railway free travel pass

• Latest News
• Fact Sheets
• Executive Leadership Team
• Board of Directors
• Introducing Amtrak Airo TM
• Amtrak Connects Us
• New Acela Trains
• New Era of Rail
• Long Distance Service Upgrades

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 .  

Comments are closed.

For More Information

Olivia Irvin [email protected] PR Manager

Related Posts

• Statement from Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner on the Passing of Congressman Donald M. Payne, Jr. April 24, 2024
• Amtrak Completes Upgrades at Durham Station April 22, 2024
• Amtrak Publishes Guide for West Baltimore Community Investments Funded by the Frederick Douglass Tunnel Program April 18, 2024

About Amtrak®

For 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and transformed transportation by modernizing train travel, and building for the future. Amtrak will continue to play an important role in the national transportation network for the next 50 years and beyond by operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business by providing travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the  Amtrak app . Learn more at  Amtrak.com and connect with us on Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and LinkedIn .

At Amtrak, Earth Day isn’t just one day. 🌎 Throughout April, employees volunteered their time to take care of our planet. We hosted events across the country to plant trees, clean up, and preserve Amtrak-served communities. #AmtrakGivesBack

46% more energy efficient than driving. Just saying. #EarthDay 🌎

Take a look at our Net Zero strategy and join the #AmtrakSustains mission:

Sustainability at Amtrak

Amtrak embraces sustainability as a way to operate our passenger rail business. Our company-wide Sustainability Policy ...

Media members should contact the Media Relations Office for their region (see the map and listings here ).

Nights, Holidays & Weekends: (800) 562-1904 . A representative is available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide information regarding railroad operating matters. Phone calls are preferred if the request is urgent.

If you have a FOIA request, please click  here .

© 2024 Amtrak Media. National Railroad Passenger Corporation

• Our purpose
• Licensed & associate members
• Meet the executive team
• Employee networks
• Meet our people
• Apprenticeships
• Railway Engineering Graduate Scheme (REGS)
• Train company careers
• Train Drivers Academy
• Equality and diversity
• Pay gap data
• Your privacy
• Rewarding you
• RDG Board meetings
• Passenger Demand Forecasting Executive
• Rail Data Council
• Transparency
• Accreditation guidance
• Accreditation FAQs
• Accredited suppliers
• ASSIST - for existing suppliers
• Ticketing & Settlement Agreement (TSA)
• TIS Accreditation Guide
• B2B services
• Smarter Information. Smarter Journeys.
• Customer Information Pledges
• National Rail Enquiries
• National Rail Enquiries data
• Fares, routeing & timetable data
• Passenger Demand Forecasting Scheme
• Rail Data Marketplace
• Routeing Guide data
• Timetable data
• Customer focused reform
• The RMT offer explained
• The TSSA offer explained
• The Unite offer explained
• Customer Focused Stations
• More than a journey
• Railway Day
• We Mean Green
• World Cup of Stations
• Codes of Practice & Guidance Notes
• Safety on the railway
• Rail careers
• Sustainability
• Green Travel Pledge
• Clearing The Air
• Media centre
• Rail events

Rail Staff Travel

Facilities for employees of the rail industry.

Rail Staff Travel (RST) provides rail staff travel facilities for eligible Active and Retired Employees of the rail industry and eligible family members. RST is part of the Rail Delivery Group.

Information on using staff travel facilities is published in the guides on the Where Can I Go and Restrictions page. It is usually quicker to refer to these guides than e-mail RST for information.

Contact Centre

To report lost or stolen cards, or add family members, please use the forms on our Forms page.

Our contact details are at the bottom of this page.

Information for new TOC employees

New TOC employee may find the Introduction to Rail Staff Travel for new employees of Train Operating Companies useful. It is published on the Where Can I Go and Restrictions  page.

With a registered account you can buy staff discounted tickets through RST Online at www.railstafftravel.com

To receive registration details, send us your name and home address by e-mail with "RST Online Registration" as the subject. Requests can only be sent by the employee (as primary cardholder) or widow(er)s.

Unfortunately RST Online is not yet available to those holding PTAC cards, NIR cards or CIE cards.

