used but passengers initially detrained on the north leg of the wye at Rockhill Furnace; passengers now have the option of riding that wye, too, to alight at Orbisonia station. ''Report updated: April 2024''
 
===Reading Outer Station - Port Clinton – Nesquehoning Junction (former PQ Tower) – Jim Thorpe PA2===
Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad operate regular excursions as advertised on their [https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/ Passenger Division] Train Schedule pages.
Between Nesquehoning Junction and Jim Thorpe is the same route as their [https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/ Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway] regular tourist excursions (see ''PA8''). ''Report updated: April 2024''
 
===Yeadon (Chester and Callahan Avenues) – Darby PA3===
This 0.75 mile section of SEPTA "subway-surface trolley" (= streetcar or tram) route 13 is only used (as advertised) at start and end of service, and at shift change-over times by cars proceeding to or from Elmwood depot (they are unadvertised Darby Transportation Center ⇔ Elmwood). ''Report updated: April 2024''
 
===[New Hope – ] Lahaska – Buckingham PA4===
In addition to their regular tourist services throughout the year [https://www.newhoperailroad.com/ New Hope] ⇔ Lahaska (4.1 miles), New Hope & Ivyland Railroad operate some excursions a short distance further, to Buckingham, as advertised. ''Report updated: April 2024''
 
===[Honesdale – ] Hawley – Lackawaxen PA5===
Entry deleted - facility no longer available
 
===[Latrobe – ] CP Conpit – Johnstown PA6===
Track 3 follows a different alignment from tracks 1 and 2 over much of this 15.5 mile section; all are reversible. Track 2 is normally used by the Amtrak Pennsylvanian (trains 42/43/44) as it serves the platform at Johnstown, although track 3 (which has a slower track speed) may ''on occasion'' be used by the westbound train (train 43). ''Reported: August 2011''
 
===[Johnstown – ] Interlockings AR and UN – Benny [ – Altoona] PA7===
Track 1 (signalled for eastbound trains) follows a different alignment from tracks 2 (reversibly signalled) and 3 (signalled for westbound trains) over this 2.1 mile section. Track 1 is normally used by the eastbound Amtrak Pennsylvanian (trains 42/44), while tracks 2 or 3 are used by the westbound train (train 43). ''Reported: August 2011''
 
===Dureya or Tunkhannock – Pittston Junction – Glen Summit – White Haven [ - M&H Junction (former Penn Haven Junction) - Old Penn Haven – Nesquehoning Junction (former PQ Tower) – Jim Thorpe] PA8===
[https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/rambles Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad] operate occasional passenger excursions over this route - as advised on their website. Between Jim Thorpe and Old Penn Haven is the route of their [https://www.lgsry.com/  Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway] regular tourist excursions and between Jim Thorpe, Old Penn Haven and White Haven is the route of their one weekend a month [https://poconobiking.com/specialty-trips/bike-train/  "Bike Trains"] (on which round trip train fares '''ar'''e available). Between Nesquehoning Junction and Jim Thorpe is the same route as their [https://www.rbmnrr-passenger.com/ excursions from Reading} (see ''PA2''). ''Report updated: April 2024''
 
===Valley – Cynwyd PA9===
This 2.1 mile section of the former Pennsylvania Norristown line is not particularly "obscure" but it only operates Mon to Fri peak hours, apart from one Mon to Fri mid-day round trip. [https://www.septa.org/schedules Current schedule] → Regional Rail → Cynwyd line. ''Report updated: April 2024''
 
===Bellefonte – Mill Hall, Dale Summit and Tyrone PA10===
The [https://bellefontetrain.org/ Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society] runs ''occasional'' trips when advertised from Bellefonte over Nittany & Bald Eagle, former Pennsylvania RR, lines to Milesburg (2.6 miles), Sayers Dam (ca.9 miles) and to Mill Hall (23.1 miles) (on the Mill Hall line), to Pleasant Gap (3 miles) and Dale Summit (ca.10 miles) (on the Lemont line) and to Tyrone (33.5 miles), including 'fall foliage' trips on 19, 20, 26 and 27 October 2024. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===SEDA Council of Governments Joint Rail Authority PA11===
In addition to the trains mentioned under entry ''PA10'', other opportunities in central Pennsylvania are operated by the North Shore Railroad over track owned by [https://sedacograil.org/ SEDA Council of Governments Joint Rail Authority] - excursions are listed at their link "Events" → "Passenger Excursions Time Table". ''Report updated: April 2024''
 
