Amtrak’s state-supported services achieved record ridership in April.

 

Amtrak's Borealis and Virginia Services Set April Ridership Records

Amtrak’s state-supported Borealis and Virginia services each hit new ridership milestones in April, with strong passenger demand underscoring growing support for expanded rail travel.

Borealis Service Surpasses Expectations in First Year

The Borealis train, which connects St. Paul, Minn., to Chicago, exceeded ridership expectations in its inaugural year. Operated daily under agreements with Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois, Borealis recorded more than 205,800 passengers in the 11 months ending April 30.

Total Amtrak ridership between St. Paul and Chicago—combining Borealis with the daily Empire Builder—topped 293,000 over the same period, a 227% increase compared to the previous year.

“Amtrak is proud to celebrate a successful first year of the Borealis,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “Thanks to strong collaboration with our partners, we’ve delivered a reliable, efficient, and safe travel option between the Twin Cities and Chicago via Milwaukee.”

Minnesota Transportation Commissioner Nancy Daubenberger echoed this sentiment, noting, “The service has exceeded so many of our expectations. The ridership numbers clearly show the demand for safe, reliable transportation options for Minnesotans.”

Borealis trains depart St. Paul at midday and leave Chicago in the late morning. They offer family and group discounts, spacious seating, a café car with regional fare, and scenic views of the Mississippi River between St. Paul and La Crosse, Wis.

Illinois DOT Acting Secretary Gia Biagi emphasized the regional impact: “The Borealis’ early success shows strong demand not just in Illinois, but throughout the Midwest.” Wisconsin DOT Secretary Kristina Boardman added, “This is the first passenger rail expansion in Wisconsin in over two decades, and it’s clearly meeting the needs of communities across the state.”

Amtrak Virginia Reaches New April High

Amtrak Virginia also set a new April ridership record with 129,670 passengers, marking one of the highest monthly totals in the program’s history. All four Virginia routes saw year-over-year increases, with Roanoke up by 11.8%. The Norfolk line was the busiest, carrying 49,246 passengers.

April’s performance ranks third all-time for Amtrak Virginia monthly ridership, following a strong March and past peaks in December 2024, August 2023, and October 2023.

To meet rising demand, the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority (VPRA) is advancing several infrastructure projects as part of its Transforming Rail in Virginia (TRV) initiative. In April, VPRA broke ground on the New River Valley Project, which will restore passenger rail service from Roanoke to Christiansburg for the first time since 1979.

Construction also continues on the Long Bridge Project, a new two-track passenger rail bridge connecting Arlington to Washington, D.C. Scheduled for completion in 2030, the bridge will increase capacity for expanded service statewide.

Once TRV is fully implemented, Amtrak Virginia will grow from eight to 13 daily roundtrips. Current service includes three roundtrips between Norfolk and Washington, D.C., two each from Roanoke and Newport News, and one from Richmond. Riders can access major Northeast Corridor cities like Philadelphia, New York, and Boston via a direct, one-seat ride.

“Seeing growth across all four corridors shows how Virginians are embracing rail travel,” said VPRA Executive Director DJ Stadtler. “We’re committed to expanding service as quickly as possible through TRV.”