Amtrak Promo Codes & Discounts for October 2023

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 2023 Amtrak promo codes and provides tips for saving on all train travel. Although most Amtrak discounts are available to all passengers booking online at Amtrak.com, please review promo code terms for eligibility.

Standard Amtrak Discounts (Students, Seniors, etc.)

These discounts apply to all Amtrak travel except weekday Acela Express, business/first class upgrades, and sleeping accommodations but cannot be combined with promo codes.

• Children: Kids 2 to 12 years of age ride 50% off the standard adult fare on most Amtrak trains (1 per adult).
• Students: Students age 17-24 save 15% on most routes with promo code V814.
• Seniors: Travelers 65+ receive a 10% discount (excludes Auto Train). There is no additional AARP discount.
• Military: 10% discount for military personnel plus their spouses and dependents. No further USAA discount.
• Veterans: 10% discount for military veterans.
• NARP: Save 10% with National Association of Railroad Passengers membership.
• Disabilities: Disabled passengers, plus one companion, receive a 10% Amtrak ticket discount.

Advance Purchase Amtrak Discounts (Saver Fares)

Amtrak tickets are priced using fare "buckets" based on a train's availability. The fare increases to the next bucket as tickets are sold, so you'll save by booking as early as possible. For long-distance routes, sleeping accommodations, and holiday travel, you may need to book months in advance for the cheapest fare. Also note that promo codes and advance purchase discounts are often limited to trains selling at the cheapest bucket, resulting in even higher last-minute fares.

Amtrak often runs 3-day online sales, offering discounts up to 50% off select routes or cities. Discounted seats sell quickly, so be sure to "like" our Facebook Page for early notice of these deals.

Additionally, 7-day, 14-day and 21-day advance purchase discounts ("Saver Fares") are offered on Northeast Regional trains between Boston, Springfield, New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Richmond, Newport News, Norfolk, Lynchburg and all intermediate stations along the Northeast Corridor. This discount is applied automatically when available. Only trains selling at the cheapest fare bucket receive the discount, so book early for the widest selection of trains. Sample 21-day fares to/from New York:  Boston ($31), Philadelphia ($19), Washington ($31). Sample 14-day fares to/from New York: Boston ($62), Philadelphia ($26), Washington ($62).

Other routes with 14-day advance purchase discounts:

• Acela 25% off select trains (Boston - NYC - Philadelphia - Washington)
• Amtrak Cascades 25% off anytime (Vancouver - Seattle - Portland - Eugene)
• 20% off travel on Illinois & Michigan services: Blue Water, Pere Marquette, Wolverine, Lincoln Service, Saluki, Illini, Carl Sandburg, Illinois Zephyr
• 20% off travel on the following long distance routes: Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, California Zephyr, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle, City of New Orleans, Crescent, Lake Shore Limited, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, Pennsylvanian, Palmetto, Silver Meteor, Silver Star

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.

Amtrak Promo Codes - October 2023

Amtrak offers dozens of promo codes for a wide range of routes and cities. These codes typically provide the best possible savings with discounts ranging from 10% to 50%. Many codes are offered in connection with specific events and are never advertised on Amtrak's own website. This page maintains the most complete list of promo codes collected from a wide variety of sources. To use a promo, simply enter the 4-digit code in the "Promo Code" field when booking at Amtrak.com or the "Coupon/Discount Code" field when booking in the Amtrak mobile app. In lieu of a code, some promos link to a special page on Amtrak.com.

Upcoming Amtrak promo code blackout dates:
2023: Nov 21-22 & 25-27, Dec 22-24 & 29-31
2024: Jan 1, Feb 16 & 19, Mar 29, Apr 1, May 27, Jul 4-5

All Amtrak discounts were revalidated on September 29, 2023.

