Let’s be real—Amtrak can be an amazing way to travel. You get spacious seats, scenic views, and zero TSA drama. But the prices? Sometimes they don’t feel so budget-friendly.
The good news? You don’t have to pay full price. There are plenty of ways to score cheaper Amtrak tickets, and I’m going to walk you through the best ones—no fluff, no gimmicks.
1. Book Early (Seriously, Don’t Wait)
Amtrak pricing works a lot like airline tickets. The earlier you book, the cheaper your seat. If you wait until the last minute, expect to pay way more.
💡 Best time to book? At least 2-3 months in advance—especially for popular routes.
2. Travel on the Right Days
If you can be flexible, avoid Fridays, Sundays, and holidays. These are Amtrak’s busiest (and most expensive) days. Instead, travel midweek—Tuesdays and Wednesdays tend to have the lowest fares.
✈️ Think of it like flying—weekend tickets always cost more.
3. Check for Amtrak Discounts
Amtrak actually offers a bunch of discounts, but they don’t exactly advertise them well. Here’s what you should know:
- 🎓 Students: 15% off with a Student Advantage Card
- 🎖️ Military/Veterans: 10% off
- 👴 Seniors (62+): 10% off
- 👶 Kids (2-12): 50% off when traveling with an adult
💡 These discounts apply automatically when you select the right passenger type at checkout. No promo code needed.
4. Sign Up for Amtrak’s Emails (They Send Promo Codes!)
Yeah, I know—no one wants more emails. But Amtrak sends exclusive promo codes to subscribers all the time. It’s worth signing up, even if you just filter them into a “Travel Deals” folder.
You can also check their Deals Page regularly—sometimes they drop last-minute sales.
5. Use Amtrak Guest Rewards (It’s Free!)
Amtrak has a free rewards program that lets you rack up points for every trip. Those points add up fast, and you can redeem them for free tickets.
🚆 If you travel often, this is a must. Sign up here.
6. Consider a Rail Pass (If You’re Taking Multiple Trips)
If you’re traveling to multiple cities, an Amtrak Rail Pass can save you hundreds compared to buying separate tickets.
- USA Rail Pass: $499 for 10 rides in 30 days
- California Rail Pass: $159 for 7 days of travel in 21 days
Perfect if you’re backpacking or doing a long-haul trip!
7. Split Your Tickets (It’s Not a Scam, I Swear)
Sometimes, booking two shorter trips instead of one long one is weirdly cheaper.
For example:
🛤 Instead of: NYC → Chicago (Expensive!)
✅ Try: NYC → Pittsburgh + Pittsburgh → Chicago (Cheaper!)
Check out sites like SplitYourTicket.com to see if you can save this way.
8. Look for Saver Fares (They’re Hidden!)
Amtrak has “Saver Fares” on select routes that are way cheaper than standard tickets—but they’re easy to miss.
🚨 These tickets are non-refundable, but they can save you 30% or more.
When booking online, always check if there’s a Saver Fare available before choosing a standard ticket.
9. Follow Amtrak on Social Media (Yes, Really)
Amtrak occasionally posts flash sales on Twitter & Facebook that aren’t advertised elsewhere. If you’re serious about saving, give them a follow.
📌 Twitter: @Amtrak
📌 Facebook: Amtrak
10. Check Alternative Stations
Here’s an underrated trick: check nearby stations. Sometimes, getting on or off at a different station can save you money.
Example: If you’re traveling to D.C., compare the price of Union Station vs. nearby stops like New Carrollton. The difference can be huge.
Final Thoughts: Is Amtrak Worth It?
Absolutely—if you book smart. Amtrak can be a relaxing, scenic, and comfortable way to travel, but you don’t want to overpay.
Follow these tips, plan ahead, and you’ll be riding the rails for way less.
🚆 Happy travels!
👉 Got any Amtrak savings tips of your own? Drop them in the comments!