amtrak 10 ride pass round trip

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June 8, 2021

Amtrak customers can tour the country for one low fare with usa rail pass.

For a limited time, customers can purchase the new rail pass for $299 per traveler

WASHINGTON – With the relaunch of its USA Rail Pass , Amtrak is introducing a new and affordable way to take a multi-segment train journey across America. This new offering allows customers to take up to ten rides to see the country and explore sights at many of Amtrak’s 500 destinations. Now through June 22, the USA Rail Pass is available for $299, a savings of $200 off the regular $499 price. Customers taking advantage of this special introductory offer will pay less than $30 per ride for ten travel segments over 30 days.

To make the experience as seamless and touch-free as possible, customers can purchase the USA Rail Pass on Amtrak.com and start building their itinerary on the website or on the Amtrak app . By leveraging the app, customers can also access their ticket, check train status and get boarding information prior to departure.

“We want to offer customers a truly unique way to travel this summer,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer Roger Harris. “With the new electronic USA Rail Pass, customers can take advantage of a great value and newly streamlined web and mobile app interfaces to make managing personalized travel plans convenient and easy.”

USA Rail Pass allows up to 10 segments in a 30-day period beginning with the customer’s first trip and is valid for use within 120 days of pass purchase. After purchasing the pass, customers can book and modify their trip itinerary and will receive an electronic ticket for each segment to present to the conductor when boarding.

USA Rail Pass is available for travel in Coach class—featuring wide, reclining seats with a big picture window, ample legroom, and no middle seat. A travel segment occurs when a customer boards and disembarks one of Amtrak’s scheduled services. If the trip involves making a connection, customers will use two segments of the USA Rail Pass. Upgrades to Business Class and private room accommodations are not available at this time. Amtrak Guest Rewards members will earn two points per dollar spent on each USA Rail Pass following travel on the first segment. Additional restrictions, terms and conditions apply. Learn more at Amtrak.com/USARailPass .  

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Ten-Ride Pass

Ten-ride passes are valid for ten rides within a 45-day or 90-day period depending on your selected stations.

All passengers traveling with ten-ride pass will be required to confirm their intended trip using Amtrak RideReserve  prior to travel.

Summer vacation? Amtrak Rail Pass offers 10 trips for $299 with passes available through June 22

Looking to travel by train cross country this summer?

Amtrak is offering $200 off its relaunched USA Rail Pass to take up to 10 rides at many of the company's 500 destinations for a limited time.

The passes are available to purchase through June 22 to take a "multi-segment train journey across America" for $299, which the company says in a news release is less than $30 per ride for 10 trips over 30 days.

"We want to offer customers a truly unique way to travel this summer," Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer Roger Harris said in a statement.

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USA Rail Pass is available for travel in Amtrak's Coach class and allows up to 10 segments in a 30-day period beginning with the customer's first trip and is valid for use within 120 days of pass purchase.

Amtrak says a "travel segment occurs when a customer boards and disembarks one of Amtrak's scheduled services. If the trip involves making a connection, customers will use two segments of the USA Rail Pass."

The passes can be purchased on Amtrak.com, and customers can start building their itinerary on the website or the Amtrak app.

With the app, Amtrak said customers can access their ticket, check train status and get boarding information prior to departure.

Learn more about the pass at  Amtrak.com/USARailPass  and find additional restrictions, terms and conditions here .

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter:  @KellyTyko .

🌍 Help Me, LP! How do I make the most of Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass?

Feb 9, 2023 • 7 min read

Use your Amtrak USA Rail Pass to take in the country’s staggering scenery from the comfort of an observation car © Jacob Boomsma / Shutterstock

In this series, Lonely Planet’s team of writers and editors answers your travel problems and provides tips and hacks to help you plan a hassle-free trip. When an Amtrak question came across the transom, we turned to Lonely Planet contributor (and major train) fan Lauren Keith.

Question: My trip around Europe with the Eurail Pass was one of the best I’ve ever taken. Is there anything like this in the United States?

Lauren Keith: Hopping off and on trains, waking up to a new city in the morning, carrying your suitcase through elegant train stations, meeting new friends from across hostel bunk beds: taking an extended train trip in this fashion actually is possible in the United States .

Modeled on the Eurail Pass , which allows travel around 33 European countries, Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass might get you across only one international border. But the experience can be just as varied, intriguing and eye-opening as its European counterpart. 