Combining Discounts: Unless otherwise specified, you must select an Adult fare to receive promo code savings. If you select any discount (e.g. Senior, Military, etc.), you will not receive the promotional fare. Also, these promos cannot be combined with the "Saver Fares" (20-25% off when booking 14 days in advance) described above.

Availability: Most 2023 Amtrak promo codes require a 1 to 7 day advance purchase (details specified with each promo). Additionally, Amtrak limits the number of seats available for many promos. If you don't see the "Promo Applied" message when selecting a train, 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.

NATIONWIDE Amtrak Promos for 2023

This section covers 2023 Amtrak promotions available on routes nationwide.

• Save up to 60% with Share Fares when traveling in groups of 3 to 8 passengers
  Amtrak Promo Code: V291     Promo Code Source: Amtrak.com: Save up to 60%
  Expiration: None
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: All Amtrak trains except Amtrak Hartford Line, Capitol Corridor, Hiawatha, Keystone Service, Pacific Surfliner, Pennsylvanian, and Valley Flyer.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Two days.

NEW ENGLAND Amtrak Promo Codes & Discounts for 2023

This section covers 2023 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.

• MAINE/BOSTON - Buy-one-get-one-half-off on select Downeaster trains
  Amtrak Promo Code: V114     Promo Code Source: Amtrak Downeaster Discounts
  Expiration: Book by December 28, 2024. Travel by December 31, 2024.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Select Downeaster trains: 681, 683, 688, 691, 693, 698 (these train numbers include morning trains northbound from Boston and evening trains southbound toward Boston).
  Additional Terms: Purchase one adult ticket at full price to receive half price companion ticket.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.
   
• MAINE/BOSTON - Save 30% on Downeaster trains to any destination for medical appts
  Amtrak Promo Code: V523     Promo Code Source: Amtrak Downeaster Discounts
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: All Downeaster trains on weekdays only.
  Additional Terms: Discount valid for one patient and one companion.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.
   
• MAINE/BOSTON - Seniors save 50% on Downeaster trains to any destination
  Amtrak Promo Code: V543     Promo Code Source: Amtrak Downeaster Discounts
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: All Downeaster trains EXCEPT train 685 (weekday 5pm from Boston).
  Additional Terms: Select the Senior (62+) fare type and enter the promo code.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: None.

MID-ATLANTIC Amtrak Promo Code Deals for 2023

This section covers 2023 Amtrak promo codes 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 (NYC) and Philadelphia for $25 each way. Also, MegaBus offers express bus service between these and other cities. For NJ Transit & SEPTA details, plus MegaBus discounts, please see the Amtrak Alternatives section.

• NEW YORK STATE - Save 15% on trains *WITHIN* New York, plus to/from Montreal
  Amtrak Promo Code: V639     Promo Code Source: Amtrak.com: See New York and Save
  Expiration: Book by December 24, 2024. Travel by December 29, 2024.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Adirondack, Empire Service, Ethan Allen, 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: Five days.
   
• NEW YORK STATE - STUDENTS age 13-25 save 15% on trains *WITHIN* New York
  Amtrak Promo Code: Book at Amtrak.com: New York Student Discount
  Expiration: Expiration: Book by December 30, 2024. Travel by December 31, 2024.
  Amtrak Routes/Trains: Adirondack, Empire Service, Ethan Allen, 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: One day.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.

SOUTHEAST Amtrak Promo Code Specials, including Amtrak Auto Train discounts

This section covers 2023 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 - $95 Fare on the Auto Train when booking 21 days in advance
  Amtrak Promo Code: No code or link is required. When booking online, the discounted fare is automatically provided in the 'Saver' fare column on available dates.
  Expiration: None
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Auto Train between Lorton, Virginia and Sanford, Florida.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: 21 days.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.
  
  As one of Amtrak's most popular routes, there are few other discounts offered for the Auto Train. In most cases you'll find the best fare by simply booking as early as possible.
   
