8 Ways to Get “FREE” Amtrak Tickets
Whether you’re planning on a long vacation or a weekend getaway, vacationing by Train is an amazing experience. Use these tips towards making your vacation free or more affordable. Even if the price is not an object, who wouldn’t want free Amtrak Tickets? Getting Free Amtrak Tickets or at a large discount to me makes Train Travel even more appealing! Plus, with Amtraks 500 destinations what are you waiting for?
8 ways to Get Free Train Travel in the USA:
1. Join the Amtrak Guest Rewards Membership. This is a way to earn points towards free Train Travel or gift certificates. Plus, you will receive member-only coupons. No fee to sign up.
2. Purchase 1 Ticket, Get 1 Free for Saturdays with paired cities.
3. Amtrak “World Mastercard” & “Platinum Mastercard”: Get 1 complimentary ticket for signing up and 1 complimentary ticket every year that you renew your card.
4. Free travel for 1 child under the age of 2 per paying adult, as long as they don’t occupy a separate seat.
5. (My favorite Freebie) Multi-City tickets= Free 23.5 hour stopovers. Here’s how it works: Buy your ticket from point A to point B. Hop off at a stop in between, stay overnight or not, as long as you hop back on within 23.5 hours to complete your destination. You only pay for 1 ticket instead of 2 separate tickets. The only stipulation is the stop has to have more than 1 train stop per day to be within 23.5 hours.
6. When you upgrade to a Sleeper, the first person will pay full price. The 2nd person will get the upgrade for free when sharing a room. The 2nd person will only be paying for a coach ticket. Plus you both receive 3 meals a day in the dining car for free. Don’t forget the tip though.
7. Volunteer as a Guide: The Rails and Trails Education Program is onboard several long-distance routes. Similar to that of a tour guide. The volunteers make connections with other travelers to discuss valuable topics of the regions they are traveling through.
8. Amtrak does give away Free Amtrak Tickets to Cross Country trips through clever #amtraktakemethere advertising campaigns. It’s a Win-Win situation.
- 2022 This year Amtrak is continuing with the “Amtrak Take Me There” theme follow along @amtraktakemethere / #amtraktakemether to see 6 very different journeys aboard the rails
- 2021 This year’s Social Media campaign chose 8 people on board long-distance trains to showcase how different walks of life travel by rail
- 2019 campaign was called #amtraktakemethere. They gave away 8 free scenic long haul round trips that include a private Sleeper Car and $1000 of spending money
2018 campaign was “Amtrak Residency Program” a group of writers won a chance to travel across the country by train. Check out their work at blog.amtrak.com
Some other good Amtrak Discounts to check into:
How to Get Discounts on Amtrak Tickets:
Check out the Amtrak Smart Fare page for the advertised Weekly Specials. You may be able to get up to as much as 30% savings.
Regional “Promo Code” discount range from 10%-50% off
BOGO Promotions Buy 1, Get 1-50% off
Book early for the lowest ticket rates. You can book a ticket for up to 11 months in advance.
Book a non-reserved seat
Disabled passengers plus 1 companion are eligible to receive a 10% discount on tickets
National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) Membership 10% Discount
Group bookings of 20 or more could have a 20% savings
A Group of 4 can be eligible for a 35% discount
Children ages 2-12 are eligible to receive 50% off of the rail portion of Train Travel
Seniors age 65 and over are eligible to receive 10% off of the rail portion of Train Travel
Active Duty Military personnel, their spouses, and dependents are eligible to receive a 10% discount off of the rail portion of Train Travel
Age 60+ are eligible for a 10% discount on cross-border services that are jointly operated by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada
Various Student Discounts 15%-25% off
Using these tips for Train Travel is a great way to see other parts of the country that you might otherwise not get to see.
The only thing left to do is enjoy the journey!
To stay informed with the up to date deals and discounts Click Here: Subscribe and Save with Amtrak
*Always read the fine print. The discount and membership programs are subject to change without notice. Tickets must be purchased in advance to qualify. ID is required.
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