How To Avoid Common Amtrak Booking Mistakes & Errors

Have you ever made a mistake while booking a trip? I know I have—more times than I’d like to admit! Fortunately, many common Amtrak booking mistakes can be avoided by slowing down, double-checking station codes, and verifying travel dates. It’s a reminder I often have to give myself.

Sometimes, you might get an error message even when everything looks correct. Don’t panic! Minor tweaks to your itinerary can often fix the problem, and a little flexibility in your schedule goes a long way. It could mean that you need to spend the night to do the journey the way you want.

Specific issues, such as Amtrak’s policy against booking trips with overnight layovers, might require you to rethink your plans or find creative solutions.

In this article, I’ll share tips to help you avoid common pitfalls and handle booking errors like a pro, drawing from personal experience and questions from fellow travelers. Let’s make your next Amtrak journey as smooth as possible!

Where you can make Amtrak booking mistakes

Even if you’re a tech whiz, it’s easy to slip up when booking Amtrak tickets online or through their mobile app. Mistakes happen, but knowing where they occur can help you avoid them.

Common Booking Pitfalls
When using Amtrak.com or the app, common mistakes include selecting the wrong travel dates or stations or attempting to plan an itinerary with an overnight layover—something Amtrak doesn’t allow.

How to Avoid These Mistakes
Please double-check all your details before finalizing your booking. If you encounter issues or need extra guidance, calling 1-800-USA-RAIL can save you time and frustration.

Tech Tips for a Smooth Booking Experience

• Ensure your device’s software and the Amtrak app (or your web browser) are up-to-date.
• If you encounter glitches, try reinstalling the app, clearing your browser cookies, or restarting your device.
• Keep in mind that occasional server issues may be the culprit. If that’s the case, step away and try again later.

Unfamiliarity with Schedules Can Lead to Booking Errors

Amtrak’s schedules can be tricky, especially if you don’t know how often certain trains run. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:

Train Schedules – Not all Amtrak trains operate daily. 

For example:

• The Cardinal and Sunset Limited only run three times a week.
• The Texas Eagle (trains 420/421) also operates thrice weekly between Chicago and Los Angeles, sharing cars with the Sunset Limited on those days.
• Most other long-distance and regional trains run daily but always verify for your specific route.

Weekday vs. Weekend Schedules

Some regional trains have different timetables on weekends versus weekdays. For instance, the Hiawatha doesn’t offer an early morning train on Sundays, which could catch travelers off guard.

Pro Tip: Double-check the schedule for your specific travel day to avoid surprises and ensure your itinerary runs smoothly.

A Common Amtrak Booking Mistake: Entering the Wrong Station

Mistakes with station codes or locations are among the most common booking errors on Amtrak. Here’s how to avoid them:

1. Incorrect City or Station Code

Rushing through the booking process or making typos can lead to selecting the wrong station. While Amtrak station codes often match airline codes, that’s not always the case—for example, NOL for New Orleans (Amtrak) vs. MSY (airlines). I’ve made errors by typing too quickly and transposing letters, so double-checking station codes is necessary.

Tip: Familiarizing yourself with the correct codes for your trip can prevent booking headaches. If I am working on a journey, I may write them out to keep them in mind or to refer to them. 

2. Multiple Stations in the Same City

Some cities have more than one Amtrak station, each offering different services. For example:

• Milwaukee, WI: MKE (downtown), MKA (airport), and MKB (bus stop).

Always confirm which station best suits your travel plans and double-check your ticket to avoid arriving at the wrong location on your travel day.

3. Same City Name, Different States

Booking the wrong city is easier to do than you’d think.

For example:

• Charleston, WV (CHW) vs. Charleston, SC (CHS).

This mix-up often happens when we rush or overlook the state listed. To prevent this error, verify the station code and location, and consider having someone else review your itinerary for added peace of mind.

4. Double-Check Before You Book and Travel

Before heading to the station, confirm your ticket details to ensure you have the correct location, date, and time. This small step can save you from missing your train and unnecessary delays.

Kev note: On my first-ever Amtrak trip, I drove to where I thought the station was, and that is where it was. They moved the location where the train picks up passengers. They also relocated the station to a park!

What to Do If You’re Asked to Call Amtrak While Booking

If you encounter the message, “We’ve experienced an unknown error. Try again later or call us at 1-800-USA-RAIL,” don’t panic. This message can pop up for several reasons, and understanding them can help you resolve the issue quickly.

1. The Amtrak Booking System May Be Down

Sometimes, the error occurs because Amtrak’s booking system is temporarily unavailable. In this case, try waiting a bit and attempting your booking again. If you need to book immediately, call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL for assistance.

2. Your Desired Connection May Not Exist

Amtrak doesn’t allow reservations with overnight or lengthy layovers in most cases. You’ll need to adjust your plans if your desired itinerary includes this.

Tips for Overcoming This Issue:

• Break up your trip: Spend the night at a layover city and book separate tickets for each segment.
• Consider a multi-city ticket: If this is confusing, calling Amtrak or visiting a staffed station can make the process easier.

3. The Station May No Longer Be Active

Sometimes, certain stations may be out of service for various reasons while still appearing in the system. This issue has become more frequent with connecting services, as Flix/Greyhound has removed many stops on their routes. Amtrak uses buses and other transportation services to extend its reach beyond the rails!

4. The Station You’re Using May Not Fit Your Route

You may encounter issues if you’re booking from a station with limited service, such as a bus connection. For example:

• In Milwaukee, using station code MKB (Amtrak bus stop) for specific routes will result in an error. Instead, use MKA (Hiawatha station at the same airport) to complete your booking successfully.

