Trains can be a convenient, comfortable, and environmentally friendly option for traveling within the country. Train travel allows one to explore the countryside and scenic routes in ways that driving or flying cannot. This is also a more affordable mode of transport than cars and planes for traveling long distances. Additionally, one may be able to save more money on their trips if they rely on a few tips to find cheap tickets.
1. Book early
Train operators typically offer cheaper tickets about six to seven weeks before the journey. If one is sure about their travel plans, getting the tickets as soon as they are available is how they can save on US train travel.
If the ticket booking window is not open yet, one can set up email alerts to get notified when the tickets are available. Signing up for these alerts is usually a straightforward process. One can log on to a booking website, choose the desired travel date in the calendar, and enter their email address to receive updates. The site will then send an email the moment tickets are available. In this way, one will not only have access to cheap tickets, but they will also be notified of early discounts.
2. Book non-refundable tickets
This option is feasible for those with fixed travel plans without any possibility of cancellations. Booking non-refundable tickets could mean spending less money on train tickets. This is because refundable and modifiable train tickets usually come at an additional cost.
3. Be flexible
If one is not entirely committed to traveling on a set date and time, a handy tip for scoring cheap train tickets is to explore trains with different departure and arrival timings and dates. Tickets often differ in price based on the date and time. For instance, tickets for trains that run during peak hours, arriving before 9.30 a.m. or 10 a.m. and departing between 3 p.m and 7 p.m., might be more expensive than trains traveling at odd hours. Additionally, trains in the peak tourist season may have pricier tickets. So, if one has the option to move around the travel date and time, they can choose off-season days and avoid rush hour windows while booking tickets.
4. Explore and compare multiple options
One of the simplest ways to find affordable train tickets while traveling within the US is to explore multiple booking websites and trains and then compare all options to find the cheapest tickets. Along with differences in prices, sites tend to have unique deals and discounts for users that can save them money. Sometimes, a booking website may offer a ticket at slightly higher prices but throw in additional perks, such as cashback or points, which may be useful for any future ticket booking.
5. Use price comparison tools
Today, one can leave price comparisons to third-party travel websites, which can compare multiple routes, trains, and prices and find the best train deals in the US. This makes it easy to find suitable options and narrow down the most affordable ones.
6. Check the official train operator site
Often, one might be able to find good train deals on the train operator’s website. These discounts may not even be available on third-party sites. For instance, on the official train booking website, one might be able to access additional savings or special offers during festive seasons. Some websites might offer savings on specific tours.
7. Travel in a group
Another tip for taking budget-friendly train trips in the US is to travel in a group. Many booking websites, including Amtrak, offer exclusive deals on bulk purchases. So, the bigger the traveling party, the better the discounts. For instance, Amtrak offers anywhere between 15% and 60% off on group travel.
8. Consider alternative routes
If one has flexible travel plans, they must consider alternative routes to score cheap train tickets. Some trains might make more stops than others or take a longer route, which makes them price their tickets cheaper than direct high-speed trains. However, choosing this option may mean one takes longer to reach their destination. If that is not an issue, then this option could be worth exploring. Also, it will allow one to explore new destinations along the way.
Alternatively, one can split up their journey independently and book separate tickets for different segments of the trip instead of a single ticket for the entire route. When choosing this option, one must carefully plan split routes and leave some buffer between each train. This will ensure one does not miss their next train if the previous one reaches the connecting station later than expected.
9. Look for relevant discounts
Booking websites offer exclusive deals and discounts to users who meet the eligibility criteria. For instance, Amtrak lets children between 2 and 12 years old ride at 50% off, while it allows seniors to get 10% discounts on most trains. Similarly, there are other discounts for military personnel and rail passenger association members.
10. Sign up for guest rewards
Many train ticketing websites are free to join. Some even offer points on signing up or booking tickets frequently. Here, users can get points for each dollar spent, which can later be redeemed on future trips. Sometimes, employees of certain companies that have partnered with the train operator can also get guest rewards. Additionally, one can get credit cards with train travel points, which can be earned for each dollar spent on booking tickets.