National Train Day is observed every year on the Saturday closest to May 10, and this year it falls on May 13. The holiday was first celebrated in the year 2008 and continues to be celebrated to this day. The celebrations were conceptualized by Amtrak as a way to spread awareness about the history of railway networks in the U.S. and why more people should use this mode of transport. Railways are one of the most eco-friendly ways to go from one place to another. Amtrak offers railroad service in countless cities in the U.S. and three cities in Canada. Railways don’t just transport people from one place to another but are also involved in the transportation of goods and certain services.

History of National Train Day

Modern trains have developed rapidly since their invention some 200 years ago. Trains can be classified as one of the most important inventions of modern history. Train transport has drastically changed business, exploration, and the way we travel daily.In the 1800s, the steam train made its way to the railways of industrial England. Today, we have bullet trains that carry passengers at incredible speeds, with a distance of thousands of miles in no time. There are also freight trains that are used to transport goods, including food, post, and fuel. Distant lands have become almost instantly reachable. Long distances can be covered in a matter of hours. The industrial revolution was hastened by the arrival of trains, which made the transport of raw materials and outgoing transport of finished goods an easy task. Even with the arrival of airplanes, trains still continue to do a fair haul of public and commercial transport around the world. Trains are used in a variety of ways – from trams, subway electric trains, distance trains, and specialized tourist trains to freight trains and high-speed bullet trains that can go up to 275 miles an hour.National Train Day marks the anniversary of the establishment of the Golden Spike in Promontory, Utah, at the Promontory summit. The day also observes the first anniversary of the rail route system in the United States. Events such as exhibitions of railroad layouts are organized on the day to celebrate the event.

National Train Day timeline

1550
Wagonways are Utilized

Wagonways, crude carriages pulled on tracks by horses in Germany, are documented as being the first method of modern railway transportation.

1769
Steam-Powered Engines are Patented

James Watt patents steam-powered train engines.

1853
The First Train in India

The first train in India runs from Bori Bunder to Thane.

1964
High-Speed Railway Begins Operations

The first high-speed trains run between Tokyo to Osaka in Japan.

National Train Day FAQs

When did Amtrak go into service?

This train company started on May 1, 1971. Last year, it celebrated its 50th anniversary.

In which year did National Train Day start?

The first National train day was in 2008, on May 10. The largest events took place in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, Chicago, and Los Angeles.

Does Amtrak still sponsor National Train Day?

National Train Day was canceled after 2015 due to budget cuts within Amtrak, although other rail organizations continue to observe the holiday.

How to Observe National Train Day

  1. Travel by train

    Celebrate National Train Day by boarding a train to work or taking a small vacation. You can ride a tram, cable car, or a long-distance train.

  2. Post photos of trains

    If you can’t travel on National Train Day — don’t lose heart. Post photos of your train travel and reminisce about the good times.

  3. Thank a railway employee

    Thank a railway employee for their services on National Train Day. They work tirelessly to ensure that we have a smooth journey.

5 Facts About Trains That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. The longest train ride in the world

    This train trip, from Portugal to Vietnam, is 10,056 miles long and takes approximately 12 days to complete.

  2. The fastest train in the world

    Japan holds the fastest commercial magnetic-levitation train in the world — with a speed of 374 mph.

  3. Rarely late

    In Japan, trains are usually on time — if a delay lasts more than five minutes, the staff personally apologizes to each passenger.

  4. Four kinds of train propulsion

    Trains can run on four kinds of power sources, namely horse-drawn, steam, diesel, and electricity.

  5. Hogwarts Express train

    This steam engine from the popular movie franchise “Harry Potter”, takes passengers on a beautiful ride through Scotland.

Why National Train Day is Important

  1. We have fond memories of trains

    Trains are a popular form of transport, and they make us nostalgic. They remind us of happy times spent in the company of our loved ones, usually during a vacation.

  2. They are eco-friendly

    With an increased urgency to go green, trains have become an eco-friendly way to travel long distances. The emissions are minimal, and thousands of people can be ferried across long distances in a matter of hours.

  3. A celebration of human achievement

    Trains also remind us of the incredible progress that human beings have made in a matter of a few centuries. Trains have ushered in an era of increased mobility, and National Train Day celebrates just that.

National Train Day dates

Year Date Day
2022 May 14 Saturday
2023 May 13 Saturday
2024 May 11 Saturday
2025 May 10 Saturday
2026 May 9 Saturday