Rail travel is having a major comeback — and not just in Europe, where scenic trains have always been part of the adventure. Across the United States and beyond, more travelers are choosing the rails over the roads and skies. In fact, Amtrak has reported record-breaking ridership in both 2024 and 2025, with more than 32.8 million passengers in 2024 and an even higher 34.5 million in 2025, marking the highest numbers in its history. So, what’s behind this surge?