The US might have the world’s largest road network, sure – but taking a car-free “road trip” across the country is a ticket to an unforgettable adventure, and may be the most European-style journey you can have on this side of the pond.

I’ve just bought my second USA Rail Pass, and I’m starting to pack my bags for my next Amtrak sojourn. In 2021, I took to the rails on a loop from Kansas City , going through St Louis , San Antonio , New Orleans , DC , Baltimore , Philadelphia , New York City and Boston . Here’s a quick dive into the nitty-gritty of the Amtrak pass and some of the questions I was most commonly asked about my trip.

What is Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass?

The USA Rail Pass allows riders to go on 10 Amtrak “segments” within a 30-day period for a set price. A segment isn’t always the same thing as a one-way journey – any time you get off the train is the end of a segment. A one-way journey between Seattle and Denver , for example, consists of two segments because you have to change trains.

Launched in 1976, the USA Rail Pass in its current form differs significantly from the Eurail Pass, and even from previous versions of itself. Instead of regional restrictions, the entire country is now fair game, and the pass is valid for a set 30 days, and only 30 days – travelers no longer have the option of choosing longer or shorter durations.

When can I use the Amtrak Rail Pass?

Once you purchase the pass, you have to use it within 120 days (about four months). After the first segment is traveled, the clock starts ticking, and you have 30 days to take the other nine segments.

How much does the USA Rail Pass cost?

Amtrak sells the USA Rail Pass for $499 at full price – but it’s been on sale for as low as $299 a couple times in the last few years. And at this promotional price, each segment costs less than $30, regardless of length.

What are the USA Rail Pass restrictions?

While the USA Rail Pass is pretty flexible, it’s important to know a few details before buying one.

With the pass, you must travel in coach class. Business class and sleeper cabins (which are soon to be upgraded ) are not an option, unless you want to pay for them outside of the pass at the going rate. While Amtrak’s reclining seats are far superior to those of any airline’s economy class (39 inches of legroom compared with 28 inches when flying), they can be a challenge to sleep in overnight.

Passengers using the USA Rail Pass cannot ride the Auto Train (between Virginia and Florida ), Acela trains (high-speed trains in the Northeast) or Canadian routes that Amtrak operates with VIA Rail Canada. However, these regions are still accessible to pass holders on other (slower) routes.

Riders can travel between the same two stations only twice (two round-trip journeys), so the pass is best for travelers looking to explore a larger region, or the entire country. If you’re looking to commute between cities or visit friends or family in the same place, opt for a Multi-Ride Pass instead, which doesn’t have this restriction.

Though the USA Rail Pass doesn’t have any blackout dates, only a limited number of seats are saved for pass holders on each service – which means advance reservations are highly advisable. It’s possible that some trains will be unavailable; unfortunately, the number of eligible seats isn’t shown when searching the schedules. You have to reserve seats in advance, and it’s best to book your journeys as soon as you know where you want to go, even if you haven’t nailed down all the details. If you change your mind, you can cancel and rebook any time before the scheduled departure of the train, a super-flexible option.

Where can I go on Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass?

The country is your oyster. Amtrak’s routes roll across the US from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Mexican border to stops in Canadian cities. More than 30 train lines crisscross the entire country on some 21,000 miles of tracks. Trains stop in 500 cities in 46 states, along with a handful of destinations in Canada .

How can I make the most of Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass?

That all depends on you and your travel goals. You could feel the West Coast sun along the coast in California before cozying up in a bookshop among the grays and greens of the Pacific Northwest . You could focus on the East Coast’s big-hitters, such as DC, Philadelphia, New York and Boston. The bold could even cross the country from every direction within 30 days: east from Los Angeles to New Orleans, north from Miami to Maine , west from Chicago to Seattle, and south from Vancouver to San Diego , where you can cross the border to Tijuana , Mexico , on foot. 

Although the observation car might sound like the best way to soak up all the extraordinary diversity of scenery on an epic journey like that, I wouldn’t personally recommend it – unless you’re sure you’ve packed plenty of snacks and your body can handle days without fully lying down to sleep. The California Zephyr , one of the longest train journeys in the world, takes 52 hours from California to Chicago, and that’s assuming there aren’t any delays – a rarity.