===Scranton - Carbondale and Scranton - Delaware Water Gap PA12===
These former Delaware & Hudson and Delaware Lackawanna & Western lines (16 and 56 miles, respectively) are traversed by extended "Excursion train rides" from Steamtown at Scranton, see [https://www.nps.gov/stea/planyourvisit/trainrides.htm their website] (which also gives details of their "Short Train Rides"). Archbald is a shorter trip on the Carbondale line; all other locations are shorter trips on the Delaware Water Gap line. ''Report updated: April 2024''
 
===Minersville - Cressona ("towards Schuylkill Haven") PA13===
[https://www.rrproject113.org/ Railway Restoration Project 113] have sponsored occasional trains (such as 18 May 2024) in conjunction with Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad over this 6.3 mile section of former Reading Railroad . ''Report updated: April 2024''
 
===Panhandle interlocking (Monongahela river bridge south end) - Allentown - South Hills Junction PA14===
This 1.91 mile section of the [https://www.rideprt.org/ Port Authority of Allegheny County light rail system] - former route 52 (closed to regular traffic from 27 March 2011) - is only used for infrequent diversions when Mount Washington Tunnel is closed for engineering work. Such diversions applied in January and October 2016, January 2020, and evenings from August 2020 until 30 June 2022, and appear either on the Port Authority's detours webpage (search on routes BLLB, BLSV and RED) or among their News Releases. ''Report updated: May 2022''
 
===Philadelphia: 42nd Street junctions - 40th Street Station (Market-Frankford line) - Lancaster Avenue PA15===
SEPTA "subway-surface trolley" (= streetcar or tram) routes 10, 11, 13, 34 and 36 use the relevant sections of these link lines to reach 40th Street station when the down-town trolley tunnel is closed for maintenance. This applies each week from 22:00 Sundays until 05:00 Mondays and from 2200 Mondays until 05:00 Tuesdays (see [https://www.septa.org/schedules?mode=metro schedules] and look for note '''M'''). Also at other times as advertised - look in [https://www.septa.org/alerts System Status] → Trolley → 10 → Advisory for Detours and for the annual ''Trolley Tunnel Blizt'' each July of around a fortnight's continuous tunnel closure and consequent detours. ''Trolleys utilise unidirectional turning circuits at 40th/Market Streets.'' ''Report updated: August 2023''
 
===Philadelphia: South 54th Street - Elmwood Avenue: Escape Track PA16===
This ca. 700 yard long connection between the Amtrak North East Corridor and the SEPTA Airport line at PHIL interlocking enables diversion of SEPTA Airport trains ⇔ Philadelphia 30th Street low level (Amtrak) platforms when work affects their normal route ⇔ the high level platforms, and appear in [https://www.septa.org/schedules System Status] → Advisory. Such diversions applied in July/August in both 2022 and 2023 - but are unlikely to apply very often. ''Report updated: August 2023''
 
===[New Freedom - ] Howard Tunnel - Brillhart [ - Hyde] PA17===
The northern extremity of [https://www.northerncentralrailway.com/ Northern Central Railway] is currently Brillhart, but the only way to be certain of covering the ca.1¾ mile section between Howard Tunnel and Brillhart appears to be by their "Bike Aboard" trips to or from Brillhart. ''Reported: July 2024''
 
==='''Rhode Island'''===
 
===Providence & Worcester Railroad RI1===
See MA5 and MA6 under Massachusetts.
 
