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Budget TravelTrain TravelTravel Hints and Tips

How To Save Money On Amtrak Tickets

by Kev
written by Kev

How to save money on Amtrak and earn free trips

FYI feel free the blue text for they are links

If you are looking to save money on an Amtrak trip, this article is for you. If you have traveled on Amtrak before you may know a few of these, but there could be a few discounts you don’t know about, or if I missed one, let me know.

Like any other form of travel, flexibility and booking early often the way to get good deals, but there could be ways to save even if time is not on your side.

Save money and get the latest deals when you sign up for Amtrak’s emails

Amtrak's Capital Limited

Amtrak’s Capitol Limited stopped in Cumberland, Maryland

Stay up to date on the latest Amtrak deals

Amtrak emails:

  • Include limited time deals
  • Exclusive deals for Amtrak Guest Rewards members (more about this below)
  • Plus receive the most recent Amtrak news

Click here to sign up for Amtrak’s email list

NEW: Save money on Amtrak tickets with discount code V291

Amtrak Roomette

Amtrak Superliner Roomette

Amtrak’s latest discount code V291 is for groups of two or more passengers riding in coach. Booking must be three days in advance, and the offer expires on June 30, 2021.

Tickets:

The first ticket is full price, and the second is 15% off the total cost, the third is 60% off; finally the fourth is 70% off when all the tickets are bought together and using this offer.

This discount does not apply to some of the Northeast Corridor or Virginia trains, or connecting services numbered 7000-8999. For more information and restrictions check this link out.

To use: When booking your coach seas three or more days in advance,  add the code V291 when prompted

Side note: There might be a set amount of tickets available for this deal, this means that you may not be able to take advantage every time you try, but this is a guess.

Amtrak’s online deals

Amtrak’s online deals include seasonal, limited time offers, and exclusive deals on select trains

The Amtrak website offers

Multi-ride passes (six or ten rides and monthly passes)

Select routes such as the Hiawatha, offer flexibility and savings with multi-ride passes. Passes can be unlimited monthly passes or ten-ride passes and in a few areas a student six ride pass.

For more information check out this page on Amtrak’s Multi-ride Passes.

Programs to join that can save money on Amtrak tickets!

Amtrak Coffee

Coffee from Amtrak’s Cafe Car

Rail Passenger Association Membership

Members receive a 10% discount on Amtrak’s rail fare when purchasing tickets three or more days in advance (the discount does not apply to upgrades). 

The Rail Passenger Association (PRA), formally known as the National Association of Rail Passenger Association (NARP) is a non-profit organization to promote passenger rail service around The United States, their mission includes both regional rail and Amtrak.

A yearly tax-deductible membership comes with a 10% discount on Amtrak rail fare, and the reduction applies only to the base rail fare ticket and not to upgrades such as a room or business class. If you are interested in joining PRA, click here, and below is information on how the PRA/NARP discount works when you buy tickets.

Amtrak Guest Rewards Program

Amtraks free loyalty program to earn free rides (after redeeming points)!

Portland Union Station

Portland Union Station in Portland, OR.

Amtrak Guest Rewards (AGR) is a multi-tiered rewards program offering free Amtrak travel. You can get points from Amtrak travel, deals with partners sites, purchasing products online, transferring points, or can be bought for yourself or as gifts for others (links are below). Points do not expire unless the account is inactive for three years or more.

AGR awards two points for every dollar spent on Amtrak travel, like airline rewards programs, points earned while traveling are tier qualifying points (TQP) that leads to status levels.

Status level rewards include free upgrades, companion coupons, and bonus points.

For more on the points program

Ways to accumulate more Amtrak Guest Reward Points

New AGR members earn 500 bonus points if the first Amtrak trip is within 90 days of joining.

Point redemption trips, aka Free rides, start at 900 points on up. The number of points needed for a trip is based on the current market value of the ticket or accommodations you are after.

Side note: AGR member can earn points for joining RPA

Amtrak Credit Card

Earn points from shopping and paying bills.

Credit cards

If you need a credit card, get one that will help you travel.

If planning a cross-country trip or riding the regional routes, the Amtrak Mastercard will help accumulate points faster for free adventure.