Start by looking at Amtrak’s route map and deciding which stops are a priority. Remember that you don’t necessarily need to start from your home city: if you want to pack more in, you could fly or take a train (without using your pass) to a hub like New York, Chicago or DC that has multiple options for long-distance routes.

Another important factor is timing. You have 30 days to use your pass, and outside the Northeast, most routes run just once a day – or even as little as three times a week, as is the case for the Sunset Limited (Los Angeles to New Orleans). The small number of services mean that strange departure times are inevitable. My first trips on Amtrak in 2008 left from a small-town station in Kansas with two daily departures: 2:45am going south and 2:59am going north.

Which Amtrak routes are the most scenic?

Amtrak’s long-distance trains are some of the most scenic journeys in the world. The Coast Starlight is absolutely worth a trip, hugging the coast so closely between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara that you seem to hover at the cliff edge, as if on a roller coaster. The California Zephyr takes in the widest variety of landscapes, from the snow-capped Sierra Nevadas to the salt flats of Nevada and Utah to endless bends around the Rocky Mountains . 

Even many of Amtrak’s stations are scenic. Los Angeles’ Union Station is an art-deco jewel with its own brewpub. Denver’s Union Station is home to an impressive food hall, and the coffered ceilings of Kansas City’s Union Station (do we see a naming trend here?) are just as gorgeous as those in Chicago and Washington, DC.

Ready to take a midnight train to anywhere? See you on board.

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Complete Guide To The Amtrak Rail Pass

How Much Does an Amtrak Rail Pass Cost

The Amtrak USA Rail Pass costs $499 per person and is good for 10 segments over a period of 30 days. The pass is good for 120 days after purchase, but once used will expire in 30 days. The rail pass is good for coach class travel only, and cannot be upgraded to a sleeper car.

The pass has gone on sale in recent history with the pass costing only $299 during the summer of 2021. Currently there is no information on a possible future sale.

How Does an Amtrak Rail Pass Work

The Amtrak Rail Pass is valid for 10 segments of travel. To get the most out of your rail pass, you’ll want to know what counts as 1 segment. Each named train counts as a segment, so when you switch named trains, or get off a train and get back on with a new ticket, that will count as a segment.

So for example, the Empire Builder runs from Chicago to Seattle, so going on that route continuously would only use 1 segment. But going from Toledo, OH to Harrisburg, PA would require you to ride 3 named trains and count for 3 of your segments.

Our color coded map will help you determine how far you can go per segment. Each named train is it’s own color so when you switch colors you’ll use a segment. To see more in depth maps and regional maps check out our maps page .

Best Routes To Ride On Your Amtrak Rail Pass

The best routes to ride with your Amtrak Rail Pass are the long distance cross country routes. Not only will these routes give you the most bang for your buck, they all connect to each other directly in big cities. To see the connecting cities of each route and if they have an observation car or not, check out our Amtrak route overview .

• Empire Builder
• California Zephyr
• Southwest Chief
• Texas Eagle
• Lake Shore Limited
• Coast Starlight

Rail Pass Restrictions

There are some restrictions you need to be aware of when purchasing the Amtrak Rail Pass. You can ride on any route except the Acela, Auto Train, Maple Leaf (into Canada), and Thruway Bus Series 7000-7999.

You are also restricted to Saver and Value fares only in coach class. You cannot book a Flexible coach class ticket with the pass. For this reason we recommend planning out your trip and seeing if the tickets you need are available before purchasing your pass. We’ve heard of people not being able to book the class they needed on popular routes if their dates were too close.

Travel is also restricted to 2 round trips between each city pair. For example you cannot use the pass to commute between Chicago and St. Louis 5 times.

There are no blackout dates or time of day restrictions with the pass.

What Is The California Rail Pass

For those spending a large amount of time in California, a California Rail Pass might be a good option. The California Rail Pass allows for 7 days of travel in a consecutive 21 day period. The cost is $159 for adults and $79.50 for children. It is not valid on the California Zephyr, Texas Eagle, Sunset Limited or the Southwest Chief.

If you plan to travel out of California, check the price of getting the California Rail Pass and just combining it with a regular coach ticket vs. the USA Rail Pass to see which is cheaper.

Amtrak Rail Pass Tips

You will earn Amtrak Guest Reward Points for the money you spent on your pass, so sign up for the loyalty program before buying your pass.

