If you are planning to travel by train in the United States, you are limited to one choice, Amtrak. With no competition, opportunities for discounted train tickets are limited. However, check frequently for special deals and take advantage of discounted fares for people in certain categories.
Things You'll Need
- Discount cards
- Computer with Internet
Tips For you
Passenger Discounts
- Research passenger discounts offered by Amtrak. Children 2 to 15 pay half price, and kids under 2 ride for free. AAA members get a 10 percent discount, including already discounted children's fares. Active duty US military personnel and their families receive a 15 percent discount. The same goes for students with a Student Advantage card. Seniors, 62 and older, save 15 percent off the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak routes.
- Look for weekly specials advertised on the Amtrak website (Amtrak.com), but note the restrictions. The special one-way fares are not available for travel on Fridays or Sundays. The specials are for coach seats only, with no upgrades allowed. Fares are non-refundable and exchanges are not permitted. The specials cannot be combined with any other discount offer.
- Check the website frequently for last minute deals; time-limited discounts of 15 to 50 percent off published fares; and other offers such as the annual special for families visiting colleges. In 2011, Amtrak has a "Buy One, Get One 50% Off" with Campus Visit Program. Tickets must be purchased tickets by December 17, 2011.
