Amtrak Promotion Codes & Discounts for 2013 Train Travel

Amtrak operates intercity passenger trains including long-distance routes plus regional corridors in the Northeast, Illinois, Michigan, California, and Pacific Northwest. This page lists the latest 2013 Amtrak promotion codes, coupons, deals, and tips for purchasing discount train tickets. Although most Amtrak discounts are available to all passengers booking online at Amtrak.com, please review promotion code terms for eligibility.

Standard Amtrak Discounts (Students, Seniors, AAA, etc.)

These Amtrak discounts apply to all train travel except weekday Acela Express, business class upgrades, and sleeping accommodations, but cannot be combined with promotion codes. Amtrak tickets must be purchased three days in advance for Student Advantage, Veterans Advantage, NARP, and AAA discounts. Reservations can be made by phone (800-USA-RAIL), Amtrak.com, and at stations with ticket agents or Quik-Trak machines.

• Student Advantage: Save 15% on all Amtrak tickets with Student Advantage -- now just $10/year after rebate.
  • Special May Offer: Click here to save $10 on your Student Advantage card.
    You will instantly receive a card number that you can use online to save up to 50% on Amtrak tickets, flights, hotels, rental cars, cell phones, movies, the Apple Store, and more. Student Advantage is open to all college and high school students (plus faculty!) ages 16 and up -- even part-time students.
• AAA: Save 10% with the American Automobile Association (AAA) Amtrak discount.
• 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 Amtrak trains.
• Seniors: Travelers 62 and over receive a 15% discount on most trains (excludes Auto Train).
• Military: US military personnel, plus their spouses and dependents, receive a 10% discount.
• Veterans Advantage: Save 15% on Amtrak fares with a Veterans Advantage card.
• Disabilities: Disabled passengers, plus one companion, receive a 15% Amtrak ticket discount.

Advance Purchase Amtrak Discounts

Amtrak tickets are priced using fare "buckets" based on availability. The fare increases to the next bucket as tickets are sold, so you save by booking as early as possible. This is especially true for long-distance routes and holiday travel, where you may need to book months in advance for the lowest fare. Also, promotion codes and advance purchase discounts only apply to trains at the lowest bucket, further limiting last-minute discounts.

Amtrak occasionally runs 3-day online-only sales, providing discounts of up to 50% off (e.g. New York - Philadelphia for $25). There is no advance notice of these sales, so be sure to "like" our Facebook Page for updates.

Additionally, a 14-day advance purchase discount of 25% is always offered on Northeast Regional trains between Boston, Springfield, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Richmond, Newport News, and all intermediate stations. This discount is applied automatically, subject to availability. Only trains selling at the lowest fare bucket receive the advance purchase discount, so book early for the widest selection of trains.

Sample 14-day fares to NYC: Boston ($49), Philadelphia ($36), Washington ($49).

A 14-day discount is also offered on Amtrak Cascades trains. This 25% discount applies to five city pairs only: Portland-Seattle; Portland-Tukwila; Seattle-Vancouver, WA; Seattle-Vancouver, BC; Bellingham-Vancouver, BC

Note: You must select the Adult fare type to receive these discounts. If you select a discount fare type (e.g. AAA, Student Advantage) or enter a promo code, the chosen discount will replace the advance purchase discount.

Weekly Amtrak Specials at Amtrak.com SmartFares

Discount Amtrak fares (25% off coach) are available each week on Amtrak.com SmartFares. Every Tuesday, a set of discount Amtrak route segments and dates are posted and announced via our Facebook Page.

To receive the weekly fare discount, you must book between Tuesday and Friday for travel 1-5 weeks in advance. The weekly specials are non-refundable and can only be purchased online at Amtrak.com.

Rail Passes, Stopovers & Multi-Ride Amtrak Tickets

Several discounts are available for frequent Amtrak travel nationwide, within California, and on specific regional routes. Long-distance Amtrak trips involving multiple stopovers will often benefit from a USA Rail Pass. However, stopovers of less than 24 hours are available without charge using the multi-city ticket option on Amtrak.com (see the Amtrak Travel Tips section).