Typically, Amtrak offers 20,000 bonus points for spending $1,000 with three months of activating a new card (click the link below for more information).

Bonuses of the card include:

  • 1 point for every dollar charged
  • 3 points for every dollar spent on Amtrak and other travel related purchases
  • When redeeming points for travel, there is a 5% point rebate
  • Passes and coupons such as free business Class upgrade, companion coupon, and lounge pass
  • Tier qualifying points are available for faster progression within the program

If you are interested in more information on the Amtrak Mastercard getting one, click here

Save money on Amtrak tickets by just being you (if you qualify)

Anytime discounts for qualified passengers but do not apply for upgrades

  • Seniors receive 10% off for those 65 years or older
  • Kids two and under are free, but their name must be on an adult’s ticket, and children between 3-12 are 50% off, and these must travel with someone 18-years-old or older
  • Active Military members and spouses receive 10% off but must have a valid military ID
  • Military kids 2-12 military kids receive half off, plus an additional 10% off (best deal out there!)
  • People with a disability and companion (when booked together) receive 10% off
  • Federal employees have a discount program but must be booked through a federal employees travel management company or corporate booking tool and are not bookable on Amtrak.com.
  • Groups of 20 or more people receive a discount as well, but might not be bookable online

How to get the most of the AGR Program

How to get the most out of The Amtrak Guest Rewards Program to receive free trips! 

Before booking your first trip get involved with these programs, or sign up now if you already travel with Amtrak.

If you don’t use your AGR number when booking, you will not earn points. Amtrak has made it even easier to sign into your AGR account be combining your Amtrak account and the AGR account.

If you have questions, call 1-800-USA-RAIL

How discounts apply to your reservations

Amtrak's long-distance coach seats

Amtrak’s long-distance coach seats. These seats include foot and leg rest, trays, and an outlet.

With coach reservations, the percentage comes off the cost of the whole ticket, but discounts do not apply to Saver Safer Fares.

Business class and room accommodations discounts are more challenging to understand at first. The percentage off only applies to the rail fare (coach ticket price) that everyone pays and not to the portion of the upgrade.

For example, if you are booking a business class ticket on the Lincoln Service between Chicago and St. Louis, without a discount, a business class ticket is $52. That ticket breaks down to $31 rail fare and $21 for the business class upgrade, so the percentage comes off the rail fare $31 portion of the ticket. The $52  business class ticket becomes $49.

With rooms, looking at the train The City fo New Orleans, a coach seat cost $135, and a roomette $269, with a 10% discount coach, is $122 and $256 for a roomette.

With rooms accommodations, each person pays a rail fare, so using the City of New Orleans example, without a discount for one person the roomette is $269, and for two people the room is $404. So in that example, each person pays $108 to ride the train, and the room cost $135. So this means $108 (First rider) + $108 (second rider) + $135 (room price) = $351 for two people.

Room reservation includes all scheduled dining car meals on the train, but for the Silver Star that does not have a dining car.

The prices given were used as an example, and may change at any time. 

How to book trips to save money

Flexibility is key

Amtrak Silver Star

Amtrak’s Silver Star in Orlando, FL

When booking, consider checking a few dates before or after your target date (if possible), because leaving a day sooner or later could save money. Sites like AMSnag displays prices for up to 30 days at a time. That site is an excellent tool for the early stages of a trip when there is often a lot of flexibility.

Buying tickets as early as possible often help, not only for rooms but for a coach ticket as well can save you money. Amtrak usually has “saver fairs” for tickets bought 14 days in advance, but those offerings are limited. You may book up to 11 months in advance.

Kev’s notes:

I know a few things about this

I signed up for AGR before I took my first Amtrak trip, so I earned points when my first ticket got scanned. Because I took advantage of the programs not only with traveling but online purchasing and filling out surveys, I received several free trips, and one trip was a coast to coast ride in a roomette for free! I average a free one-way big trip every year.

NARP/PRA is a cause I support, fighting for Passenger Rail both nationally and regionally, but the discount is handy. Every year I average 100 trains rides, and the 10% off has saved me more than the cost of my membership fee

Safe Travels!