If you are travelling with children or are a passenger with a disability, call Amtrak customer service at 1-800-USA-RAIL and they will help you book your tickets once you have your passes. Each passenger needs their own pass.

The rail pass can be cancelled for a full refund if it is unused and is within 120 days from purchase.

Segments can be changed or canceled as long as the departure time has not passed.

Is An Amtrak Rail Pass Worth It

The Amtrak Rail Pass is worth getting because your cost per trip is only $49. If used to travel on long distance routes you’ll have a substantial savings over booking your tickets individually. If you are lucky enough to find the pass on sale, you’ll enjoy incredible savings.

If you are planning on spending a month traveling around the country, there is no better value than the Amtrak Rail Pass.

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Frequent Travel Comes With Savings

Multi-ride passes offer great savings and travel flexibility. Explore the different travel options and find the best one for your travel needs.

Monthly Pass

Regular riders can get unlimited rides during the calendar month for travel between the stations selected at time of purchase and any of the stations in between. Reservations are not required when traveling with a monthly pass, and allow passengers to use any trains and/or buses within their ticket city pairs for the calendar month. Monthly tickets are non-transferable and valid only for the rider whose name appears on the ticket.

10-Ride Pass

A 10-ride pass is valid for 90 days from the date of purchase and is good for ten (10) one-way trips or five (5) round trips between the stations selected at time of purchase and any of the station in between. Reservations are not required. 10-ride passes are non-transferable and valid only for the rider whose name appears on the ticket. Any trips not taken within the 90 days are forfeited.

Student 6-Ride Pass

The student 6-ride pass allows for six (6) one-way trips or three (3) round trips between the stations selected at time of purchase and any of the station in between. Reservations are not required. This pass is great for students to make trips home during the school year, as it is valid for one-year from the original date of purchase. 6-ride passes are non-transferable and valid only for the rider whose name appears on the ticket. Any trips not taken within the 365 days are forfeited.

Amtrak Relaunches the USA Rail Pass, a Ticket That Lets You Travel the Country for Up to 30 Days

And you can score it for a major discount right now!

The USA Rail Pass will cover your fare in Coach class on up to 10 trips over a 30-day period. If you snag your pass before June 22nd, you'll get the discounted rate, which means you'll pay less than $30 a ride, which is a massive discount given how pricey some rides can get. Plus, it's significantly cheaper than most plane rides (and more scenic !).

With over 500 destinations to choose from, you can craft the most epic summer cross-country trip. But you'll need to plan wisely: According to Amtrak, one "trip" is equivalent to one travel segment, so if you need to make a connection during a ride, you'll be using two out of your 10 trips. On the other hand, some of the longest direct routes—like San Antonio to Chicago—would be considered one trip.

“We want to offer customers a truly unique way to travel this summer,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer Roger Harris. “With the new electronic USA Rail Pass, customers can take advantage of a great value and newly streamlined web and mobile app interfaces to make managing personalized travel plans convenient and easy," he adds. All aboard!

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Tickets & Fares

Capitol corridor trains generally do not require an advance reservation, so it’s easy to just buy a ticket and ride., types of tickets, single ride/multi-city ticket.

10-Ride Ticket

Monthly ticket, c onnecting bus tickets.

Capitol Corridor’s service area is extended greatly through a number of dedicated, connecting bus routes to destinations such as San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, and Monterey. If your trip involves a bus connection, your ticket will include the route’s designated bus segment, as well as the rail segment. If you are beginning your trip on a bus without a ticket, you will be required to temporarily surrender your photo ID to the bus driver.

Please note that unless you are traveling between Emeryville and San Francisco, most connecting bus trips require an advance reservation.

Ways to Purchase Tickets

Capitol corridor tickets can be purchased in the following ways:.

• Online from the Capitol Corridor or Amtrak websites,
• from the Amtrak mobile app,
• from a station ticket agent,
• from a station self-service kiosk (Ticket Kiosk), or
• from a conductor on board the train (one-way only; surcharge added unless boarding station is unstaffed.)