• USA Rail Passes: 15, 30 & 45-day rail passes for travel on any Amtrak route except Auto Train & Acela.
• California Rail Pass: 7 days of travel during a 21 day period on following routes: Capitol Corridor, San Joaquin, Pacific Surfliner, and Coast Starlight (within California only).
• Multi-Ride Amtrak Tickets: Discounts for multiple rides within a single period, including ten-ride tickets and unlimited monthly tickets. Not available on Acela Express or long-distance routes.

Save 50% on Companion Amtrak Fares for College Campus Visits in 2013

Note: This Amtrak discount is for high school students only. If you're a college student, we recommend purchasing a Student Advantage Card to receive 15% off all Amtrak tickets.

High school juniors and seniors visiting a college or university with one parent/guardian are eligible to receive 50% off a companion fare. You must make your reservation via Amtrak's Campus Visit Promo Page at least three days prior to travel and present a student ID to pick-up your discount Amtrak tickets. This offer is NOT valid on Acela Express or Auto Train. Valid for travel through December 19, 2013.

Amtrak Promotion Codes & Coupons for 2013

Most 2013 Amtrak promotion codes require a three-day advance purchase; apply to adult, child, and senior fares only; may not be combined with other discounts (e.g. Student Advantage 15% off); exclude Acela Express; and are subject to blackouts during peak travel periods.

Upcoming Amtrak promotion code blackout dates:
2012: May 24, Aug. 30, Sep. 2, Oct. 11, Nov. 26-27 & 30,
Dec. 1 & 20-22 & 28-29; 2013: Jan. 3-5, Feb. 14 & 17

All Amtrak discounts were revalidated on May 21, 2013.
Subscribe to our Facebook Page for early notice of new Amtrak discounts.

Most Amtrak promotion codes may be used for reservations online (Amtrak.com), by phone (800-USA-RAIL), at a staffed station, or with a Quik-Trak train ticket machine. However, some discounts apply only to Internet or phone reservations as noted in the promotion code restrictions. To obtain a discount online at Amtrak.com, enter the four-character code in the "Promotion Code" field after selecting the desired Amtrak train.

Note #1: Unless otherwise specified, you must select the Adult, Child, or Infant fare type to receive the promotion code savings. If you select any other discount fare type (e.g. AAA, Student Advantage, Senior, Military, etc.), you will not receive the promotional fare.

Note #2: Amtrak limits the number of seats available on many discount fares. If you receive a "Problem with Promotion Code" error when booking online, you may try an alternate train, date, or code. Trains selling at higher fare buckets (closer to sold-out, thus more expensive) are less likely to be eligible for discount.

Note #3: Amtrak discounts have been compiled from a variety of sources including Amtrak.com, Amtrak publications, tourism websites, and word-of-mouth. Amtrak coupon codes requiring specific membership or eligibility (e.g. discounts for college students) are identified below. If placing a reservation online at Amtrak.com, you may find that a promotion code is accepted for destinations/dates not specifically identified below. However, it is suggested that you confirm eligibility with Amtrak prior to booking.

NEW ENGLAND Amtrak Promotion Codes & Coupon Code Discounts for 2013

This section covers 2013 Amtrak discounts for the following routes: Downeaster, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express, Lake Shore Limited, Adirondack, Acela Express, and Northeast Regional. For other rail service in New England, including Boston & Connecticut trains, please see our Passenger Trains pages.

SAVINGS TIP: Don't use the NORTHEAST REGIONAL promo codes if booking at least 14 days in advance. These Amtrak codes will replace the included 25% advance purchase discount described above.

• MAINE/BOSTON - Kids ride free on all SUNDAY Downeaster trains
  Amtrak Promotion Code: V581     Source: Amtrak Downeaster Promo: Kids Ride Free!
  Expiration: Book by June 27, 2013. Travel by June 30, 2013.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: All Downeaster trains on Sundays only.
  Additional Terms: Select the Child (2-15) fare type and enter the promotion code. Also, must purchase one adult fare Amtrak ticket at full price to receive discount.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance ticket purchase required.
   
• MAINE/BOSTON - Seniors save 50% on Downeaster trains to any destination
  Amtrak Promotion Code: V543     Source: Amtrak Downeaster Discounts
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: All Downeaster trains.
  Additional Terms: Select the Senior (62+) fare type and enter the promotion code.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance ticket purchase required.
   