Kev

If you are interested in more information on traveling on Amtrak check out this page! If I can help, please reach out and let me know!

Note: The information given was current at the time of publication. Read all the restrictions and fine print to make sure you get the most out the programs suggested, and Travels with Kev is not affiliated with Amtrak. The information is a guide to you, and deals can change at any time.

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Train TravelTravelTravel Hints and Tips

From Charleston, SC, to Disney World by Amtrak

by Kev
written by Kev

Disney World by Amtrak (Charleston, SC to Kissimmee, FL)

Disney World by Amtrak is at the bottom of the story (feel free to skip the rest if that is what you are looking for)

For now, I am going to skip the post of my visit with Abby in Charleston, SC, but jump to the next phase of the trip, traveling to Disney World by Amtrak. Mainly Abby and I went to the dog park, she got brushed, fed, and repeat, but I may come back to it though if you want.

Charleston, S.C. to Disney via Kissimmee, FL

Charleston SC Amtrak Station

The new North Charleston SC Amtrak Station.

On Sunday, March 31, my brother-in-law drove me to the new North Charleston Amtrak Station.

When I arrived last week, it was a quick walk through because my little niece was not happy that she and her mom had to pick me up at 5:30 am. So I was not able to see much of the station, but with this visit, I was able to enjoy the new station and take a few photos. They are still working finishing things up, such as parking, landscaping, and interior decorating.

Inside the new Charleston (SC) Amtrak Station

Inside the new Charleston (SC) Amtrak Station

While waiting, I heard my name announced over the PA system to come to the ticket office, the first time this ever happened. As I walked up, I thought something happened or who died?

Long story short, the agent noticed my ticket and said that she could save me time and money on my trip, and that was the reason she called me up. It was very kind of her. This station has the best agents I have ever dealt with years of Amtrak travel. To get Kissimmee I had three trains routes to choose from, and I decided on the most extended way because I could, and it fit everyone’s schedule the best.

If the agent only knew I rode Amtrak for fun as well as transportation.

Palmetto coming into CHS

Amtrak’s Palmetto pulling into the new Charleston Station

The first train: Charleston, SC to Wilson, NC

The Palmetto was the first train of this adventure; from Charleston, S.C. to Wilson N.C., Yes I went north to go south. You might remember last year rode the Palmetto from Philadelphia, PA, to Charleston, SC., and like then I used business class.

The ride was pleasant but for a gaggle of gals who also boarded in Charleston. There were a little louder than I would appreciate, but it worked out.

I don’t mind others having a good time, but people should remember they didn’t invite everyone else in the car to their party, so it can be a little annoying when they do get a little too loud — this why I pack over the ear headphones to block the noise out, and we are all happy.

Moral of the story is, be respectful of your fellow passengers.

The mural inside the Wilson, NC Amtrak station

The mural inside the Wilson, NC Amtrak station

At Wilson, N.C.

Waiting area Wilson NC Amtrak Station

One of two waiting areas at the Wilson NC Amtrak Station

The Wilson, (NC) Station, an old 1924 Atlantic Coastline Railroad Station, has a nostalgic charm. To celebrate the 100 plus years of railroad history in  Wilson, the NCDOT commissioned a mural for the station.

The station has two waiting rooms, a larger waiting room, where the mural is the focal point and a smaller place off on the side that works well if you need work or want less traffic.

If you need a snack or beverage, there are vending machines in the hallway between the two waiting areas.

This staffed station offers check bag service, (if applicable to your trip). Because this is a small station, the agents may not be available for ticket sales or other in station assistance right before a train comes or while the train is in the station because they are working on getting passengers on and off the train. The station also has Amtrak Connecting Bus services.

Miss Rail Rose

Miss Rail Rose

On your next visit to Wilson, say hello to Miss Rail Rose, a mosaic lady who greets and bidding farewell to all passengers.  I am not for sure if she is waiting for a train, but when it does arrive, she is ready.

While in Wilson, I forgot that most southern cities close on Sundays, so nothing was open around the station.

The City of Wilson does offer free Wifi, but it is spotty in the stations. When you have free Wifi, you can’t complain.  The station owned by the City of Wilson offers a parking lot for passengers.

