In response to a severe winter storm impacting the Northeast United States, Amtrak has announced the cancellation of over 30 trains on Monday, February 23, 2026. The move comes after Amtrak issued an alert on Saturday, February 21, warning travelers of possible disruptions due to the storm, which meteorologists have described as the most powerful winter storm in nearly a decade. With over 30 cancellations on some of the busiest and most popular routes, Amtrak is facing widespread disruptions that are affecting thousands of passengers across major cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Boston.
This article looks closer at the specific train routes that have been affected, how travelers can navigate the situation, and what this means for tourism in the Northeast.
Affected Amtrak Routes and Cancellations
The winter storm, which has caused hazardous travel conditions, has led Amtrak to cancel several key services. Among the most significant disruptions are those affecting the Northeast Regional, Acela, and Keystone Service routes, which are crucial for both business and leisure travelers connecting major cities in the Northeast U.S.
The Northeast Regional is Amtrak’s busiest route, with over 12 million passengers using the service in 2025. This route, which runs between Virginia and Massachusetts, includes major stops in Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston. A total of 20 Northeast Regional trains have been canceled, including routes such as Trains 54, 57, and 103. This service is vital for commuters, tourists, and anyone looking to travel between some of the country’s busiest cities, so the cancellation of these trains has caused significant disruption.
The Acela, which is Amtrak’s high-speed train service running between Washington, D.C. and Boston, has also been severely impacted. This route is the second-busiest in Amtrak’s network, serving over 3 million passengers in 2025. Trains like 2201, 2203, 2214, and 2222 have been canceled due to the storm. The Acela connects major urban centers, making it a key service for travelers looking to make quick, efficient trips along the East Coast. The disruption to the Acela service is particularly impactful for tourists who rely on this fast and convenient train for access to some of the top cultural and business destinations in the U.S.
Lastly, the Keystone Service, which connects Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to New York City and has stops in Philadelphia and Newark, has been suspended until noon due to the storm. The following trains are among those canceled: 640, 642, 600, 644, and others. The Keystone Service is popular among travelers in the Northeast Corridor, and disruptions to this service are especially felt by those planning to visit New York City or travel between Harrisburg and Philadelphia.
Impact on Tourism and Travel Plans
For tourists traveling to the Northeast, the winter storm and resulting train cancellations have made travel much more difficult. Many visitors rely on Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Acela services to visit major tourist cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Boston. The cancellations and delays have affected sightseeing plans, hotel bookings, and flight connections, particularly for those planning to visit attractions such as Broadway, the U.S. Capitol, and Fenway Park.
The cancellations have also led to increased hotel bookings in New York City and Washington, D.C., as passengers who were unable to board their scheduled trains look for alternative accommodations. Tourism businesses in these cities are adapting to the unexpected demand, while travelers who had planned to explore these cities are adjusting their itineraries.
What Amtrak Travelers Can Do
Travelers impacted by the cancellations are encouraged to check their Amtrak reservations online or via the official Amtrak app for real-time updates. Amtrak is offering affected passengers the option to either rebook their trips on available trains or receive a refund without penalty.
For those who still wish to travel during the storm, Amtrak advises passengers to book seats on alternative routes or take other forms of transportation, such as buses, that are still running despite the inclement weather. It’s also recommended that travelers check the weather before making any travel decisions, as the situation may change depending on the severity of the storm.
How the Storm Affects Regional and Long-Distance Travel
The winter storm is not only affecting short-distance routes in the Northeast, but also impacting travelers heading to more distant locations. Travelers with connecting flights from New York or Washington, D.C. are also experiencing delays, as disruptions to Amtrak schedules often ripple out into the broader transportation network.
For tourists planning to travel to other U.S. destinations, Amtrak’s train disruptions may lead to delays in connecting flights or buses. In some cases, travelers may need to reschedule their flight connections or find alternative routes, which could affect vacation plans or business travel timelines.
Future Outlook for Train Travel in the Northeast
As Amtrak works to resolve the winter storm disruptions, it is important for tourists and commuters to monitor updates closely. While Amtrak provides flexible rebooking options and refunds, travelers should expect delays and potential cancellations in the coming days as the storm continues to affect train schedules. For future travelers planning trips in the Northeast, it’s advisable to book tickets early and plan for potential weather-related disruptions during winter months.
In the long term, Amtrak is continuing its efforts to improve and modernize its services to ensure reliability during severe weather conditions. As the Northeast faces more frequent winter storms, Amtrak’s response and infrastructure upgrades will play an important role in maintaining smooth travel.
Conclusion: Navigating Travel Challenges in the Northeast
The severe winter storm affecting the Northeast United States has led to significant disruptions in train travel, with Amtrak canceling over 30 trains and delaying thousands of travelers. The Northeast Regional, Acela, and Keystone Service routes have been among the hardest hit, impacting both domestic and international tourists. While this winter storm has caused major delays, Amtrak offers rebooking and refund options to help travelers manage their plans.
For tourists and business travelers looking to visit cities like New York, Washington, D.C., and Boston, flexibility is key as the situation evolves. As Amtrak continues to adjust, staying informed about service updates and preparing for alternative travel options will ensure that trips can still go smoothly despite weather challenges.
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