How to Get Reduced Fares on Amtrak

Who qualifies for Amtrak discounts and how much you save

Amtrak offers reduced fares to seniors, children, military members, students, and people with disabilities. The discount amount depends on which group you fall into and which route you book. Seniors (62 and older) and people with disabilities typically receive 15 percent off the base fare. Children ages 2 to 12 travel for half the adult fare on most routes. Military members and veterans get 10 percent off. Students with a valid Student Advantage card can receive discounts on select routes, though the percentage varies.

The key difference between Amtrak discounts and other transit programs is that you book directly with Amtrak — there is no separate application process or waiting period. You provide proof of your status at the time you purchase your ticket, either online, by phone, or at a station ticket window. The discount applies immediately to that booking.

Not all fares may have access to for discounts. Amtrak's lowest-priced tickets (called Saver fares) sometimes cannot be discounted further. If you are booking a route during peak travel times, the discount may apply to a higher base fare instead. This means the actual dollar amount you save varies by when you travel and which route you choose.

Key Takeaways

• Seniors 62 and older, people with disabilities, military members, and children all receive different discount percentages, ranging from 10 to 50 percent depending on the group.
• You must show proof of your status — a government ID for seniors, a disability card or documentation for people with disabilities, military ID or discharge papers for veterans, and a student card for students.
• Discounts are applied at the time of purchase through Amtrak's website, phone line (1-800-USA-RAIL), or ticket windows; there is no advance registration required.
• Some of Amtrak's cheapest fares cannot be discounted, so the actual savings depend on the route, travel date, and base fare available when you book.
• Children under 2 travel free on most routes, and children 2 to 12 pay half the adult fare without needing to show proof of age.

Seniors and people with disabilities

Amtrak gives 15 percent off the base fare to passengers 62 and older and to passengers with disabilities. For seniors, you need to show a government-issued photo ID that displays your date of birth — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. Amtrak staff will verify your age at purchase.

For people with disabilities, Amtrak accepts documentation from the Social Security Administration, the Department of Veterans Affairs, or a state or local government agency that confirms your disability status. A disability placard or permit also counts. You do not need to carry the original document — a copy is acceptable. One companion traveling with a person with a disability receives the same 15 percent discount, which can make a significant difference on longer routes.

If you are booking online, you will see a field to select your passenger type. Choose "Senior" or "Passenger with Disability" and the discount will calculate automatically. If you book by phone or at a ticket window, tell the agent your status and have your ID ready.

Military members and veterans

Active-duty military, reserves, National Guard members, and veterans receive 10 percent off most Amtrak fares. You need to show a military ID card, a Department of Defense ID, or a Veterans Health Identification Card. Discharge papers (a DD Form 214) also work if you no longer have an active military ID.

The 10 percent discount applies to the base fare and is available year-round on most routes. Unlike some other transportation discounts, Amtrak does not require advance booking or limit the number of trips you can take at the reduced rate. Each time you book, you simply provide your military ID at purchase.

If you are booking online, select "Military" from the passenger type menu. The system will ask you to confirm your military status; you will need to provide your ID number or other verification details. If you book by phone, mention your military status to the agent.

Students and children

Students with a valid Student Advantage card receive discounts on select Amtrak routes, though the percentage and availability vary by route and travel date. The Student Advantage program is a third-party membership card that Amtrak recognizes. You can purchase a Student Advantage card online or through participating retailers, and it typically costs around $30 per year.

Children ages 2 to 12 automatically receive 50 percent off the adult fare on most Amtrak routes, with no proof required beyond stating the child's age at purchase. Children under 2 travel free. There is no limit to how many children can travel at the reduced rate on a single booking.

When booking online for children, enter their age in the passenger information section and the discount calculates automatically. If you book by phone or at a ticket window, tell the agent the child's age. You do not need to bring a birth certificate or ID for children — Amtrak does not verify age at purchase, though you may be asked to confirm it when boarding.

