My friends and I have enjoyed traveling on Amtrak trains. I’ve traveled many times from mid-Michigan to Chicago which is a very fun route that takes you right to the heart of the city. I missed out, however, on the opportunity to transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points at a very good rate and score sleeping cabins on several Amtrak routes — Chase no longer partners with Amtrak. I had friends who took some great cross-country and coastline adventures with their families. While the Ultimate Rewards transfer is history, there are still several ways to save on Amtrak rail fares and enjoy the experience of train travel at a discount.
Be a full or part-time student
According to the eligibility requirements, the Student Advantage program is for anyone who is a part-time or full-time student and for members of the academic community. This group even includes high school students and community college attendees so the eligibility requirement is quite broad. A one-year membership is $20 but multi-year memberships reduce the cost to around $13/year. Membership affords you a 10% discount off Amtrak fares plus many other discounts. If you have a high school student looking at colleges, you may be able to use another student discount, the College Visit discount which offers 50% off a companion fare.
Score discounts on the popular Auto Train Route
One of the most popular routes on Amtrak is the Auto Train. The train runs between Virginia and Florida transporting passengers and their vehicles, a convenient option for travelers to eliminate 900 miles of driving. The train is not inexpensive but if you purchase 14 days in advance you can cut the price almost in half. There is also a promotion for a $95 fare if you book by February 29 for travel by May 20. AAA members receive a 10% discount plus an additional 10% when booking during the annual promotional period.
Follow Railserve.com
Railserve.com is the ultimate resource for Amtrak promotions. Their website keeps tabs on every Amtrak promotion and offers dozens of ways to save money on Amtrak. They list promotions geographically and they offer a wealth of resources relating to booking, managing, and maximizing your train journey. You can follow them on Facebook for ongoing offers.
Sign up for Amtrak Rewards
If you travel Amtrak even a couple times a year, it can be beneficial to sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards. Just like other loyalty programs, you earn points that can be redeemed on Amtrak and their partners. Amtrak also has a guest rewards credit card that allows you to earn points.
Catch a weekly deal
Every week Amtrak offers a 25% off deal. You have Tuesday through Friday to book travel for the upcoming weeks. You can travel on any days except Sundays and Fridays. If you want to have deals sent directly to your inbox, sign up for their weekly emails.
Be a senior
Travelers 62 years of age and over receive a 15% discount on the lowest rail fares. If the route is cross-border and includes a VIA Rail Canada segment the discount is 10% for seniors age 60 and over. Not all routes and trains are eligible for the discount.
Take advantage of an Amtrak fare sale
Amtrak is currently running a 20% off sale when you book your trip at least 14 days in advance. The sale runs through February 29, 2016, for travel through May 20, 2016. The pricing is good on several routes. You can learn more about the sale on the Amtrak website.
If you’re looking for inspiration for a train vacation on Amtrak, check out these Amtrak vacation posts and the Amtrak Pinterest Blog. For the ultimate guide to train travel in the U.S. check out The Man in Seat 61 for a comprehensive how-to guide.
Have you traveled on Amtrak? Tell us about your experience.
[Image via Getty]
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