===Davisville Junction - Quonset Point (North Kingstown) RI2===
Entry deleted - facility no longer available
 
==='''Tennessee'''===
 
===Chattanooga : ChooChoo (former Terminal Station site) TN1===
Entry deleted - regular excursions no longer operate
 
===[Nashville – ] Lebanon – Watertown TN2===
The Nashville Metropolitan Transportation Authority operate the [https://www.wegotransit.com/ride/transit-services/train/ regular commuter service] over the Nashville & Eastern Railroad (former Tennessee Central) Nashville ⇔ Lebanon. Beyond there, the [https://www.tcry.org/train-rides Tennessee Central Railway Museum] operate excursions through from their Nashville museum site as advertised. ''Report updated: April 2024''
 
===Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum steam excursions on Norfolk Southern lines TN3===
Entry deleted - facility no longer available
 
==='''Texas'''===
 
===San Marcos, CP Q212 UP Junction – San Antonio TX1===
There are two bi-directional routes between CP Q212 UP Junction (just south of San Marcos), and San Antonio (approx. 53 miles), both now UP-owned as part of their Austin Subdivision:
*track 1 (formerly International - Great Northern (Missouri Pacific)) (the Amtrak platform at San Marcos is on this line, north of CP Q212)
*track 2 (formerly Missouri-Kansas-Texas)
These run broadly parallel but approach San Antonio on the west and east sides of the city, respectively. The ''scheduled'' routing is:
 
southbound ''Texas Eagle'' (train 21/421) track 1, giving a head-on move into San Antonio Amtrak station by the Tower 109 (Apache Junction) - Tower 112 (CP SA 211) link
 
northbound ''Texas Eagle'' (train 22/422) backs out to Tower 112 (CP SA 211) thence track 2 to Conrads, thence track 1 (note: the spur from East Yards to Travis no longer exists)
 
By following the scheduled route, the inbound train forms the outbound train without wyeing (turning). However, Amtrak trains can (and occasionally do) take either track or switch tracks at any of three places intermediately at dispatcher's discretion. ''Report updated: October 2013''
 
===Houston, Tower 26 – Beaumont, Langham Road TX2===
The two bi-directional tracks used by the west and eastbound ''Sunset Limited'' (trains 1 and 2) are separated: the westbound normally uses the original Southern Pacific (Texas & New Orleans) route, Layfayette and Terminal Subdivisions (78.4 miles), the eastbound the former Missouri Pacific (Beaumont, Sour Lake & Western) route, Houston West Belt, Houston East Belt and Beaumont Subdivisions (84.9 miles) (involving a back-up movement in Houston, from Carr Street to Lyons, or - occasionally - from the Amtrak depot to Chaney Junction, to reach Tower 26, thence Tower 210 and Belt Junction). ''Report updated: May 2017''
 
===[Cedar Park – ] Bertram – Burnet TX3===
The [https://www.austinsteamtrain.org/ Austin Steam Train] operates regular year-round tourist services over the tracks of the Austin Area Terminal Railroad - normally Cedar Park - Bertram (23.3 miles). However, when advertised as ''The Hill Country Flyer'' - usually from March to May and again from late September to December - the railroad operates Saturday excursions on to Burnet (a further 11.3 miles).
In-bound and out-bound trains at Cedar Park may use different legs of the wye there. ''Report updated: August 2024''
 
===Taylor – Hearne – Palestine (''northbound'') / Corsicana (''southbound'') – Longview, Junction TX4===
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak route Longview / Dallas / Fort Worth / Taylor, the ''Texas Eagle'' (trains 21/421/22/422) is diverted northbound via the Union Pacific (former International - Great Northern, later Missouri Pacific) line (the normally freight-only element is 226.1 miles) and southbound via the Union Pacific (former St. Louis South Western and Houston & Texas Central) route via Corsicana; the intermediate stops - particularly Dallas and Fort Worth - are omitted. ''Although both routes are useable in either direction, the different routings reflect "directional running" on UP lines in Texas, and the actual location of the engineering work may have a bearing on whether or not this applies.'' Such diversions (which applied in autumn 2013, April/May 2014, May/June 2017, March 2018 and October 2019 but are unlikely to apply often) should appear on [https://www.amtrak.com/service-alerts-and-notices Amtrak's website] → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories. ''Report updated: October 2019''
 