How to book with your discount

The easiest way to book is through Amtrak's website (amtrak.com). Enter your travel dates and route, then select the number of passengers and their types — senior, military, disability, student, or child. The system will show you available fares with the discount already applied. You can filter by price, departure time, or train type to find the option that works for you.

If you prefer to book by phone, call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). Tell the agent your discount category and have your ID ready. The agent will confirm your status, search for available fares, and book your ticket over the phone. You can pay by credit card or debit card, and your ticket will be emailed to you or held at the station for pickup.

You can also book in person at any Amtrak station ticket window. Bring your ID and tell the agent your discount category. The agent will verify your status, show you available fares, and issue your ticket on the spot. This method works well if you prefer to pay in cash or have questions about your specific route.

Whichever method you use, your discount is applied at the time of purchase. You do not need to register in advance or wait for approval. Your ticket will show the discounted fare, and you will use that same ticket to board the train.

What discounts do not cover

Amtrak discounts apply to the base fare only, not to additional fees or services. Sleeping car accommodations, dining car meals, and baggage fees are charged separately and do not receive a discount. If you are booking a route that requires a sleeping car (like a long-distance overnight train), the discount applies to your seat or room fare, but you will pay full price for the room upgrade itself.

Some of Amtrak's lowest-priced fares (Saver fares) cannot be discounted further. If you are traveling during a busy period or on a popular route, you may find that only higher-priced fares are available for discount. In that case, the discount percentage applies to the higher base fare, which may result in a smaller dollar savings than you would get on a less busy travel date.

Group bookings and special promotions sometimes have their own rules. If you are booking as part of a group of 10 or more passengers, contact Amtrak's group sales department directly at 1-800-USA-RAIL to see whether your discount can be combined with group rates.

Bringing a companion or attendant

If you are traveling with a disability, one companion can travel with you at the same 15 percent discount. The companion does not need to have a disability themselves — they simply need to be traveling with you. When you book, select two passengers and mark one as "Passenger with Disability" and the other as "Companion." Both fares will receive the discount.

If you need an attendant for medical or mobility reasons, that attendant can travel with you. Amtrak does not charge for an attendant's ticket if you are a passenger with a disability — the attendant travels free. You will need to mention this when you book and may need to provide documentation of your disability status. Call 1-800-USA-RAIL to arrange this, as the free attendant ticket is not always available through the online booking system.

Children traveling with a senior or military member do not automatically receive an additional discount. Each passenger's discount is based on their own status. A child traveling with a senior receives the child's 50 percent discount, and the senior receives their 15 percent discount, calculated separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I combine multiple discounts on one ticket?

No, Amtrak applies only one discount per passenger. If you are a senior and a veteran, you receive the larger of the two discounts (15 percent for seniors, 10 percent for military), not both. The system automatically applies whichever discount is better for your fare.

What if I lose my ticket or need to change my reservation?

Contact Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit amtrak.com to modify your reservation. If you need to change your travel date or route, Amtrak will recalculate your fare with your discount applied to the new booking. If the new fare is lower, you may receive a refund or credit; if it is higher, you will pay the difference.

Do I need to show my ID when I board the train?

Amtrak does not typically ask to see your discount ID again when you board, but it is a good idea to carry it with you. If there is any question about your ticket or fare, having your ID available can resolve it quickly. For children, Amtrak does not verify age at boarding.

Are discounts available on all Amtrak routes?

Discounts are available on most Amtrak routes, but some routes or specific train cars may have restrictions. Long-distance trains and regional routes typically offer all discount categories. Check the route details when you book to see which discounts are available for your specific travel dates.

Can I book a discounted ticket as a gift for someone else?

No, the person traveling must be the one to book the ticket and show their ID at purchase. Amtrak verifies the passenger's status at the time of booking to prevent fraud. If you want to give someone a train ticket, you can purchase a gift card or an open ticket that they can use to book their own discounted fare.