• MASSACHUSETTS - Companion saves 30% on Northeast Regional & Lake Shore Limited
  Amtrak Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Save 30% to Massachusetts
  Expiration: Book by December 16, 2013. Travel by December 19, 2013.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Northeast Regional and Lake Shore Limited (Albany-Boston segment only) trains to/from all cities in Massachusetts including Boston, Route 128, Framingham, Worcester, Springfield, and Pittsfield. Acela Express excluded.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.
   
• RHODE ISLAND - Save 30% on a companion fare on Northeast Regional trains
  Amtrak Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Visit Rhode Island & Save 30%
  Expiration: Book by December 16, 2013. Travel by December 19, 2013.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Northeast Regional trains to/from Westerly, Kingston, and Providence only. Acela Express excluded.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.
   
• CONNECTICUT - Save 30% on a companion fare on Northeast Regional trains
  Amtrak Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Save 30% to Connecticut
  Expiration: Book by March 27, 2014. Travel by March 31, 2014.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Northeast Regional trains to/from Stamford, Bridgeport, New Haven, Old Saybrook, Hartford, New London, and Mystic only. Acela Express excluded.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.
   
• VERMONT - Save 20% on Ethan Allen Express and Vermonter trains
  Amtrak Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Visit Vermont & Save 20%
  Expiration: Book by October 28, 2013. Travel by October 31, 2013.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Ethan Allen trains to/from Rutland and Castleton, plus Vermonter trains to/from St. Albans, Burlington, Waterbury, Montpelier, Randolph, White River Junction, Windsor, Bellows Falls, and Brattleboro, Vermont.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.
   
• VERMONT - $12 fare on Vermonter trains *WITHIN* the state of Vermont
  Amtrak Promotion Code: V569     Source: Vermont Tourism: Downtown Vermont by Rail
  Expiration: Book by December 30, 2013. Travel by December 31, 2013.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Vermonter trains between Vermont stations only: St Albans, Burlington, Waterbury, Montpelier, Randolph, White River Junction, Windsor, Bellows Falls, and Brattleboro.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: One day advance ticket purchase required.
   
• FORT TICONDEROGA - Buy-one-get-one-free on Adirondack trains through October
  Amtrak Promotion Code: Click 'Book Now' at Amtrak.com: Take a Trip to Ticonderoga
  Expiration: Book by October 28, 2013. Travel by October 31, 2013.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Adirondack trains to/from Fort Ticonderoga NY only.
  Additional Terms: Purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive free companion fare.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.
   
• UPDATES: Subscribe to our Facebook Page for the latest Amtrak promotion code discounts plus occasional 3-day fare sales not available on our website.

MID-ATLANTIC Amtrak Coupon Codes & Amtrak Promotion Code Deals for 2013

This section covers 2013 Amtrak promotions for the following routes: Northeast Regional, Acela Express, Keystone, Pennsylvanian, Empire Service, and Maple Leaf. For commuter railroads and transit in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, please see our Passenger Trains pages.

NJ Transit and SEPTA offer train service between New York and Philadelphia for $24.25 each way. Also, MegaBus and Bolt Bus offer express bus service between these and other cities. For NJ Transit & SEPTA details, plus Bolt Bus & MegaBus discounts, please see the Amtrak Alternatives section.

SAVINGS TIP: Do not use the NORTHEAST REGIONAL coupon codes if booking 14 or more days in advance. These Amtrak codes will replace the automatic 25%-off advance purchase discount.

• NEW YORK STATE - Save 15% on trains *WITHIN* New York, plus to/from Montreal
  Amtrak Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: See New York and Save 15%
  Expiration: Book by May 28, 2013. Travel by May 31, 2013.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Adirondack, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, and Maple Leaf routes to/from all cities within New York, plus Montreal and St. Lambert, Quebec. Note this discount is NOT valid on the Lake Shore Limited.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.
   
• PHILADELPHIA - Save 30% on a companion fare on Northeast Regional & Keystones
  Amtrak Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Save 30% to Philadelphia, PA
  Expiration: Book by December 16, 2013. Travel by December 19, 2013.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Northeast Regionals & Keystones to/from Philadelphia. Acela excluded.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.
   