In this section

• How To - Avoid Form Rejections
• How To - Submit Online
• How To - Send by Email
• How To - Send by Post

Conditions of Issue and Use

Eligibility of family members, useful information.

• Where Can I Go and Restrictions
• Current Offers and Concessions
• Travel on TfL

Photo Upload

• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
• Other Contacts
• Privacy Notice

Our Key Pages

Our pages can be reached by using the navigation links on the right. However, the following are key pages:

• Forms - for new family applications and declarations, additional and international travel applications as well as your notifications to us of changes
• Useful Information - for current earnings and mileage limits
• Eligibility of Family Members - for guidance on eligibility of family members
• Where can I go - for Rail Staff Travel guides with details on using your travel facilities and restrictions on their use 
• Photo Upload - for you to upload passport style photos of yourself and eligible family members
• Conditions of Issue and Use - for guidance on the use of your staff travel facilities
• FAQs - many Frequently Asked Questions about Rail Staff Travel

For problems using travel facilities on TOC services, contact the TOC using the details on their website. If your complaint remains unresolved, please contact the Rail Ombudsman .

For problems in the following areas, please contact Rail Staff Travel:

• Using your Rail Staff Travel facilities on non-TOC services, such as Leisure Railways
• The service provided to you by Rail Staff Travel
• Using FIP Rail Staff Travel facilities in Europe

RST Contact Details

Unless you are contacting us about a bereavement, we can only speak to or respond to queries from the active or retired member of staff, or a widow(er), or someone holding Power of Attorney for them.

Discover more

For new family applications and declarations, additional and international travel applications as well as your notifications to us of changes

For current earnings and mileage limits as well as fees that RST use.

For guidance on eligibility of family members.

Where can I go

For details about where you can use your travel facilities and restrictions.

For employees to upload passport style photos of themselves.

For guidance on the use of your staff travel facilities.

Many of your Frequently Asked Questions about Rail Staff Travel

🌍 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.

Explore related stories

Sustainable Travel

Sep 20, 2021 • 5 min read

If you have a long way to go, don’t just jump on a plane. Night trains are a more fun, eco-friendly way to travel.

Apr 14, 2021 • 9 min read

Nov 29, 2019 • 1 min read

Apr 23, 2024 • 8 min read

Apr 22, 2024 • 13 min read

Apr 19, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 19, 2024 • 10 min read

Apr 17, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 17, 2024 • 6 min read

Apr 17, 2024 • 8 min read

Welcome to Kali's Travel Guide

8 Easy Ways to Get “FREE” Amtrak Tickets (2022 update)

Sharing is caring!

8 Ways to Get “FREE” Amtrak Tickets

Whether you’re planning on a long vacation or a weekend getaway, vacationing by Train is an amazing experience.  Use these tips towards making your vacation free or more affordable. Even if the price is not an object, who wouldn’t want free Amtrak Tickets? Getting Free Amtrak Tickets or at a large discount to me makes Train Travel even more appealing!  Plus, with Amtraks 500 destinations what are you waiting for?

8 ways to Get Free Train Travel in the USA:

1. Join the Amtrak Guest Rewards Membership. This is a way to earn points towards free Train Travel or gift certificates. Plus, you will receive member-only coupons. No fee to sign up.

2. Purchase 1 Ticket, Get 1 Free for Saturdays with paired cities.

3. Amtrak “World Mastercard” & “Platinum Mastercard”: Get 1 complimentary ticket for signing up and 1 complimentary ticket every year that you renew your card.

4. Free travel for 1 child under the age of 2 per paying adult, as long as they don’t occupy a separate seat.

5. (My favorite Freebie) Multi-City tickets= Free 23.5 hour stopovers. Here’s how it works: Buy your ticket from point A to point B. Hop off at a stop in between, stay overnight or not, as long as you hop back on within 23.5 hours to complete your destination. You only pay for 1 ticket instead of 2 separate tickets. The only stipulation is the stop has to have more than 1 train stop per day to be within 23.5 hours.

6. When you upgrade to a Sleeper, the first person will pay full price. The 2 nd person will get the upgrade for free when sharing a room. The 2 nd person will only be paying for a coach ticket. Plus you both receive 3 meals a day in the dining car for free. Don’t forget the tip though.

