Amtrak Promotion Code, Coupons & Discounts: 2009 Amtrak Codes

Amtrak operates intercity passenger trains in the USA, including long-distance trains plus high-density corridors in the Northeast, Illinois, California, and Pacific Northwest. This page lists the latest Amtrak promotion codes and travel discounts and is updated frequently with new promotion codes. Most discounts are valid for all railroad passengers and can be booked online at Amtrak.com. However, some coupon codes are intended for specific organizations or memberships and may require proof of eligibility.

Legal Notes: This page is Copyright © 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 discounts.

Standard Passenger Discounts

These discounts apply to most Amtrak travel and cannot be combined with other promotions. Tickets must be purchased three days in advance for 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.
Disabilities: Disabled passengers, plus one companion, receive a 15% discount.

Rail Passes

USA Rail Passes: 15, 30, and 45-day passes for travel anywhere on the Amtrak system.
California Rail Pass: 7 days of rail travel in the state of California during a 21 day period.
Multi-Ride Tickets: Discounts for multiple rides within a single period, including ten-ride tickets, monthly tickets, and other route-specific discounts.

14-Day Advance Purchase Discounts

Discounts of up to 25% are available for Northeast Regional and Acela Express travel through September 3, 2009. Reservations must be made at least 14 days prior to travel. The discount applies to coach class (Northeast Regional) and business class (Acela Express) only. For sample fares and terms, see Amtrak.com's Northeast Regional and Acela Express promotion pages. If booking online at Amtrak.com, the discount will be reflected in the fares on the 'Select Train' page. No promotional code is required.

Weekly Specials

Discounted fares (typically 20% off) are available each week on Amtrak.com's Weekly Specials. Every Tuesday, a new set of discounted trains/routes/dates are posted. To receive the discount, you must make your reservation online at Amtrak.com between Tuesday and Friday. Weekly specials often include select trains on the Northeast Corridor, Empire Service, Chicago-area routes, and partial segments of long-distance routes nationwide during non-peak periods (i.e. Fridays and Sundays area always excluded). Weekly special fares are only available one to five weeks in advance, are non-refundable (exchanges still permitted), and must be booked online at Amtrak.com's Weekly Specials.

Weekend Getaway Fares

Discounted weekend fares are available on the Northeast Corridor between Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, and intermediate points. These special fares are valid on Northeast 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.) or enter a promotion code, you'll receive the discount 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 (Coupons)

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 (2009 Blackout Dates: Sep. 4, Sep. 7, Nov. 24-25, Nov. 28-30, Dec. 17-23, Dec. 26-30). Most promotion codes may be used for reservations online (Amtrak.com), by phone (1-800-USA-RAIL), 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. A limited number of seats may be available at the discounted fare, so you may try an alternate train/date if the promo code is not accepted.

Unless otherwise specified below, you must select the Adult, Child, or Infant fare type to receive the promotional fare. If you select any other discounted fare type (e.g. AAA, Student Advantage, Senior, Military, etc.), you will not receive the promotional fare.

Note: Discounts have been compiled from a variety of sources including Amtrak, tourism 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 suggest additions or changes, please contact RailServe.com.

These Amtrak promotion codes were revalidated on June 29, 2009.

