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Amtrak operates intercity passenger trains in the USA, including both long-distance trains and several high-density corridors in the Northeast, Illinois, and California. This page lists the latest coupons and promotions for discounted Amtrak travel. Most discounts are valid for all railroad passengers and can be booked online at Amtrak.com. However, some discounts are intended for specific organizations or memberships and may require proof of eligibility. RailServe.com assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or eligibility of any discount.

Please scroll the page or select from the following sections:
Standard Discounts, Rail Passes, Weekly Specials, Weekend Getaway Fares, Promotion Codes,
Amtrak Guest Rewards, General Reservation Tips

 
Standard Passenger Discounts

The following discounts apply to most Amtrak travel and usually cannot be combined with other promotions. Tickets must be purchased three days in advance of travel to receive Student Advantage, Veterans Advantage, AAA, or NARP discounts.

  • Student Advantage: Save 15% with a Student Advantage card.
  • International Student Identity Card: Save 15% with an ISIC card.
  • Veterans Advantage: Save 15% with a Veterans Advantage card.
  • AAA: Save 10% with American Automobile Association membership.
  • NARP: Save 10% with National Association of Railroad Passengers membership.
  • Children: Kids 2 to 15 years of age ride 50% off the standard adult fare on most trains.
  • Seniors: Travelers 62 years of age and over receive a 15% discount on most trains.
  • Military: US military personnel, plus their spouses and dependents, receive a 10% discount.
  • Campus Visits: Free companion fare for high school juniors/seniors with a parent/guardian.

Rail Passes

  • North America Rail Pass: Unlimited rail travel in the US and Canada for 30 days.
  • USA Rail Passes: Unlimited rail travel in the US for 15 or 30 days, NOT available to US and Canadian citizens.
  • California Rail Pass: 7 days of rail travel in the state of California during a 21 day period.
  • Florida Rail Pass: Unlimited rail travel in the state of Florida for one year.
  • Multi-Ride Tickets: Discounts for multiple rides within a single period, including ten-ride tickets, monthly tickets, and other route-specific discounts.

Weekly Specials

Discounts of up to 90% for specific routes and dates are posted weekly at Amtrak.com. Weekly specials typically include routes in the Midwest (including services from Chicago, St. Louis, and Kansas City) and apply to travel within the next one to four weeks. Discounted fares must be booked online at Amtrak.com's Weekly Specials Page.

Weekend Getaway Fares

Discounted weekend fares are available on the Northeast Corridor between Washington, Philadelphia, New York, Boston, and intermediate points. These special fares are valid on Amtrak Regional and Keystone service only, not Acela Express, and require round-trip travel. Travel must originate and return on Saturday (anytime), or originate Saturday and return Sunday (departure before 11am). Tickets must be purchased at least three days in advance of travel.

Weekend fares are available online and by phone. If booking online at Amtrak.com, please note that the 'Select Train' page will display the full fares and not the weekend special fares. Once you select the departing and returning trains, the discount will be automatically calculated and displayed on the 'View Fare' page. No promotional code is required.

Important Note: You must select the Adult fare type to receive special weekend fares. If you select any discounted fare type (i.e. AAA, Student Advantage, etc.), you'll receive the standard discount (10% or 15%) from the full fare instead of the special weekend fare.

For a listing of all discounted weekend fares, please refer to Weekend Getaway Fares at Amtrak.com.

Promotion Codes

Most of the promotion codes below require a three-day advance purchase; apply to adult, child, and senior fares only; may not be combined with other discounts (i.e. AAA 10% off); exclude Acela Express; and, are subject to blackouts during peak travel periods (Aug. 29, Sept. 1, Nov. 25-26, Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1). Most promotion codes may be used for reservations online, by phone, at a staffed station, or with a Quik-Trak machine. However, some discounts apply only to phone reservations as noted in the promotion code restrictions. To use a promotion code online at Amtrak.com, enter the four-character code in the "Promotion Code" field during Step 2: Select Train.

Note: Discounts have been compiled from a variety of sources, including Amtrak.com, tourism and travel websites, and word-of-mouth. If placing a reservation online at Amtrak.com, you may find that a promotion code is accepted for origins/destination not specifically identified below. However, it is suggested that you confirm eligibility with Amtrak prior to booking. To submit additions or changes, please contact RailServe.com.

