Train travel is a fantastic way to explore the country—it's comfortable, scenic, and often more affordable than flying. But what makes it even better? Scoring great deals on your tickets! Whether you're looking to take a cross-country adventure or a short regional jaunt, there are plenty of ways to save when traveling by rail. Amtrak, America’s leading passenger train network, offers a variety of discounts, passes, and promotions that make train travel an even more economical choice. Here’s your guide to riding the rails on a budget and making the most out of your next train trip.

Amtrak’s Everyday Discounts

Amtrak has made train travel accessible for just about everyone with its array of everyday discounts. Depending on your age, profession, or travel group, there’s likely a deal waiting for you.

Senior Discounts

If you’re 65 or older, you can snag a 10% discount on most Amtrak fares. This applies to a wide variety of routes, from shorter regional services like the Cascades along the Pacific Northwest to long-distance trains like the Southwest Chief, which connects Chicago to Los Angeles. Want to see the fall foliage on the Adirondack route between New York City and Montreal? The senior discount has you covered.

Student and Youth Deals

Amtrak has offered youth discounts in the past, often saving young travelers 15% off standard fares. Keep an eye out for these promotions or regional deals may specifically target students, perfect for getting home during breaks or going on adventures with friends.

Military and Veterans Discounts

Amtrak shows love to those in uniform by offering active-duty military personnel, reservists, and their families a 10% discount on fares. Veterans are also included, making it a great option for affordable travel back home or moving between bases and destinations.

Kids Ride Cheaper

Family trips are easier on the wallet, too! Amtrak allows kids ages 2-12 to travel for 50% off an adult fare. And guess what? If your little one is under two, they ride absolutely free. Imagine taking the California Zephyr from San Francisco to Denver and letting your kids gaze out at the stunning mountains—all for half the price.

Saver Fares and Regional Promotions

Beyond standard discounts, Amtrak frequently rolls out Saver Fares and regional promotions that make traveling even more affordable.

Northeast Regional Saver Fares

The Northeast Corridor is one of Amtrak’s most popular routes, connecting major cities like Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Saver Fares on this route can save you big if you book in advance—you’re looking at prices as low as $19 for a trip between D.C. and Philly if you snag a seat early enough.

Special Weekly Promotions

Keep an eye out for limited-time offers that pop up on Amtrak’s website. For example, Amtrak has been known to run flash sales where fares drop as low as $5-$10 on certain routes. The Empire Service between New York City and Albany often features such sales, making it easy to wander upstate for cheap.

California Rail Deals

California routes are rich with deals, especially for regional travel. The Pacific Surfliner, which hugs the coastline between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, offers discounted multi-ride tickets, perfect for commuters or weekend getaway seekers.

Seasonal Offers and Holiday Deals

Amtrak is all about spreading cheer during the holidays with special promotions. Around Thanksgiving, Christmas, and even summer holidays, you’ll often find discounts on popular routes. For instance, Amtrak has offered holiday discounts of 30% or more in the past for travelers booking in advance.

One of the best times for deals is during Amtrak’s annual Tracks to Black Friday sale. This promotion often features massive cuts on fares across the country, sometimes for as low as $20 on select routes. Planning your Thanksgiving or Christmas rail trip early can help you scoop up these savings.

Rail Passes for Multi-Trip Adventures

If you’re planning to explore multiple cities or go on a longer adventure, Amtrak’s rail passes are an incredible value.

USA Rail Pass

The USA Rail Pass is perfect for travelers who dream of crisscrossing the country by train. For $499, you can book 10 segments of travel within 30 days. Whether you want to take the entire length of the Coast Starlight—from Seattle to Los Angeles—or hop on and off along the Chicago to New Orleans route via the City of New Orleans, this pass gives you flexibility and savings in one.

California Rail Pass

Sticking to the Golden State? The California Rail Pass allows you to take unlimited trips on Amtrak's routes within California over a consecutive 7-day period for just $159. Destinations like San Diego, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Sacramento are all included, so you can soak up beaches, bustling cities, and wine country in one go.

Tips for Finding the Best Deals

  • Book Early: Amtrak’s ticket pricing works a lot like airlines—prices climb as travel dates approach. Book your tickets as far in advance as possible to secure the lowest fares.
  • Be Flexible: Travel during off-peak hours or days to score cheaper tickets. For example, fares are often lower on midweek days like Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Avoid travel during major holidays if possible to sidestep higher demand.
  • Sign Up for Amtrak Guest Rewards: Similar to frequent flyer programs, Amtrak Guest Rewards lets you rack up points for every dollar you spend. Redeem those points for free trips, upgrades, or even hotel stays. Plus, members are often the first to hear about exclusive deals and promotions.
  • Check for Companion Discounts: Amtrak frequently runs promotions where you can bring a friend or family member for free or a significant discount. These deals are particularly popular on long-distance routes, so keep an eye out if you’re planning a group trip.

Other Regional Train Deals to Watch For

While Amtrak dominates the U.S., don't overlook deals on other train networks, especially if you’re heading abroad.

  • Canada - VIA Rail: If you’re hopping across the border, Canada’s VIA Rail offers fantastic deals on long-distance travel. Their “Discount Tuesday” promotion delivers reduced fares on select routes, including scenic journeys on The Canadian (spanning Toronto to Vancouver) or The Ocean (between Montreal and Halifax).
  • Europe - Eurail and Interrail: Planning a European adventure? The Eurail Pass (for non-Europeans) and Interrail Pass (for Europeans) provide unlimited train travel across multiple countries. Deals pop up often, including discounts for youth travelers or off-peak passes.
  • Japan - JR Pass: If Japan is on your wishlist, the JR Pass offers unlimited rides on Japan Rail trains, including the famous Shinkansen (bullet trains). Keep an eye out for sales or limited-period discounts on these passes, as they’re a fantastic value for zipping between cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka.

Train travel is so much more than a way to get from one place to another—it’s an experience in itself. With the right deals, you can explore stunning coastlines, bustling cities, and everything in between without breaking the bank. Amtrak’s wide range of discounts, passes, and seasonal promotions ensures there’s something for everyone, whether you’re taking a short commuter trip or embarking on a cross-country adventure.

Start planning your rail getaway today, and don’t forget to take advantage of these money-saving tips to maximize your experience. After all, the best journeys don’t just take you to new places—they come with unbeatable deals too.