===Texarkana - Big Sandy TX5===
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular ''Amtrak'' route Texarkana ⇔ Big Sandy [- Mineola], the ''Texas Eagle'' (trains 21/421/22/422) is diverted via the Union Pacific (former St.Louis South Western) line (106.5 miles); the intermediate stops at Marshall and Longview are omitted. Such diversions (which applied in May 2016 and 2017, February/March 2019, August and October 2021) usually apply on a couple of dates each year (sometimes in one direction only) and should appear on [https://www.amtrak.com/service-alerts-and-notices Amtrak's website] → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories. ''Report updated: October 2021''
 
===Houston - Rosenberg TX6===
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular Amtrak route Houston ⇔ Rosenberg, the ''Sunset Limited'' (trains 1 and 2) is diverted - west of Houston - via Tower 26 (Carr Street), T&NO Junction and Alvin (with reversals at Houston Amtrak station, at Carr Street and at Rosenberg). Such diversions (which applied in June 2016) are unlikely to apply often and, as there are no intermediate stops, they will not appear on [https://www.amtrak.com/service-alerts-and-notices Amtrak's website] → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories. ''Reported: June 2016''
 
===Dallas, DFW Junction - Grand Prairie - Fort Worth, Tower 55 TX7===
When planned major engineering work blocks the regular ''Amtrak''/Trinity Railway Express route Dallas ⇔ Fort Worth, the ''Texas Eagle'' (trains 21 and 22) is diverted via the Union Pacific (former Texas & Pacific) route (with reversals at Tower 55). Such diversions applied on 18 and 19 March 2023 (previous days' departures from Chicago) but are unlikely to apply often and, as there are no intermediate stops, they will not appear on [https://www.amtrak.com/service-alerts-and-notices Amtrak's website] → Service Alerts & Notices → Passenger Advisories. The TRE website '''may''' indicate such work (but not for Sundays when they anyway have no service. ''Reported: March 2023''
 
==='''Utah'''===
 
===Salt Lake City : Library – Courthouse UT1===
Entry deleted - service no longer restricted
 
===[Denver, CO – ] Wasatch – Ogden 31st Street – Salt Lake City UT2===
See ''CO6'' under Colorado. Between Ogden Bridge Junction and Salt Lake City the trains run on UP tracks, parallel to the UTA ''FrontRunner'' tracks.
 
===[Castilla – ] Mapleton – Springville UT3===
The two bi-directional tracks used by the west and eastbound ''California Zephyr'' (trains 5 and 6) are separated between mileposts approx. 690 and 695.8, the more westerly track 2 being longer than track 1. Either track may be used at dispatcher's discretion. ''Reported: October 2013''
 
===Provo Central - Salt Lake City Central - Ogden UT4===
UTA's ''FrontRunner'' service operates on its own dedicated tracks, parallel to Union Pacific's (used by Amtrak on regular route and on diversion route UT2), but diverging between Provo and Orem. ''Report updated: June 2018''
 
===Salt Lake City Central - Smelter UT5===
The two bi-directional tracks used by the west and eastbound ''California Zephyr'' (trains 5 and 6) are separated only between Orange Street (milepost 782.0) and LM Bryan (milepost 777.2), the more northerly (track 1) being former Western Pacific, the more southerly (track 2) being former Los Angeles & Salt Lake (Union Pacific). Either track may be used at dispatcher's discretion. ''Reported: June 2018''
 
===Brendel - Seven Mile UT6===
[https://www.rockymountaineer.com/train-routes/rockies-red-rocks Rocky Mountaineer] inclusive tour trains use this 21.3 miles section of the Union Pacific (former Denver & Rio Grande Western, 1965 built) Cane Creek branch (Seven Mile is referred to as Moab, but is 5+ miles north of that town) - on a regular, seasonal basis. A video of the Cane Creek branch is on [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BM5eiQt5r2I You Tube] - but note that the section beyond Seven Mile (at 7:40 on the video) is '''not''' included in the regular public trips. ''Report updated: November 2021''
 
==='''Vermont'''===
 
===Vermont Rail System VT1===
Entry deleted - facility no longer available. ''Former 'fall foliage' excursions from Chester, Rockingham (near Bellows Falls), and Ludlow have all been withdrawn. VRS services from Burlington (to Middlebury) use the same route as Amtrak's Ethan Allen Express.''
 
