This article will list events related to rail transport that occurred in 1983.

Events

June events

• June 20 - The Chicago and Northwestern wins a bidding war against the Soo Line for control of the former Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad "Spine Line"; the Interstate Commerce Commission awarded the line to CNW's $93 million bid.

October events

• October 30 - Amtrak launches a rebranded, thrice-weekly Auto Train using much of the same equipment and the same route as the train operated by Auto-Train Corporation.

Unknown date events

• Benjamin Biaggini steps down as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Southern Pacific Company, the parent company of the Southern Pacific Railroad.

Deaths