Essential Tips for Traveling on Amtrak: 6 Must-Know Facts

Fact checked by

Jillian Dara

Riding the rails — it’s a beloved experience that many prefer over plane or car travel. There are no security lines and no traffic, plus the benefit of wider seats and more legroom. However, among those who do not travel Amtrak regularly, it’s common to hear complaints about ticket fares, the lack of luxury offerings more commonly seen with air travel, as well as the boarding and exiting frenzies famous in places like New York’s Penn Station and Washington, D.C.’s Union Station.

We can dispel some of these myths. With a little advance planning and some well-trod intel, you can enjoy the best that train travel can offer in a way that works for your budget and peace of mind. Read on for our Amtrak tips, then get ready to sit back and enjoy the ride.

Plan Ahead

Many people think of train travel as a last-minute getaway option (and they should, last-minute fare deals are out there — more on that below), but planning ahead will always work to your advantage. “The more in advance you make your travel decision, the better off you are,” says Marc Magliari, a spokesman for Amtrak. “Your best chance to get the lowest price is to book as far in advance as possible.”

Booking your trip at least three to four weeks before you depart can give you drastically lower fares, often 50 percent less than what you’ll see within two weeks of your departure. Magliari also notes that sleeping compartments for overnight trains often sell out farther in advance — so bear that in mind for long trips.

Know About Discounts

Amtrak offers a discount for those aged 65 and over, starting at 10 percent — although it varies from route to route.

Magliari recommends that travelers check the deals section on Amtrak’s website before purchasing a ticket. There, you may find offers for 25 percent off a trip on Acela, the high-speed business class train on the Northeast corridor, or reduced fares for getaways to New Orleans or Miami.

You don’t have to wait for special offers, either. Amtrak has standing discounts for children, who get half-price fares from ages two to twelve (infants under two ride for free), senior travelers, active military personnel, veterans, and more. Select these options when planning your trip, and you’ll regularly receive a percentage off the standard fare.

Check Out a Station Lounge

Though station lounges aren’t quite up to par with some luxury offerings that airlines are investing in, Amtrak does have several types of private lounges for Acela Express First Class passengers, sleeping car passengers, Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Plus, and Select Executive members.

With free beverages and snacks, internet access, and TVs, as well as attendants who can assist you with your trip, they’re a great way to spend time before departure. Moreover, Magliari also notes that this is an area where Amtrak is investing — there are new options for buying day passes to lounges, too.

Make Use of Red Cap

If you’re carrying bags, consider opting for Red Cap service, a free baggage handling service available at 12 major stations nationwide. Most travelers don’t realize Red Cap is available to all travelers. Look for the staff in uniformed red shirts, show them your ticket, and they’ll escort you and your bags to your train, allowing you to board early. You can choose your seat, and they’ll take care of your bags for you. Upon arrival at your destination, a conductor can set up a Red Cap for you when you disembark. Note: Although this service is free, tipping is recommended — especially during heavily trafficked times, like the holidays.

Consider the Quiet Car

Several lines on Amtrak reserve one Quiet Car per train — an entire car where all passengers adhere to a tranquil, library-like atmosphere, refraining from cell phone use, keeping conversations minimal, and politely using headphones for their devices. If you prefer not to engage with your seatmate or enjoy other people’s music throughout the ride, this is the car for you.

Join the Rewards Program

If you plan to take the train more than a handful of times a year, Amtrak Guest Rewards quickly becomes beneficial. You earn two points for every dollar spent on Amtrak or with partners like Hertz, Hilton Hotels, and more. You can redeem points for Amtrak reward travel (beginning at just 800 points), hotels, car rentals, and gift cards. Once you hit certain levels, like Select and Select Plus, you receive more perks (upgrade coupons, lounge access), and your reward point earnings increase. Furthermore, unused points won’t expire until there hasn’t been any qualifying activity for 24 months, giving you ample time to redeem them.