How can I reduce my train travel cost? (2024)

How can I reduce my train travel cost?

Typically, make your reservations early to get the best fares. Fares are generally higher during holidays and peak travel periods. In the Northeast fares typically vary based on the day of travel and the time of day. You can make reservations up to 11 months in advance of travel.

How to get a big discount on train tickets?

Book in advance: Amtrak often offers discounted fares for those who book their tickets well in advance. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to find cheaper fares.

What is the cheapest way to travel on the train?

Travel at quieter times

You may have to travel at specified times, or on specified days or routes. On longer distance journeys, if you travel in a peak period 1 way but want to return when it is less busy, look at a combination of Advance, Off-Peak and Anytime fares to get the best deal.

How can I save money on train commute?

Can you save money taking the train?

Save money – Taking the train is a cost-effective way of travelling, especially if you're going a relatively short distance. Generally speaking you can find the best ticket fares the earlier you book, so plan your train journey well in advance (up to 6 months in advance) to take advantage.

What is the cheapest day to buy Amtrak tickets?

Nationwide Amtrak Discounts

Before you start clicking links, make sure to check Amtrak's Weekly Specials, on sale between Tuesday and Friday each week. These are deeply discounted fares (often up to 80% off) that can be for any train in the country. It's a grab bag, but you might get lucky.

Does Costco have Amtrak discount?

No. Currently, we do not offer any discounts on train travel in the U.S. However, select rail options can be included in our Europe vacation packages.

What days are cheapest to train?

Best Days To Purchase a Train Ticket: Middle of the Week

“These days tend to have lower demand for train travel compared to weekends or Mondays. Therefore, purchasing tickets on weekdays, such as Tuesday or Wednesday, can often result in better deals.

Is it cheaper to drive or to take Amtrak?

If price is the deciding factor, the car trip will usually be the cheaper one for anything more than a single passenger or a single passenger with infant child in tow. (Kids under two generally ride the train free.)

Which is the best site to book train tickets?

MakeMyTrip is the leading portal for making your IRCTC ticket booking within a few minutes. All you have to do is enter your source and destination and look at all the trains available on the selected route.

How much is a senior citizen railcard?

How much is a 3-year Senior Railcard? A 3-year Senior Railcard costs just £70, saving you £20 on the price of three 1-year Railcards instantly.

Is it cheaper to fly or take a train?

Generally, short trips cost less by train, but it's more economical to fly for long journeys.

Is the train cheaper online?

Tickets purchased online may be cheaper than the normal booking office fare, offer free assigned seating and are subject to Terms and Conditions accepted at the time of booking. Tickets can be only purchased online up to 90 days in advance.

How can I make my train travel better?

Is it better to drive or take the train?

Train travel is often cheaper than flying, in part because you can generally take more with you before paying extra baggage fees. It can also be more convenient and relaxing than driving, especially if you'd be driving in an unfamiliar place or driving for many hours nonstop to get to your destination.

Why is it cheaper to fly than train?

Trains are more expensive than planes because the aviation industry is one of the most undertaxed and overly subsidised sections of the UK economy. There's no VAT on plane tickets, and there's no tax on aviation fuel, despite road fuels like petrol and diesel being taxed at 57.95p per litre, plus 20% in VAT.

Does Amtrak offer senior discount?

Passenger Discount for Seniors

Amtrak travelers 65 years of age and over are eligible to receive a 10% discount on most rail fares 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.

Does Amtrak give AAA discounts?

AAA and student discounts were dropped, senior discount was reduced from 15% to 10% and child reduced fares changed to 1 per fare paying adult down from 2 per adult.

Can I bring 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.

What happened to AAA discount on Amtrak?

PLEASE NOTE: The elimination of the AAA discount is part of a larger tariff change being implemented by Amtrak at the national level. Earlier this year, Amtrak eliminated the Student discount, and reduced the Senior and Passenger with Disability discounts.

Does Amtrak offer AARP or AAA discounts?

Standard Amtrak Discounts (Students, Seniors, etc.)

Seniors: Travelers 65+ receive a 10% discount (excludes Auto Train). There is no additional AARP discount. Military: 10% discount for military personnel plus their spouses and dependents. No further USAA discount.

Why is Amtrak so expensive right now?

Transportation researchers say Amtrak's fares in the Northeast are higher than those for comparable systems. Meanwhile, the federally owned and funded Amtrak has not made money in its five-decade history. Ridership numbers and finances were strengthening before the coronavirus pandemic.

What is the best time to buy train tickets?

Which time/day is the cheapest to buy train tickets? Whilst there is no specific time or day that is cheaper to buy tickets across the board, generally the further in advance you purchase your tickets, the cheaper they will be.

How early do cheap train tickets go on sale?

Typically, train companies release their Advance tickets 12 weeks before the departure date, although some go on sale as far as 24 weeks in advance! Only a limited number of tickets will be available, so be quick to secure yours as the fare can rise as the date of travel gets nearer.

What is the best day to buy a train ticket?

Travel during peak travel periods will usually see you paying more as there is more demand for tickets. For that reason, the best days to buy tickets are generally in the middle of the week between Tuesday and Thursday, the former considered the best of all by several sources.