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6 unsolicited tips for booking Amtrak

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Note: this is most appropriate for the Northeast corridor, as this is what I am used to.

  1. Book early (duh!)

    • Unfortunately, Amtrak isn't like regional rail: Amtrak prices rise, and rise hard, on the popular routes (especially NE corridor)
    • (And don't try to buy a ticket on the train if you can at all avoid it)

  2. If booking early, use the "flex" fare for more flexibility

    • The nice thing about Amtrak is that it has very flexible cancellation policies, especially if you pay a couple of dollars extra
      • As opposed to 75% back with the base fare
      • But do the expected value calculation!
    • So if you're considering a trip, book tickets early, and cancel as necessary

  3. Consider splitting up your segments into separate reservations:

    • Amtrak's algorithm often chooses pricier connections if part of your trip is on the Northeast Corridor
    • If you book after the suggested connection, you're still a "guaranteed" connection in Amtrak's eyes. I've done this before. (This is probably still a small risk)
    • But you can also be more cautious, because Amtrak's tolerances are often smaller than their train's propensity to be late

  4. Consider splitting a single segment into multiple tickets

    • It's worth checking. It is sometimes cheaper to book tickets from A -> B and B -> C than A -> C even if they are all on the same train
    • You can stay in the same seat and everything

  5. On the Northeast Corridor, consider using commuter rail instead

    • The strongest example of this is Philly -> Trenton -> NYC using SEPTA and NJ transit that is always 30 bucks, even if you buy the tickets same day
    • Even if you can't make it all the way (e.g. DC -> NY), you might consider breaking up into segments
      • Or Philly -> Trenton SEPTA isn't great, so it can be worth booking Philly -> Trenton on Amtrak and then Trenton -> NY on NJ transit.

  6. If you are a student, use the student discount!

    • This is a well kept secret
    • Says 15%, but can sometimes be much more
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