Stranded in US? Discover Why Trains Are the Ultimate Backup for Canceled Flights in America– See Which Routes Are Most Affected!

Published on December 15, 2025

In recent months, US train travel has become an important consideration for travelers, especially when flight cancellations caused by issues like the government shutdown disrupt air travel. Amtrak, the largest passenger rail service in the United States, provides an alternative to flying or driving, but its reliability and availability outside of the Northeast Corridor have raised questions. While the Northeast Corridor, which connects major cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, and New York, is well-served by rail, the situation changes significantly as you move westward, where options become sparse, and delays are frequent.

In light of the November government shutdown that led to the cancellation of thousands of flights, many travelers found themselves searching for backup travel options. Trains were considered a viable solution for those stranded by the sudden surge in cancellations, but for many, train travel remains an underutilized backup option. This raises a key question: how feasible is it to rely on trains when air travel falters?

Limited Train Travel Outside the Northeast Corridor

Outside of the Northeast Corridor, train options in the United States are often limited, making it difficult for travelers to rely on rail as a primary or backup means of transportation. While the Amtrak network connects many cities, the vast distances between major urban areas in the U.S. make train travel time-consuming. For instance, a journey between Chicago and Los Angeles by Amtrak takes around 40 hours, a stark contrast to the 4-hour flight time. While trains are a scenic and comfortable way to travel, the long duration and limited frequency of services make them less appealing for many travelers.

The lack of high-speed rail further complicates the picture. In contrast to countries like Japan or France, where high-speed rail is a common mode of transport, the U.S. rail network does not offer the same level of convenience. High-speed trains like the Shinkansen in Japan or the TGV in France can cover long distances in a fraction of the time, making them a popular choice for both domestic travel and as an alternative to flying. However, in the U.S., the absence of these services means that trains are often not seen as a competitive alternative to other forms of travel.

Amtrak’s Role and the Challenges Faced by U.S. Rail

Amtrak is the primary provider of long-distance rail service in the U.S., but its offerings are limited compared to international standards. The service operates on a legacy rail system, which includes old infrastructure and is often subject to delays due to aging tracks and competing freight traffic. Unlike in Europe or Japan, where passenger rail services are prioritized, Amtrak faces significant challenges in maintaining its punctuality and speed.

In the aftermath of the government shutdown, Amtrak experienced an uptick in interest as travelers sought alternatives to air travel. However, many travelers quickly realized that, while trains could offer a scenic and more relaxed way of traveling, they often came with significant trade-offs, including longer travel times and unpredictable delays. For example, the California Zephyr, a popular route connecting Chicago to San Francisco, is known for its picturesque landscapes but also for its extended journey time of around 52 hours.

Amtrak’s Expansion Plans and Efforts to Improve

Despite these challenges, Amtrak is working to expand its services and improve the passenger experience. The Biden administration has pledged to invest in U.S. rail infrastructure, including the proposed $66 billion plan to modernize the country’s rail system, with a focus on expanding high-speed rail networks. The hope is that this initiative will eventually help the U.S. become more competitive with other nations that have well-established high-speed rail systems.

Amtrak’s recent focus has been on increasing service reliability, reducing delays, and improving train comfort for passengers. However, these improvements are often limited to popular routes in the Northeast Corridor, leaving travelers in other regions of the U.S. with fewer options. For those in the Midwest, South, and West, traveling by train remains a less-than-ideal option compared to flying or driving.

Trains as a Backup When Flights Are Canceled

When air travel fails, Amtrak trains can serve as a potential backup, but this depends largely on where travelers are located. In major cities such as Washington, D.C., New York, and Chicago, Amtrak offers relatively frequent routes, but as travelers move away from these hubs, the train options become limited. For example, if a flight to Los Angeles is canceled, travelers in cities like Denver or Phoenix may find it difficult to find a direct train service to their destination, and the available routes may take longer and be subject to delays.

In addition to time delays, ticket prices on Amtrak can also be an issue. While rail tickets are generally more affordable than last-minute flights, they are still not as competitive as budget airlines in terms of price. When air travel is disrupted, travelers often face the dilemma of choosing between expensive last-minute flights, long and costly train journeys, or the added inconvenience of driving long distances themselves.

Addressing the Need for High-Speed Rail

The lack of high-speed rail in the U.S. means that passengers who turn to trains during times of airline disruption often face long and uncomfortable journeys. Unlike countries where high-speed rail is the norm, such as France and Japan, U.S. travelers are left with outdated infrastructure, slow speeds, and limited routes. In fact, the Amtrak Northeast Corridor is the closest the U.S. comes to a high-speed rail network, and even this service can be slow when compared to international standards.

In the long term, expanding the high-speed rail network in the U.S. could provide travelers with a more efficient and reliable alternative to flying. With recent efforts from the Biden administration and private companies pushing for the expansion of high-speed rail, there is hope that this will transform the way Americans travel across the country.

Conclusion: The Future of Rail Travel in the U.S.

As rail travel in the U.S. continues to face challenges such as slow speeds, limited routes, and long travel times, its potential as a viable alternative to air travel remains constrained. Amtrak serves as the main provider for long-distance travel, but its reach and efficiency are not on par with other countries’ high-speed rail systems. For those caught in flight cancellations, Amtrak may be a temporary solution, but it is clear that significant changes are needed for rail travel to become a reliable backup option for all U.S. travelers.

The future of U.S. rail travel is tied to major investments in infrastructure and high-speed rail projects. If successful, these initiatives could significantly improve the overall travel experience, providing Americans with a faster, more efficient alternative to both flying and driving. Until then, rail will remain a secondary option for most travelers in the U.S. when flight disruptions occur, offering scenic routes but limited convenience.