==='''Virginia'''===
 
===Dillwyn – New Canton VA1===
Entry deleted - facility no longer available
 
===Alexandria : CR Tower – Val Interlocking VA2===
Over this 1.5 mile section ''Amtrak'' and [https://www.vre.org/schedule/ Virginia Railway Express] (Manassas Line) trains normally use the CSX line, except VRE train no. 338, 1710 Mon to Fri Broad Run - Washington Union Station, which uses Norfolk Southern's North Passing Track to avoid a conflicting movement. ''Val interlocking is at about the location shown as AF interlocking on the SPV Railroad Atlas.'' ''Report updated: June 2021''
 
===Roanoke – various excursions by The Roanoke Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society VA3===
Entry deleted - facility no longer available
 
===Various excursions by Virginia Museum of Transportation VA4===
Entry deleted - facility no longer available

Latest revision as of 17:03, 16 September 2025

Country Details

See Wikipedia

National Railway System

The United States rail network has a complex mix of infrastructure ownership and passenger train operation. Most of the infrastructure is owned by private companies - principally BNSF, CSX, Norfolk Southern, and Union Pacific - which operate freight services only. Passenger services are provided by various public-sector bodies. The federal operator, Amtrak, runs long-distance and other inter-city trains, and local services are run by various state operators. Amtrak and some other operators also own parts of the infrastructure on which they run.

Infrastructure

There is a fairly consistent basic infrastructure standard for all main-line operators (i.e. not metros / light rail):

  • gauge: standard
  • electrification: none (but see Northeast Corridor below)
  • rule of the road: right, but with extensive bi-directional operation

Variations are noted against individual operators.

Northeast Corridor

The Northeast Corridor is the main line linking Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington DC. Due to a complex ownership and construction history, the Northeast Corridor electrification has three different systems, all overhead:

  • Boston - New Haven (Connecticut): 25kV 60Hz
  • New Haven - New York: 12.5KV 60Hz (includes Metro-North branches in Connecticut)
  • New York - Washington: 12kV 25Hz (includes Philadelphia - Harrisburg, and SEPTA lines around Philadelphia)

Some NJ Transit branch lines connecting with the Northeast Corridor have 25kV 60Hz electrification.

Maps

  • Printed: Steam Powered Video publish a series of rail atlases covering the United States but a number are now out of print.
  • Sonrisa publications currently (late 2024) have 19 books, mainly of the western states, of strip maps each covering one or more states.

Holidays

Holiday periods may see reduced passenger services, or even no passenger services at all, whereas heritage railways may have increased services. If visiting a country check [https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/ here for holiday dates.

Information

  • The Man in Seat 61 site has a useful guide to train travel in the United States, including summary timetables and ticket details.
  • Summary timetables for Amtrak and some other services are available in some editions of the European Rail Timetable.
  • A real-time interactive map and other information for many "commuter rail" operators (and other transit services) is available at Pantograph. Note that this does not include Amtrak services.

Ticketing

Tickets are generally not interavailable between operators, even on shared routes. Exceptions may be identified in this Guide when known.

Amtrak

The main source of information is the website.

Map

Amtrak provide an interactive map, and also a PDF map: on the Routes & Destinations page, click the "National Route Map" button

Timetable

  • Journey planner: on the website front page
  • Online timetables: Amtrak no longer provides timetable PDFs but a complete calling point schedule per named service by direction is on line and can be located from the Amtrak home page by clicking on Schedules in the menu bar, and then on the train pictogram to choose by Route. The Rail Passengers Association publishes unofficial timetables in a similar format to the old PDFs, created from Amtrak data.
  • Printed timetable: it is not known whether Amtrak still publishes a paper timetable. The compilers would welcome updates.

