Amtrak offers weekly off-peak specials on one-way travel throughout the United States. To ride at a discounted rate, you must book your ticket in advance and travel Tuesday through Friday. For weekend travelers, every second and fifth Saturday are also eligible dates for discounts.
Amtrak notes a number of restrictions for off-peak travelers. Tickets are for coach seats only and can not be upgraded. Tickets are non-refundable and, because discounted rates are only valid on certain trains, no exchanges are allowed. Also, for the very thrifty, off-peak travel discounts cannot be combined with any other offer.
If you can't travel during off-peak dates, you might consider some other available Amtrak discounts. Children, seniors, AAA members, military, National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) members, both U.S. and international students, and veterans can all receive discounts. Contact Amtrak for specifics on each discount category.
Eligible off-peak routes change frequently. To stay up to date on discount travel, check in with Amtrak every week for new train listings.
