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Get First-Rate Deals on Train Travel

Consider these tips and tricks to get the optimum price

spinner image passengers aboard the The Alaska Railroad Coastal Classic
Traveling on a budget? You can score deals and discounts on train trips across the country, including routes in Alaska (pictured here).
Alamy

Traveling by train can be a relaxing way to see the sights while avoiding the headaches of traffic on the highways or crowds and delays at the airports.

These days, many U.S. travelers opt to take the train. Amtrak reported more than 28 million customer trips in 2023 — an increase of 24 percent from the year before. According to a 2021 report, travelers 65 and older make up 24 percent of all Amtrak riders. “We generally see customers 55 and older traveling on our long-distance routes — a network of national, overnight trains with private rooms,” says Amtrak spokesperson Kimberly Woods. “These trains offer countless itineraries from coast to coast.”

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If you like a good bargain, you’re in luck, as there are many ways to snag a deal on your next journey via the railways.

spinner image Passengers wait to present their tickets for boarding the Southwest Chief Amtrak train to Los Angeles, California
Passengers 65 and older get a 10 percent discount when traveling on Amtrak. Here, passengers line up to board a train to Los Angeles.
Alamy

Amtrak travel deal tips

When it comes to train travel, the early bird often gets the best bargain. “Most train tickets are priced like airline tickets, so the costs are lower and choice [options] higher the earlier you book,” says Tom Hall, vice president and “resident train expert” at Lonely Planet. “So if your travel plans are confirmed long enough in advance, this can allow you to save money [versus] booking nearer the time. Amtrak services go on sale up to 11 months in advance. Take care though if booking sale and value tickets, as these are not changeable and come with cancellation fees.”

Woods says many people are eligible for Amtrak discounts.

  • People 65 and older get a 10 percent discount.
  • Active-duty military, veterans and their families all ride with a 10 percent discount.
  • Passengers traveling together in groups of 15 or more may be eligible to receive a discount off the normal rail fare.

Hall offers another tip that may help you save: Members of the Rail Passengers Association — a nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for rail services in the U.S. — get a 10 percent discount on Amtrak fares and up to 20 percent off fares at select regional railways. Memberships start at $60 a year ($50 for those 62 and older).

If you’re traveling on one of Amtrak’s long-distance services and want something slightly more comfortable and private than a coach seat (typically the cheapest option), Hall suggests booking a roomette instead of a bedroom. “Roomettes still offer the privacy and at-seat dining of a bedroom but are a more affordable option,” he says. Most come without a private shower and toilet. For travelers who love rewards points programs, Amtrak Guest Rewards recently introduced Points & Cash, which allows members to purchase travel using a combination of points and cash. “Previously, Amtrak reservations required payments either entirely in points or cash,” Woods says.

The program also allows members to earn both Amtrak Guest Rewards and Tier Qualifying Points on the cash portion of Points & Cash bookings.

All Points & Cash travel must be booked online through Amtrak’s website or the app.

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Other train travel deals to consider

As a rule, it’s a good idea to check online for sales and promotions before you book.

Booking sites such as Kayak, Rome2Rio and Wanderu show all the available options based on your route, so you can compare prices, search for deals and purchase the best tickets for your budget. You can download the apps for free.

spinner image aerial view of a train along the Alaska Railroad
Travelers can find budget-friendly routes on the Alaska Railroad at various times throughout the year.
Alamy

Social media and newsletters are other ways to tap into deals and perks. Train company Via Rail posts contests on Instagram where you can win prizes including free travel. Rocky Mountaineer shares limited-time deals and other promotions in its newsletter. The Alaska Railroad offers several options for travelers who want to explore the Last Frontier on a budget. The Half Fare program offers passengers 65-plus a 50 percent discount during the winter season (late September to early May). Travelers with kids or grandkids can save money with the Kids Ride Free program, in which they get a free child fare with the purchase of an Adult Adventure Class fare on certain routes during the summer.

Again, it’s all about timing. The railroad’s off-peak periods run from May 15–31 and Sept. 5–19, and tickets tend to be about $50 cheaper during these times.

Vacations by Rail, an AARP provider, provides additional discounts for AARP members.

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