Printing Amtrak Tickets - When And How To Do It

Whether you’re new to Amtrak travel or need a quick reminder, this guide covers everything you need to know about printing Amtrak tickets for your journey.

We’ll walk you through the process of printing your Amtrak tickets, accessing them electronically, and what to do if you need help retrieving them at the station. By the end, you’ll know if and when to print them, feel confident about your options, and be ready for a smooth trip!

Do you need to print Amtrak tickets?

No, you don’t need to print Amtrak tickets. Conductors can scan tickets directly from your phone, other electronic devices, or paper tickets.

Some travelers prefer a printed ticket as a backup, especially if they’re worried about their phone’s battery life or prefer a paper copy for easy access.

If your phone or tablet screen is cracked or broken, please print your ticket, as it may affect ticket scanning.

When you approach the train, have your ticket ready—either printed or on your device. This allows the conductor to scan or reference it quickly and easily. Which option works best for you?

When and how do you receive your Amtrak tickets?

When you make a reservation, you will receive your tickets via email within 1 to 2 minutes, whether you book over the phone, through the website, or using the Amtrak app. Passengers who remain logged in to the app should also see their tickets appear automatically within that timeframe.

Please check your spam or junk folder if you don’t see your tickets. If you still can’t find them, log back into your Amtrak account and request a resend. Amtrak sends tickets as PDF attachments, so you can easily save or print them.

You will receive a paper ticket immediately when you purchase at a station or ticket machine. If you ask, station attendants can also email you a backup copy. Additionally, if you have an Amtrak Rewards number, provide it to earn points!

Do Amtrak tickets have cash value?

Years ago, all transportation tickets had cash value, but in most cases, that has changed for the better. Nowadays, paper tickets do not hold cash value. That’s great for those of us who tend to misplace things.

So, if you leave your tickets at home, you will usually have enough cash on hand. You can reprint them at the station, use the app, or email them.

Should You Print Your Amtrak Ticket? Here’s Why It Might Be a Good Idea

While digital tickets are convenient, printing your Amtrak ticket can be beneficial in specific situations. Here are a few reasons why having a paper copy might make your trip easier:

Checked Luggage

A paper ticket can simplify things if you’re checking bags. Sometimes, Amtrak agents staple your baggage claim check to your ticket, and it’s just easier to manage when it’s printed. Your ticket may even be printed automatically during baggage check.

Another reason is that handing someone a piece of paper is often easier than using your phone.

Room Accommodations

If you’re traveling in a Roomette or Bedroom, having a printed ticket can be very helpful. It lets you easily show your room details to lounge attendants or conductors, especially during boarding. This way, you won’t have to scroll through your phone while managing your bags and locating your sleeper car and room.

Business Class Perks

Business Class passengers typically receive a complimentary beverage from the café car. A paper ticket provides quick, easy proof of service.

Phone Problems

If your phone dies, has a cracked screen, or you forget to charge it, having a printed ticket is a helpful backup to prevent any issues during boarding.

When printing Amtrak tickets might be overkill

Printing Amtrak tickets may not be necessary for short trips.

For instance, I don’t need a printed ticket on the Hiawatha line when I travel from Sturtevant Depot to Milwaukee Airport, especially for last-minute journeys.

The ride lasts only 13 minutes, so printing a ticket feels unnecessary. Besides, I am usually one of the few passengers, and they might ask for my name. If you buy your ticket at the last minute—say, 10 minutes before departure—you might not have enough time to print it. In those situations, it’s not worth stressing over.

Should I print tickets for everyone on the reservation?

Technically, no. Unlike airlines, a single printed ticket covers your entire reservation, including everyone traveling with you. You only need one ticket for the whole group.

However, printing individual tickets can simplify matters if your group is separated during boarding or seat assignment. Each person can present their own ticket instead of trying to find the person holding the group ticket. E-tickets on everyone’s phones work just as well and can be particularly helpful if your reservation includes multiple rooms or connecting trains.

The art of printing Amtrak tickets

You can print tickets from the comfort of your own home or at many Amtrak stations.

Printing Amtrak Tickets At Home

If you prefer to print your tickets at home, open the Amtrak email and print the attached PDF. These tickets will be on a full sheet of paper and will include additional travel information.

When printing at home, use white or light-colored paper to ensure the barcode is easy to read and scan. Darker colors may cause scanner issues. Some travelers even use different colors for each trip segment to stay organized—a great way to keep track of a journey’s multiple legs.

Kev’s Travel Hack

Use a plastic folder with flaps to keep your paper tickets safe, in case the folder drops or is put in your bag upside down. Look for one with a pouch for transit cards and other tickets.

I love this idea because it helps keep you organized and makes it easier to find your tickets.

I recommend a folder with flaps to prevent everything from spilling out. If you can get a folder with a small pocket, I find it handy for storing boarding pass-style tickets or transit cards for places you frequent.

Printing Amtrak Tickets At A Station

If you need to print your Amtrak tickets at a station, follow these steps:

1. Locate the ticketing kiosk or window.
2. Have your confirmation number or credit card ready.
   • The machine can scan your email or the Amtrak app on your phone to retrieve ticket information for printing.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions at the kiosk to print your tickets.
4. If you’re at a ticket window, provide your confirmation number or identification to the staff for assistance.

This process ensures you have your tickets before boarding.

You can also use this machine to purchase tickets.