7. Volunteer as a Guide: The Rails and Trails Education Program is onboard several long-distance routes. Similar to that of a tour guide. The volunteers make connections with other travelers to discuss valuable topics of the regions they are traveling through.

8. Amtrak does give away Free Amtrak Tickets to Cross Country trips through clever #amtraktakemethere advertising campaigns. It’s a Win-Win situation.

• 2022 This year Amtrak is continuing with the “Amtrak Take Me There” theme follow along @amtraktakemethere / #amtraktakemether to see 6 very different journeys aboard the rails
• 2021 This year’s Social Media campaign chose 8 people on board long-distance trains to showcase how different walks of life travel by rail
• 2019 campaign was called #amtraktakemethere. They gave away 8 free scenic long haul round trips that include a private Sleeper Car and $1000 of spending money

2018 campaign was “Amtrak Residency Program” a group of writers won a chance to travel across the country by train. Check out their work at blog.amtrak.com

Free Planner: 6 steps to Vacation by Train (USA)

7 Easy Ways to Reduce Travel Costs

Some other good Amtrak Discounts to check into:

How to Get Discounts on Amtrak Tickets:

Check out the Amtrak Smart Fare page for the advertised Weekly Specials. You may be able to get up to as much as 30% savings.

Regional “Promo Code” discount range from 10%-50% off

BOGO Promotions Buy 1, Get 1-50% off

Book early for the lowest ticket rates. You can book a ticket for up to 11 months in advance.

Book a non-reserved seat

Disabled passengers plus 1 companion are eligible to receive a 10% discount on tickets

National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) Membership 10% Discount

Group bookings of 20 or more could have a 20% savings

A Group of 4 can be eligible for a 35% discount

Children ages 2-12 are eligible to receive 50% off of the rail portion of Train Travel

Seniors age 65 and over are eligible to receive 10% off of the rail portion of Train Travel

Active Duty Military personnel, their spouses, and dependents are eligible to receive a 10% discount off of the rail portion of Train Travel

Age 60+ are eligible for a 10% discount on cross-border services that are jointly operated by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada

Various Student Discounts 15%-25% off

Using these tips for Train Travel is a great way to see other parts of the country that you might otherwise not get to see.

The only thing left to do is enjoy the journey!

To stay informed with the up to date deals and discounts Click Here: Subscribe and Save with Amtrak

*Always read the fine print. The discount and membership programs are subject to change without notice. Tickets must be purchased in advance to qualify. ID is required.

💜 PIN it! 💜

💜 If you liked this article click on the PIN below to save to your Pinterest Travel Board 💜

Leave a reply below if you found this information helpul or have any additional ways to get free or discounted Amtrak tickets

33 FUN Things to do in Barcelona [Spain]

Outdoor Adventure Activities with Kids Lancaster PA

Hello friends, glad you could make it. Imagine if you could completely catapult your travel experience to the next level. That’s what kalistravelguide.com set out to do.

Sign up here Contact Kali for all of my insider tips, reviews, strategies and the best of Travel Deals.

Are you ready? Because this is what following your dreams looks like.   Enjoy!-Kali

Share Buttons

Travel Trends

Erin Condren Seasonal Surprises 2024 Update

Shares: 426

Guide to the Tastiest Lancaster Breweries

Shares: 464

11 Authentic Amish Restaurants in Lancaster PA

Shares: 648

63 National Parks by State+Map

Shares: 417

Guide to 7 Easy Smoky Mountain Waterfalls

Shares: 1805

4 thoughts on “8 Easy Ways to Get “FREE” Amtrak Tickets (2022 update)”

Hmm it seems like your site ate my first comment (it was extremely long) so I guess I’ll just sum it up what I had written and say, I’m thoroughly enjoying your blog. I too am an aspiring blog writer but I’m still new to everything. Do you have any helpful hints for first-time blog writers? I’d definitely appreciate it.

Glad you’re enjoying my blog. I think the best tip for anyone starting a blog is to try to write a little each day.

So weird, I literally added Naomi Novik’s new book to my Goodreads earlier this week because I saw a review of Spinning Silver on another blog and wondered what she was up to next…and saw Deadly Education! I couldn’t find a non-EW cover at the time either, but looks like one is available on GR now if you want to switch it out – I don’t know your preferred image size, but that one looks okay to me ? I hate featuring watermarked covers too even though I understand why they have to do that.