Tickets purchased online, from a station ticket agent or at a self-service Ticket Kiosk machine, are issued as electronic tickets, or eTickets. If you book your ticket online, you will receive an email receipt with your eTicket attached as a PDF that can then be printed out or pulled up on your mobile device. If you purchase your ticket from a station agent or Ticket Kiosk machine, you will receive the ticket at the end of your transaction as a paper ticket; it will not be emailed to you. You can also buy your ticket and access it from the Amtrak mobile app. You must show your ticket (paper copy or pulled up on your mobile device) to the train conductor once seated or bus driver upon boarding. You may be asked to present a valid photo ID. Read more about ticket policies .

The only types of tickets that are not issued as eTickets are the following:

• Group tickets
• Tickets purchased on board the train
• Tickets purchased through a travel agency or corporate travel office

Capitol Corridor fares vary by origin-departure stations. You can view station-to-station train fares on  Capitol Corridor’s Fare Chart for One-Way/Round-Trip, 10-Ride, and Monthly tickets. Effective January 1, 2024, please refer to this updated Capitol Corridor Fare Chart . You can also check fares (including fares for trips with a bus segment) by typing in your origin and destination on the Capitol Corridor homepage, or by calling 1-877-9-RIDECC (1-877-974-3322).

Please note that the San Francisco Bay Area Clipper fare payment card is not available on the Capitol Corridor.

Everyday Discounts

Capitol Corridor offers a variety of discounts for seniors, children, disabled persons, and members of select organizations. See applicable discounts .

Special Offers

Capitol Corridor often has seasonal discounts and offers from regional partners. View our current offers .

Group Travel

Groups of 20 or more passengers traveling together are eligible for a group discount. View the Group Travel page for details.

Train Treks

Our Train Treks program, especially designed for school groups, also offers discounted travel.  Learn more about Train Treks .

Transit Connections

Capitol Corridor offers Transit Transfers that allow you to ride connecting buses and light rail free of charge.  Read more about transit connections and transfers.

Pre-Tax Transit Benefits

Federal law allows workers receive up to $255* a month in employer-paid tax-free transit costs, or take up to $255 a month in tax-sheltered payroll deductions for transit costs. See Pre-Tax Tickets for details.

Please visit Amtrak for more information regarding the latest ticket and refund cancellation policy.  For single ride tickets, you may easily modify and request a refund online at Amtrak.com.

Ticket Kiosks

Buy one-way and round-trip tickets at staffed stations, online or at Ticket Kiosks.  If you’ve booked your reservation online, you can pick up and print out your tickets at a Ticket Kiosk. Reservations are not required for travel on Capitol Corridor, so you can walk up to a Ticket Kiosk and purchase your ticket right before you hop on board the train.

● = Available at this station $ = Additional fee charged for purchasing a ticket on board the train when boarding at a staffed station. To avoid fees, purchase your ticket online, from the station agent or at a Ticket Kiosk, if available.

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Traveling Amtrak For The First Time? Here Are 14 Things To Know About Amtrak Trains

F eel the need to go outside New York City? Confused about which ride to select? Forget going to out-of-the-way airports or using crowded taxi services. The Amtrak train offers the ultimate solution to meet everyone's travel needs. Meet the luxurious train that makes passengers feel like they're at home. The endless amenities and friendly, respectful staff also make one's trip memorable.

Many Amtrak trains successfully run across hundreds of tracks in the United States (most Amtrak trains offer incredibly beautiful routes , too), and there's also a rich history behind the company. Multiple packages are available for every type of passenger, depending on budget, accommodation choice, and other factors. For a pleasant change, the Amtrak company charges no extra fees, i.e., passengers get what they see, unlike some airliners who keep adding extra surcharges to a customer's expense list till the last moment.

Related: Empire Builder: What Makes This Amtrak Route One Of The Most Scenic In The U.S.

Furthermore, passengers get extra legroom for a long journey compared to a car or air travel. The Amtrak also saves on fuel and protects one's personal vehicle from wear and tear if one uses it to travel. So, with that in mind, let's skim through some important things travelers should know about the trains, such as Amtrak train routes and prices, etc.

UPDATE: 2023/06/06 21:47 EST BY REENA JAIN

More Things To Know About Amtrak Trains For First Time Travelers

Everyone should be aware of a few things before embarking on their first Amtrak journey, regardless of the destination or length of the journey. This list has been updated with additional important information, including train routes, prices, schedules, destinations, and more to help travelers have a stress-free, relaxing, and enjoyable Amtrak journey.