Note: Quik-Trak machines only accept cards for ticket purchases.

Tickets printed at stations, obtained from an agent or a machine, are similar to airline boarding passes. I prefer them because they are more durable than home-printed versions and fold easily into a pocket.

Alternative Methods for Retrieving Amtrak Tickets

While working on this article, I learned a few things. According to Amtrak.com, you can receive your Amtrak tickets by mail or pick them up at the train station. However, these methods have restrictions and may not always be available.

This section is based on the Amtrak website, with minor editing. If you are interested in any of these options, please review Amtrak’s current terms and conditions.

How to Get Amtrak Tickets by Mail

If you have booked a reservation and have not yet received an eTicket, Amtrak will mail tickets to addresses in the U.S. and Canada at no additional cost.

To have your tickets mailed to most addresses within the continental United States, you must purchase them at least nine days before your departure date. For travel to Alaska, Hawaii, and most of Canada, you must purchase tickets at least 15 days before departure.

Please note that the Ticket by Mail service is unavailable for locations outside the U.S. and Canada, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, any other U.S. territory or possession, and APO/FPO addresses.

Express Delivery

In some situations, you may request express delivery of your tickets for an additional fee.

To be eligible for express delivery, you must make your reservations at least 4 days before travel for U.S. deliveries and at least 6 days before travel for Canadian deliveries. This option is available only for addresses in the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada. Amtrak does not send to P.O. boxes. Deliveries are made Monday through Friday only, and a signature is required upon receipt.

Special considerations for short-notice travel from unstaffed stations:

• If you depart from an unstaffed station and purchase your tickets within ten days of your departure date, you must select the express delivery option. An express delivery fee applies.
• If you are departing from an unstaffed station and purchasing your tickets within 4 days of your departure date, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to speak with a reservations sales agent to determine whether alternative ticketing options are available.

Picking Up Paid Tickets On Board

You can only pick up your tickets from a conductor under limited circumstances.

For example, if you pay for your tickets before traveling, your departure station will be closed at departure time, and no other delivery options will be available.

Amtrak’s online booking system will determine your eligibility for onboard pickup based on your itinerary. If you are eligible, you can pick up your tickets on board during booking. When you make reservations by phone, your agent will tell you whether you qualify for this service.

If you choose not to print your Amtrak tickets, here are your options.

If you prefer to go paperless, you’ll need a smart device to access your Amtrak tickets, as there’s no alternative. You can use a computer, but it is bulky and may be damaged if dropped. A tablet can also work, as long as it has cellular service or can tether to your phone.

I recommend using multiple methods to ensure you can always access your tickets, especially if you might lose Wi-Fi or cell service.

Use Your Smartphone

Your phone is an excellent tool for keeping your trip organized. Since the Amtrak app requires an internet connection, here are some ways to ensure quick and reliable access to your tickets:

• Add tickets to an e-wallet.
  • Many smartphones have built-in wallet apps where you can add tickets. The advantage? E-wallets load faster than the Amtrak app and often work without an internet connection. Some even send push notifications for quick access.
• Take a screenshot of your ticket.
  • Whether you access your ticket through the Amtrak app or via email, saving an image ensures you can retrieve it even if service is unavailable.

Using multiple methods helps you stay prepared—nothing’s worse than scrambling to find your ticket when you need it.

Printed tickets do not refresh, but the QR code remains functional.

If you modify your reservation, your printed ticket won’t update. However, your tickets in the app and on your phone’s wallet will likely update automatically.

As long as your reservation number remains unchanged, your barcode will continue to scan correctly. The conductor’s system will display your current itinerary, even if the printed information is outdated.

One important detail: If your train time changes from 11:23 AM to 10:23 AM, your old ticket still shows the original time of 11:23 AM. This outdated information could lead to confusion at the station or when you’re in a hurry to catch your train.

If any changes occur during your trip, don’t worry—your current printed ticket will still be valid for boarding and conductor checks. The barcode will remain functional throughout your journey. If you would like to obtain an updated ticket with the correct details, you can reprint it at any staffed station or use a Quik-Trak kiosk along your route.

If you make any changes to your reservation before departure, reprint your ticket to avoid confusion. Ideally, wait until the day before or the day of travel to print it. This way, you will have the most current schedule in case Amtrak makes any last-minute changes. If you choose not to print your tickets, your phone will still provide the most up-to-date information.

Kev’s Thoughts on Printing Amtrak Tickets

As a Gen X traveler, I grew up with catalogs arriving in the mail, but I also appreciate technology’s benefits. I feel comfortable in both worlds, and my approach to tickets reflects that.

I often skip printing tickets for short, last-minute trips like the Hiawatha without connections. However, I prefer having a printed ticket for long-distance trips or those with transfers, especially when lounge access is involved.

Sometimes, I print tickets at home or use the station’s Quik-Trak machine. I keep a digital version on my phone, just in case.

For long-distance travel, especially on a sleeper, I like to keep my ticket in my pocket so I can easily reference my room and car numbers when heading to the dining car.

Printing Amtrak Tickets, Wrap-up

The moral of this article is to do what works best for you as long as you have a reservation barcode while traveling. The advantage of printing Amtrak tickets is that you don’t have to worry about battery life, screen brightness, or Wi-Fi connectivity.

I hope this article answers your questions about printing Amtrak tickets, so you don’t have to worry.

Safe Travels!

Kev