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Kali's Travel Guide

Never Miss Any Future Travel Tips!

Full Disclosure: The owner of this website may receive compensation made in reference to the products or services on this website. The compensation may be in the form of money, services, or complimentary products and could exist without any action from a website visitor.

© All Rights Reserved

privacy policy  / terms and conditions

Amtrak's USA Rail Pass Is on Sale for $299 for a Limited Time Only

Get ready for one epic train journey

If seeing more of the U.S. in 2023 is among your New Year's resolutions, Amtrak's newest sale will help you check off some bucket list destinations for a fraction of the cost.

Now through Jan. 20, the national railway company is offering a mega discount on its USA Rail Pass , with passes going for $299—a significant cost saving from the usual $499 going rate. Amtrak travelers with a USA Rail Pass will be able to ride up to 10 travel segments across the country, with their pick of 500-plus destinations, including New York City, Seattle, and Washington, D.C. If $299 sounds like a lot, each ride ends up amounting to less than $30 a ticket. If you're an Amtrak Guest Rewards member, the savings continue beyond the initial purchase: For every dollar spent on the USA Rail Pass, you earn two points, which will be redeemable after you ride the first segment.

USA Rail Pass holders will ride in Coach class, with reclined seats, plenty of legroom, and a large window to enjoy some of the country's most epic landscapes. And, unlike other Amtrak deals, there are no blackout dates.

Before you book, there are a few things to keep in mind. According to Amtrak, a travel segment is completed when a passenger disembarks, meaning you'll spend two travel segments if you're connecting. All 10 travel segments must be taken within a 30-day window, and you only have 120 days to use your pass once you purchase it—so you'll want to plan to take your epic train ride relatively soon. Travelers with a USA Rail Pass will also be unable to upgrade to business class or book a private room.

To snag the deal, you can purchase your pass on Amtrak.com or Amtrak's app, after which you can book your tickets via either platform. If you opt to buy the pass through Amtrak's website, we recommend downloading the app regardless, as you can use it to check the status of your trains and get the most up-to-date boarding information.

Amtrak Has Finally Brought Back Its USA Rail Pass—and It's on Sale

5 Ways to Find the Cheapest Train Travel

Amtrak Is Offering $100 Off Its USA Rail Pass in New Sale

Can I Get a Senior Discount on Rail Passes?

This Amtrak Auto Train Sale Has Roomettes for Just $129

How to Travel from Los Angeles to Denver by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

Youth Discounts on the Eurail Pass

Air New Zealand Is Kicking off 2023 With Massive Deals on Roundtrip Flights

Southwest Just Dropped a Buy One, Get One Free Deal—But You Need to Act Fast

Universal Orlando Tickets: Prices, Discounts, and Where to Buy

US Ski Resorts Where Kids Ski Free

How to Find Senior Discounts for Budget Travel

Getting Around Salt Lake City: Guide to Public Transportation

Saving Money on Your Summer Vacation

6 Destinations to Beat the Post-Breakup Blues

Amtrak's Newest Fall Sale Gives Kids a Free Ride

Amtrak relaunches USA Rail Pass, a ticket that lets you travel the country for 30 days for $299

• Amtrak's USA Rail Pass is here as the country braces for a boom in summer travel.
• The ticket allows buyers to book 10 trips over 30 days for a flat fee.
• It normally costs $499, but it's discounted to $299 through June 22.

After a year-plus of coronavirus-induced stress and boredom, many Americans are eager to travel again.

Expecting a boom in summer travel, Amtrak is luring in travelers with the relaunch of its USA Rail Pass. The ticket, which Amtrak launched last week, allows people to spend a month crisscrossing the country on Amtrak trains for a flat fee.

Through June 22, the pass is $299, 40% off its usual price of $499. It doesn't allow for unlimited train travel — the $299 covers 10 rail segments over 30 days.

Related stories

According to Amtrak, a segment of a trip ends when a passenger gets off a train, so a trip with one connection would use two segments, but one long ride would be only one segment. Amtrak's longest direct routes — like Chicago to San Antonio — stretch more than 1,000 miles.