NEW ENGLAND Amtrak Promotion Codes

Buy-1-Get-1-Free on Downeaster trains between Portland and Boston
Promotion Code: V773 Source Link: Amtrak Downeaster
Expiration: Book by December 28, 2009. Travel by December 31, 2009.
Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive a free companion ticket. Valid only on southbound trains 686, 688, 694, 696, and 698 (afternoon/evening departures from Portland) and northbound trains 681, 683, 691, and 693 (morning departures from Boston). Three day advance purchase required.
Seniors save 50% on Downeaster trains between Portland and Boston
Promotion Code: V543 Source Link: Amtrak Downeaster
Expiration: Book and travel through May 2010. May be extended.
Restrictions: Valid for seniors (age 62+) only. Three day advance purchase required.
Save 20% on Northeast Regional and Downeaster trains to Boston MA
Promotion Code: V221 Source Link: Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism
Expiration: Book by December 12, 2009. Travel by December 15, 2009.
Restrictions: Code may only be used by phone: 800-USA-RAIL. Valid on Northeast Regional service only. Three day advance purchase required.
Save 20% on Northeast Regional trains to/from Westerly, Kingston or Providence RI
Promotion Code: V174 Source Link: Providence Warwick Convention & Visitors Bureau
Expiration: Book by December 13, 2009. Travel by December 16, 2009.
Restrictions: Valid on Northeast Regional service only. Three day advance purchase required.
Save 20% on Amtrak travel within New York State (plus Montreal)
Promotion Code: V122 Source Link: I Love New York
Expiration: Book by November 20, 2009. Travel by November 23, 2009.
Restrictions: Valid for travel on Empire Service, Adirondack, Ethan Allen Express, Lake Shore Limited, and Maple Leaf routes within the state of New York, plus Montreal and St. Lambert, Canada. Discount is not valid on Northeast Regional service to/from New York City. Three day advance purchase required.
Save 20% on Vermonter and Ethan Allen trains to all Vermont destinations
Promotion Code: V446 Source Link: Arrive Magazine: January/February 2009
Expiration: Book by October 28, 2009. Travel by October 31, 2009.
Restrictions: Code may only be used by phone: 800-USA-RAIL. Valid on Vermonter and Ethan Allen trains only. Three day advance purchase required.
$12 fares between any two Vermont stations on the Vermonter route
Promotion Code: V189 Source Link: Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing
Expiration: Book and travel by December 16, 2009.
Restrictions: Valid on the Vermonter train for travel between the following Vermont stations only: St Albans, Essex Junction, Waterbury, Montpelier, Randolph, White River Junction, Windsor, Bellows Falls, and Brattleboro.
High school juniors/seniors save 50% off companion fare for campus visits
Promotion Code: Register at CampusVisit.com for the code
Expiration: Book by December 13, 2009. Travel by December 16, 2009.
Restrictions: Valid only for high school juniors/seniors visiting a college or university with one parent/guardian companion. High school student ID required to pick up tickets. Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Not valid on Acela Express of Auto Train. Three day advance purchase required.
Amtrak Guest Rewards Summer 2009 Power Points Promotion
See Amtrak Guest Rewards section below.

MID-ATLANTIC Amtrak Promotion Codes

Save 40% off companion fare on Northeast Regional trains to/from Newark NJ
Promotion Code: V558 Source Link: Arrive Magazine: January/February 2009
Expiration: Book by December 13, 2009. Travel by December 16, 2009.
Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Valid on Northeast Regional service only. Three day advance purchase required.
Save 40% off companion fare on Northeast Regional and Keystone trains to Philadelphia PA
Promotion Code: V553 Source Link: Official Visitor Site for Greater Philadelphia
Expiration: Book by December 10, 2009. Travel by December 13, 2009.
Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Code may only be used by phone: 800-USA-RAIL. Valid on Northeast Regional and Keystone service only. Three day advance purchase required.
Save 40% off companion fare on Northeast Regional trains to/from Wilmington DE
Promotion Code: V256 Source Link: Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau
Expiration: Book by December 13, 2009. Travel by December 16, 2009.
Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Valid on Northeast Regional service only. Three day advance purchase required.
Save 40% off companion fare on Northeast Regional trains to/from Baltimore MD
Promotion Code: V828 Source Link: Baltimore Area Convention & Visitors Association
Expiration: Book by December 13, 2009. Travel by December 16, 2009.
Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Valid on Northeast Regional service only. Three day advance purchase required.
Save 40% off companion fare on Northeast Regional trains to/from BWI Airport Rail Station or Washington DC
Promotion Code: V722 Source Link: Arrive Magazine: January/February 2009
Expiration: Book by December 13, 2009. Travel by December 16, 2009.
Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Valid on Northeast Regional service only. Three day advance purchase required.
High school juniors/seniors save 50% off companion fare for campus visits
Promotion Code: Register at CampusVisit.com for the code
Expiration: Book by December 13, 2009. Travel by December 16, 2009.
Restrictions: Valid only for high school juniors/seniors visiting a college or university with one parent/guardian companion. High school student ID required to pick up tickets. Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Not valid on Acela Express of Auto Train. Three day advance purchase required.
Amtrak Guest Rewards Summer 2009 Power Points Promotion
See Amtrak Guest Rewards section below.

