RAILQ

What is RailQ?

RailQ is a free daily train guessing game. Each day a real Amtrak route is the answer. You start with a stylized route map and one ridership clue, and you have six guesses to identify the train.

How to play RailQ

1. Look at the map. The shape of the route alone narrows the answer. Coastal runs, mountain corridors, and Northeast spines all look different.
2. Read the first clue. Stop count or duration. A 2-hour, 6-stop trip is almost certainly the Northeast Corridor. A 50-hour, 30-stop trip is one of three transcontinentals.
3. Guess any Amtrak train. Autocomplete matches names like Acela, Empire Builder, Cardinal.
4. Use feedback to narrow. Each wrong guess unlocks the next clue: top ridership cities, route type, then the train name itself if you get to attempt six.
5. Solve in six. Lock in the right train to keep your streak alive.

Frequently asked questions

How does RailQ work?

Each day RailQ picks a real Amtrak route. You see a stylized map and one clue at a time, and you have six guesses to name the train. Wrong guesses unlock the next clue: duration, stop count, top ridership cities, then the train's name.

Which trains are in the pool?

All Amtrak long-distance and corridor trains: the Northeast Regional, Acela, Empire Builder, California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Sunset Limited, Crescent, Cardinal, Texas Eagle, and the rest. Some days are easy hub-to-hub routes; some days are obscure cross-country runs.

How many guesses do I get?

Six. After each wrong guess one more clue unlocks and the map redraws with one more hint about which corridor you're on.

Where does the ridership data come from?

Published Amtrak ridership data, normalized to the most recent fiscal year. We use ridership tier brackets rather than raw numbers so the clue stays simple.

Is RailQ free?

Yes. Daily puzzle, free, no account required. Premium is optional and only removes ads.