Read more: Space vacations will soon join our $9.2 trillion tourism economy. These companies are leading the industry.

The USA Rail Pass is good for only coach seats and doesn't let passengers book premium accommodations like sleeper cabins or first-class seats. Still, at $30 a segment, the pass offers massive discounts, given that one segment can cost hundreds of dollars.

For instance, one round-trip ticket on the 1,377-mile Crescent line from New York to New Orleans can run you close to $500. The USA Rail Pass would pay for itself after that trip alone.

Buyers have 120 days to book trips using their USA Rail Pass after purchasing it, so a discounted pass bought by June 22 would be good through late October. They have 30 days from the day of their first trip to use up the 10 segments.

Watch: How Delta fixes $32 million jet engines

• Main content

National Geographic content straight to your inbox—sign up for our popular newsletters here

A practical guide to riding the rails in the US, from train passes to delays

There are dozens of epic train routes crisscrossing America — here’s everything you need to know about booking a slow Stateside odyssey.

For travellers with time on their side and a thirst for adventure, America’s old-school train network offers a charming way to see the country. Brought together under the banner of Amtrak services in 1970, rail tracks wind between almost every state. Travellers can chug through the Rockies, cross the Great Plains or skirt the Pacific Ocean in California, watching the US’s diverse landscapes unfurl from the comfort of a cabin. To get the best value, helpful booking tips and find out what facilities are on board, try this handy guide.

How do I book train tickets?

The US has just one train operator, Amtrak , a government-funded but for-profit company. Book tickets on Amtrak’s website or mobile app. The company also has a tour agency called Amtrak Vacations that offers package deals, including train travel, hotel stays, activities and a personal travel adviser to help you sort your trip. Another option is to use a third-party agency, such as Vacations By Rail , owned by UK-based Great Rail Journeys, which runs group train trips with a wide variety of itineraries.      

How far in advance should I book train tickets?

Book Amtrak tickets as soon as you decide the trip you want to take, ideally at least a few months ahead of time — especially if you’re reserving a room in a sleeper car. Like airlines, Amtrak uses dynamic pricing, so the cheapest tickets sell out first. But don’t panic if you’ve made a last-minute decision to ride the rails — tickets will likely still be available. If you’re not ready to book yet, you can still keep an eye on how quickly the route is selling. The Amtrak website has real-time seat availability to show you how full each train is.

Are there any train passes to help keep costs down?

For an Interrail-style adventure, buy a USA Rail Pass, which lets you take 10 journeys in 30 days for $499 (£410). These passes occasionally go on sale for $299 (£246), which means you could cross the entire country multiple times for under $30 (£25) a ride. There are caveats, though — for example, the pass covers coach seating only, no sleepers. It’s also worth checking Amtrak’s deals page , which often offers savings on group travel and discounts on specific routes at certain times, such as seeing autumn leaves in the north east. In March, Amtrak started offering $5 (£4.10) Night Owl fares on select East Coast routes, such as between Baltimore and Philadelphia, between 7pm and 5am.

What facilities are available on the trains?

Amenities vary widely by train route. Most trains have a cafe service, and anyone who books sleeper rooms receives complimentary three-course dinners with an alcoholic drink included, taken in the dining car with white linen tablecloths. Passengers are also permitted to bring their own food and drinks (no alcohol) on board. Some short- and medium-distance routes have wi-fi, but long-distance overnight routes don’t. The wi-fi is free to use but basic and doesn’t support downloading large files or streaming video or music.

What about train delays?

Amtrak trains are notorious for delays, most of which are attributed to freight train interference, when dispatchers allow freight trains to go ahead of passenger trains, despite being required by law to give Amtrak trains preference. In 2022, Amtrak trains were delayed by a total of 1.1 million minutes (over two years) by freight trains. Keep your plans flexible at the end of your journey, leaving at least 24 to 48 hours before any flights or other major reservations, in case your train arrival time or day is delayed. Unlike in the UK, there’s no compensation available for delayed trains.  

FREE BONUS ISSUE

Related topics.

• CITY GUIDES
• TRAIN TRIPS
• ADVENTURE TRAVEL

You May Also Like

10 best things to do in Switzerland

All aboard: explore Switzerland by train

6 of the world's best coastal rail journeys

The future of rail travel in the UK looks bleak. Here's why.

