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

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


Standard Passenger Discounts

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

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

Rail Passes

  • North America Rail Pass: Unlimited rail travel in the US and Canada for 30 days.
  • USA Rail Passes: Unlimited rail travel in the US (regionally or nationwide) for 15 or 30 days.
  • California Rail Pass: 7 days of rail travel in the state of California during a 21 day period.
  • Florida Rail Pass: Unlimited rail travel in the state of Florida for one year.
  • Multi-Ride Tickets: Discounts for multiple rides within a single period, including ten-ride tickets, monthly tickets, and other route-specific discounts.

Weekly Specials

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

Weekend Getaway Fares

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

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

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

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

Promotion Codes

Most of the promotion codes below require a three-day advance purchase; apply to adult, child, and senior fares only; may not be combined with other discounts (i.e. AAA 10% off); exclude Acela Express; and, are subject to blackouts during peak travel periods (2008: Aug. 29, Sept. 1, Nov. 25-26, Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1). Most promotion codes may be used for reservations online, by phone, at a staffed station, or with a Quik-Trak machine. However, some discounts apply only to phone reservations as noted in the promotion code restrictions. To use a promotion code online at Amtrak.com, enter the four-character code in the "Promotion Code" field during Step 2: Select Train. 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.

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

Coupon codes updated August 9, 2008. All codes revalidated August 27, 2008.

Northeast

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

  • Downeaster service between Portland (Maine) and Boston
  • Regional service (not Acela Express) between Boston, Providence, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Richmond, and Newport News
  • Regional and Shuttle service between Springfield, Hartford, and New Haven
  • Keystone service between Philadelphia, Lancaster, and Harrisburg
     
  • V773: Buy-1-Get-1-Free on the Downeaster between Boston, Portland (Maine), and intermediate stops
    Source: Amtrak Downeaster
    Expiration: Book by February 26, 2009. Travel by March 1, 2009.
    Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive a free companion ticket. Valid on trains 681, 683, 686, 688, 691, 693, 694, 696, and 698 only (morning departures from Boston; afternoon/evening departures from Portland). Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V856: Save 20% on Regional and Downeaster trains to/from Boston MA only
    Source: Arrive Magazine: July/August 2008
    Expiration: Book by December 9, 2008. Travel by December 12, 2008.
    Restrictions: Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Valid on Amtrak Regional and Downeaster services only. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V731: Save 20% on Regional trains to/from Westerly, Kingston, or Providence RI only
    Source: Arrive Magazine: July/August 2008
    Expiration: Book by December 9, 2008. Travel by December 12, 2008.
    Restrictions: Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Valid on Amtrak Regional service only. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V209: Save 20% on Vermonter and Ethan Allen trains to/from Vermont stations only
    Source: Arrive Magazine: July/August 2008
    Expiration: Book by October 28, 2008. Travel by October 31, 2008.
    Restrictions: Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V464: Save 20% on Amtrak travel within New York State (plus Montreal)
    Source: I Love New York
    Expiration: Book by September 26, 2008. Travel by September 30, 2008.
    Restrictions: Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Three day advance purchase required. 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 Regional service to/from New York City.
     
  • V863: Save 50% off companion fare on Regional trains to/from Newark NJ only
    Source: Arrive Magazine: July/August 2008
    Expiration: Book by December 10, 2008. Travel by December 13, 2008.
    Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Valid on Amtrak Regional service only. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V454: Save 50% off companion fare on Regional and Keystone trains to/from Philadelphia PA only
    Source: Arrive Magazine: July/August 2008
    Expiration: Book by December 10, 2008. Travel by December 13, 2008.
    Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Valid on Amtrak Regional and Keystone service only. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V256: Save 50% off companion fare on Regional trains to/from Wilmington DE only
    Source: Arrive Magazine: July/August 2008
    Expiration: Book by December 10, 2008. Travel by December 13, 2008.
    Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Valid on Amtrak Regional service only. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V828: Save 50% off companion fare on Regional trains to/from Baltimore MD only
    Source: Arrive Magazine: July/August 2008
    Expiration: Book by December 10, 2008. Travel by December 13, 2008.
    Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Valid on Amtrak Regional service only. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • V722: Save 50% off companion fare on Regional trains to/from BWI Airport Rail Station or Washington DC only
    Source: Arrive Magazine: Jan/Feb 2008 (BWI) & Arrive Magazine: Jul/Aug 2008 (Washington)
    Expiration: Book by December 10, 2008. Travel by December 13, 2008.
    Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Valid on Amtrak Regional service only. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • Double Guest Rewards Points in Business Class on the Northeast Regional
    Earn double points for all Business Class travel on the Northeast Regional (Boston-New York-Washington-Newport News) between June 16 and August 31. To earn bonus points, you must be an Amtrak Guest Rewards member and register prior to travel. Register online or call 1-800-307-5000 (option 2) and use promotion registration code 62008.

Southeast

  • V673: Save 20% on Silver Service and Auto Train to/from Orlando area stations only
    Source: Orlando Preferred Visitor Magicard
    Expiration: Book and travel by December 31, 2008. For travel between January 1, 2009 and May 31, 2009, use new code V145 (valid on Silver Service only -- not Auto Train).
    Restrictions: Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount. Valid on adult rail fare only.

