OSCEOLA, IA – Amtrak served 40,132 passengers across Iowa in fiscal year 2023.
According to Amtrak, in Iowa, they operated four trains operating daily along two major long-distance routes: the California Zephyr and the Southwest Chief.
These trains connect Iowa to major cities such as Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, providing vital transportation links for both local residents and long-distance travelers.
Osceola (OSC) saw the highest ridership in the state, with 11,295 passengers, followed by Mount Pleasant (MTP) with 8,402 riders. Other notable stations included Burlington (BRL) with 6,015 passengers and Ottumwa (OTM) with 7,583 riders, according to Amtrak.
However, Creston (CRN) was the least used station, with only 2,106 passengers in 2023. Despite lower ridership at some stations, Amtrak continues to provide essential services across Iowa’s rural and urban communities, according to Amtrak.
Amtrak’s service remains crucial in the state, though challenges persist with on-time performance, as the company relies on host railroads that often prioritize freight transportation.