SOUTHEAST Amtrak Promotion Codes

Kids ride the Auto Train to Florida for only $19
Promotion Code: H809 Source Link: Amtrak.com: Take the Kids Along on a Florida Vacation
Expiration: Book and travel by August 31, 2009.
Restrictions: Two children (age 2-15) travel for $19 each when accompanied by a full-fare adult.
Save 20% on Silver Service to Orlando area stations
Promotion Code: V145 Source Link: Orlando Preferred Visitor Magicard
Expiration: Book and travel by December 16, 2009.
Restrictions: Code may only be used by phone: 800-USA-RAIL. Valid on adult rail fare only.
High school juniors/seniors save 50% off companion fare for campus visits
Promotion Code: Register at CampusVisit.com for the code
Expiration: Book by December 13, 2009. Travel by December 16, 2009.
Restrictions: Valid only for high school juniors/seniors visiting a college or university with one parent/guardian companion. High school student ID required to pick up tickets. Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Not valid on Acela Express of Auto Train. Three day advance purchase required.
Norwegian Cruise Line passengers save 20% (or 15% on sleepers) to port cities
Promotion Code: See Norwegian Cruise Line Amtrak Specials for the code
Expiration: Book by December 28, 2009. Travel by December 31, 2009.
Restrictions: Valid only in conjunction with a NCL cruise itinerary and for arrival at the port city at least one day prior to cruise departure. Code may only be used by phone: 800-USA-RAIL. Valid for adult and child coach fares, business class, and sleeper accommodations. Valid on all routes except Acela Express, Auto Train, Illinois Zephyr, Lake Shore Limited, Lincoln Service, and Keystones. Three day advance purchase required.
Amtrak Guest Rewards Summer 2009 Power Points Promotion
See Amtrak Guest Rewards section below.

MIDWEST Amtrak Promotion Codes

Save 50% off companion fare between St. Louis, Kansas City, and intermediate stops
Promotion Code: V665 Source Link: Missouri Department of Transportation
Expiration: Book by December 13, 2009. Travel by December 16, 2009.
Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Three day advance purchase required. Valid on train numbers 311, 313, 314, and 316 only.
Save 20% on select Illinois trains
Promotion Code: V574 Source Link: Chicago & Illinois Tourist Office
Expires Soon! Book and travel by June 30, 2009.
Restrictions: Valid only on the following routes/trains: Chicago-Quincy (Carl Sandburg and Illinois Zephyr), Chicago-St. Louis (Lincoln Service), and Chicago-Carbondale (Illini and Saluki)
Kids ride free on Hiawatha trains between Milwaukee and Chicago on weekends
Promotion Code: H810 Source Link: Amtrak Hiawatha
Expiration: Book and travel by August 30, 2009.
Restrictions: Valid for travel on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. Two kids (ages 2-15) travel free per adult.
Save 20% on the Empire Builder between Chicago & Portland/Seattle
Promotion Code: Click 'Book Now' at Amtrak.com's Plan Your Summer Journey & Save
Expires Soon! Book by June 30, 2009. Travel by September 30, 2009.
Restrictions: Promotion is available online only at Amtrak.com.
High school juniors/seniors save 50% off companion fare for campus visits
Promotion Code: Register at CampusVisit.com for the code
Expiration: Book by December 13, 2009. Travel by December 16, 2009.
Restrictions: Valid only for high school juniors/seniors visiting a college or university with one parent/guardian companion. High school student ID required to pick up tickets. Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Not valid on Acela Express of Auto Train. Three day advance purchase required.
Red Hat Society members save 20% on most routes in the Midwest
Promotion Code: Click 'Book Now' at Red Hat Society Travel Discounts
Expiration: Book by December 13, 2009. Travel by December 16, 2009.
Restrictions: Valid for Red Hat Society members only (membership is $20/year) -- member ID required to pick up tickets. Discount available for Internet reservations only. Three day advance purchase required. Valid only on the following Midwest routes: Ann Rutledge, Blue Water, California Zephyr, Carl Sandburg, City of New Orleans, Empire Builder, Heartland Flyer, Hiawatha, Illini, Illinois Zephyr, Lincoln Service, Missouri River Runner, Pere Marquette, Saluki, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle, Wolverine, and associated Thruways. When booking at Amtrak.com, the full fare will be displayed during Step 2: Select Train, and then the discount will be applied during Step 3: View Fare if a qualifying date and train are selected.
Amtrak Guest Rewards Summer 2009 Power Points Promotion
See Amtrak Guest Rewards section below.

