Planning an Amtrak trip and looking to save money? While Amtrak doesn’t have weekly specials like it used to, there are still plenty of ways to snag a cheaper fare. Understanding when to travel and taking advantage of available discounts can significantly reduce your travel costs. This guide explores the best strategies for finding the cheapest Amtrak tickets, including timing your trip, leveraging discounts, and utilizing special fares.
Finding the Lowest Amtrak Fares
Amtrak’s pricing, like airlines, fluctuates based on demand. Securing the best deals requires a bit of planning and flexibility.
Book in Advance
Just like with airfare, Amtrak’s fares tend to increase as the departure date approaches.
Alt text: Amtrak train speeding along tracks, illustrating the importance of booking in advance to secure lower fares.
To secure the lowest prices, aim to book your tickets at least two weeks in advance, and preferably even earlier. This gives you a better chance of securing the lower-priced tickets before they sell out.
Consider Traveling in the Off-Season
The time of year can also impact ticket prices.
Alt text: Amtrak train tracks covered in snow during winter, indicating off-season travel for lower fares.
Traveling during the winter months, specifically from January through March, often yields lower fares due to decreased demand.
Explore Amtrak Night Owl Fares
Amtrak offers “Night Owl” fares on select trains traveling between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. in the Northeast Corridor (Washington, D.C. to Boston). These fares can be significantly cheaper than standard fares.
Alt text: Interior of an Amtrak Acela train at night, showcasing the Night Owl fare option for budget travelers.
Check for Night Owl availability when booking your trip, as these fares can offer substantial savings. No discount code is required; the booking engine will automatically display these fares if available.
Utilizing Amtrak Discounts
Amtrak offers a variety of discounts for different passenger groups. It’s important to review these options to see if you qualify.
Share Fares for Group Travel
If you’re traveling with a group of 3 to 8 people, Amtrak’s Share Fares can offer significant savings.
Alt text: Group of diverse friends enjoying a trip on Amtrak, highlighting the benefits of Share Fares for group travel.
The discount increases with the size of your group, with the first two passengers paying full fare and subsequent passengers receiving discounts ranging from 15% to 60%. The Share Fare discount code is V291.
Senior Discount
Passengers aged 65 or older are eligible for a 10% discount on most Amtrak services. Simply select “senior” as your ticket type during booking.
Alt text: Smiling senior couple enjoying the scenery from an Amtrak train window, illustrating the senior discount.
Student Discount
Students aged 17–24 can receive a 15% discount off the full adult fare by booking their tickets at least one day in advance and using discount code V814.
Alt text: Student with a backpack working on a laptop during an Amtrak trip, highlighting the student discount offer.
Children’s Discount
Children aged 2–12 can travel for 50% off the usual adult fare when accompanied by an adult (18+). No promotional code is required.
Alt text: A mother and child looking out the window on a train, showing the children’s discount for family travel.
Other Discounts
Amtrak also offers discounts for passengers with disabilities, military personnel, veterans, and government workers. Be sure to check the Amtrak website for the most up-to-date information and eligibility requirements.
Other Tips for Saving Money on Amtrak
- Check Third-Party Coupon Websites: Websites like CouponCabin.com, Coupons.com, RetailMeNot.com, and SimplyCodes.com may occasionally list valid discount offers for temporary Amtrak sales.
- Sign Up for Amtrak Guest Rewards: Joining Amtrak’s free loyalty program allows you to earn points for every dollar spent, which can be redeemed for free train tickets.
- Consider Regional Discounts: Check for specific discounts available in certain regions, such as the New York State discount or West Coast discounts for seniors, veterans, and students.
Conclusion
While there’s no single “cheapest day” to travel on Amtrak, by booking in advance, traveling during the off-season, and utilizing available discounts, you can significantly reduce your travel expenses. Always check the Amtrak website for the latest deals and promotions before booking your trip.
