Amtrak: Tickets, Timetables and Facilities

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Amtrak: Discover America by Train

Want to explore the great landmarks of the United States while taking in the dynamic and changing landscapes? Amtrak train routes connect over 500 cities in 46 states, including popular destinations such as Chicago, Boston, New York, and Washington. Established in 1970 as America’s state-owned national rail operator, today Amtrak trains cover 23,000 route miles making it one of the most popular train companies in the United States. Connections via Amtrak Canada also serve major cities like Calgary, Montreal, and Quebec.

With around 300 services running every day, Amtrak trains offer passengers a greener way to travel in the United States. Whether you’re travelling from New York City to Boston or San Jose to Los Angeles, every train offers amenities such as air conditioning, seat reservations, and generous luggage allowance so there’s no need to worry about extra luggage fees.

The Omio guide to Amtrak trains covers everything you need to know about Amtrak tickets, Amtrak schedules, routes and how to secure the best deals and cheap Amtrak tickets. Read on to get the most up-to-date information about Amtrak train travel in the USA and book your tickets today.

New York at dusk. Credit: Unsplash

Amtrak tickets with Omio

Omio is an official Amtrak partner, meaning we’ll offer the latest deals, provide up-to-date information on Amtrak schedules and send live updates and notifications if there are any changes to your journey. With the Omio app, you can book tickets on the go and keep all your ticket information digitally in one place. Passengers can also choose between a number of travel options using our ticket filters, which can be adjusted according to comfort level, ticket price, departure times or the journey duration so you can find the best ticket for your journey.

• Visit the Omio booking page
• Enter your Departure station or city (e.g. Philadelphia)
• Enter your Arrival Station or city (e.g. New York)
• Select your travel date (you can add a return date in case of a round trip)
• Click the red ‘Search’ button.

Major Amtrak train stations

Amtrak's journeys are clustered together in 30 main routes. There are 500 towns and cities served on the Amtrak train schedule. It's easy to get to the big cities as well as the more out-of-the-way places. Chicago's Union Station is the main hub in the Midwest, while New York City's Penn Station is the busiest rail hub in America, with more than 10 million passengers a year. Washington DC's Union Station is an important hub, as is San Diego's Union Station. Three hundred Amtrak trains run on an average day, with a departure at least every hour on the busiest long-distance routes.

Train stations and popular routes with Amtrak

Fast, efficient, and highly cost-effective, Amtrak offers 500 destinations across the United States. When it comes to long-distance rail travel, Amtrak is America's primary train provider. For fast, environmentally conscious, convenient travel, there's nothing better. One of the most popular Amtrak routes is between New York and Boston. The journey takes around four to five hours – there are normally departures every couple of hours – with trains leaving from Penn Station in New York and arriving at either South Station or Back Bay Station in Boston. Another highly popular connection is New York to Washington DC, with trains again leaving from Penn Station and arriving at Union Station in Washington. The fastest service between NYC and Washington DC takes just under three hours, with trains leaving early in the morning. A shorter train route but one that tends to be busy is the journey from New York to Philadelphia, with trains leaving from Penn Station and arriving at 30th Street Station. The journey takes around 90 minutes and services run throughout the night.

Trains from New York, NY to Boston, MA	duration: 4h 14m	from £56
Trains from Boston, MA to New York, NY	duration: 4h 14m	from £28
Trains from New York, NY to Philadelphia, PA	duration: 1h 6min	from £9
Trains from New York, NY to Washington, DC	duration: 3h 25min	from £105

Amtrak ticket types

Amtrak has several ticket types, all of which correspond to the flexibility and comfort you want for your journey.​​​ The tickets you’ll come across are the Amtrak's Saver fares, with a limited number of Amtrak train tickets available on each route. Value fares are Amtrak's regular tickets. Both Saver and Value fares can be changed or refunded, but there are some penalties closer to departure. There are no restrictions on Flexible fares with regards to changes or refunds. Business fares offer travel in dedicated coaches, while Acela First Class, on the northeast corridor, provides the most luxurious Amtrak travel.​

Tips for finding cheap Amtrak tickets

The best advice for Amtrak train tickets is simple: book as far ahead as possible for the best fares. If you can be flexible with your travel, it’s also worth considering different dates and times, particularly avoiding peak hours or busy days of the week. With Omio, you can compare ticket prices, routes, tickets and schedules quickly and easily on the Omio website Omio app.

