Travelling by train with Amtrak can be one of the most scenic and relaxing ways to explore the United States. However, many travelers hesitate because ticket prices can feel expensive compared to other options. The good news? Amtrak offers a wide variety of discounts and deals that can make your journey much more affordable—if you know where to look.
1. Start with the Amtrak Deals Discounts Page
Amtrak has a dedicated Deals & Discounts tab on its official website. This should be the first stop for any traveler looking to save money. At any given time, you’ll find around 20 different offers ranging from seasonal discounts to regional promotions.
- Weekend getaways (like 20% off Saturdays in Virginia)
- 15% discounts for seniors in select states such as California
- Military and veterans discounts
- Passengers with disabilities discounts
Not all deals apply to every traveller, but chances are you’ll qualify for at least one.
2. Senior Discounts on Amtrak
Amtrak offers a 10% senior discount for travelers aged 65 and older. If you’re traveling to Canada, the age requirement is even lower—60 years and older.
Important details:
- The discount applies to most routes except the Auto Train (Virginia to Florida).
- You must select the discount at the traveler drop-down menu when entering passenger details (before searching for trains).
Many people miss this step because they expect to enter a promo code at checkout, but Amtrak applies discounts upfront.
3. What Happened to the AAA Discount?
Amtrak used to offer a 10% AAA discount, but it was discontinued in 2018. While this was disappointing for many travelers, Amtrak now runs other promotions—such as military, student, and senior discounts—that provide similar savings.
4. The Best Amtrak Deal: Buy One Get One Free (BOGO)
Hands down, the Buy One Get One Free sale is the most valuable discount Amtrak offers. During these limited-time promotions, you can book one ticket and get the second free, effectively saving up to 50% on travel.
- A cross-country trip on the California Zephyr normally costs over $1,000 for two passengers in a roomette. With the BOGO deal, travelers paid around $550—almost half the price.
- Another example on the Coast Starlight brought ticket prices down by about 33%.
The only catch? These deals drop without warning and usually last around 10 days. You can book travel 2–3 months in advance, so flexibility helps.
5. Should You Book Amtrak Tickets Early or Last-Minute?
Unlike airlines, where last-minute deals sometimes save money, Amtrak works differently:
- Prices increase as trains fill up.
- The earlier you book, the cheaper your fare will be.
- Last-minute tickets at the station are the most expensive and may even be sold out.
So, if you know your travel dates, book right away unless you’re specifically waiting for a BOGO sale.
6. Amtrak vs. Flying: Which Is Cheaper?
The answer depends on your route and baggage needs.
- Amtrak Bags: Each passenger gets 2 free checked bags and 2 free carry-ons, a huge advantage compared to airlines charging $25–$50 per bag.
- Short Routes: Trips like Miami to Orlando may cost as little as $20, making Amtrak far cheaper than flying.
- Long Cross-Country Routes: Sometimes flights may be cheaper, especially for coast-to-coast travel.
Overall, if you’re traveling regionally or with luggage, Amtrak usually wins on price.
7. Is It Cheaper to Buy Tickets Online or at the Station?
Always book online. Buying tickets at the station is not only less convenient but also more expensive. Unlike Europe, where spontaneous train travel is common, U.S. routes often sell out.
8. Do Amtrak Prices Change by Day of the Week?
Unlike airlines, Amtrak fares don’t fluctuate by the day of purchase. You won’t find better deals on a Tuesday versus a Saturday. The only real factors are:
- How full the train is (availability affects pricing).
- Special promotions (like BOGO).
9. How to Stay Updated on Amtrak Sales
Since discounts can appear without notice, here’s how to stay ahead:
- Sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards (earn points + get sale alerts).
- Follow Amtrak on social media for promotions.
- Check travel blogs and YouTube creators who often post when deals drop.
10. Final Tips for Booking Discounted Amtrak Tickets
- Always check the Amtrak Deals Page first.
- Book as early as possible to lock in lower prices.
- If available, choose the BOGO deal over other discounts.
- Use your senior, military, or disability discount if applicable.
- Never wait until the day of travel—tickets cost more and may sell out.
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Final Words
Traveling with Amtrak doesn’t have to be expensive. With the right strategy—keeping an eye on the Deals page, signing up for Guest Rewards, and booking early—you can save hundreds of dollars. The Buy One Get One Free promotion remains the best way to slash ticket costs, but even regular senior, military, and regional discounts can make a big difference.
Whether you’re planning a short trip like Miami to Orlando or a cross-country journey on the Empire Builder, following these tips will help you book cheap Amtrak tickets and enjoy a stress-free ride.