There is an archive of old Amtrak timetable PDFs, both official and unofficial, and other resources, at juckins.net.

Engineering Information

See Service Alerts & Notices.

Real-time Information

  • On the Amtrak website front page, click the "Train Status" button to check individual trains by origin/destination or by train number
  • A real-time interactive map of Amtrak (and VIA Rail) trains is available on the TransitDocs website. Click on individual trains to view their details.

Ticketing

Amtrak offers several rail passes. Note that these do not provide unlimited travel within a particular period and area; there is a limit on the number of times any given route segment may be travelled, and the national "USA Rail Pass" permits only ten journey segments (point-to-point journeys on a single service). A rail pass is also not a travel document in its own right; for each journey on a rail pass, a conventional ticket must be issued, free of charge, with reservations as necessary.

Regional Routes

Various state-supported regional routes have their own websites, which may provide more information than is available from the Amtrak website.

State Pages

Information for operators within individual states, including metro and light rail systems, is broken down by state:

State Status
Alabama only Amtrak service
Alaska see state page
Arizona (including Phoenix) see state page
Arkansas see state page
California (including Los Angeles and San Francisco) see state page
Colorado (including Denver) see state page
Connecticut see state page
Delaware see state page
District of Columbia (DC / Washington city) see state page
Florida (including Miami) see state page
Georgia (including Atlanta) see state page
Hawaii (including Honolulu) see state page
Idaho only Amtrak service
Illinois (including Chicago) see state page
Indiana see state page
Iowa only Amtrak service
Kansas only Amtrak service
Kentucky only Amtrak service
Louisiana (including New Orleans) see state page
Maine see state page
Maryland (including Baltimore) see state page
Massachusetts (including Boston) see state page
Michigan (including Detroit) see state page
Minnesota (including Minneapolis) see state page
Mississippi only Amtrak service
Missouri see state page
Montana only Amtrak service
Nebraska see state page
Nevada (including Las Vegas) see state page
New Hampshire see state page
New Jersey see state page
New Mexico (including Albuquerque) see state page
New York see state page
North Carolina see state page
North Dakota only Amtrak service
Ohio see state page
Oklahoma see state page
Oregon see state page
Pennsylvania (including Philadelphia and Pittsburgh) see state page
Rhode Island see state page
South Carolina only Amtrak service
South Dakota no rail passenger service
Tennessee (including Memphis and Nashville) see state page
Texas (including Dallas and Houston) see state page
Utah see state page
Vermont see state page
Virginia see state page
Washington (state) see state page
Washington D.C. see state page
West Virginia service provided only by Amtrak and MARC (see Maryland)
Wisconsin see state page
Wyoming no rail passenger service

Note that some states do not have Amtrak service: Alaska, Hawaii, South Dakota, Wyoming.

Some state operators serve more than one state; the links in the table indicate the main entry for each operator:

Operator Service
MBTA mainly Massachusetts; the Providence Line extends into Rhode Island, via Providence to Wickford Junction
CTrail Hartford Line mainly Connecticut; extends to Springfield, Massachusetts
Metro-North mainly New York; much of the New Haven Line and its branches are in Connecticut
PATH metro-like service between New York city and nearby New Jersey
New Jersey Transit services on many northern New Jersey routes operate to New York city; the Atlantic City Line runs to Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)
SEPTA mainly Pennsylvania; the Trenton Line extends to Trenton, New Jersey; and the Wilmington / Newark Line to Newark, Delaware
PATCO metro-like service between Philadelphia (PA) and Camden, New Jersey
MARC mainly Maryland; all lines run to Washington DC; the Brunswick Line extends to Martinsburg, West Virginia
WMATA Washington Metro lines extend into Maryland and Virginia
VRE mainly Virginia; both lines run to Washington DC
NICTD (South Shore Line) mainly Indiana; the line runs to Chicago (IL)
Metra mainly Illinois; the Union Pacific North line extends to Kenosha, Wisconsin
St. Louis Metrolink light rail service in Missouri and Illinois

US Territories

There is a separate page for the US territory of Puerto Rico; the territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, and U.S. Virgin Islands have no railways.