The Amtrak App

The Amtrak app makes it simple for travelers to plan and reserve their trips, check Amtrak schedules and destinations, and receive real-time alerts for delays or changes. Users can access their e-tickets through the app, which provides information on Amtrak train routes and prices. Additionally, the app includes interactive maps that help passengers track the whereabouts of the train and get knowledge of the schedule. The Amtrak app has a user-friendly interface and convenient features, making train travel more simple, reliable, and enjoyable.

Expect Train Delays

Amtrak trains need to stop at some places to let large freight trains pass because they share the same tracks. It can result in unforeseen delays in travel times, especially on longer, cross-country routes. For instance, the California Zephyr from Chicago to Denver may need to stop before the Moffat Tunnel to allow a freight train to pass, delaying Amtrak schedules. Therefore, researching Amtrak schedules and destinations is beneficial before making travel plans.

Making A Pre-Departure Checklist Is Helpful

Passengers will require a number of items, including those necessary and desirable for a stress-free and memorable Amtrak trip. Some of these—like an ID—are necessary, while others are worthwhile for an enjoyable Amtrak journey.

Identification

Passengers must have a photo ID or passport with them.

Train Tickets

Passengers should have hard copies of their tickets or electronic copies of their tickets on hand.

Travel insurance

It's essential to protect oneself from unanticipated travel mishaps.

Passengers who will need to take any medication while traveling must bring it with them.

Other Essentials

Personal care items, snacks, beverages, books, and some forms of entertainment are desirable (but not necessary) for a comfortable trip, particularly on long Amtrak routes.

Stations Have Different Stopover Times

The train makes scheduled stops at various stations during a trip, and the stopover time varies depending on the type of station. If a station is a rest stop, the stopover time is comparatively longer than that of a passenger drop-off and pick-up location. Knowing if a specific stop is a designated rest stop where passengers are permitted to disembark is preferable for those who want to smoke because smoking is not permitted on the train or simply want to move around the station.

Reasonable Ticket Prices

Amtrak tickets are reasonably priced! The average price of a ticket from New York to Atlantic City is about $94 (although Amtrak's famous roomettes typically cost much more ). It is pretty budget-friendly compared to any airline fare on the same route, and it is not even the lowest price out there. The cheapest tickets on this Amtrak route can even be found for only $82.

The best thing is to avoid rush hour and book your Amtrak tickets well in advance. Plus, a cool tip: Amtrak offers saver fares on each route, where passengers can save up to 20% compared to the standard Coach fare when booked at least 7 days in advance. Furthermore, Amtrak fares for seniors (aged 65 and up) are 10% less than the standard fare on most trains in the United States, and seniors (aged 60 and up) pay 10% less for cross-border services operated by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada.

Plenty Dining Choices

Amtrak offers many dining choices to its customers. There is something tasty and appetizing for every passenger, from adults to kids. Some of these main options include:

Passengers can access the café, which is open to passengers from all classes of the train from the early morning until late at night. Whether business or economy class, there are snacks, drinks, and food items for everyone.

• Traditional Dining

Traditional dining service for passengers in private rooms is provided in the dining car as a complimentary exclusive offering.

• Flexible Dining

Exclusive offer to First Class passengers to eat at flexible timings. Special diet menus are also available at Amtrak for customers with specific dietary requirements. The food menu comes with a detailed calorie breakdown as well.

A Variety Of Accommodations

The Amtrak from New York to Atlantic City offers various services and accommodations. Among the expert tips for first-time Amtrak passengers is to check the various room options available in order to best fit the needs and budget of a passenger.

• Seating Options

Even the Coach class has the best comfy seats. Imagine reclining sofa-like seats with spacious areas. The addition of multiple amenities combines to make the trip a relaxing one! For passengers with mobility impairments, Amtrak provides accessible seating arrangements.

• Private Rooms

Amtrak provides a unique luxurious experience to its passengers by offering private rooms to First Class. If one wants privacy and their own space on a short trip with added comfort, then a private room booking is the perfect step.

Related: California Zephyr Vs. Southwest Chief: Which Amtrak Train Route Is More Scenic?

Wi-Fi On Board

The Amtrak train comes with complimentary Wi-Fi during traveling. The speed of Amtrak Wi-Fi is less than a passenger’s home or work Wi-Fi network. Furthermore, the same Wi-Fi gets shared by all the passengers on the Amtrak from New York to Atlantic City. So, each passenger should try to surf the internet in such a limited way as not to overburden the network for the other onboard users.

