Travel Green with Amtrak

From 2010 to 2019, we reduced our greenhouse gas emissions by 20%, which is equivalent to removing roughly 51,251 passenger vehicles from the road. Through several key initiatives like energy efficiency upgrades, improved train handling, and more efficient locomotives, Amtrak has reduced fuel and energy use year-over-year. Over the next decade we’re targeting a further reduction to 40%.

In fact, rail travel produces up to 83% fewer greenhouse gas emissions than driving and up to 73% fewer emissions than flying, making Amtrak the best option to shrink your travel carbon footprint.

Emissions Factors Source: EPA, Emissions Factors for GHG Inventory, 2022

Now, customers traveling along the Northeast Corridor can see the environmental difference they’re making by riding Amtrak. Look for these stats on all tickets between Boston and Washington, DC.

Now, customers traveling along the Northeast Corridor can see the environmental difference they’re making by riding Amtrak. Look for these stats on all tickets between Boston and Washington, DC.

According to the 2021 U.S. Department of Energy Data Book, Amtrak is 46% more energy efficient than traveling by car and 34% more energy efficient than domestic air travel. For more information on our sustainability initiatives, goals, and projects, read our latest annual report.

For more information on our sustainability initiatives, goals and greenhouse gas inventory, take a look at the Amtrak Sustainability Report.

Energy Data Source: Transportation Energy Data Book, Edition 39, 2021

According to the 2021 U.S. Department of Energy Data Book, Amtrak is 46% more energy efficient than traveling by car and 34% more energy efficient than domestic air travel. For more information on our sustainability initiatives, goals, and projects, read our latest annual report.

For more information on our sustainability initiatives, goals and greenhouse gas inventory, take a look at the Amtrak Sustainability Report.

Energy Data Source: Transportation Energy Data Book, Edition 39, 2021

What is a Carbon Footprint?

A carbon footprint is a measure of the effect you have on the climate in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases you produce (measured in units of carbon dioxide). Many of your daily activities generate carbon emissions, which impact the environment's health. You can reduce your carbon footprint by offsetting your rail travel with the purchase of carbon credits or using your Amtrak Guest Rewards points to support projects like reforestation, renewable energy development and energy efficiency technologies.

Offsets Made Easy

Amtrak has partnered with ClimeCo, allowing passengers to offset the carbon emissions footprint generated by their individual or business rail travel by purchasing carbon credits from ClimeCo. Customers can offset their Amtrak travel emissions in two ways:

  1. Purchase carbon credits directly from ClimeCo
  2. Using your Amtrak Guest Rewards to support carbon reduction projects with ClimeCo