Your Amtrak Ride Could Be Delayed Due to the Summer Heat — What to Know

While weather-related travel delays are typically saved for the winter, the summer’s record-high heat is sparking potential disruptions around the country on Amtrak.

“High temperatures during warmer summer months can impact Amtrak operations. Extreme heat can cause rail, bridge and overhead wires to expand,” Amtrak shared in an advisory this week. “As a precautionary approach, Amtrak may enact heat restrictions which require locomotive engineers to operate trains at lower speeds and can result in possible delays.”

As delays occur the rail line’s accounts for its specific routes, including the Northeast Regional Line, posts announcements on X as to what travelers need to know.

In addition to social media posts, the train service also advises passengers to subscribe to its Delay Alerts when booking train travel, as it will be the fastest way to know if a train is impacted by heat, or other delays.

Amtrak’s website and mobile app will also keep customers informed of a train’s status and timing. When notifying passengers, Amtrak will share that the train is delayed due to “heat-related speed restrictions”. 

“Extreme temperature variations pose challenges to steel railroad tracks. As climate change brings higher temperatures to various regions,” the Association of American Railroads shared. The industry association says that there is investment in new technology for rail lines that could help prevent future slowdowns from the heat and sun. 

Train travel is on the rise, with over 28 million passengers taking a trip on Amtrak in 2023, which is a 24 percent increase versus 2022. Amtrak recommends booking tickets as early as possible to get the lowest prices, and passengers can book up to 11 months in advance.