Amtrak on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s
- Trains run every day of the year, including Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Some routes use a special holiday or weekend timetable, so the times may differ from a normal weekday.
- Thanksgiving week is Amtrak’s busiest period. The Wednesday before and the Sunday after are the peak days, and Amtrak typically adds extra trains and cars on the Northeast Corridor.
- Reservations can be required on trains that are normally unreserved during the Thanksgiving travel window (on the Pacific Surfliner, for example, from the Wednesday before through the Monday after). With a reservation you must ride the train on your ticket.
- Fares rise as trains fill, so the earlier you book, the cheaper it usually is.
Greyhound and FlixBus on holidays
Greyhound (owned by FlixBus since 2021) runs on holidays, including Thanksgiving and Christmas, but not every route runs every day and some stations reduce their hours or close for the day. Search your exact trip and date on greyhound.com or the app: if a trip shows up for sale, it’s scheduled to run. Book ahead for the days around Thanksgiving and Christmas, when buses fill up.
Quick answers
| Question | Amtrak | Greyhound |
|---|---|---|
| Runs on Thanksgiving Day? | Yes (holiday timetable on some routes) | Yes, on many routes |
| Runs on Christmas Day? | Yes, check your route | Yes, on many routes; some stations closed |
| Runs on New Year’s Day? | Yes | Yes, on many routes |
| Runs on Sundays and weekends? | Yes. Most routes run daily; a few long-distance trains (e.g. Cardinal, Sunset Limited) run three days a week | Yes |
| Busiest days | Wed before and Sun after Thanksgiving | Days before and after holidays |
| Need to book ahead? | Yes for holidays; some trains reservation-only | Strongly recommended |
How early to get to the station
| Recommendation | |
|---|---|
| Amtrak, no checked bags | At least 30 minutes before departure |
| Amtrak, checking bags or needing help | At least 45–60 minutes (bags must be checked at least 45 minutes before) |
| Amtrak, holiday week at a big station | 45–60 minutes: boarding lines form early at stations like New York Penn |
| Greyhound / FlixBus | About 1 hour before departure, more at busy terminals |
Holiday booking tips
- Travel on the holiday itself: Thanksgiving and Christmas Day trains and buses are often less crowded and cheaper.
- Download the app for e-tickets, track assignments and delay alerts.
- Plan your connection to local transit, which usually runs a Sunday schedule on the holiday. See the holiday transit schedules.
- Pack light: carry-on limits are enforced more strictly when trains and buses are full.
- Driving instead? Compare the cost with the gas cost calculator.
Questions
Does Amtrak run on Thanksgiving Day?
Yes. Amtrak runs on Thanksgiving Day, sometimes on a holiday timetable. Some normally unreserved trains require reservations during the Thanksgiving travel period.
Does Amtrak run on Christmas Day?
Yes, Amtrak operates on Christmas Day, though some routes run reduced or holiday schedules. Check your train on amtrak.com or the app.
Is Greyhound running on Thanksgiving?
Yes, Greyhound runs on Thanksgiving on many routes. Some stations have shorter hours, so check your trip and station on greyhound.com.
What is the busiest day for Amtrak at Thanksgiving?
The Wednesday before and the Sunday after Thanksgiving. In 2026 those are November 25 and November 29.