Amtrak.com Reviews

The prices and costs on Amtrak can vary greatly depending on the type of ticket, the destination, and the time of booking. A single Amtrak ticket can cost from $6 to $29 one-way, but it can be over $1,000 for long destinations and premium seats. On average, most trips that are under 500 miles will cost about $40 to $300 per seat in the coach section. There are also different fare options available to meet unique travel needs. For instance, Flex Fares are fully refundable and changeable without any fees, while Value Fares are not changeable and 25% of the ticket value is forfeit upon cancellation. There are also Sale Fares which are an incredible deal and are available on a limited basis during active sales. These fares are not changeable and 50% of the ticket value is forfeit upon cancellation. In addition to these, there are Business Class Fares and First Class Fares which offer premium amenities and are fully refundable and changeable without any fees. Lastly, Private Rooms are available for customers seeking privacy, space, and comfort on both short and long trips, with added amenities when traveling overnight. The change fees in private rooms are waived, but cancellation fees vary based on time before departure. It's recommended to make reservations early to get the best fares as they can be higher during holidays and peak travel periods. Fares can also vary based on the day of travel and the time of day. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance of travel..

To book a ticket on Amtrak.com, follow these steps:

1. Visit Amtrak.com or use the Amtrak mobile app.
2. Specify your destination and travel dates.
3. Choose your preferred fare type and seat.
4. Complete the payment using a valid credit card, PayPal, or Amtrak Guest Rewards points.
5. After booking, you'll receive your eTicket as a PDF attachment to your emailed receipt. You can also retrieve your eTicket in the app.

Remember, if your travel plans change, you can modify your reservation on the same platform. Enjoy your trip!

Amtrak offers a variety of services and products. They provide train routes to over 500 destinations in North America, with options for one-way rail passes and auto train services. They also have a mobile app for booking, boarding, or modifying reservations. For passengers with disabilities, Amtrak offers accessible travel services. They also have a Guest Rewards program, where reward travel starts at just 400 points. Amtrak also provides onboard dining and allows passengers to bring their own food and medication. They often have sales, such as the Spring Travel Flash Sale, offering significant discounts on fares. However, this information might not be exhaustive or up-to-date. For the most accurate information, please visit the official Amtrak website.

Amtrak offers several methods for purchasing tickets. You can purchase tickets anytime on Amtrak.com and the Amtrak app with a valid credit card (American Express, Discover®, Mastercard®, VISA, Universal Air Travel Plan, Diners Club, JCB or China Union Pay). They also accept Apple Pay®, Google Pay™, and PayPal. You can also use Amtrak Guest Rewards points, Amtrak gift cards, and eVouchers. For added protection against potential fraud, credit card transactions are screened by Mastercard® ID Check™, Visa Secure®, American Express SafeKey® and Discover® ProtectBuy®.

You can also purchase tickets at an Amtrak kiosk, which are located at most larger Amtrak stations. Over the phone, you can purchase tickets and get travel information 24 hours a day by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). At most staffed stations, they accept credit cards, debit cards with a credit card logo and Amtrak gift cards. Debit cards must have a credit card logo and will be processed as credit card transactions; cards that require the entry of a PIN (personal identification number) are not accepted. There is no minimum amount required for credit and debit card purchases. The person whose name is embossed on the front must sign the card on the back of the card. Unsigned cards are not accepted. The signature on the back of the card must match the signature on the ticket or charge form. Credit and debit cards are accepted for the amount of the sale only and may not be used to obtain cash..

Amtrak.com has a detailed return and cancellation policy for their train tickets. They are waiving all change fees for reservations made with Saver fares through December 31, 2024. However, a fare difference may apply for itinerary changes. Cancellation fees still apply to fares that have cancellation fees. For all reserved fares purchased from Amtrak via cash, credit card or debit card, a full refund will be issued to the original form of payment if the ticket is canceled within 24 hours of the time of purchase and prior to the scheduled departure. Tickets for unreserved services must be canceled within 1 hour of purchase. Tickets that remain unused and are not canceled prior to departure are forfeit.

They also have a "No Show" policy where all fares are non-refundable and non-changeable after departure. Passengers who “no show” or do not cancel prior to departure forfeit the entire value of their “no show” segment. This policy applies to tickets paid in USD (including via Gift Certificate) as well as tickets paid with Amtrak Guest Rewards points.

In terms of their shipping policy, Amtrak Express shipping is suspended until further notice. They offer small package and less-than-truckload shipping services between more than 100 cities. For more information about rates, schedules and permitted items, you can call 1-800-377-6914 (8 am - 8 pm ET, Monday through Friday). Only shipping information is available at this number; for all other questions, you can call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). Before arriving at the station, ensure your Express items are packed appropriately, in suitable containers for transport. Unsuitable containers including trash bags, plastic shipping containers, large packing boxes, containers that let sharp/pointed items protrude or containers that cannot securely hold contents or prevent exposure to weather will not be accepted..

To cancel your ticket on Amtrak.com, follow these steps:

1. Log into your Amtrak.com account. If you made your reservation while logged into your account, click the 'My Account' link at the top of any page. If you purchased your tickets online as a guest, click 'My Trip' at the top of any page.

2. Enter your reservation number and email address or telephone number used when you made your reservation and click 'Find Trip'.

3. Click the 'Cancel Trip' button and follow the steps for cancellation.

Please note that cancellation fees may apply to canceled reservations. Not all tickets are eligible for cancellation and may have further restrictions based on the type of fare you reserved. If you have made modifications to your trip after booking it online, you may not be able to cancel it online. If you paid for your one-way, round-trip or multi-ride reservations with a credit card or an eVoucher, you can also cancel it on Amtrak.com, even if you made your reservations on the phone, at a Amtrak kiosk or with a station agent.