Tourist Lines

See Wikipedia

Recent and Future Changes

Recent Changes

The re-instated Amtrak Mardi Gras service between New Orleans and Mobile commenced on 18 August 2025.

SMART will extend 3 miles from Sonoma County Airport to Windsor, Ca on 31 May 2025.

The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) began passenger service on the South Coast Rail on 24 March 2025. The Middleborough/Lakeview line which runs Braintree to Middleborough, is extended to Fall River (the Fall River line) with a branch to New Bedford (the New Bedford line). The Middleborough/Lakeview line will be renamed the Fall River/New Bedford line.

Chicago "L": The Brown Line towards Kimball has used a flyover north of Belmont since 19 November 2021.

From an unknown date after 2018, Amtrak services to/from New Orleans and Chicago or Houston use a new connecting line in New Orleans off their previous route from just north of Southport Junct to west of Carrollton Junct.

The daily Fort Worth to Oklahoma City Amtrak trains have run via a changed route in the northern Fort Worth suburbs since 2018 or 2019 when the previous line some distance to the east of Haslet West Alliance yard was severed by an extension of the runway at Fort Worth Alliance Airport. They now run via previously freight only lines south and north of the yard, plus a new alignment to the west of the SPV Atlas shown yard wye. This is shown correctly on OpenRailwayMap and the Conductor timing sheets on October 2024 travellers train showed the new construction is from mp 362.4 to 366.5 but the changed route in total is 8.5 miles including the previous freight only lines either end of the yard. The service to Oklahoma City had resumed on 14.6.1999.

Future Changes

The NorthStar commuter service between Target Field Minneapolis and Big Lake will cease running on Friday 2 January 2026, with last services either on Saturday or Sunday 3rd or 4th January subject to when the Minnesota Vikings [American Football] play their last home match of the 2025/26 season. The first two miles from Target Field will lose all passenger services, the rest is covered by Amtrak's Empire Builder.

The Dallas Area Rapid Transit's (DART) new Silver Line service from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport east via Addison to Shiloh Road Plano is announced as opening on 25 October 2025. The linked article claims it is 26 miles.

SEPTA in Philadelphia announced major service cuts due to a funding crisis. Phase 1 implements 20% service cuts on August 24, August 25 and September 2 [with all Regional Services reducing to hourly off-peak] and a 21.5% fare increase on September 1, with a suggestion of complete service withdrawals of the following from 1 January 2026.

  • Valley to Cynwyd
  • North Philadelphia to Chesnut Hill West
  • Philadelphia to Thorndale
  • Jenkin to West Trenton
  • SEPTA service to Trenton and Wilmington via the NEC (Amtrak line)

Also on the suggested closure list is the subway branch from Girard to 8th/Market and Streetcar lines 10 and 15

As at August 2025 the PRT website in Pittsburgh advises that due to a funding crisis, without additional funding the Silver Line would be withdrawn. If this goes ahead it would close the branch from Washington Junction to South Park Library

The Chicago South Shore Lines' new West Lake Corridor passenger service on 8 miles from Gary to Dyer was hoped to commence by 31 October 2025, but has been delayed by issues concerning a bridge "to at least" the end of 2025. Elsewhere there is progress on a possible replacement line to South Bend Airport direct from the west as opposed to the current route approaching the Airport from the east but construction has yet to commence.

Orange County Transit Authority are building a 7km tram (streetcar) route between Santa Ana Regional Transportation Center and Harbor / Westminster. Testing is due to begin later in 2025 for public opening in Spring 2026. See OCTA streetcar website.

UTAH Transit Authority (UTA) has finalised plans for a new Trax light rail line connecting Salt Lake City International Airport with the University of Utah's Research Park. The new Orange Line is expected to open by 2032, ahead of the 2034 Winter Olympics.

Updated August 2025.

Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services

See USA - Lines with Obscure or Sparse passenger services.

See also

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