WEST Amtrak Promotion Codes

Pacific Surfliner: San Luis Obispo - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles - San Diego
San Joaquins: San Francisco - Sacramento - Bakersfield
Capitol Corridor: Auburn - Sacramento - San Francisco - Oakland - San Jose
Save 20% on the Empire Builder between Chicago & Portland/Seattle
Promotion Code: Click 'Book Now' at Amtrak.com's Plan Your Summer Journey & Save
Expires Soon! Book by June 30, 2009. Travel by September 30, 2009.
Restrictions: Promotion is available online only at Amtrak.com.
Save 20% on Pacific Surfliner & San Joaquins to/from Santa Barbara County
Promotion Code: H792 Source Link: Santa Barbara Car Free Project
Expiration: Book by December 13, 2009. Travel by December 16, 2009.
Restrictions: Three day advance purchase required. Valid for travel to/from the following Santa Barbara County stations only: Carpinteria, Santa Barbara, Goleta, Guadalupe, Lompoc, Surf, Solvang, Santa Maria, and Bellton.
Kids ride free on Capitol Corridor trains on weekends
Promotion Code: V213 Source Link: Capitol Corridor: Kids Ride Free On Weekends
Expiration: Book and travel by November 1, 2009.
Restrictions: Valid for travel on Saturdays and Sundays only. Two kids (ages 2-15) travel free per adult.
Save 30% on Amtrak California service to/from select NorCal & Oregon cities
Promotion Code: Click 'Book Now' at Amtrak.com's 'Visit California for 30% Less'
Expiration: Book by August 27, 2009. Travel by August 30, 2009.
Restrictions: Three day advance purchase required. Valid for travel on all Amtrak California trains and Thruway buses to/from the following Oregon and Northern California cities only: Medford (OR), Ashland (OR), Yreka (CA), Weed (CA), Mt. Shasta (CA), and Dunsmuir (CA). Not valid for travel on the Coast Starlight route (Seattle to Los Angeles). When booking at Amtrak.com, the full fare will be displayed during Step 2: Select Train, and then the discount will be applied during Step 3: View Fare if a qualifying date and train are selected.
College Faculty/Staff Save 15% on Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquins & Capitols
Promotion Code: V526 Source Link: Amtrak California, UC, and other colleges
Expiration: Book by December 13, 2009. Travel by December 16, 2009.
Restrictions: Valid for employees at participating universities only (see list below). Faculty/staff ID required to pick up tickets. Three day advance purchase required. Participating universities: Cal State (Fresno & Bakersfield), Fresno City, Cal Poly, University of California (Merced, Irvine, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Davis, Berkeley, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Diego, and Riverside campuses), University of the Pacific, University of San Diego, San Diego State, and Santa Barbara City College.
High school juniors/seniors save 50% off companion fare for campus visits
Promotion Code: Register at CampusVisit.com for the code
Expiration: Book by December 13, 2009. Travel by December 16, 2009.
Restrictions: Valid only for high school juniors/seniors visiting a college or university with one parent/guardian companion. High school student ID required to pick up tickets. Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Not valid on Acela Express of Auto Train. Three day advance purchase required.
Norwegian Cruise Line passengers save 20% (or 15% on sleepers) to port cities
Promotion Code: See Norwegian Cruise Line Amtrak Specials for the code
Expiration: Book by December 28, 2009. Travel by December 31, 2009.
Restrictions: Valid only in conjunction with a NCL cruise itinerary and for arrival at the port city at least one day prior to cruise departure. Code may only be used by phone: 800-USA-RAIL. Valid for adult and child coach fares, business class, and sleeper accommodations. Valid on all routes except Acela Express, Auto Train, Illinois Zephyr, Lake Shore Limited, Lincoln Service, and Keystones. Three day advance purchase required.
Red Hat Society members save 20% on most routes in the West
Promotion Code: Click 'Book Now' at Red Hat Society Travel Discounts
Expiration: Book by December 13, 2009. Travel by December 16, 2009.
Restrictions: Valid for Red Hat Society members only (membership is $20/year) -- member ID required to pick up tickets. Discount available for Internet reservations only. Three day advance purchase required. Valid only on the following West routes: Amtrak Cascades, California Zephyr, Capitols, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquin, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle, and associated Thruways. When booking at Amtrak.com, the full fare will be displayed during Step 2: Select Train, and then the discount will be applied during Step 3: View Fare if a qualifying date and train are selected.

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 Summer 2009 Power Points Promotion
From June 1 to August 31, 2009, earn 200 bonus points for every trip on Northeast Regional (minimum $35 one-way, $70 round-trip). Plus, on all other Amtrak travel (including Acela Express), earn 100 points for Coach class, 200 points for Business class, and 400 points for First class. 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) using promotion code 60109.
Free 250 Points for Updating Your Profile (not available to all members)
Update your "My Interests" profile at AmtrakGuestRewards.com (click here for a direct link) and receive 250 bonus points. Offer expires June 30, 2009.
Refer-A-Friend and Earn 500 Bonus Points
Enter up to five e-mail addresses of potential Amtrak Guest Rewards members. If a referral joins the program and travels within 90 days, you earn 500 points and the new member earns 1,500 points. Referrals must be submitted on the Refer-A-Friend Page by September 30, 2009.
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. Visit Amtrak Guest Rewards to apply.

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).
Wait 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 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.