Northeast

The "Northeast" promotions below include the following routes unless otherwise stated:

  • Downeaster service between Portland (Maine) and Boston
  • Regional service (not Acela Express) between Boston, Providence, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Richmond, and Newport News
  • Regional and Shuttle service between Springfield, Hartford, and New Haven
  • Keystone service between Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Harrisburg
     
  • V668: Companion travels free on Downeaster trains between Boston and Portland (best for daytrips to Maine)
    Source: Amtrak Downeaster
    Expiration: Book by May 29, 2008. Travel by June 1, 2008.
    Restrictions: Valid only on northbound trains 681, 683, 691, and 693 (weekday/weekend morning departure from Boston) and southbound trains 688, 694, and 696 (weekday/weekend evening departures from Portland). Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V453: Save 25% on Downeaster trains between Portland and Boston (best for evening events in Boston)
    Source: Amtrak Downeaster
    Expiration: Book by June 27, 2008. Travel by June 30, 2008.
    Restrictions: Valid only on southbound trains 684, 686, 694, and 696 (afternoon departures from Portland) and northbound train 689 (11:10p departure from Boston) . Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V486: Kids ride free on Downeaster trains between Portland and Boston on Sundays
    Source: Amtrak Downeaster
    Expiration: Book by June 19, 2008. Travel by June 22, 2008.
    Restrictions: Valid for travel on Sundays only. Two kids (ages 2-15) travel free per adult. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V481: Save 50% off senior fares on Downeaster trains between Portland and Boston
    Source: Amtrak Downeaster
    Expiration: Book by June 9, 2008. Travel by June 12, 2008.
    Restrictions: Valid for senior (age 62+) travel on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursday only. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V856: Save 20% on Regional trains to/from Boston MA only
    Source: Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism
    Expiration: Book by December 10, 2008. Travel by December 13, 2008.
    Restrictions: Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Valid on Amtrak Regional service only. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V731: Save 20% on Regional trains to/from Westerly, Kingston, or Providence RI only
    Source: Arrive Magazine: January/February 2008
    Expiration: Book by December 9, 2008. Travel by December 12, 2008.
    Restrictions: Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Valid on Amtrak Regional service only. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V209: Save 20% on Vermonter and Ethan Allen trains to/from Vermont stations only
    Source: Arrive Magazine: January/February 2008
    Expiration: Book by October 28, 2008. Travel by October 31, 2008.
    Restrictions: Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount.
     
  • V464: Save 20% on Empire Service trains within New York State
    Source: Empire State Passengers Association December 2007 Newsletter
    Expiration: Book and travel by September 30, 2008.
    Restrictions: Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount.
     
  • V863: Save 50% off companion fare on Regional trains to/from Newark NJ only
    Source: Arrive Magazine: January/February 2008
    Expiration: Book by December 10, 2008. Travel by December 13, 2008.
    Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Valid on Amtrak Regional service only. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V454: Save 50% off companion fare on Regional and Keystone trains to/from Philadelphia PA only
    Source: Official Visitor Site for Greater Philadelphia
    Expiration: Book by December 7, 2008. Travel by December 10, 2008.
    Restrictions: Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Valid on Amtrak Regional and Keystone service only.
     
  • V256: Save 50% off companion fare on Regional trains to/from Wilmington DE only
    Source: Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau
    Expiration: Book by December 10, 2008. Travel by December 13, 2008.
    Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Valid on Amtrak Regional service only. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V828: Save 50% off companion fare on Regional trains to/from Baltimore MD only
    Source: Arrive Magazine: January/February 2008
    Expiration: Book by December 10, 2008. Travel by December 13, 2008.
    Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Valid on Amtrak Regional service only. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V722: Save 50% off companion fare on Regional trains to/from BWI Airport Rail Station only
    Source: Arrive Magazine: January/February 2008
    Expiration: Book by December 10, 2008. Travel by December 13, 2008.
    Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Valid on Amtrak Regional service only. Three day advance purchase required.

Southeast

  • H749: Kids Ride Free on the Auto Train (Lorton, VA - Sanford, FL) with sleeping car accommodations
    Source: Amtrak.com News Release
    Expiration: Book by June 6, 2008. Travel between June 1 and September 30, 2008.
    Restrictions: Two children may travel free with each full-fare paying adult. Valid for sleeping car accommodations only. Seven day advance purchase required.
     
  • V673: Save 20% on Silver Service and Auto Train to/from Orlando area stations only
    Source: Orlando Preferred Visitor Magicard
    Expiration: Unknown
    Restrictions: Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Valid on adult rail fare only.
     
  • 25% Bonus Guest Rewards Points on the Auto Train
    Earn 25% bonus points for all travel on the Auto Train (Lorton, VA - Sanford, FL) between May 1 and May 31. To earn bonus points, you must be an Amtrak Guest Rewards member and register prior to travel. Register online or call 1-800-307-5000 (option 2) and use promotion registration code 50108.