Midwest

  • V665: Save 50% off companion fare between St. Louis, Kansas City, and intermediate Missouri stops
    Source: Missouri DOT: Make Tracks Across Missouri
    Expiration (extended): Book by December 12, 2008. Travel by December 15, 2008.
    Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • H766: Kids ride free on Hiawatha trains between Chicago and Milwaukee on weekends
    Source: Amtrak.com: Kids Ride the Hiawatha Free on Weekends
    Expiration: Book and travel by August 31, 2008.
    Restrictions: Valid for travel on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only. Two kids (ages 2-15) travel free per adult.
     
  • V851: Save 20% on most routes in the Midwest, including Illinois & Michigan services
    Source: Red Hat Society
    Expiration: Book by December 7, 2008. Travel by December 10, 2008.
    Restrictions: Three day advance purchase required. Discount valid for Red Hat Society members only. Valid only on the following routes: Ann Rutledge, Blue Water, California Zephyr, Capitol Corridor, Carl Sandburg, Cascades, City of New Orleans, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, Heartland Flyer, Hiawatha, Hoosier State, Illini, Illinois Zephyr, Kansas City Mule, Lincoln Service, Pacific Surfliner, Pere Marquette, Saluki, San Joaquins, Southwest Chief, St. Louis Mule, and Wolverine

Southwest

  • H752: Save 20% on Pacific Surfliner (San Luis Obispo - Santa Barbara - Los Angeles - San Diego) and San Joaquins (San Francisco - Sacramento - Bakersfield)
    Source: Santa Barbara Car Free Project
    Expiration: Book by December 8, 2008. Travel by December 11, 2008.
    Restrictions: Three day advance purchase required.
     
  • Double Guest Rewards Points on the San Joaquin
    Earn double points for all travel on the San Joaquin (San Francisco-Sacramento-Bakersfield) between August 1 and August 31. To earn bonus points, you must be an Amtrak Guest Rewards member and register prior to travel. Register online or call 1-800-307-5000 (option 2) and use promotion registration code 80108.
     
  • V851: Save 20% on most routes in the Southwest (excl. Sunset Ltd & Texas Eagle)
    Source: Red Hat Society
    Expiration: Book by December 7, 2008. Travel by December 10, 2008.
    Restrictions: Three day advance purchase required. Discount valid for Red Hat Society members only. Valid only on the following routes: Ann Rutledge, Blue Water, California Zephyr, Capitols, Carl Sandburg, Cascades, City of New Orleans, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, Heartland Flyer, Hiawatha, Hoosier State, Illini, Illinois Zephyr, Kansas City Mule, Lincoln Service, Pacific Surfliner, Pere Marquette, Saluki, San Joaquins, Southwest Chief, St. Louis Mule, and Wolverine

Northwest

  • H773: Save 19% on Amtrak Cascades (Vancouver - Seattle - Portland - Eugene) to/from Portland Oregon only
    Source: Portland Oregon Visitors Association
    Expiration: Book and travel by August 28, 2008.
    Restrictions: Valid on adult rail fare and connecting Thruway buses Monday through Thursday only. Code may only be used by phone; no Internet discount.
     
  • H779: Save 50% off companion fare on Amtrak Cascades
    Source: Portland Oregon Visitors Association
    Expiration: Book by May 18, 2009. Travel between September 4, 2008 and May 21, 2009.
    Restrictions: Must purchase one adult fare ticket at full price to receive discount. Three day advance purchase required. Valid on adult rail fare and connecting Thruway buses Monday through Thursday only.
     
  • V851: Save 20% on most routes in the Northwest (excl. Empire Builder)
    Source: Red Hat Society
    Expiration: Book by December 7, 2008. Travel by December 10, 2008.
    Restrictions: Three day advance purchase required. Discount valid for Red Hat Society members only. Valid only on the following routes: Ann Rutledge, Blue Water, California Zephyr, Capitols, Carl Sandburg, Cascades, City of New Orleans, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, Heartland Flyer, Hiawatha, Hoosier State, Illini, Illinois Zephyr, Kansas City Mule, Lincoln Service, Pacific Surfliner, Pere Marquette, Saluki, San Joaquins, Southwest Chief, St. Louis Mule, and Wolverine

Amtrak Guest Rewards

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

  • Amtrak Guest Rewards MasterCard
    Earn two points per dollar on Amtrak purchases and one point per dollar on all other purchases. Receive 5,000 bonus points after your first purchase. Follow this link to apply with Chase.
     
  • Double Points in Business Class on the Northeast Regional
    Earn double points for all Business Class travel on the Northeast Regional (Boston-New York-Washington-Newport News) between June 16 and August 31. To earn bonus points, you must be an Amtrak Guest Rewards member and register prior to travel. Register online or call 1-800-307-5000 (option 2) and use promotion registration code 62008.
     
  • Double Points on the San Joaquin
    Earn double points for all travel on the San Joaquin (San Francisco-Sacramento-Bakersfield) between August 1 and August 31. To earn bonus points, you must be an Amtrak Guest Rewards member and register prior to travel. Register online or call 1-800-307-5000 (option 2) and use promotion registration code 80108.

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

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

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