20 of the coolest travel adventures for 2024

• Environment
• Perpetual Planet
• History & Culture

History & Culture

• History Magazine
• Mind, Body, Wonder
• Paid Content
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Your US State Privacy Rights
• Children's Online Privacy Policy
• Interest-Based Ads
• About Nielsen Measurement
• Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
• Nat Geo Home
• Attend a Live Event
• Book a Trip
• Inspire Your Kids
• Shop Nat Geo
• Visit the D.C. Museum
• Learn About Our Impact
• Support Our Mission
• Advertise With Us
• Customer Service
• Renew Subscription
• Manage Your Subscription
• Work at Nat Geo
• Sign Up for Our Newsletters
• Contribute to Protect the Planet

Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic Society Copyright © 2015-2024 National Geographic Partners, LLC. All rights reserved

Cookies on citizensinformation.ie

We use cookies to collect information about how you use citizensinformation.ie. This helps us to improve your experience. You can find out more about the cookies we use in our Cookie notice . You can also read our Privacy policy . You can accept all cookies or you can chose which cookies to accept or reject. You can change your cookie preferences at any time by using the My cookie preferences link at the bottom of each page.

Cookie preferences

Cookies used by google analytics.

We use Google Analytics to measure how you use the website so we can improve it. We have configured Google Analytics to anonymise your IP address so that you are not personally identified. We gather information on:

• How you got to the site
• The pages you visit on citizensinformation.ie, and how long you spend on each page
• What you click while you are visiting the site

Free travel in Ireland

What is the free travel scheme, how to use free travel, where can i use free travel, how to qualify for free travel, how to apply for free travel, where to apply for free travel, senior smartpass for travelling in northern ireland.

The Free Travel Scheme allows you to travel, free of charge, on public transport and some private bus and ferry services.

Everyone aged 66 and over, living permanently in Ireland, can get the Free Travel Scheme.

People with disabilities and carers aged under 66 may also qualify for Free Travel.

If you qualify for Free Travel and you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, your partner may travel with you for free if you meet certain criteria (see ‘Spouses, civil partners and cohabitants’ below).

If you can’t travel alone for medical reasons, you may get Free Travel for a companion. This allows a person aged over 16 to travel with you for free.

Changes to the Free Travel Scheme in 2024

From July 2024, you will qualify for the Free Travel Scheme if you have:

• Never been able to drive due to a disability
• A driving licence and are medically certified as ‘not fit to drive’ for 12 months or longer.

If you qualify for Free Travel, your Public Services Card (PSC) will have FT (for Free Travel) in the top left-hand corner. The letter following it shows who can travel for free with you:

• FT-P - you can travel for free
• FT+S - your spouse, partner or cohabitant can travel with you for free
• FT+C - you can have a person (over 16) travel with you for free

You must show or scan your Public Services Card to the travel operator when you are travelling on public transport. Find out more about 'How to use your public services card for free travel' .

Paper travel passes are no longer being issued but you can still use your paper pass, if it is valid.

You can use your Free Travel on most Iarnród Éireann , Bus Éireann , Dublin Bus , DART and Luas Services and on certain private bus and ferry services (pdf) .

Free travel is also available on Dublin Bus Nitelink , Go-Ahead Ireland and TFI (Transport for Ireland) Local Link services .

Free travel does not include some special services such as Dublin Bus AIRLINK services .

You can find a full list of services where you can use Free Travel (pdf) on gov.ie.

There are no restrictions on the times you can use your Free Travel.

Living on the Aran Islands or Tory Island

If you are permanently living on any of the Aran Islands, you may get up to 12 single (or 6 return) air trips each year between the islands and Galway City.

People who live permanently on Tory Island (Co. Donegal) are entitled to 8 (or 4 return) free journeys on the seasonal helicopter service operating between the island and Falcarragh on the mainland.

If your public services card includes free travel for a companion, spouse, partner or cohabitant, they can also travel with you for free on the above services.

Going to Northern Ireland

You may also travel free of charge on certain cross-border services between Ireland and Northern Ireland. But to travel free in Northern Ireland, you must have a Senior Smart Pass – see ‘Senior SmartPass for travelling in Northern Ireland’ below.