Midwest

  • V665: Save 50% off companion fare between St. Louis, Kansas City, and intermediate Missouri stops
    Source: Missouri DOT: Make Tracks Across Missouri
    Expiration: Book by June 12, 2008. Travel by June 15, 2008.
    Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V851: Save 20% on Heartland Flyer between Fort Worth and Oklahoma City
    Source: Amtrak Heartland Flyer "Red Hat Ladies Special Fare"
    Expiration: Book by December 7, 2008. Travel by December 10, 2008.
    Restrictions: Three day advance purchase required.

Southwest

  • H752: Save 20% on Pacific Surfliner and San Joaquins routes only
    Source: Santa Barbara Car Free Project
    Expiration: Book by December 8, 2008. Travel by December 11, 2008.
    Restrictions: Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V834: Active military and reservists save 20% off coach fares on San Joaquins and Pacific Surfliner routes
    Source: Amtrak.com News Release
    Expiration: Book and travel by May 22, 2008.

Northwest

  • H750: Free companion ticket on Amtrak Cascades to/from Portland Oregon only
    Source: Portland Oregon Visitors Association
    Expiration: Book and travel by May 23, 2008.
    Restrictions: Valid on adult, senior, or disabled rail fare and connecting Thruway buses.
     
  • V777: Save 25% on Amtrak Cascades route only
    Source: Seattle Seahawks
    Expiration: Book and travel by May 16, 2008.
    Restrictions: Valid on adult, senior, or disabled rail fare and connecting Thruway buses. Fare not available on all dates/trains.
     

Amtrak Guest Rewards

Amtrak Guest Rewards is a complimentary program that awards points for Amtrak travel, hotel stays, car rentals, and other purchases. To earn points, you must first sign-up for a Guest Rewards account and provide your member number with every reservation. Points are redeemable for free Amtrak travel and gift certificates and can be easily transferred to rewards programs at many airlines and hotels.

  • Amtrak Guest Rewards MasterCard
    Earn two points per dollar on Amtrak purchases and one point per dollar on all other purchases. Receive 5,000 bonus points after your first purchase. Follow this link to apply with Chase.
     
  • 25% Bonus Points on the Auto Train
    Earn 25% bonus points for all travel on the Auto Train (Lorton, VA - Sanford, FL) between May 1 and May 31. To earn bonus points, you must be an Amtrak Guest Rewards member and register prior to travel. Register online or call 1-800-307-5000 (option 2) and use promotion registration code 50108.

General Amtrak Reservation Tips

  • Book Early: Amtrak uses four price levels ("buckets") for coach seating and five for sleeper accommodations. With the exception of peak travel times (i.e. Thanksgiving week) when only the highest price bucket may be offered, a percentage of coach seats and sleepers are typically available at lower price buckets when tickets first go on-sale 11 months prior to departure. As a train approaches sell-out, Amtrak's yield management system will automatically move to the next higher fare bucket. This can cause fares to increase significantly as you approach the departure date. It is suggested that you book as early as possible to receive the lowest fare, especially given Amtrak's flexible refund policy (see below).

  • Don't Rush to Pick Up Tickets: When booking at Amtrak.com or 1-800-USA-RAIL, your tickets will be held for pick up (unless you are departing from an unstaffed station). Although you can pick up your tickets from a staffed Amtrak station or Quik-Trak ticketing machine at any time prior to departure, it is suggested that you wait until close to your departure date for the greatest flexibility in changing or canceling your reservation. Most Amtrak reservations are 100% refundable until the tickets are physically printed (sleeping accommodations are ineligible for refund within 7 days of travel). Once tickets are printed, however, most refunds are subject to a 10% service charge (or full credit toward future Amtrak travel) and must be mailed-in or redeemed at a staffed Amtrak station. For more information, see Amtrak's Refund Policy.

  • Avoid Sell-Outs: If you attempt to make a reservation and find that coach or sleepers are sold-out on the desired train, it is suggested that you try the next morning as soon as possible after 4AM ET. Amtrak's reservation system is updated overnight with cancellations, so tickets may become available. If coach is available but sleepers are sold-out, you may wish to make the coach reservation and keep checking with 1-800-USA-RAIL to see if sleeper accommodations can be added. If a sleeper still isn't available prior to departure, you may still be able to upgrade from coach onboard by checking with the conductor regarding no-shows or last minute cancellations.

  • Sleeper Accommodation Pricing: All sleeper accommodations are priced in addition to coach fares and are based on the number of rooms, not the number of passengers. For example, if the coach fare between Points A and B is $100 and a roomette is $250, two passengers could share a roomette for $450 ($100*2 + $250). Both passengers would also be entitled to free meals in the dining car. Note that you are charged the same price for the accommodation regardless of the number of passengers. For more information, see Amtrak's Sleeping Accommodations Page.

Discounts from Sponsor Sites