Is it cheaper to buy Amtrak tickets online or at the station?

Is it cheaper to buy Amtrak tickets online or at the station?

You might also find the fare structure refreshing: Because you get the best fares straight from Amtrak, there's no need to shop around on other travel booking sites. And except for the occasional online-only promo, you'll get the same price whether you book online, at the station or by phone.

Is Amtrak cheaper than flying?

The US Amtrak system isn't perfect. There isn't service to every city in the US, and cross-country trains still remain slow and expensive when compared to flying. However, if you're hopping across a few states, it can be less expensive and sometimes faster than taking a flight. The cheapest flight available is $265.

Can you bring your own food and drink on Amtrak?

You may bring your own food and beverages onboard for consumption at your seat or private Sleeping Car accommodations. However, you can only consume food and beverages purchased in Dining and Lounge Cars in those cars. Personal food and beverages are allowed in the upper level of Superliner Sightseer Lounges.

What happens if you get on Amtrak without a ticket?

If you board the train without a ticket and attempt to buy a ticket, or ask the conductor for assistance, it is not theft of service since you have no intention of deceiving the conductor. The worst they could do is deny you boarding, ask you to leave, or kick you out at the next stop.

Can you pay cash on Amtrak?

In those limited circumstances when you are permitted to purchase your tickets onboard, you may pay with cash. Customers boarding at unstaffed stations who want to buy tickets with their credit card can do so on Amtrak.com or on their mobile phone prior to boarding.

Is there WiFi on Amtrak?

We've added free onboard WiFi to a lot of our trains and stations! You can check if your favorite train or nearest station has WiFi here. The Golden Rule of Amtrak WiFi is it supports general web browsing.

Is there food on Amtrak?

You may bring your own food and beverages onboard for consumption at your seat or private Sleeping Car accommodations. However, you can only consume food and beverages purchased in Dining and Lounge Cars in those cars. Personal food and beverages are allowed in the upper level of Superliner Sightseer Lounges.

Can I buy Amtrak tickets same day?

Tickets are typically most expensive when they're purchased on the train or at a station on the same day you plan to travel, so buying in advance is something travelers should consider to save a few pennies. If you're uncomfortable with making your own travel arrangements, contact a travel agent.

Can I get on a sold out Amtrak train?

So there is an option in arrow to sell tickets on sold out trains. The Amtrak concept of a sold out train is that there are no more places for people to sit down, so in theory, selling a ticket on a sold out train would be putting someone out of a seat.

Can I show my train ticket on my phone?

Amtrak Gets on Board With E-Tickets. You can book and pay for your e-ticket online, on a mobile device, or by using the new Amtrak iPhone app. Once purchased, you'll get an email with the ticket attached as a PDF. Smartphone users can simply show that e-ticket to the conductor, who can then scan it.

Does Amtrak offer AAA discounts?

lowest available Value or Flexible fare on most Amtrak trains. AAA members save 10 percent: AAA members and their immediate family (spouses and dependents) receive a 10 percent discount off the lowest available Value or Flexible fare when travel is booked at least three-days in advance.

What is the senior discount for Amtrak?

Discount: Amtrak travelers 62 years of age and over are eligible to receive a 15% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains. On cross-border services operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada, a 10% Senior discount is applicable to travelers aged 60 and over.

Is Amtrak the only passenger train service in the US?

The U.S. may be the land of the car, but it also one of the greatest countries in the world to be explored by passenger train. Municipalities, or regional government entities, operate commuter trains. At present, Amtrak is the only operator of regularly scheduled intercity trains in the USA.

Do I need to buy Amtrak tickets in advance?

Purchase your Amtrak tickets as far in advance as possible to lock in the lowest prices, either online or in person at a train station. Either way, for most routes, passengers are required to buy their train tickets before boarding.

What is the phone number for Amtrak reservations?

Telephone: Call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). Agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and can assist you with reservations that include special service requests (oxygen equipment, special dietary requirements, etc.). TTY: Call 1-800-523-6590. Agents are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

How can I get cheap Amtrak tickets?

Amtrak in the north east corridor is expensive because it's usually the fastest and most convenient way to travel between those cities. It's supply and demand. Rail travel really isn't popular here in America. People either drive their own cars, rent cars to drive, fly, or take the bus (Greyhound).

Can you buy round trip Amtrak tickets?

Onboard. In most circumstances, you must purchase a ticket before you board a train. On most Amtrak trains, only the full, undiscounted, unrestricted fare will be available for purchase onboard the train. This is regardless of reservations made or fares previously quoted by ticket agents, Amtrak.com or elsewhere.

How early should I arrive Amtrak?

The recommended arrival time for each station varies, but plan to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your scheduled departure. If you need help with baggage, tickets or any other services, or if you are departing from a large or busy station, we recommend you arrive at the station even earlier.

Can I book a train ticket for someone else?

Is it possible to purchase a ticket for someone else? Train tickets can be used by anyone even though certain tickets will have the name of the traveller or person who booked the tickets printed on them. When you are making a booking you can request that the tickets are sent to a different address.

How fast do Amtrak trains go?

It is the nation's only high-speed intercity passenger rail provider, operating at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) over current infrastructure. More than half of Amtrak trains operate at top speeds of 100 mph (160 kph) or greater.