AARP Hearing Center
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.”
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.
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.