• WILMINGTON - Save 30% on a companion fare on Northeast Regional trains
  Amtrak Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Save 30% to Wilmington, DE
  Expiration: Book by December 16, 2013. Travel by December 19, 2013.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Northeast Regionals to/from Wilmington. Acela Express excluded.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.
   
• BALTIMORE - Save 30% on a companion fare on Northeast Regional trains
  Amtrak Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Save 30% to Baltimore, MD
  Expiration: Book by December 16, 2013. Travel by December 19, 2013.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Northeast Regionals to/from Baltimore. Acela Express excluded.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.
   
• BWI AIRPORT - Save 30% on a companion fare on Northeast Regional trains
  Amtrak Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Save 30% to Annapolis, MD
  Expiration: Book by December 16, 2013. Travel by December 19, 2013.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Northeast Regionals to/from BWI Airport. Acela Express excluded.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.
   
• WASHINGTON DC - Save 30% on a companion fare on Northeast Regional trains
  Amtrak Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Save 30% to Washington, DC
  Expiration: Book by December 16, 2013. Travel by December 19, 2013.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Northeast Regionals to/from Washington. Acela Express excluded.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.
   
• UPDATES: The latest Amtrak promotion codes and discounts are posted on Facebook.

SOUTHEAST Amtrak Coupon Codes & Promotion Code Specials, including Amtrak Auto Train discounts

This section covers 2013 Amtrak discounts for the following routes: Auto Train, Carolinian, Piedmont, Crescent, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, and Palmetto. For other rail services in the Southeast, including Virginia, Atlanta & Miami trains and transit, please refer to our regional Passenger Trains pages.

• AUTO TRAIN - Kids ride Amtrak's Auto Train to Florida for just $29 this summer
  Amtrak Promotion Code: Click 'Book a Trip Now' at Amtrak.com: Kids Ride Auto Train for $29
  Expiration: Book by May 23, 2013. Travel May 28 through August 28, 2013.
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Auto Train between Lorton, Virginia and Sanford, Florida only.
  Additional Terms: One child (age 2-15) travels for $29 per accompanying adult.
   
• ORLANDO - Save 15% on Silver Service to Orlando, Florida
  Amtrak Promotion Code: V635     Source: Orlando Magicard Discount Card (free!)
  Expiration: Book by December 28, 2013. Travel by December 31, 2013.
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Silver Star and Silver Meteor to Orlando, Winter Park, and Kissimmee.
  Additional Terms: This Amtrak promotion code must be used by phone (800-USA-RAIL). Reference the free Orlando Magicard and Amtrak promotion code V635.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance ticket purchase required.
   
• NORTH CAROLINA - Save 15% to select cities served by Thruway Bus Service
  Amtrak Promotion Code: Click 'Book Today' at Amtrak.com: Save 15% in North Carolina
  Expiration: Book by May 22, 2013. Travel by May 23, 2013.
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Palmetto and Carolinian trains with connecting bus service to the following North Carolina cities only: Greenville, New Bern, Havelock, Morehead City, Goldsboro, Kinston, Jacksonville, and Wilmington.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: One day advance ticket purchase required.
   
• NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE - Save 20% on coach (or 15% on sleeper) to port cities
  Amtrak Promotion Code: V205     Source: Norwegian Cruise Line
  Expiration: Book by December 28, 2013. Travel by December 31, 2013.
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Valid on all routes except Acela Express, Auto Train, Illinois Zephyr, Keystone Service, Lake Shore Limited, Lincoln Service, Missouri River Runner, and Canada service.
  Additional Terms: Valid only in conjunction with a Norwegian Cruise Line itinerary for arrival at the port city at least one day prior to cruise departure. Cruise reservation number required. For reservations with connecting trains/buses, the discount is applied only to the train segment arriving at (and/or departing from) the port city. Code may only be used by phone: 800-USA-RAIL.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance ticket purchase required.