To get Free Travel you must be living in Ireland and meet one of the following conditions:

• You are aged 66 or over
• You are getting Disability Allowance , Blind Pension , Carer's Allowance or an Invalidity Pension
• You are blind or visually impaired and meet the medical conditions for Blind Pension
• You have been getting Incapacity Supplement or Workmen's Compensation with Disablement Pension for at least 12 months
• You are a specified carer for a person getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relative's Allowance
• You are getting a social security invalidity payment (or similar payment) from a country covered by EU regulations or from a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement for at least 12 months

Widow or widower or a surviving civil partner

If you are a widow or widower or a surviving civil partner aged 60 or over, living in Ireland and your late spouse or civil partner had Free Travel, you can get Free Travel, if you are getting one of the following payments:

• Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Partner's (Contributory) Pension
• Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Partner's (Non-Contributory) Pension
• One-Parent Family Payment
• Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Partner's Pension under the Occupational Injuries Benefit Scheme
• A similar social security pension or benefit from a country covered by EU regulations or a country with which Ireland has a bilateral social security agreement
• You are getting an ordinary Garda widow's pension

Spouses, civil partners and cohabitants

If you are entitled to Free Travel and you are married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting, your partner may be able to travel with you for free.

Your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant cannot travel with you for free, if you are under age 66 and getting Free Travel because you are:

• Getting Carer's Allowance
• The nominated carer for a person getting Constant Attendance Allowance or Prescribed Relatives Allowance

Your PSC card must have FT-S on it to allow your partner travel with you. To add your spouse, civil partner or cohabitant to your Free Travel - see ‘How to apply for Free Travel’ below.

If you can’t travel alone

If you are unable to travel alone , you can have a person, over 16 years of age, travel with you for free. Your PSC card must have FT-C on it. To add a companion to your Free Travel, see ‘How to apply for Free Travel’ below.

Free travel companion card for children

A child with a visual impairment can get Free Travel for a companion if they are under 18 and they either:

• Satisfy the blindness condition for a Blind Pension, or
• Are registered with Vision Ireland or the National League of the Blind of Ireland

The person they travel with (companion) must be age 16 or over.

Work and Free Travel

You can keep your Free Travel for 5 years, if you moved from one of the following disability payments to work:

• Disability Allowance
• Invalidity Pension
• Partial Capacity Benefit (from Invalidity Pension)
• Disablement Benefit paid along with Incapacity Supplement

You can also keep your Free Travel for 5 years if you transferred from Disability Allowance or Invalidity Pension to a Community Employment , SOLAS or a Back to Work scheme.

If you are aged 66 or over and are getting a State pension, your Public Services Card (PSC) will be issued showing that you have Free Travel automatically.

If you are under 66, you will get Free Travel automatically issued on your PSC if you get one of the following payments:

• Blind Pension
• Carer’s Allowance

If you are married or in a civil partnership, your PSC will be issued with FT-S on it. If you are cohabiting, you must fill in Part 1 and 2 of the Free Travel application form FT1 (pdf) .

If you are not getting one of the payments above but you are eligible for Free Travel, you must fill in the Free Travel application form FT1(pdf) and send to the Free Travel Section in the Department of Social Protection.

If you can’t travel alone and need a companion

If you are unable to travel alone, you can apply for Free Travel for a Companion, using either of the following forms:

• Over 70 Companion pass form (pdf)
• Under 70 Companion pass form (pdf)

You can get an application form for Free Travel from the Department of Social Protection. The form is also available at your local post office and Citizens Information Centre .

Lost or damaged Free Travel pass or PSC

There are currently 2 types of Free Travel Pass:

• A paper Free Travel Pass
• A Public Services Card with Free Travel (with F-T written in the top left-hand corner)

Paper passes are no longer being issued so if you need a replacement for a lost or damaged paper pass, you must undergo SAFE registration and get a Public Services Card .

If your Public Services Card Free Travel is lost, stolen or damaged, you should telephone 0818 837 000 to request a replacement card.

Free Travel

Social Welfare Services College Road Sligo Ireland

If you are 66 or over and have Free Travel, you can travel free of charge on all bus and rail services within Northern Ireland using a Senior SmartPass card.

