Amtrak operates intercity passenger trains in the USA, including long-distance routes 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 Amtrak fare discounts are valid for all railroad passengers and can be booked online at Amtrak.com. However, some Amtrak coupon codes are intended for specific organizations or memberships and may require proof of eligibility to receive discount fares.

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 fare discounts apply to most Amtrak travel (excluding weekday Acela Express travel) and cannot be combined with other promotions. Tickets must be purchased three days in advance for Student Advantage, ISIC, Veterans Advantage, AAA, or NARP fare 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 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.
• Disabilities: Disabled passengers, plus one companion, receive a 15% discount.

Rail Passes

• USA Rail Passes: 15, 30 & 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 travel on Northeast Regional trains through March 31, 2010. Reservations must be made at least 14 days prior to travel and apply to coach fares only. For sample Amtrak fares and full terms, see Amtrak.com's Northeast is Going for a Great Price promotion page. If booking online, the fare discount will be reflected on the 'Select Departure' page. No Amtrak promotional code is required.

Important Note: You must select the Adult fare type to receive the advance purchase discount. If you select any discounted fare type (e.g. AAA, Student Advantage, etc.) or enter a promotional code, you'll receive the discount from the full fare instead of the advance purchase fare.

Weekly Specials

Discounted Amtrak fares (typically 20-25% off) are available each week on Amtrak.com's Weekly Specials. Every Tuesday, a new set of discounted Amtrak routes/dates are posted. To receive the fare 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 (e.g. Fridays and Sundays are 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 route between Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, and intermediate points. These special Amtrak 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 Departure' and 'Select Return' pages 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 in your cart. No Amtrak discount code is required. For a listing of all discounted weekend fares, please refer to Weekend Getaway Fares at Amtrak.com.

Important Note: You must select the Adult fare type to receive special weekend fares. If you select any discounted fare type (e.g. AAA, Student Advantage, etc.) or enter a promotion code, you'll receive the discount from the full fare instead of the special weekend fare.

Save 50% on a Companion Fare for College Campus Visits

You must make your reservation at least three (3) days prior to travel and present a student ID to pick-up your tickets. This offer is NOT valid on Acela Express, Auto Train, or any travel to Canada. Book by December 28, 2010 and travel by December 31, 2010.

Promotion Codes (Amtrak Coupon 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 (e.g. AAA 10% off); exclude Acela Express; and, are subject to blackouts during peak travel periods (2010 Blackout Dates: Apr. 2, Apr. 4-5, Nov. 23-24, Nov. 27-29, Dec. 17-23, Dec. 26-30). Most promotional 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 after selecting the desired train. Amtrak may limit the numbers of seats available at a 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 destinations/dates 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 promotional codes were revalidated on March 1, 2010.

NEW ENGLAND Amtrak Promotion Codes

SAVINGS TIP: Do not use the NORTHEAST REGIONAL promo codes if booking at least 14 days in advance AND traveling by March 31. The promotional code will replace an included 25% advance purchase discount.

