Amtrak is encouraging travelers to book early ahead of the 2026 summer travel season as Seattle prepares to host World Cup matches, following a record-breaking year for passenger rail ridership nationwide.
The advisory comes as the passenger railroad anticipates elevated demand tied to major global events scheduled for summer 2026, including the FIFA World Cup, which will bring thousands of visitors to Seattle and other U.S. host cities. Amtrak said travelers planning trips connected to large events are likely to see higher demand across key corridors and long-distance routes and should plan accordingly.
“Amtrak is excited to welcome soccer fans from North America and across the globe as they cheer on their home nation teams and travel between cities for matches,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “With more than 300 daily trains, Amtrak is prepared to play a key role in delivering safe and reliable intercity travel this summer.”
“We are fully committed to running a world-class railroad, serving as a trusted partner to peer agencies, and ensuring our infrastructure is ready to accommodate new and returning guests,” said Harris.
Seattle and the surrounding Pacific Northwest region will be one of the key host areas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Lumen Field in Seattle — referred to as Seattle Stadium for the tournament under FIFA’s naming policy — is scheduled to host six matches during the 39-day competition, including group-stage fixtures and knockout round play. The slate of games includes several group-stage matches featuring top international teams and at least one Round of 32 and one Round of 16 match on July 6, 2026.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said the World Cup is “an opportunity to showcase American ingenuity, including how our transportation infrastructure moves and builds our cities.”
The early booking guidance follows a strong performance for the railroad in fiscal year 2025. Amtrak reported more than 34.5 million riders nationwide during the year, marking the second consecutive year of record ridership. The company also reported $2.7 billion in ticket revenue, the highest annual total in its history.
“Amtrak’s operational success is not just about moving more people, it’s about moving them better,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “These results show what’s possible when we lead with purpose. By prioritizing reliability and the customer experience, we’re laying the foundation for the next generation of passenger rail in America.”
In fiscal year 2025, Amtrak operated an average of 18 intercity trains per day on three permanent routes serving Washington, with 1,438,363 total passenger boardings and alightings. Service included the state-supported Amtrak Cascades and the long-distance Coast Starlight and Empire Builder routes. Amtrak trains made scheduled stops at 19 stations statewide, supported by maintenance and servicing facilities at Seattle’s King Street Yard and crew bases in Seattle and Spokane. During the year, Amtrak spent $250.1 million with Washington vendors and paid $43.6 million in wages to employees residing in the state.
Amtrak also maintained scheduled stops at numerous locations across Washington state, including major urban centers such as Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Spokane, as well as smaller communities served by routes like the Amtrak Cascades, Empire Builder, and Coast Starlight. These services connect the Pacific Northwest to other parts of the U.S. and Canada, with Seattle’s King Street Station serving as a key hub for regional and long-distance trains.
The railroad’s Americans with Disabilities Act Stations Program aims to improve accessibility at stations throughout the network. Nationally, Amtrak has committed hundreds of millions in ADA-related investments to bring stations into compliance and enhance the passenger experience as part of a broader modernization effort.
In Washington, Amtrak operated an average of about 18 intercity trains per day during fiscal year 2025 across multiple permanent routes serving the state, with over 1.4 million passengers boarding or alighting at Washington stations. This service includes frequent Amtrak Cascades trains linking Seattle with Portland and Vancouver, plus long-distance runs such as the Empire Builder and Coast Starlight.
Amtrak said travelers planning to attend World Cup matches or other major summer events in 2026 should consider reserving tickets early to secure preferred travel times and accommodations as demand increases across the network.