To Raleigh, NC

Amtrak's Carolinian at Raleigh Union Station

Amtrak’s Carolinian at Raleigh Union Station

The short trip to Raleigh happened aboard the Carolinian in business class. I sat next to a lady on her way to stay with her daughter who had an upcoming surgery. We started chatting while waiting for the train and then quickly became seatmates.

One enjoyable feature of business class on the Carolinian is the car attendant. The attendant help passengers on and off the train, assist with ticket collection and offers hot and cold complimentary beverages. I experienced a similar service on the Pacific Surfliner in CA.

The train came in on time at the Raleigh Union Station. After de-training I walked from the platform to the station through a tunnel.

Raleigh Union Station

Raleigh Union Station

At the Raleigh station

Gayle and I

Gayle and I at Raleigh Union Station

During the layover, I met with a Facebook friend and TWK follower, Gayle McCurry. Gayle was a wealth of knowledge of the Amtrak in NC and my guide to the city.

Gayle is an active member and the contact person for the North Carolina’s Train Host Association. The Hosts serve as “Goodwill Ambassadors” to for the North Carolina Department of Transportation sponsored Amtrak trains, the Piedmont and Carolinian. According to the NCDOT brochure, “volunteers assist passengers with travel questions and information; assist train crew in duties as required by them, and promote rail safety.”

Cow Bar Burger

Cow Bar Burger, Fries, and Brew

After Gayle a quick look at the station, we walked to The Food Hall to get something to eat. The Morgan Street Food Hall offers a variety of food and beverage vendors. After scouting around the Food Hall we, found the Cow Bar, a burger and fries joint. To wash it down, I walked over to the bar located near the center of the building for a brew.

The food was excellent and filling! The burger was enough, but the fries were too tempting, so I ordered those in addition to the burger.

After the delicious meal, we walked back and Gayle showed me the grounds and interior of the station.  What an impressive station with room for growth.

After this short visit to Raliegh, N.C. it is now on my list of cities I want to return to and explore.

Trains to Disney-Amtrak’s Silver Service Trains

Amtrak Silver Star

Amtrak’s Silver Star in Orlando, FL

I took the Silver Star down to the Kissimmee Amtrak Stations; the other option being the Silver Meteor. From Charleston, the Meteor is a more direct route. Both trains run from New York Penn to Miami, FL; the differences between the two train are:

  • The Star does not have a dining car
  • Different schedules
    • The Star is an earlier train
    • The Meteor runs later
  • The routes split between Selma-Smithfield, NC and Savana, GA
    • The Meteor stays closer to the coast
    • The Star travels more inland

The Auto Train will take you to Stanford, FL from Lorton, VA, and then you have a car to drive the rest of the way.

My experience with the Silver Star was pleasant,  I did miss the dining car, but I only had missed one meal on this train because of when I got on and off of the train,

The only regret I had for this part of the trip was I didn’t get in line at hot dog stand line early enough at the Orlando Station. We were at the station longer than I thought,  so when I did get inline they started calling All Aboard, I missed out on that.

From the Amtrak’s Kissimmee Station to the Disney Transportation and Ticket Center

Getting from the Kissimmee Amtrak Station to Walt Disney World is relatively easy, especially with a basic knowledge of public transportation.  Look for a bus stop sign with the number you are looking for and your destination. Apps like Google Maps will tell you what bus or train you need to ride. Remember that buses go in two directions, so pay attention to the destination signs on the bus to ensure it’s going to the right location.

If you want to take the bus to Disney

Aboard the 56 Lynx Bus headed to Disney

Aboard the 56 Lynx Bus headed to Disney

From the Kissimmee Station, the closest #56 Lynx Bus Stop is on West Neptune Rd; just a short walk from the Amtrak station (about .2 of a mile). #56 travels to Disney every 20 minutes and terminates at the Transportation and Ticket Center at Disney, so you will never miss your destination.

Once on board, insert two dollars in the machine, and you are off! Remember to have the exact amount because drivers do not give change. Then sit back for the roughly hour-long ride to the park.

From Disney’s Transportation and Ticket Center, you can find a ride to wherever you need to go on the Disney complex via bus or monorail. There is a security check before you get on the Monorail at the Ticket and Transportation Center. Disney Security checks all bags brought into the parks including luggage. It is easier than getting through them than the TSA.

