If you’re a frequent Amtrak traveler, you may be familiar with the USA Rail Pass, which affords 10 rides over 30 days to more than 500 destinations.
Now through Jan. 25, users can buy this pass for $449, making each of the 10 segments you can use the pass for cost less than $45.
Deal basics
Carrier: Amtrak
Routes: Valid for travel on all Amtrak trains excluding the Auto Train, Acela, Thruway bus connections (7000-7999 series) and the Canadian portion of trains jointly operated by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada on the Maple Leaf route
How to book: Directly with Amtrak
Travel dates: Valid for use 120 days following purchase, with the pass expiring 30 days after completing your first travel segment; there are no blackouts or time of day restrictions
Book by: Jan. 25, 2024
Note that a travel segment refers to any time you board and disembark an Amtrak train. So, if you make one connection during your trip, that will count as two segments.
Sample routes
Travelers can only use the USA Rail Pass for travel in coach seats on trains en route to domestic Amtrak destinations, minus the specified exclusions above.
Use the USA Rail Pass on its 30-plus domestic train routes in more than 46 states, including:
- Vermonter: St. Albans and Burlington, Vermont; Springfield, Massachusetts; New York; Washington, D.C.
- Sunset Limited: New Orleans; Houston; San Antonio; El Paso, Texas; Tucson; Palm Springs, California; Los Angeles
- Missouri River Runner: St. Louis, Washington, Sedalia, Independence and Kansas City, Missouri
- Michigan Services: Chicago; Detroit; Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Pontiac, Michigan
- Capitol Corridor: Sacramento; Auburn, Emeryville, Oakland and San Jose, California
As mentioned, you only have 30 days to complete travel, starting from the first travel date. Also, travel is limited to four one-way trips between two cities and to all cities in between over the same route.
Amtrak Guest Rewards members can earn 2 points per dollar spent on each USA Rail Pass purchase. The points will be credited to your account after your first travel segment. You cannot redeem Amtrak Guest Rewards points for a USA Rail Pass.
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Note that you can modify your trip before the scheduled departure time of a booked segment. However, you must rebook it within the 120-day period or 30 days of the first used segment, depending on what is applicable.
Alternatively, you can cancel a segment and credit it back to the pass as long as you cancel before your departure.
Maximize your purchase
Use a credit card that earns bonus points on travel purchases, such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve (3 points per dollar spent on travel) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2 points per dollar spent on travel).
Bottom line
Through next week, you can save $50 on Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass for Amtrak travel throughout 2024.
If you’re planning to travel a lot within a short period of time, especially to Amtrak-friendly destinations, this is your chance to save money on back-to-back trips.
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