The American railway company Amtrak is currently running a Spring Sale, offering numerous tickets throughout the USA (and to Canada) at reduced prices. The sale includes ultra-low fares and at least 25% off “flex” fares off the entire route network for trips from March 1 to May 23, 2024.
In fact, there are currently some interesting prices available. For example, a trip from Seattle to Vancouver is already available for about $27. From New York to Washington D.C., the fare starts at $25, and even long trips, such as from New Orleans to the West Coast, are reduced.
Reduced tickets are also available for the Acela high-speed trains in the Northeast. However, these tickets still cost significantly more than the similarly comfortable and only slightly slower regional trains. There is no discount on the sleeper and roomette cars for long-distance travel.
The cheapest sale tickets can be canceled for a fee equal to 50% of the purchase price. For a few dollars more, the Flex fare is often available, which allows for free cancellation.
Sample Routes
We have selected the best prices for a few sample routes:
- New York → Philadelphia: 90-minute trip for US$17 (~€16), starting at US$8 (~€7) at night
- Chicago → St. Louis: 5-hour trip for US$20 (~€19)
- Seattle → Portland: 4-hour trip for US$21 (~€20)
- Houston → San Antonio: 5-hour trip for US$24 (~€22)
- New York → Boston: 5-hour trip for US$25 (~€23), starting at US$16 (~€15) at night
- New York → Washington D.C.: 4-hour trip for US$25 (~€23), starting at US$16 (~€15) at night
- Seattle → Vancouver, Canada: 4-hour trip for US$27 (~€25)
- Atlanta → New Orleans: 13-hour trip for US$32 (~€30)
- Denver → Salt Lake City: 15-hour trip for US$39 (~€36)
- Oakland → Los Angeles: 12-hour trip for US$43 (~€40)
- New York → Niagara Falls: 10-hour trip for US$48 (~€45)
- New York → Chicago: 20-hour trip for US$73 (~€68)
- Seattle → Emeryville (San Francisco): 23-hour trip for US$73 (~€68)
- New Orleans → Los Angeles: 47-hour trip for US$116 (~€108)
- New York → Miami: 32-hour trip for US$132 (~€123)
Comfort
The trains of Amtrak may be many years old, but that’s precisely why the seats there are significantly more comfortable than what one is used to within Europe. At least until the delivery of the new Siemens trains, there is unparalleled legroom and well-padded seats. Here’s a look into the Economy Class of the Amfleet-II trains.
When it comes to the Northeast Regional trains (Amfleet I), the legroom is a bit more limited, but the padding is similarly good. On some longer routes, luggage is checked for free; however, the process is usually similar to that in Europe. You are allowed to bring as much as fits in the luggage racks. This is a significant advantage over budget flights.
Amtrak’s network
You can find an overview of all Amtrak routes along with their highlights on their website. Some of the highlights include:
- The Pacific Surfliner from San Luis Obispo to San Diego along the famous Highway 1
- The California Zephyr from Chicago through the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Coast (Emeryville, near San Francisco)
- The Coast Starlight from Seattle to San Diego
- The Empire Builder from Chicago through the Rockies to Portland & Seattle
- The Southwest Chief from Chicago through the Great Plains to Flagstaff (Grand Canyon) and Los Angeles
- Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle from New Orleans / Texas to Los Angeles
- The Lake Shore Limited from New York through Buffalo (Erie Lake) to Chicago
On many of the listed routes, Amtrak operates with panoramic cars and traditional dining cars. You can use the former for free and engage in conversations with other passengers.
You can see all current Amtrak rail lines on the following map. On Amtrak.com, you can even track the current locations of the trains in real time.
Cover Picture: Justin Hu