15 Hidden Amtrak Discounts Most People Don’t Know About
Many travellers think Amtrak tickets are overpriced, but the reality is that they’ve got a whole bunch of sneaky hidden amtrak discounts away that most people just don’t know about. If you’re smart about where you look, you can snag some pretty sweet deals on those pricey Amtrak train tickets come 2025.
This guide digs up the lowdown on 15 lesser-known Amtrak discounts, deals, and general money-saving tips that – you guessed it – work on most Amtrak routes.
1. Amtrak Guest Rewards Points
You can join Amtrak Guest Rewards for free, and start earning points on every trip you take. Then you can swap them in for free or discounted tickets. Easy peasy, one of the best long-term Amtrak deals going around.
2. Student Discount (Up to 15% Off)
Students aged 17 to 24 can get themselves discounted fares on select routes – you’ll need some ID as proof but this is a great way to save on your college travel.
3. Senior Discount (10% Off)
If you’re 65+ you can knock off 10 percent from most fares. A good idea to check this out first before you book your ticket.
4. Military Discount
Active duty military, veterans, and their families get special deals on Amtrak. A lot of them, actually.
5. Kids Ride Free (On Select Routes)
On certain routes, the kids get to travel for free or at a fraction of the cost when they’re with an adult – ideal for family holidays & that kind of thing.
6. Auto Train Deals to Look Out For
Keep your eyes peeled for the Auto Train’s limited time offers , they pop up especially when it’s off season and can be a real saver if you snag them early.
7. Credit Card Perks You Might Be Missing
Some credit cards will give you cash back, statement credits or bonus points just for using them to buy Amtrak tickets. You might be surprised how much you’re missing out on.
8. Discounts On Busy Routes
Routes like the Northeast Corridor (Amtrak’s Boston to NYC train included) usually have special deals or lower fares you can grab if you look for them.
9. The Perks of Booking Early
Booking ahead of time is a surefire way to save – and it’s a good rule of thumb: the earlier you book, the less you’ll pay. Just don’t wait too long or you’ll end up paying more.
10. Midweek & Non-Holiday Deals
If you’re flexible with your travel dates – say, midweek rather than a Friday – you can usually save cash and snag a better seat too.
11. Companion Deals That Can Save You Cash
Some promotions come up that let a travel buddy of yours ride at a discount, so keep an eye out for those.
12. Amtrak Coupon Codes to Help You Save
Amtrak often releases special Amtrak coupon codes around holidays, sales events or other big deals. These can be real game-changers, but they do usually come with a time limit on ’em.
13. Frequent Traveler Perks
If you’re on the train a lot, then passes might be the way to go – you can save serious cash with the right pass on the right route.
14. State Funded Route Deals
Some state funded routes offer lower fares because of the local gov backing them – so if you’re taking one of those routes, you might be able to save some cash.
15. If Fares Fall You Can Get Refunded
If you notice a fare drop after you’ve booked your ticket, you can get in touch with Amtrak customer service and they might be able to rebook or refund the difference for you – either online or by calling the Amtrak customer service number.
Extra Tips to Find Those Sneaky Amtrak Deals
- Keep an eye on Amtrak train schedules and prices – do this regularly because they can change fast
- Get yourself signed up for Amtrak email alerts – you never know when they’re gonna offer a discount
- Follow Amtrak on social media – they often throw out exclusive deals to their followers
- When you can, book those flexible tickets – no point having them all locked in if you can save a few bucks
- Also, look at prices for different dates – you might find that one day a week is a whole lot cheaper than another
Final Thoughts
Loads of travelers miss out on real savings because they just don’t know these Amtrak deals exist. With a bit of planning and being open to change, you can find yourself some great Amtrak discounts, cut your travel costs and still enjoy a nice comfy train ride to wherever you’re going in the States.
Before you book that next trip of yours, always take a quick scan of the discounts they’ve got on offer – it can make a big difference.