• PORTLAND/BOSTON - Save 25% on Downeaster trains to any destination
  Promotion Code: V203   Promo Source: Amtrak Downeaster
  Expiration: Book by June 27, 2010. Travel by June 30, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Southbound Downeaster trains 684, 686, 694 & 696 (afternoon departures from Portland) and northbound Downeaster trains 689 & 699 (11:00p from Boston).
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• PORTLAND/BOSTON - Buy-1-Get-1-Free on Downeaster trains to any destination
  Promotion Code: V773   Promo Source: Amtrak Downeaster
  Expiration: Book by December 28, 2010. Travel by December 31, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Southbound Downeaster trains 686, 688, 694, 696 & 698 (afternoon/evening departures from Portland) and northbound Downeaster trains 681, 683, 691 & 693 (morning departures from Boston).
  Additional Terms: 2010 blackout dates are Feb. 14-21, Apr. 18-25, and Jul. 1 through Aug. 9. Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive a free companion ticket.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• PORTLAND/BOSTON - Kids ride free Sundays on Downeaster trains to any destination
  Promotion Code: V581   Promo Source: Amtrak Downeaster
  Expiration: Book by June 24, 2010. Travel by June 27, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Downeaster trains on Sundays only.
  Additional Terms: Two kids (ages 2-15) travel free per adult.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• PORTLAND/BOSTON - Seniors save 50% on Downeaster trains to any destination
  Promotion Code: V543   Promo Source: Amtrak Downeaster
  Expiration: Book and travel through January 2011. May be extended.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: All Downeaster trains.
  Additional Terms: You must select the Senior (62+) fare type and enter the promotion code.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• MASSACHUSETTS - Save 20% on Northeast Regional and Downeaster trains
  Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Visit Massachusetts and Save 20%
  Expiration: Book by December 13, 2010. Travel by December 16, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Northeast Regional, Downeaster, and Lake Shore Limited (Albany-Boston segment only) routes to/from all cities in Massachusetts including Boston, Framingham, Worcester, Springfield, and Pittsfield. Acela Express excluded.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• RHODE ISLAND - Save 20% on Northeast Regional trains
  Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Visit Rhode Island and Save 20%
  Expiration: Book by December 28, 2010. Travel by December 31, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Northeast Regional service to/from Westerly, Kingston, and Providence only. Acela Express excluded.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• CONNECTICUT - Save 20% on Northeast Regional trains
  Promotion Code: V266   Promo Source: Greater New Haven Convention & Visitors Bureau
  Expiration: Book by March 28, 2010. Travel by March 31, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Northeast Regional service to/from Stamford, Bridgeport, New Haven, Old Saybrook, New London, and Mystic, Connecticut, plus Shuttle service to/from Hartford, Connecticut. Acela Express excluded.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• NEW YORK/ALBANY/MONTREAL - $85 round-trip on Adirondack trains
  Promotion Code: None Required   Promo Source: Adirondack Weekend Getaway Fare
  Expiration: Book by April 19, 2010. Travel by April 26, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: A special $85 round-trip fare is available on Amtrak's Adirondack between New York, Albany, Montreal, and all intermediate stops northbound and southbound. The discount is valid Thursday through Monday only.
  Additional Terms: The departure and return must occur within five consecutive days (e.g. leave Thursday and return Monday, or leave Monday and return Friday). When booking at Amtrak.com, the full fare will be displayed when selecting the departing and returning train, then the discount will be applied during Step 3: Discounts if qualifying dates are selected.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• VERMONT - Save 20% on Ethan Allen Express and Vermonter trains
  Promotion Code: V683   Promo Source: Vermont Department of Tourism
  Expiration: Book by October 28, 2010. Travel by October 31, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Ethan Allen trains to/from Rutland and Castleton, plus Vermonter trains to/from St. Albans, Essex Junction, Waterbury, Montpelier, Randolph, White River Junction, Windsor, Bellows Falls, and Brattleboro, Vermont.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• VERMONT - $12 fare on Vermonter trains within the state of Vermont
  Promotion Code: V648   Promo Source: Vermont Department of Tourism
  Expiration: Book and travel by December 31, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Vermonter trains between the following Vermont stations only: St Albans, Essex Junction, Waterbury, Montpelier, Randolph, White River Junction, Windsor, Bellows Falls, and Brattleboro.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: None.
   
• Northeast Regional Buy-Two-Get-One-Free Winter 2010 Promotion
  See Amtrak Guest Rewards section below.
   
• Acela Express Buy-Three-Get-One-Free Winter 2010 Promotion
  See Amtrak Guest Rewards section below.

MID-ATLANTIC Amtrak Promotion Codes

SAVINGS TIP: Do not use the NORTHEAST REGIONAL promo codes if booking at least 14 days in advance AND traveling by March 31. The promotional code will replace an included 25% advance purchase discount.