MIDWEST Amtrak Promotional Codes & Amtrak Discount Codes for 2013

This section covers 2013 Amtrak promotions for the following routes: Capitol Limited, Cardinal, Hoosier State, City of New Orleans, Texas Eagle, Heartland Flyer, Hiawatha, Illinois Zephyr, Carl Sandburg, Saluki, Illini, Lincoln Service, Missouri River Runner, Pere Marquette, Wolverine, and Blue Water.

• CHICAGO / MILWAUKEE - Kids ride free on WEEKEND Hiawatha trains this Summer
  Amtrak Promotion Code: V857   Source: Amtrak Hiawatha
  Expiration: Book by August 25, 2013. Travel June 1 through August 25, 2013.
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Hiawatha trains between Chicago, Glenview, Sturtevant, Milwaukee Airport, and Milwaukee on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only.
  Additional Terms: Two children (age 2-15) travel free per accompanying adult.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: None.
   
• ILLINOIS, MICHIGAN & MISSOURI - Save 20% on most Amtrak trains
  Amtrak promotion codes are typically offered January through March for most regional routes in Michigan, Illinois, and Missouri. The latest promos expired March 31, 2013, but some of these routes continue to be discounted 25% on Amtrak's weekly SmartFares.
  
  Please check back in December for any 2014 discounts for the following Amtrak routes: Chicago-Quincy (Carl Sandburg and Illinois Zephyr), Chicago-St. Louis (Lincoln Service), Chicago-Carbondale (Illini and Saluki), Chicago-Grand Rapids (Pere Marquette), Chicago-Pontiac (Wolverines), Chicago-Port Huron (Blue Water), and St. Louis-Kansas City (Missouri River Runner).
   
• CHICAGO / MILWAUKEE - Kids ride free on weekend Hiawatha trains
  This summer promotion expired in August 2012. Check back in the spring for all 2013 promos.
   
• UPDATES: New Amtrak coupon codes & promotions are posted on our Facebook Page.

WEST Amtrak Promotion Code Deals & Amtrak Discounts for 2013

This section covers 2013 Amtrak discounts for the following routes: Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, California Zephyr, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, plus the following four regional corridors:

• Pacific Surfliner: San Luis Obispo - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles - San Diego
• San Joaquin: Oakland - Sacramento - Stockton - Bakersfield
• Capitol Corridor: Auburn - Sacramento - San Francisco - Oakland - San Jose
• Cascades: Eugene - Portland - Seattle - Vancouver

Amtrak offers a 25% discount on all Cascades trains when booking at least 14 days in advance. No promotion code is required -- the discounted fare is automatically provided when booking online, by phone, or at any station. Only trains selling at the lowest fare bucket are eligible for discount so you may need to book even more than 14 days out, especially when traveling on popular Friday and Sunday trains. This promotion applies to travel between the following five city pairs only: Portland-Seattle ($24); Portland-Tukwila ($24); Seattle-Vancouver, WA ($24); Seattle-Vancouver, BC ($29); Bellingham-Vancouver, BC ($11)

• SUNSET LIMITED - Save 50% on a companion fare between New Orleans & Tucson
  Amtrak Promotion Code: Click 'Book Now' at Amtrak.com: Book Early and Save
  Expiration: Book by May 31, 2013. Travel August 1 through August 29, 2013.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Sunset Limited trains between New Orleans, Houston, San Antonio, El Paso, Tucson, and all intermediate stations.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Book in May.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.
   
• CAPITOL CORRIDOR - Save 25% to/from Oakland Coliseum-Airport Station
  Amtrak Discount Code: H230   Discount Code Source: Amtrak Capitol Corridor
  Expiration: Book and travel by November 1, 2013.
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Capitol Corridor trains and associated thruway buses to/from the Oakland Coliseum/Airport Station (adjacent to BART) only.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: None.
   
• CAPITOL CORRIDOR - Chinook Book includes buy-one-get-one-free Amtrak coupon
  An Amtrak coupon for a free companion ticket on Capitol Corridor trains is included in the 2013 editions of both the East Bay and Bay Area Chinook coupon books. The books are sold for $20 each in their online store and at local retailers.
   
