Traveling requires a lot of planning, spirit and funds, which can be a little difficult for students. Managing travel plans along with their studies and other expenses is no easy task. Amtrak understands how budget-friendly travel options can make their lives easier. Therefore, they introduced the Amtrak student discount to ensure their peace of mind. In this article, we have added information to help you understand everything related to the student discounts when traveling with Amtrak. It includes the eligibility criteria, the process of getting the discount and more. We hope it helps you plan a trip within a reasonable budget.
When can you use the Student Discounts by Amtrak?
Amtrak gives students a fair chance to save a lot of money to have a good time. Traveling by rail can be a great option either to return back home or visit a new destination. There are some rules that you must follow to get student discounts, and quick steps to reserve tickets with it.
How to apply for a Student Discount on Amtrak booking?
Make sure you get the best travel experience with Amtrak reservations in just a few minutes, Start with the steps given below.
- Visit the official website or the Amtrak mobile app.
- Log into the Amtrak website and type in the details of your trip.
- The details may include the origin stop, number of passengers, date and time of traveling along with the destination.
- After finding the best travel option, choose the option to apply for the student discount.
- Submit your student ID and other necessary details.
- Follow displayed instructions to complete payment and finalize the booking.
How do I Get a Student Discount on Amtrak?
Getting a student discount very easily when traveling with Amtrak. College students have to apply for the discount at the time of booking and receive good fares. However, you have to meet a few criteria to get these discounts.
- Accepted age is between 17 and 24 and requires proof of age
- A student ID (valid) with an institute or university
- Student ID has to be valid and accessible
How much do students get discounts on Amtrak?
When it is about offering discounts to students, Amtrak is always generous. Amtrak offers a 15% discount to students aged 17 to 24 on train tickets purchased at least one day in advance. It is to help college students plan trips at affordable prices. They can experience train travel with budget-friendly fares.
Which is the cheapest day to buy tickets on Amtrak?
Weekends are always in demand when it is about traveling. Amtrak recommends reserving tickets in the middle of the week. Tuesdays and Wednesdays are very common for being the cheapest days to purchase Amtrak tickets. Less demand means lower prices and if you book in advance, it is an added benefit.
Is there any special Amtrak student discount code?
To offer additional discounts and many other special offers, Amtrak sometimes provides promo codes. Using them to book tickets can help you get extra discounts. You can keep track of all the ongoing offers and new promo codes on the official website.
Things to Remember for Traveling with Amtrak
Few travel restrictions are created by Amtrak to make sure that no one can use unfair means to get the student discount.
- Students are requested to make reservations at least 3 days before the planned travel date.
- Keep track of the holiday season, or any other day when the student discounts may not be available for use.
- Mostly all travel plans will get you student discounts but there are some exceptions where some routes may not allow the discount.
When is the Student Discount not Accepted?
Let us tell you about the services that do not accept the Amtrak student discount and cannot help you save money on any travel plans.
- In California Bay Area – Capitol Corridor
- From Chicago to Quincy – Carl Sandburg and Illinois Zephyr
- From Chicago to Milwaukee – Hiawatha Service
- From Chicago and Carbondale – Illinois Service
- Between Pennsylvania and New Your City – Keystone and Pennsylvania
- In Southern California – Pacific Surfliner
- Between San Francisco and Southern California -San Joaquins
Passes that Amtrak offer to students
A better and more convenient option that Amtrak offers students are multi-ride passes. We have mentioned the four passes that college students can benefit from:
6-ride Pass
This pass allows rides on three destinations – Capitol Corridor, San Joaquins, and Downeaster. It stays valid for up to a year.
6TIX Pass
Valid for a year from the date of purchase, it can be used for six one-way trips between any two stations chosen by you.
Monthly Pass
It is for a month and can be used for two trips everyday between the stations that are mentioned on the pass.
10-ride Pass
Depending on the stations you choose to travel, the validity is between 45 to 90 days for 10 rides.
Can you Maximize Savings with Amtrak travel?
We all love traveling but when it is budget-friendly, it improves the overall experience. Let’s look at a few tips that can help with saving more on student discounts.
- Make sure to plan ahead and make early reservations to have confirmed seats and the best fares.
- Choose to travel during off-season and off-peak hours as they are cheaper due to less demand.
- Keep checking the Amtrak website and subscribe to email alerts for best offers and discount codes.
Conclusion
We have mentioned all the details that you might need when traveling with Amtrak during your college years. We understand that managing expenses can get extremely difficult and these student discounts are a blessing. You do not have to think much about the expenses. Start planning your trip and Amtrak student discount will take care of improving the experience within a budget.
FAQs
How do students get Amtrak discount?
People aged between 17 and 24 can get student discounts. Amtrak only needs a valid student ID from the passengers at the time of booking and on the date of departure.
How much discount does Amtrak student ticket give?
If you are traveling with Amtrak, get up to 15% on ticket’s base fare. Also, if there is any ongoing offer or promo code, you can use it too.
What are Amtrak tickets cheapest days?
The ticket fares are decided based on demand. Mid-week days like Tuesdays and Wednesdays are best to get the cheapest Amtrak train tickets.