The key is not downloading large files or streaming heavy videos online and keeping fellow passengers in mind while using the shared Wi-Fi. That is why limited access is provided by Amtrak so that more onboard bandwidth is available to all passengers. Access to websites with objectionable content is also restricted in this shared onboard Wi-Fi.

Onboard Upgrades

The trains are divided into classes: Coach, Business, and First Class. All these classes differ from each other, with a different set of rates and amenities for each of them. So, if space is available as unoccupied in a class, one can upgrade from one's original class to that higher class seating. It can be from Coach to Business or Business to First Class.

This smart feature can change the outlook of one's whole journey. Passengers only need to speak to the conductor onboard. They might inform about the availability of such an upgrade and let passengers purchase a new class seat.

Passengers Can Bring A Bicycle Along

Amtrak offers its customers the opportunity to bring their bicycles along. One can explore the stops along the way during a train journey - and what better way to do that than by bike? Ride the rails on board the train with a bike - sounds awesome! Amtrak offers several different services to transport a customer’s bike onboard.

Remember, though, that each train has different equipment and loading procedures that decide what service will be offered. The starting and ending destination stations also determine how or what is allowed by Amtrak regarding one's bicycle. For carry-on/train side, bicycles up to 50 lbs are allowed. Here, standard bicycle sizes apply with a maximum tire width of 2 inches.

Enjoy Guest Rewards

Amtrak offers a guest rewards system to its customers . The points earned can be used to travel on trains, stay at hotels, and shop.

• Earning Points

Customers can earn guest rewards by earning points through various means, both on and off the train. Passengers can earn 2 points for every $1 spent.

• Redeeming the Points

Customer of Amtrak can easily redeem their earned points. The reward travel begins at just 800 points, with train travel allowed to over 500 destinations.

• Member Benefits

Becoming an Amtrak member rewards customers for every ride on and off the train.

• Bonus Points

One can earn 20,000 bonus points with the new Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard®. Customers can even choose from over 350,000 hotels worldwide to stay at using their collected points.

Passengers Can Bring Pets

Pets are allowed to travel on Amtrak. However, like with air travel, there are restrictions. Dogs and cats can come on trips that can take up to seven hours on most Amtrak routes in a pet carrier - of course, for a small fee. The pet carrier must also be spacious and highly ventilated, allowing for free movement of the animal, and the weight of the pet and carrier combined must be under 20 lbs.

Things to Note About Pets on Amtrak Trains

• Service animals are readily welcomed on all Amtrak services as they are not included in the pet category.
• Pets are not allowed to travel as baggage. A pet must travel with its human counterpart on a train.
• Only dogs and cats are allowed to travel as pets on Amtrak, and pets must be at least eight weeks old and up to date on all vaccinations.
• Amtrak highly recommends making pet reservations in advance of one's trip.

Related: Roomette Vs. Sleeper Bedroom: Knowing The Difference On An Amtrak

Baggage Limits

With Amtrak, customers can shed their baggage worries as the company handles everything meticulously. As baggage, a customer may bring 2 carry-on items. Here, limitations apply regarding weight and size. So, browse them beforehand. Checking this guide on what to pack for an Amtrak train ride may also be handy in terms of prioritizing what to bring (and what not to bring to save baggage weight and space).

Similarly, for checked luggage, each traveler can bring 4 bags, 2 are registered as free, and the other 2 are at $20 per bag. Again, size/weight limitations apply. For special items of baggage that require special handling or are outside the normal baggage category, Amtrak may ask for additional packing requirements and service fees. Amtrak also prohibits certain items onboard trains for security purposes.

Going with unreserved seating on a packed train? No worries. Travelers can find a Red Cap (baggage porter) to escort them to the train. They can access the track before the masses and carry their bags. Red Cap services are free, but a generous tip is recommended.

No Security Line No Waiting

Amtrak lets passengers simply go to the track and get on the train. There is no security line blockage as there is at the airport. With a reduction in airport TSA staff and more passengers flying, travelers need to get to the airport about two hours before their flight just to have enough time to check in or check a bag and clear security.

With Amtrak travel, one's ticket might be scanned before entering the platform or scanned onboard, but there is no waiting line. On the other hand, Amtrak recommends arriving 30 minutes before one's train departs.