There is public transportation from Orlando, but then there are transfers while Kissimmee was one bus.

Rideshares like Uber and Lyft are also available that works better for you.

Disney World Monorail

Disney World Monorail entrance at the Ticket and Transportation Center

 

I hope you have been enjoying this part of the trip!

Safe travels!

Kev

Looking for more information on traveling Amtrak, check out this page! Have other questions feel free to contact me!

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Day TripThings To DoTravelTravel Hints and Tips

Chicago: a day trip with trains

by Kev
written by Kev

A day trip to Chicago

On a beautiful July day in 2016, I rode Amtrak’s Hiawatha from Sturtevant, WI to Chicago, IL, a trip I have done many times before.

Amtrak’s Hiawatha at the Sturtevant, WI, stop

While I didn’t have a solid plan for the day, I made up my mind while traveling the 63 miles down to Chicago. I decided to watch passenger trains roll in and out of Chicago Union Station.

Chicago’s Roosevelt Rd Bridge and Amtrak and BNSF Metra rail yards

Roosevelt Road Bridge is a mile south of Chicago Union Station that you can either walk or take a bus to get there. From this bridge, you can get an elevated view of Amtrak’s coach yard and BNSF Metra’s yards. Often there are private rail cars in storage that are visible from the bridge.

Many trains travel through this area daily, including Amtrak’s long-distance and regional railroads and BNSF Metra trains. If you walk a little further east, you can view the Metra trains that use the LaSalle St Station. The CTA “L” can be observed in this area as well.

A view from Roosevelt Rd Bridge

Besides watching trains depart and return to Chicago Union Station, often train sets are being built or taken apart. Amtrak and Metra both have train washes in the area, Metra’s in near Whole Foods and Amtrak’s is south of the bridge and the last building on the right (facing south).

Roosevelt Rd Bridge is a well-known area for watching passenger trains. This bridge is a reasonably safe area for you to bring kids, but like any big city, be aware of your surroundings. Occasionally there are panhandlers, but they usually are closer to the S. Canal St corner and don’t bother you much.

Watching trains is a fun activity for the young and the young at heart. If you plan on hanging out for a while, there are several places to get food or dink such as Starbucks, Whole Foods, Target, Portillo’s, and a few local spots.

When to visit 

To get the most activity the weekday morning and evening rushes are your best bet, but weekends and afternoons work well too.  The first Amtrak train leaves at 7:00 am, the Lincon Service and the long=distiance trains start at 1:45 pm and another at 2 pm.  The first train to return is the Capitol Limited around 8:45.  Metra starts arriving around 5:30 am and leaving around 6:30 am.

Having a few timetables downloaded on your phone and this page can help you figure out when trains are arriving or leaving. During the morning and evening rush hours are the best times to catch more trains.

Why go?

Day trips like are fun because you get a nice walk in, and possibly some new Instagram or Facebook photos (if that is your thing), and memories, and fun to hang out others into watching trains.

If you are in the greater Chicago area, Amtrak or Metra trains could bring you into Chicago (depending on your location( and make your trip more interested and fun, especially if you bring your kids. Taking the train always makes it a unique journey for them. Plus, parking is expensive, but there is parking by Whole Foods if you drive

If you have a layover at Chicago Union Station this could be a fun way to spend your time, make sure you are back in time. If you lose track of time, you could watch your train leave without you.

Things you need for this trip

  • Camera or smartphone with a camera
  • Good walking shoes
  • Clothing that is right for the weather
  • Water and snacks
  • Spending money

Optional needs

  • Train tickets if arriving by train
  • CTA card if you take the bus (available at Union Station)
  • Uber or Lyft app if you want

An address for a map app: 327 W Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL

Day trips like this are fun solo trips, but also are a great bonding time for you and a friend or the kids. You do want to make sure that your kids are old enough to walk there and back or that they can ride the bus.

If you are interested in learning about other trip suggestions, please sign up for the newsletter/email list to keep up with all the new of Travels With Kev.

Plan your next day trips soon!

Safe Travels!

Kev

 

 

 

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