Discounts and offers on Amtrak tickets

When you purchase an online ticket, you can choose from saver, value, flexible, business, and premium fares. As an official Amtrak partner, Omio offers deals and discounts for Amtrak trains throughout the year, including discounted tickets for children and senior citizens, military personnel and members of the Rail Passengers Association. Children under the age of two travel for free and passengers with a disability will receive a 10% discount, as well as 10% discount for any travel companion. Keep an eye out for promotional codes and offers which are available to add when booking.

Paperless Amtrak tickets with Omio

Once you’ve purchased your ticket, tickets are sent via email, so you can simply show them to the ticket collector on your phone.Tickets can also be printed at home if you prefer. They can also be sent in the post, picked up at a kiosk, and in some circumstances, you may buy a ticket once you have boarded the train; but to avoid disappointment it's always better to purchase and reserve a seat in advance. If you need any help along the way, there’s a dedicated helpline to answer questions to make your journey enjoyable and hassle-free. Explore your train options on Omio from the comfort of your home or on the go. Download the free Omio app today.

Amtrak train types, schedules and carriages

You'll find lots of different options available when buying Amtrak train tickets online, there are regular services as well as express trains, diesel and electric services, as well as long-distance trains with both sleeper carriages, known as roomettes, and onboard cafes and restaurants. For maximum comfort, travellers can choose a roomette on long-distance Amtrak routes, each room comes with space for two adults and has a private bathroom and shower. Sleeper carriage tickets are available for some long-distance services, and you can also book round-trip tickets.

Amtrak schedules run throughout the day, providing a huge number of services from the early hours of the morning through to the night. Popular services may have multiple departures every hour, so there's usually plenty of space onboard. Use our route planner to check out the most convenient departure and arrival times for your journey.

Scenic routes across the USA with Amtrak

The sheer size, varied climate and astounding geological make-up of the US means there is no shortage of sights and scenic landscapes for travellers to encounter on a train ride across the country. Spectacular Amtrak routes include the stunning California Zephyr between Chicago and San Francisco, and the Northeast Regional, which runs between Boston, New York City, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. For those keen on a little more luxury, there are wine and cheese tastings on the Empire Builder between Chicago and Seattle, and on the Coast Starlight, a spectacular West Coast adventure from Seattle to Los Angeles.

Joshua Tree. Credit: Shutterstock

Why explore the USA by train?

From varying terrains, different climates, and a glorious variety of cultures and people, exploring the United States can be a rich adventure with a great possibility for new experiences. While some travellers may opt to fly or take a car, exploring the USA by trains offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the ease and luxury of flight without missing out on the extraordinary landscapes. Trains take you straight to the heart of your destination, meaning you don’t have to waste your precious vacation time looking for somewhere to park or waiting for the valet. Plus it’s a greener and more ecologically friendly way of discovering the country. Forget about maps, traffic, the cost of fuel, or the price of extra luggage, sit with a cold drink and enjoy the journey on Amtrak trains. Amtrak has an extensive network across the width and length of the country. In just a few days, Amtrak can take you from New York City to Los Angeles. The route takes you through Chicago, the Midwest and the Great Plains before reaching the fun-loving West Coast. With its wide selection of routes and Amtrak’s you can travel between most big cities and smaller towns throughout the U.S. and, even, Canada with Amtrak trains.

Amtrak FAQs

Got questions about Amtrak? We're here to answer them!

What is the Amtrak baggage policy?

Travellers on every Amtrak train can bring two pieces of hand luggage and two personal items, but weight and size limits apply. Some trains also have a checked baggage carriage, allowing you to bring two suitcases for free, and another two for a small fee.

Can children travel for free on Amtrak trains?

One child under the age of two may travel for free as long as a fee-paying adult accompanies them and they do not take up a seat. Children over the age of two will receive a 50% discount on their tickets.

What Amtrak services are available to people with reduced mobility?

Passengers with disabilities can request accessible spaces and rooms as long as they buy tickets in advance. Amtrak welcomes wheelchairs and mobility aids on all its services, although there may be size/weight restrictions.

Can I bring my pet on board?

Service animals are allowed on board all Amtrak trains. Small pets are allowed on journeys up to seven hours long, for a fee, as long as they're kept in their carrier (combined weight of carrier and pet cannot be more than 20 pounds).

Can you bring bikes on board?

You can bring a bike with you on certain routes and trains, but not all. Folding bikes can be included in the personal luggage allowance.

Can I cancel or exchange my Amtrak ticket?

It is possible to cancel or change an Amtrak ticket but you may incur a fee if you do so, and instead of a full refund you may receive a voucher to use towards future Amtrak tickets instead.