Hello Reader, it is Kev again!

Welcome back! This is a lengthy message, but it contains good news for train travelers! Improved performance, bonus Amtrak points, and a Roomette companion sale.

Amtrak’s Long-Distance Trains Showed Real Improvement in September

If you took a long-distance Amtrak train in September, you might have noticed fewer delays and more on-time arrivals. The data confirms this: long-distance routes improved from 48.2% on-time in August to 61.9% in September. That’s still below Amtrak’s 80% goal, but it means you’re more likely to make your connections and spend less time waiting in stations.

The Routes That Stepped Up

Auto Train (Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL): Bounced back to 75.7% on-time, up from 61.8% in August. Planning a Florida road trip without actually driving? This is your best option right now.

Crescent (New York to New Orleans): Running on time 82.6% of the time. One of your most reliable long-distance options for exploring the South.

Palmetto (New York to Savannah): Made a big jump from 69.0% to 83.9% in on-time performance. Coastal travelers, this looks good.

Lake Shore Limited (New York/Boston to Chicago): Increased the percentage rose to 78.2% from 57.1%. Continue careful planning for Chicago connections, and remember that trains 448 and 449 are currently operating as buses due to infrastructure work along the route. Trains 448 and 449, at last word, are expected to start around December 1, 2025.

Routes Where Patience Is Still Required

Not every train received the memo about improvements. If you’re booking these routes, add some buffer time—or embrace the adventure.

Southwest Chief (Chicago to Los Angeles): Only 18.5% of the time, slightly up from 13.4% in August, trains arrive on schedule. Freight congestion on BNSF tracks makes this iconic route unpredictable. Think of it as a scenic journey where arriving “on schedule” is more of a suggestion than a requirement. When I rode it last month, high winds and storms added speed restrictions to the mix.

Empire Builder (Chicago to Seattle/Portland): Better than August’s 31.2%, now at 56.4% on time. It’s improving, but you still can’t depend on arriving as scheduled.

California Zephyr (Chicago to San Francisco Bay Area): Clocking in at 55.9% on schedule. Budget extra time if you’re connecting to other trains—this route tends to keep you guessing.

The Real Story: It’s About the Tracks

Here’s what most passengers don’t realize: Amtrak doesn’t own most of the tracks its long-distance trains run on. Freight railroads do, and federal law states they’re supposed to give passenger trains priority. In reality, that doesn’t always happen.

Approximately 64.4% of delays are caused by these “host railroads” — mainly because freight trains block passenger trains or temporary speed limits are applied on their tracks.

So Who’s Actually Helping?

September showed which freight companies are improving—and which aren’t.

BNSF achieved the biggest improvement, reducing its delays from 1,239 minutes per 10,000 train-miles in August to just 837 in September. That’s an “A” grade after failing in August. Routes like the Empire Builder, Southwest Chief, and California Zephyr benefited, though they’re still facing challenges.

Union Pacific also cut delays from 1,081 to 940 minutes, enabling trains like the Coast Starlight and Sunset Limited in the West to run more smoothly.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City reduced delays from 905 to 767 minutes—good news for travelers on the Empire Builder, Hiawatha, or the Borealis route through the Upper Midwest.

Planning Your Next Trip?

While September’s improvements are promising, they aren’t guaranteed to last. Although I hope this is the new trend!

If you have non-refundable hotel or flight reservations at your destination, it’s worth considering travel insurance.

Want to learn more about how to analyze Amtrak’s performance data and plan smarter long-distance trips? Check out all the figures for Amtrak's on-time performance of long-distance trains.

Limited-Time Roomette Offer: Bring a Friend for Free

Amtrak just announced an exciting promotion for private roomette travel this fall and winter. Here's what you need to know:

The Deal: Book one roomette and bring a second passenger at no extra charge. You'll pay the regular single-occupancy rate, but two people can travel together.

Booking Window: Now through November 1, 2025

Travel Period: November 1, 2025 – January 31, 2026

How to Book:

• Online at Amtrak.com (discount applies automatically)
• Via the Amtrak app using code C121
• By phone at 1-800-USA-RAIL

Don't Miss: Amtrak's Fall BonusTrak Promotion Running Now

If you're planning any Amtrak trips before Thanksgiving, now is the time to book, but take an extra step! Amtrak's BonusTrak promotion runs through November 20, 2025, offering double points on all qualifying travel, plus tiered milestone bonuses. You do need to sign up for this in your Amtrak Guest Rewards account.

Here's how it works:

You'll earn double points on every trip, plus extra points when you reach milestones:

• 500 bonus points after 3 one-way trips,
• 1,000 bonus points after 5 trips
• 1,500 points after 7 trips
• 2,000 bonus points after 10 one-way trips

Important details:

• Register for the promotion at Amtrak.com/BonusTrak before your trips.
• Make sure your Guest Rewards number is attached to every reservation.
• The promotion runs now through November 20, 2025
• Cancelled or refunded tickets won't earn points.

Register for BonusTrak here before you book your next trip.

What has Kev been up to?

This past week, I only went on road trips again, moving Allen Organs for my buddy. They went smoothly, and I didn't get yelled at nor did anything fall off the truck, so that's good. haha

I'm thinking about using my Amtrak bonus points for a trip or two, but I need to book soon. I haven't decided where I want to go yet—either St. Louis or maybe somewhere in Michigan.

Looking at the Markers

Thanks to Michael B. for clicking the green button below and helping me stay on track!

If you'd like to support this free resource, here are some easy ways to help:

• One-time support: You can support me via PayPal, Buy Me a Coffee, or the green button at the bottom of this email.
• Alternatively, you can visit my Support Page for additional options.
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• Ongoing support: Join me on Patreon! You'll get a monthly postcard from me as a thank-you gift.

Every contribution, whether big or small, helps me expand this resource and motivates more people to enjoy train travel—one trip at a time.

Until Next Week…

Happy planning and safe travels,
Kev Monteith