• NEWARK - Save 40% on a companion fare on Northeast Regional trains
  Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Save 40% to Newark, NJ
  Expiration: Book by December 13, 2010. Travel by December 16, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Northeast Regionals to/from Newark. Acela Express excluded.
  Additional Terms: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• PHILADELPHIA - Save 20% on Northeast Regional & Keystone trains
  Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Save 20% to Philadelphia PA
  Expiration: Book by September 8, 2010. Travel by September 11, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Northeast Regionals & Keystones to/from Philadelphia. Acela excluded.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• PHILADELPHIA - Save 40% on a companion fare on Northeast Regional & Keystones
  Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Save 40% to Philadelphia, PA
  Expiration: Book by December 13, 2010. Travel by December 16, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Northeast Regionals & Keystones to/from Philadelphia. Acela excluded.
  Additional Terms: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• WILMINGTON - Save 40% on a companion fare on Northeast Regional trains
  Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Save 40% to Wilmington, DE
  Expiration: Book by December 13, 2010. Travel by December 16, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Northeast Regionals to/from Wilmington. Acela Express excluded.
  Additional Terms: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• BALTIMORE - Save 40% on a companion fare on Northeast Regional trains
  Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Save 40% to Baltimore, MD
  Expiration: Book by December 13, 2010. Travel by December 16, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Northeast Regionals to/from Baltimore. Acela Express excluded.
  Additional Terms: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• BWI AIRPORT - Save 40% on a companion fare on Northeast Regional trains
  Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Save 40% to Annapolis, MD
  Expiration: Book by December 13, 2010. Travel by December 16, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Northeast Regionals to/from BWI Airport. Acela Express excluded.
  Additional Terms: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• Northeast Regional Buy-Two-Get-One-Free Winter 2010 Promotion
  See Amtrak Guest Rewards section below.
   
• Acela Express Buy-Three-Get-One-Free Winter 2010 Promotion
  See Amtrak Guest Rewards section below.

SOUTHEAST Amtrak Coupon Codes

• SOUTHEASTERN CITIES - Save 20% on select routes in the Southeast
  Coupon Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Cheer On The Big South
  Expiration: Book by March 6, 2010. Travel by March 13, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Carolinian (NYC-Charlotte), Piedmont (Raleigh-Charlotte), Crescent (NYC-Atlanta-New Orleans), Palmetto (NYC-Savannah), Silver Star (NYC-Tampa-Miami), and Silver Meteor (NYC-Miami).
  Advance Purchase Requirement: None.
   
• ORLANDO - Save 20% on Silver Service to Orlando, Winter Park & Kissimmee, FL
  Coupon Code: V436   Coupon Source: Orlando Preferred Visitor Magicard
  Expiration: Book by December 13, 2010. Travel by December 16, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Silver Star and Silver Meteor only.
  Additional Terms: Code may only be used by phone: 800-USA-RAIL.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• CRUISE PASSENGERS - Save 20% (or 15% on sleeper accommodations) to port cities
  Coupon Codes: V334 (Norwegian), V423 (Carnival), V529 (Holland America)
  Expiration: Book by December 27, 2010. Travel by December 31, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Valid on all routes except Acela Express, Auto Train, Illinois Zephyr, Keystone Service, Lake Shore Limited, Lincoln Service, Missouri River Runner & Canada service.
  Additional Terms: Valid only in conjunction with a Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Holland America Line cruise itinerary for arrival at the port city at least one day prior to cruise departure. Valid for adult and child coach fares, business class, and sleeper accommodations. Code may only be used by phone: 800-USA-RAIL.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.

MIDWEST Amtrak Promotion Codes

• ILLINOIS - Save 20% on select Amtrak trains within Illinois
  Promotion Code: V619   Promo Source: Amtrak.com: Save 20% on Travel in Illinois
  Expiration: Book by April 27, 2010. Travel by April 30, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Chicago-Quincy (Carl Sandburg and Illinois Zephyr), Chicago-St. Louis (Lincoln Service), and Chicago-Carbondale (Illini and Saluki).
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• MICHIGAN - Save 20% on select Amtrak trains in Michigan/Chicago
  Promotion Code: V505   Promo Source: Amtrak.com: Save 20% on Travel in Michigan
  Expiration: Book by April 27, 2010. Travel by April 30, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Chicago-Grand Rapids (Pere Marquette), Chicago-Pontiac (Wolverines), and Chicago-Port Huron (Blue Water).
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• ST. LOUIS / KANSAS CITY - Save 20% on Missouri River Runner trains
  Promotion Code: V328   Promo Source: Amtrak.com: Save 20% on Travel in Missouri
  Expiration: Book by December 13, 2010. Travel by December 16, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Missouri River Runner trains (numbers 311, 313, 314 & 316) between St. Louis, Kansas City, and intermediate stops.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• HOUSTON - Save 20% on the Sunset Limited this April
  Promotion Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Save 20% to Houston, Texas
  Expiration: Book by April 19, 2010. Travel between April 4 and April 22, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Sunset Limited to Houston, Texas only.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• Spend $50 on Select Midwest Routes and Earn a Free Trip
  See Amtrak Guest Rewards section below.