• CASCADES - Chinook Book includes Amtrak coupons for companion and child fares
  The 2013 Chinook coupon books for both Portland and Seattle include Amtrak Cascades coupons for a half-price adult ticket (or free child ticket) with the purchase of one full price adult ticket. The books are sold for $20 each in their online store and at local retailers.
   
• PACIFIC SURFLINER & SAN JOAQUIN - Save 20% to/from Santa Barbara County
  Amtrak Discount Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Take a Vacation from Your Car
  Expiration: Book by December 16, 2013. Travel by December 19, 2013.
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquin, and associated thruway buses to/from the following Santa Barbara County stations only: Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Surf, Guadalupe, Santa Maria, Solvang, Buellton, and Lompoc.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.
   
• PACIFIC SURFLINER & SAN JOAQUIN - Save 20% to/from San Luis Obispo County
  Amtrak Discount Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Go Car Free to San Luis Obispo
  Expiration: Book by December 16, 2013. Travel by December 19, 2013.
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquin, and associated thruway buses to/from San Luis Obispo, Grover Beach, Atascadero, and Paso Robles, California.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.
   
• COLLEGE STUDENTS - Select university students save 20% on California routes
  Amtrak Promotional Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: College Students Save 20%
  Expiration: Book by June 13, 2013. Travel by June 16, 2013.
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquin, and associated thruways.
  Additional Terms: Student ID required for Amtrak ticket purchase and onboard train. Valid for students at participating universities only: Cal State (Bakersfield, Fresno, Sacramento, Stanislaus), University of California (Irvine, Los Angeles, Merced, San Diego, Santa Barbara), Cal Poly, Fresno City, San Diego State, San Francisco State, Santa Barbara City College, University of Southern California, and University of the Pacific.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
  
  Students at all schools can save 15% on all Amtrak routes with a Student Advantage card.
  Membership costs just $20, plus you'll receive $10 cash back after your first qualified purchase.
   
• COLLEGE FACULTY/STAFF - Select university staff save 15% on California routes
  Amtrak Promotional Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Take The Break You Deserve
  Expiration: Book by December 28, 2013. Travel by December 31, 2013.
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquin, Capitol Corridor, and associated thruways.
  Additional Terms: University ID required for Amtrak ticket purchase and onboard train. Valid for faculty/staff at participating University of California and California State campuses. Refer to Amtrak.com promotion code link above for complete list of eligible institutions.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• UPDATES: See our Facebook Page for new Amtrak discounts, promotions, and coupons.

Amtrak Guest Rewards Promotions

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 (click here for point requirements) and gift certificates and can be easily transferred to rewards programs at several hotels. The latest Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and specials are listed below:

• Refer-A-Friend and Earn 500 Bonus Amtrak Guest Rewards Points
  Enter the e-mail addresses of potential Amtrak Guest Rewards members. If a referral joins the program and travels within 90 days, both you and the new member earn 500 bonus points. Referrals must be submitted on the Refer-A-Friend Page.
   
• Amtrak Guest Rewards MasterCard with 12,000 Bonus Points
  Earn two points per dollar on Amtrak purchases and one point per dollar on all other purchases. Receive 12,000 bonus points after your first purchase, enough for any single zone round-trip or four round-trips on select Amtrak routes. Click Here for complete details from Amtrak Guest Rewards. Note: Some members may be eligible for additional bonus point offers (16k, 18k, etc.). Login to your Amtrak Guest Rewards account to see if you receive a better offer.

General Amtrak Ticket & Travel Tips

This section provides many practical tips for making Amtrak reservations. Although route-specific details are beyond the scope of this page, we recommend the following three books for more information.

• Book Early for Lowest Fare Bucket: Amtrak uses four to five price levels ("buckets") for coach seating and five for sleeper accommodations. With the exception of peak travel times (e.g. 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 Amtrak 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 Amtrak fares to increase significantly as you approach the departure date. It is suggested that you book as early as possible to the receive cheapest tickets, especially given Amtrak's flexible Refund Policy. An unofficial website, AmSnag, allows one to search a range of dates for the lowest fares, excluding any applicable Amtrak promotions.

• Avoid Sell-Outs: If you attempt to make a reservation and find that coach or upgrades (business class, first class, 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 upgrades are sold-out, you may wish to make the coach reservation and keep checking with 1-800-USA-RAIL to see if upgraded accommodations can be added. If an upgrade 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.