• NORTH CAROLINA - Save 20% on Carolinian and Piedmont trains
  Amtrak Promo Code: Book at Amtrak.com: Save 20% to North Carolina
  Expiration: Book by January 30, 2024. Travel by January 31, 2024.
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Carolinian and Piedmont trains and associated Thruway buses within North Carolina only.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: One day.

MIDWEST Amtrak Promo Code Discounts for 2023

This section covers 2023 Amtrak promos and coupons 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.

• STUDENTS - Save 15% in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Missouri & Wisconsin
  Amtrak Promo Code: Book at Amtrak.com: Students Save 15% in the Midwest
  Expiration: Book and travel by March 31, 2024.
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Wolverine, Blue Water, Pere Marquette, Illini, Saluki, Illinois Zephyr, Missouri River Runner, Lincoln Service, Carl Sandburg, Hiawatha, Hoosier State, and connecting thruway bus service.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: None.

WEST Amtrak Promo Code Deals & Discounts for 2023

This section covers 2023 Amtrak promo codes 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 promo code is required -- the discounted fare is automatically provided when booking online, by phone, or at any station. Only trains selling at the cheapest 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.

• SAN JOAQUIN - Companions travel for half price
  Amtrak Promo Code: Book at Amtrak.com: San Joaquin Friends & Family Offer
  Expiration: Book by April 29, 2024. Travel by April 30, 2024.
  Terms: Up to five (5) companions travel for 50% off with a full fare adult. Select the 'adult' fare type for companions -- promo will not apply to already discounted fares (child, senior, etc.).
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: San Joaquin trains and connecting thruway bus service.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: One day.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.
   
• CAPITOL CORRIDOR - Companions travel for half price
  Amtrak Promo Code: Book at Amtrak.com: Capitol Corridor Friends & Family Offer
  Expiration: Book by December 31, 2023. Travel by January 1, 2024.
  Terms: Up to five (5) companions travel for 50% off with a full fare adult. Select the 'adult' fare type for companions -- promo will not apply to already discounted fares (child, senior, etc.).
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Capitol Corridor trains and connecting thruway bus service.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: One day.   Other Promo Terms: Online only.
   
• PACIFIC SURFLINER & COAST STARLIGHT - Save 20% to/from Southern California
  Amtrak Promo Code: V720      Promo Code Source: Amtrak.com: Go Car Free
  Expiration: Book by December 19, 2023. Travel by December 22, 2023.
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Pacific Surfliner and Coast Starlight trains and associated thruway buses to/from the following: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Van Nuys, Burbank, Los Angeles, and all intermediate stops.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.
   
• PACIFIC SURFLINER - Save 20% to/from Anaheim
  Amtrak Promo Code: V712     Promo Code Source: Pacific Surfliner - Save on Disneyland
  Expiration: Book by December 25, 2023. Travel by December 28, 2023.
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Pacific Surfliner trains and associated thruway buses to/from Anaheim.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.
   
• PACIFIC SURFLINER - Save 20% to/from San Diego
  Amtrak Promo Code: V812     Promo Code Source: Pacific Surfliner - Save on San Diego
  Expiration: Book by December 25, 2023. Travel by December 28, 2023.
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Pacific Surfliner trains and associated thruway buses to/from San Diego.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.
   
• PACIFIC SURFLINER, CAPITOL CORRIDOR & SAN JOAQUIN - Students (13-25) save 15%
  Amtrak Promo Code: V353      Source: Capitol Corridor Everyday Discounts
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, and San Joaquin trains and associated thruway buses.
  Advance Ticket Purchase Required: Three days.
   
• PACIFIC SURFLINER, CAPITOL CORRIDOR & SAN JOAQUIN - Seniors (62+) save 15%
  Amtrak Promo Code: V282      Source: Capitol Corridor Everyday Discounts
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, and San Joaquin trains and associated thruway buses.
  Additional Terms: Select the Adult fare type (not senior) and enter the promo code.
   