WEST Amtrak Discount 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
• Cascades: Eugene - Portland - Seattle - Vancouver
   
• PACIFIC SURFLINER & SAN JOAQUIN - Save 25% to all destinations
  Discount Code: V611   Discount Source: Amtrak California "Reasons to Ride"
  Expiration: Book by March 28, 2010. Travel by March 31, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquin, and associated thruways.
  Additional Terms: Valid only on Internet reservations.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• PACIFIC SURFLINER & SAN JOAQUIN - Save 20% to/from Santa Barbara County
  Discount Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Take a Vacation from Your Car
  Expiration: Book by December 13, 2010. Travel by December 16, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquin, and associated thruway buses to/from the following Santa Barbara County stations only: Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Solvang, Buellton, Lompoc, Surf, Guadalupe & Santa Maria.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• PACIFIC SURFLINER & SAN JOAQUIN - Save 20% to/from San Luis Obispo
  Discount Code: Click 'Book It Now' at Amtrak.com: Go Car Free to San Luis Obispo
  Expiration: Book by January 28, 2011. Travel by January 31, 2011.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquin, and associated thruway buses to/from San Luis Obispo, California.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• CRUISE PASSENGERS - Save 20% (or 15% on sleeper accommodations) to port cities
  Discount Codes: V334 (Norwegian), V423 (Carnival), V529 (Holland America)
  Expiration: Book by December 27, 2010. Travel by December 31, 2010.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Valid on all routes except Acela Express, Auto Train, Illinois Zephyr, Keystone Service, Lake Shore Limited, Lincoln Service, Missouri River Runner & Canada service.
  Additional Terms: Valid only in conjunction with a Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Holland America Line cruise itinerary for arrival at the port city at least one day prior to cruise departure. Valid for adult and child coach fares, business class, and sleeper accommodations. Code may only be used by phone: 800-USA-RAIL.
  Advance Purchase Requirement: Three day advance purchase required.
   
• Spend $50 on Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, or San Joaquin and Earn a Free Trip
  See Amtrak Guest Rewards section below.

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.

• Northeast Regional Buy-Two-Get-One-Free Winter 2010 Promotion
  Take two round-trips (or four one-ways) on Northeast Regional between January 7 and March 13 and earn one free round-trip redeemable between June 1 and August 31. To qualify, each trip must be at least $49 one-way or $98 round-trip. To earn up to eight (8) free round-trips, 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 10810.
   
• Acela Express Buy-Three-Get-One-Free Winter 2010 Promotion
  Take three round-trips (or six one-ways) on Acela Express between January 7 and March 13 and earn one free round-trip redeemable between June 1 and August 31. To qualify, each trip must be at least $85 one-way or $170 round-trip. To earn up to eight (8) free round-trips, 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 10710.
   
• Spend $50 on Select Midwest Routes and Earn a Free Trip
  Spend $50 on the Hiawatha, Lincoln Service, Illini, Carl Sandburg, Missouri River Runner, Illinois Zephyr, Saluki, Hoosier State, and Pere Marquette between January 7 and March 13 and earn 1,000 bonus Amtrak Guest Rewards points (enough for a free one-way trip). To earn up to four rewards (4,000 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 10910.
   
• Spend $50 on Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, or San Joaquin and Earn a Free Trip
  Spend $50 on the Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, and San Joaquin between January 7 and March 13 and earn 1,000 bonus Amtrak Guest Rewards points (enough for a free one-way trip). To earn up to four rewards (4,000 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 11010.
   
• 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.
   
• Amtrak Guest Rewards MasterCard with 6,000 Bonus Points
  Earn two points per dollar on Amtrak purchases and one point per dollar on all other purchases. Receive 6,000 bonus points after your first purchase. Click Here to apply.

General Amtrak Reservation Tips

• Book Early: 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 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 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.