How to Save the Most on an Amtrak Trip If You’re 65+
Traveling by train around the United States is romantic, convenient, and comfortable — but it’s not always cheap.
Booking a trip on Amtrak can be an expensive proposition, but it doesn’t always have to be if you take just a few minutes to dig around for discounts, sales, and other savings options. Deals abound for certain routes, groups of people, and even booking windows. But they are especially generous for one demographic, in particular, and that’s the senior crowd.
From deals on routes along each U.S. coast to a widely applicable markdown just for older riders, these Amtrak travel discounts are just a few of the many perks that come along with age.
Amtrak’s Standard Senior Discount
Amtrak always offers specific discounts to the senior set, including the regular 10% senior discount it offers on most rail fares and routes. The minimum age for this discount is 65 on domestic routes, but it applies to riders age 60 and older “on cross-border services operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada,” the train company says. The discount can’t be used for class upgrades or in conjunction with other discounts. Check the website for more restrictions and to see whether the route you’re eyeing qualifies.
Amtrak Downeaster Line Discounts
Amtrak offers even bigger savings for seniors on specific routes, including a 50% discount on Downeaster line tickets.
The Downeaster line runs between Boston, Massachusetts, and Brunswick, Maine, calling at 10 New England destinations along the way. Passengers can head to Portland, Maine, to sightsee in Old Port, or they can disembark at Old Orchard Beach to take advantage of seven miles of coastline. A one-way journey takes about three and a half hours from start to finish, and Amtrak operates five round trips daily.
15% Off California Routes
Amtrak’s three main California rail lines — Capitol Corridor, the Pacific Surfliner, and the San Joaquins — are arguably some of the most scenic in the country. The former two hug the coast, offering views of the sprawling Pacific, while the latter route is sandwiched between iconic California national parks (Yosemite, Death Valley, Kings Canyon) to the east and the majestic Sierra Nevada mountains to the west. Passengers go for the picturesque scenery as much as they do for the convenience of car-free travel to busy areas like San Diego, Los Angeles, Fresno, Sacramento, and Santa Barbara. Those 62 and older get 15% off select California routes, including these lines.
Early Bird Discount on Acela Routes
Before settling for a smaller discount, check that you don’t qualify for Amtrak’s ongoing early bird deal. Travelers — regardless of age — who book a trip on Amtrak’s high-speed Acela train at least 14 days in advance get up to 30% off. Acela travels along the East Coast from Boston to Washington, D.C., stopping at Providence, Rhode Island; New Haven, Connecticut; New York City; Philadelphia; and Baltimore, to name a few notable destinations. With the discount, a sample one-way fare from Boston to NYC is $58 and from NYC to Washington, D.C., $71. Beware of blackout dates around the holidays.