Amtrak Connecting Service

The Amtrak connecting service extends travel to communities without rail service by offering other ground transportation options on a single reservation. Your ticket could include buses, vans, taxis, commuter trains, or ferries. Amtrak also charters buses as a Thruway service to align with its train schedule.

This idea is not new; Amtrak drew inspiration from its predecessors to solve this problem. Illinois Central and many other railroads used buses or other transportation to connect passengers to their trains.

Amtrak Connecting Service and Thruway Service provide economical and often comfortable options for reaching your destination or connecting with a train when no tracks or right-of-ways are available.

This article will help you plan your next trip if you see Amtrak Connecting or Thruway Services as part of your future travel plans.

What are Thruway and Amtrak connecting services?

Making a single reservation to get to your destination makes things easier for you as a traveler. While we may prefer taking the train, this service will help fill the gaps.

Nowadays, Amtrak is not the only company using other forms of transportation to get its passengers where they need to go. American Airlines has also started using vans and buses.

Amtrak Connecting Service – buses and other providers

Again, an Amtrak Connecting Service occurs when an Amtrak ticket includes transportation provided by another transportation company, such as another rail company, ferry, taxi, or bus.

Where do I transfer?

The short answer is that it depends. Amtrak will indicate that you must self-transfer when booking or window shopping for trips.

Sometimes, these connecting services are at train stations like Milwaukee, WI.

A self-transfer is when you need to catch the next section of your trip at a different location. The transfers could be a short walk, like in Pittsburgh, PA, where the bus station is across the street.

However, sometimes, the self-transfer requires a longer walk, or you may need a ride-share or taxi to get where you need to go.

Booking Amtrak Connecting Service

Booking is easy; Amtrak arranges everything for you if you see a mixed service when booking, part of your tip will not be applied to the rail.

Since Amtrak allows extra layover time for transfers and late trains (to the best of their ability), it is best not to make a fancy booking with them, as you could lose transfer privileges.

Some connecting tickets are for a specific time, but sometimes tickets are open, allowing you to take a different time than what is listed on your reservation. If you have questions, ask the onboard staff or Amtrak agents.

A few tips for Amtrak Connecting Service

Sometimes, you cannot check your bags with Amtrak and have them transferred to the next leg of your trip. So pack light and be prepared to carry your luggage. Most buses allow you to stow your luggage during your ride. You may be able to check bags with the connecting service.

Bringing extra snacks and entertainment will help you fill your time and prevent hunger during layovers and travel.

Some companies, like Greyhound, offer onboard entertainment that you can access from your phone or tablet. Nowadays, most buses have Wi-Fi and an outlet, but the service may not be the best. A power bank could help keep your gear powered up, as there may be one outlet for two seats or no outlet at all.

If you need Wi-Fi, check if your phone can function as a hotspot or consider getting a separate one. If you do not have unlimited data, check your data plan.

A booking tip: If you want to create a layover (i.e., spend the night), booking directly with the carrier may be the best option. For example, I could take the train to Champaign, IL, spend the night, and then go to Normal the next day. Amtrak tells you which bus company to use when booking, so if this works, you know which bus you can take.

Amtrak Thruway Service FAQs

Amtrak established a Thruway service with guaranteed connections on select routes. This service connects passengers with Amtrak trains or destinations using dedicated chartered buses, taxis, or vans. Often, buses are Amtrak-branded, but not always. It depends on the route.

Buses sometimes finish a train route.

Some train routes get lengthened with these Amtrak Connecting Bus Services. Routes like the California Zephyr to or from San Francisco take you over the Bay Bridge by bus. Amtrak California uses Thruway buses to connect passengers to the San Joaquin and Pacific Surfliner trains.

Buses connecting you to another train

Sometimes, you may need to take a Thruway Service bus to get from one train to the next.

A great example is a bus connecting the eastbound Cardinal to catch the Silver Meteor. In this case, the Amtrak Thruway Bus connects Charlottesville, VA, and Richmond, VA.

Some Amtrak stops are bus-only

Your transfer point may be at a station like Milwaukee Intermodal Station, where it connects with the I-41 bus. Some Amtrak stations and stops, such as the San Francisco stop, never see a train.

Travelers note

There is not always a station for these buses and vans; some stops are signs on a pole, such as in San Francisco.

When you see the sign, you know you’re in the right place at the right time. For more information, consider reading this article about unstaffed stations, which provides a comparison between the bus and train systems in this context.

I have a short layover with an Amtrak Thruway Bus. Is that all right?

Absolutely! Amtrak would not offer these connections if they were not okay. Since these buses and vans are train-specific, they will wait for you.

For example, suppose you are taking the California Zephyr to San Francisco. The train will take you to Emeryville, and the Amtrak Connecting Bus will take you over the Bay Bridge. If the Zephyr is early, the bus may leave as soon as all passengers board, or wait for you if the train is running late. That said, if the train arrives early, you may have to wait until the scheduled time; this could happen if your bus is finishing up another route.

Getting your tickets for the Amtrak Thruway or the Amtrak Connecting Service

Booking tickets for these services with Amtrak should feel no different than booking any train. Often, you need to book a connecting or Thruways service in conjunction with a train ticket. If you receive an error message, it may mean you need to add a train or make alternative plans.

Wrap-up and Kev’s views on Amtrak Connecting Service

Several of my trips included Amtrak connecting and thruway services. Most were on Amtrak-chartered buses, but a few other companies also operated buses. I chose the bus for the experience on a few trips.

When I visit San Francisco, the Bay Bridge is easily accessible via the throughway service, which is the most convenient and cost-effective way to cross it.

From my experience, a printed ticket worked best, especially when I left the Amtrak system.

On one trip, the driver needed information on my ticket and took it for a while before returning it. Handing them a piece of paper is often easier and safer than giving them your phone number.

When traveling, getting between your starting point and your destination is essential, so consider using Amtrak connecting services, even if you are a train-only person.

Pay attention when booking: take responsibility for your trip

When booking, pay attention to the details; ‘mixed service’ means taking a bus or other form of transportation.

I have been on a few trips where the prospect of riding a bus flummoxed people. Just because you didn’t see that message, you still booked it. Your responsibility as a traveler is to verify your trip and accept or change it. Remember, it’s sometimes too late to make changes once you’ve started the journey.

Pay attention to layovers and transfers. Check if you need to leave from the station or make plans for a self-transfer. A map app can help you determine how far you need to go, so you know whether you’re walking across the street or getting a ride share.

Pack a few extras for comfort.

Bring some extra entertainment and snacks for layovers. Power bricks and chargers with longer cords can keep your phone and electronics charged.

No matter how you go, a great attitude and realistic expectations can ensure the best trip within your control.

Have a great trip, and don’t worry about short layovers on the Thruway bus service.

Safe Travels!

Kev