Check to see if a local commuter rail system serves your desired route. Located primarily in major metropolitan areas and surrounding counties, these train networks often cover large areas around main cities. The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority extends north from Boston all the way to Maine (See Reference 1), while the San Francisco Caltrain travels south through San Jose and Santa Clara to Gilroy (See Reference 2).
Check the Amtrak website's "Deals" page for current special offers. Although rates for scheduled trains are fixed, Amtrak publishes a list of discounted routes each week, offering between 20% to 25% off regular fares.
See if you qualify for a student, senior or other kind of discount. Amtrak offers 15% off all fares for Student Advantage, ISIC or Veterans Advantage card holders, and 10% off for AAA and NARP members and active duty U.S. military personnel. Tickets must be purchased at least three days in advance to qualify for the discount (See Reference 3).
Choose an off-peak time to travel. Amtrak prices early morning and late evening trains at less than half of the rate for midday trains and peak travel times. A train ticket from Boston to New York at 6:40 p.m. costs $49, but an 11:10 a.m. train costs $111 (See Reference 4).