• Free Stopovers & Multi-City Trips: To book a trip with stopovers at the lowest possible fare, use the Multi-City Tickets option at Amtrak.com. If each stopover is less than 24 hours (same or next-day), the multi-city fare will be the same as a reservation booked directly from origin to final destination. For example, suppose the fare from New York (NYP) to Washington (WAS) is $49.00. However, one desires an 8-hour stopover in Philadelphia (PHL). Using Amtrak.com's multi-city ticket option, specify two legs for the journey (NYP-PHL and PHL-WAS) with the desired dates/times. If the stopover is less less 24 hours, the two-part Amtrak fare will still be $49.00. If the stopover is 24 hours or more, the two legs will be priced as separate travel and yield a significantly higher fare. Note: Free stopovers are available on any Amtrak route nationwide with more than one train per day. Free stopovers are NOT available on long-distance routes served by a single train per day, as the required layover will be at least 24 hours. In such instances, the USA Rail Pass may provide the best value.

• Reservation Changes: Unlike most airlines, Amtrak does not charge a ticket change fee. When changing a reservation, Amtrak will simply charge (or credit) the difference in fare between trains. Keep in mind that Amtrak fares usually rise as the departure date approaches, so last-minute reservation changes may result in substantial charges. Also, if you received a promotion code discount on the original Amtrak reservation that included an advance purchase requirement (e.g. 20%-off), you will lose the discount if changing your reservation after the advance purchase deadline. Reservations made online at Amtrak.com may be changed online if you selected e-ticket delivery (or if physical tickets haven't been printed). Other reservations must be modified by phone (800-USA-RAIL) or at a staffed station.

• Late Trains & Connections: Amtrak trains on the Northeast Corridor are usually on-time or subject to minor delays of less than 30 minutes. On most other routes, Amtrak trains operate over freight railroads and can be subject to delays as long as several hours due to trackwork and freight train interference. Amtrak publishes monthly on-time statistics for each route that may be helpful in travel planning. Amtrak will only "guarantee" connections with a minimum of 60 minutes (or 90 minutes if connecting from a long-distance train). When a train is late, Amtrak may do one of the following for guaranteed connections: a) hold the connecting train if the delay is minor and there are numerous connecting passengers, b) provide same-day alternative transportation on Amtrak or other carrier, or c) provide hotel accommodations and reservations on the next day's train.

• Train Status: Train status is available by web (Amtrak.com), phone (1-800-USA-RAIL), and mobile device (Amtrak.mobi). A third party website plots all Amtrak trains on a color-coded map and provides their current status. Train status is also found via text message using a free third party service.
  Simply text 401-268-7251 (that's 401-AMTRAK-1) with the following: [station code] [train number]
  For example, texting PHL 175 provides the status of train 175 at Philadelphia.

• Wi-Fi Internet: Wireless Internet is available free of charge on the following Amtrak routes: Acela Express, Northeast Regional, Downeaster, Empire Service, Keystone, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express, Carolinian, Cascades, Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquin, Capitol Corridor, and Coast Starlight (sleeping car passengers in Pacific Parlour Car only). Additionally, free wifi is available in select cars on the following routes: Adirondack, Maple Leaf, Pennsylvanian, and Palmetto. Free wifi is also available in the following Amtrak stations: Washington, Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, New York Penn Station, Providence, Route 128 Station (Massachusetts), and Boston South Station (ClubAcela only), plus Auto Train stations Lorton and Sanford. The AmtrakConnect Wi-Fi Page provides additional information.

• See our Facebook Page for questions, answers, and additional Amtrak travel tips.

Amtrak Contact Methods

Comments and questions regarding this page may be submitted via our contact form. For assistance with Amtrak reservations, travel planning, discount eligibility, and customer service, please use the contacts below.

Amtrak Reservations Phone: 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245), available 24/7.
     For new reservations, changes, cancellations, and train status inquiries.
     Amtrak's automated agent, Julie, can assist with basic reservations and train status.
     Press 0 at any time to speak with a live agent.
     International callers without toll-free access can dial (001) 215-856-7953 from 8:30a to 5:00p Eastern Time.