• PACIFIC SURFLINER, CAPITOL CORRIDOR & SAN JOAQUIN - Passengers with disabilities save 15%
  Amtrak Promo Code: V577      Source: Capitol Corridor Everyday Discounts
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, and San Joaquin trains and associated thruway buses.
   
• PACIFIC SURFLINER, CAPITOL CORRIDOR & SAN JOAQUIN - Military saves 15%
  Amtrak Promo Code: V780      Source: Capitol Corridor Everyday Discounts
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, and San Joaquin trains and associated thruway buses.
   
• PACIFIC SURFLINER, CAPITOL CORRIDOR & SAN JOAQUIN - Veterans save 15%
  Amtrak Promo Code: V430      Source: Capitol Corridor Everyday Discounts
  Amtrak Trains/Routes: Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, and San Joaquin trains and associated thruway buses.

Amtrak Guest Rewards (Free Amtrak Travel)

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 tickets and gift certificates. 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.

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 suggest the following three books for more information.

• Travel Booking Sites: Amtrak tickets are only sold direct and through select travel agents so there is no need to "shop around" for the best fares. Unlike many airlines, tickets are not discounted via third-party travel booking sites such as Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity, or Priceline. Also, Amtrak does not participate in daily deals sites such as Groupon or LivingSocial. Amtrak pricing is the same online, in-station, or by-phone with the exception of online-only promos described above.

• Best Time To Buy Amtrak Tickets: 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 cheaper 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 buy as early as possible to receive the cheapest train tickets

• Sold-Out Trains: 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 Car Pricing (Roomettes & Bedrooms): 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 for a single passenger between Points A and B is $100 and a roomette is an additional $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 "upgrade" for the accommodation regardless of the number of passengers. For more information, see Amtrak's Sleeping Accommodations Page. Except for the Norwegian Cruise Line discount described above, there are typically no promo codes or other discounts for sleeper accommodations.

• Free Stopovers & Multi-City Trips: To book a trip with stopovers at the cheapest possible fare, use the Multi-City Tickets option at Amtrak.com. If each stopover is less than 23.5 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 23.5 hours, the two-part Amtrak fare will still be $49.00. If the stopover is more than 23.5 hours, 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 apply the difference in fare between trains. If you're due a credit as the result of a change or cancellation, this may be applied to an Amtrak eVoucher code or refunded to your original form of payment, often subject to a 25% penalty (see Refund & Exchange Policy). 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 promo 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.

• 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 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). The "Track A Train" feature on Amtrak's website provides a map of all current Amtrak train locations with detailed status information. Several free third party websites also offer train status information: Transitdocs.com, Amtrak Status Maps, ASMAD

• Wi-Fi Internet: Wireless Internet is available free of charge on the following Amtrak routes: Acela Express, Northeast Regional, Downeaster, Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited, Keystone, Pennsylvanian, Auto Train, Adirondack, Maple Leaf, Vermonter, Ethan Allen Express, Carolinian, Piedmont, Palmetto, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Crescent, Cardinal, Blue Water, Pere Marquette, Wolverine, Illini, Saluki, Illinois Zephyr, Carl Sandburg, Hiawatha, Lincoln Service, Missouri River Runner, Cascades, Pacific Surfliner, San Joaquin, Capitol Corridor, and Coast Starlight (sleeping car passengers in Pacific Parlour Car only). Free wifi is also available in the following Amtrak stations: Washington, Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, New York Penn Station, Providence, Route 128 Station (Massachusetts), Boston South Station (ClubAcela only), and Chicago Union Station, 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, including Amtrak voucher requests for late trains and other service issues
     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.

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 & NJ Transit / SEPTA)

This section details several Amtrak alternatives in the Northeast. MegaBus offers 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, Albany, New Brunswick (NJ Transit), 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 promo 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. Check megabus.com for details about tickets, schedules, stations, and promos.

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 ($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 2023 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).