Solutions to Explore:

• Try another station nearby to see if it works for your itinerary.
• Call Amtrak for help navigating these situations.

Pro Tip: If you’re unsure how to resolve the issue, contacting an Amtrak agent over the phone or in person can save time and ensure your trip gets booked correctly.

Don’t Try to Outsmart the System: A Common Amtrak Booking Mistake

This mistake might not reveal itself until you’re already on your trip—and by then, it’s too late!

One of the most common mistakes new Amtrak travelers make (is “Amtrakers” a word?) is trying to outsmart the system. Outsmarting the system is when you create layovers that are not allowed in Amtrak’s booking system, such as scheduling tight connections. While this strategy might seem clever, it can backfire.

Why Amtrak’s System Suggestions Matter

Amtrak guarantees your trip when you use Amtrak’s suggested connections and book your tickets as one itinerary. That means if a delay causes you to miss a connection, Amtrak will work to get you back on track.

However, if you book segments separately to create your itinerary, and something goes wrong, Amtrak isn’t obligated to help because of how you choose to book.

When Booking, Separate Segments Can Work Well

Sometimes, booking separate segments makes sense and can work to your advantage, but this approach requires experience and caution. Be aware of the risks and avoid cutting your connections too close.

I do this often if I leave Sturtevant for an afternoon train. Sometimes, I want to go to Chicago earlier or head up to Milwaukee before heading to Chicago. But when I do this, I know the risk and reduce it by getting to Chicago Union Station before Amtrak suggests. Sometimes, I want some extra lounge time!

Pro Tip: Unless you’re confident in your travel planning skills, stick to the connections recommended by Amtrak. It’s less stressful and offers peace of mind.

If You Need to Check Bags, Pay Attention to the Stations!

While Amtrak’s carry-on policy is generous, checked baggage service isn’t available at all stations. Understanding this can help you avoid frustration during your trip.

Checked Baggage Basics

• Checked baggage is typically unavailable on most regional trains.
• To check your bags, both your departure and arrival stations must offer checked baggage service.

For example:

• You can’t check bags from Naperville, IL, to Omaha, NE, because Naperville doesn’t provide this service.

A Workaround: Mid-Trip Bag Checking

You can check your bags there if your trip includes a layover at a station with checked baggage service.

• For instance, if you are traveling from Sturtevant, WI, to New Orleans, LA, you can check your bags during your layover in Chicago, IL.

Pro Tip: Always confirm whether your stations support checked baggage before planning your trip. Knowing in advance is better than lugging around extra bags unexpectedly!

Tips to Avoid Amtrak Booking Mistakes and Catching Errors

Booking a train trip can be exciting, but rushing through the process can lead to avoidable mistakes. Here are some practical tips I use to help myself, and hopefully you, book like a pro:

1. Slow Down and Double-Check

It is essential to take your time while booking. I make mistakes here, but patience can prevent costly errors later. Travel is not a competition.

2. Verify Your Travel Dates

Please ensure you’re selecting the correct dates for your trip. A small error can completely derail your plans.

3. Double-Check Your Stations

You have the trick I use: write down the station codes you need for quick reference and double-check them during booking. Having a second pair of eyes review your itinerary can also catch errors you might miss.

4. Explore Alternative Stations

Consider nearby options if your preferred station isn’t working for your itinerary. Sometimes, driving farther to another station can save money and make your trip more convenient.

5. Split Your Trip if Necessary

If Amtrak doesn’t allow you to book a seamless trip, you may need to break it into segments. An overnight stop along your route can help connect the pieces.

6. Understand Amtrak Connecting Services

Amtrak sometimes uses connecting services like buses, ferries, or taxis. Look for “mixed service” while booking, which indicates how you’ll connect to your next segment. Pay attention to these details to avoid surprises.

7. Check All Options

Amtrak’s booking system can present options that are out of order, so review all choices carefully to find the best fit. Make sure your choices do not go onto the next page.

Bonus Tip: Use Both the App and Website
Sometimes, Amtrak’s app and website show different options. While they serve the same purpose, they aren’t identical systems, so checking both can give you more choices.

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Let Amtrak Know If You Experience Errors

If you encounter issues while booking or notice that the website isn’t working correctly, consider contacting Amtrak directly. Here’s how:

• Email Amtrak: Provide a detailed description of the problem you’re experiencing.
  • Use the drop-down menu on their website to ensure your message reaches the correct department.
  • You can also use this opportunity to share feedback about the website.
• Call for Assistance: For immediate help with bookings, call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Note: While I aim to provide helpful tips, I am not affiliated with Amtrak and cannot assist with technical or website issues.

Amtrak Booking Mistakes & Error Wrap-Up

Making mistakes is part of the learning process, so don’t stress if you slip up—everyone does!

Even experienced travelers like me still make booking mistakes. My biggest challenge is rushing through the process, and yes, it has cost me a few times. That’s how we learn, though applying those lessons isn’t always easy!

If you are not ready to book now, why not try booking some mock trips so you can go through the motions and be a pro when it counts?

Here are a few reminders to keep things simple and stress-free:

• Take Your Time: Booking in a hurry often leads to errors. Slow down and double-check everything.
• Don’t Pressure Yourself: Stress can make mistakes more likely. Approach the process with a calm mindset.
• Ask for Help: If you’re new to booking, ask a friend to walk you through the process. Amtrak’s system is similar if you’ve booked flights or buses before.
• Call Amtrak: If you encounter challenges, call 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit a staffed station for assistance.
• Write It Down: Keep a note of the station codes and your travel details to double-check everything.

Booking your first trip can be intimidating, but it will soon become second nature with practice. After a few trips, you’ll feel like a pro!

Happy planning and safe travels!

— Kev

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