Amtrak Customer Relations Phone: 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245), press 0, ask for Customer Relations
     For feedback and complaints concerning Amtrak travel, including travel voucher requests.
     Available Monday through Friday, 7a-10p ET.

Amtrak.com: Online Contact Form
     For general comments and questions. Select the appropriate subject to route your request correctly.

Free Amtrak Publications: Online Request Form
     For requesting timetables, vacations guide, onboard magazines, Auto Train pamphlet, etc. by mail.

Amtrak Guest Rewards Phone: 1-800-307-5000
     For reward travel, points balance, and all customer service inquiries.
     Reward travel with connecting trains, sleeping accommodations, or Auto Train MUST be booked by phone.
     Available 7 days a week, 5a-Midnight ET.

Amtrak Guest Rewards Missing Points: Online Points Request Form
     Request credit for Amtrak tickets that weren't credited within three (3) weeks of travel.

Amtrak Alternatives (MegaBus, BoltBus, NJ Transit / SEPTA)

This section details several Amtrak alternatives in the Northeast. MegaBus and BoltBus offer express bus service between Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, while NJ Transit and SEPTA offer connecting train service between New York and Philadelphia.

MegaBus

MegaBus launched in 2006 and now serves cities throughout the Northeast, Southeast, and Midwest. Although slower than Amtrak, subject to traffic delays, and generally less comfortable than train seating/amenities, MegaBus tickets can be considerably cheaper. The following MegaBus routes compete directly with Amtrak's Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, Empire Service, and Downeaster:

MegaBus stops are located at Amtrak stations in Portland, Boston (South Station), New Haven, Philadelphia, Washington, Richmond (Main Street Station), and Syracuse. MegaBus stops in other cities vary from downtown to suburban. Service operates hourly on the most popular routes, roughly the same as Amtrak.

MegaBus fares generally range from $1 to about $75 depending on the route and date of booking. A MegaBus promotion code is NOT required for the $1 fare. There are $1 seats available on every bus, but you may need to book several weeks in advance.

MegaBus promotional codes are infrequent and usually publicized directly at megabus.com. Current MegaBus codes are listed here (when available) and announced via our Facebook Page.

Check megabus.com for details about MegaBus schedules, stations, deals, and other MegaBus promos.

BoltBus

BoltBus launched in 2008 as a joint venture between Greyhound and Peter Pan. Like MegaBus, Bolt Bus offers free wifi and cheaper fares than Amtrak, but is limited to the following routes:

BoltBus stops utilize Amtrak stations in Boston (South Station), New York, Newark, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington. Service is as frequent as every 30 minutes during peak travel times.

BoltBus fares generally range from $8 to $50 depending on destination and date of booking. The cheapest fares will be obtained by booking at least several days in advance.

Check boltbus.com for Bolt Bus tickets, schedules, deals, and bus stop locations. BoltBus coupon code and promotion code discounts are also posted when available.

NJ Transit & SEPTA

NJ Transit and SEPTA operate commuter rail networks in New York and Philadelphia, respectively. By riding NJ Transit's Northeast Corridor Line between New York Penn Station and Trenton, coupled with SEPTA's Trenton Line (formerly R7 route) between Philadelphia 30th Street Station and Trenton, hourly train service is available between New York and Philadelphia.

Although longer and less comfortable than Amtrak, the commuter rail connection has the benefit of lower fares ($24.25 one-way) and flexible ticketing (all trains are unreserved). Joint tickets for NJ Transit and SEPTA trains are available at New York Penn Station as well as all three SEPTA train stations in Center City Philadelphia. Tickets for each direction of travel will come in two parts -- one for NJ Transit and one for SEPTA. Tickets are unreserved and may be used on any train at any time of day.

The table below compares Amtrak with the NJ Transit / SEPTA alternative. Schedules and fares are subject to change. For current train schedules and more information, visit the NJ Transit and SEPTA websites.

Legal Notice: This page is Copyright © 2013 RailServe.com and may not be reproduced in whole or in part on any website, message board, or other medium. RailServe.com assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or eligibility of any Amtrak discounts. This page is in no way affiliated with National Railroad Passenger Corp (Amtrak).