If you are 66 or over and have Free Travel, you do not need to meet the residency condition in Northern Ireland to apply for a Senior SmartPass card.

How to apply for a Senior SmartPass

To get a Senior SmartPass, you must fill in an application form (FTNI1). You can get this form from your local Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office. It is not possible to get this form online .

You should not use a photocopy of the form as each form is barcoded. The application form must be filled in with black ink only and returned in person (not posted) to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office.

You must bring each of the following items with your application form to your Intreo Centre or Social Welfare Branch Office:

• Your Irish Free Travel pass/Public Services Card
• Proof of your address, (for example, a gas, electricity, phone bill or bank statement)
• Proof of your identity, (for example, your driving licence, passport or another form of photo identification)
• A recent passport standard colour photograph

It may take up to 6 weeks to process your application. There is further information on the extension of the Free Travel Scheme .

Travelling with a partner or companion

A spouse, civil partner, cohabitant or companion cannot travel with you for free on public transport within Northern Ireland.

However, your Irish Free Travel allows your spouse, civil partner, cohabitant or companion to travel for free on certain cross-border services between Ireland and Northern Ireland. For example, a cross-border train journey that starts in Ireland and ends in Northern Ireland or vice versa.

Renewing and replacing a Senior SmartPass

Your Senior SmartPass will expire after 5 years.

• If you have electronically used your card within the last 2 years, you will get a new card automatically in the post from Translink when your card expires.
• If you have not used your card in the last 2 years, you will be sent a renewal application form to fill in. The renewal form is not the same as a first-time application and you do not need to supply a photograph.
• If you have never used your card, you will not hear from Translink at all. If you wish to get it renewed, you must contact Translink by email at [email protected] , or telephone 00 44 289 075 9129 or 028 90 66 66 30 and they will send you a renewal application.

If you lose or need to replace your Senior SmartPass for travel in Northern Ireland, you can fill in form (FTNI 2) (pdf) .

Brexit and the Senior SmartPass

On 31 January 2020 the UK exited the EU . Senior SmartPass holders can continue to travel in Northern Ireland on the bus and train.

Related documents

• Tax-free purchases for non-EU travellers The Retail Export Scheme, allows visitors to Ireland (from outside the European Union) to buy goods in Ireland to take home with them and benefit from tax relief. 2865.0063
• Customs regulations for travellers to Ireland Find out about the important rules in place regarding customs regulations for people travelling to Ireland. 2635.0413
• Travelling from Ireland for healthcare in Europe Introduction to the options for Irish residents who wish to access healthcare in other countries in Europe. 2558.0198

If you have a question about this topic you can contact the Citizens Information Phone Service on 0818 07 4000 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 8pm).

You can also contact your local Citizens Information Centre .

Manage cookie preferences

• Dec 20, 2022
• 18 min read

Ultimate Guide to the Amtrak USA Rail Pass

People generally don’t think about train travel being a thing in the United States the way they think about it in Europe, but if you want to travel across the United States by train, the Amtrak USA Rail Pass is the way to do it!

Of course, we know this is a lot of information, but if you’re seriously considering using the USA Rail Pass, this is your ultimate guide to understanding how it works, all the restrictions, and all the possibilities in one easy-to-read format!

How It Works

Restrictions

Destinations & Where You Can Go

How to Make Reservations

Our Experience

Our verdict, quick reference guide.

What is the Amtrak USA Rail Pass and How Does It Work?

Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass gives you 10 train rides (aka “legs”) to use in 30 days to go almost anywhere in the United States. We used all 10 legs to cross the country and back, spending time in 7 cities along the way (8, depending on how you count it), many of which we had never been to before. It certainly was a bucket list trip!

Other passengers we met on the trains were using the USA Rail Pass to go across the country one-way and then fly back (not using all 10 of their legs), and there are many others who use the trains themselves as the vacation. We think the way we set up our trip was perfect, as we got to see huge portions of the country that we never had before while spending a few nights in-between in a new city, but it sure could be exhausting at times. Many other passengers were surprised when we said we were going to use all 10 legs of our passes, but we wanted to prove what an amazing time you can have if you do! You can read all about the route we took in the ’Our Experience’ section below.

Restrictions on the Amtrak USA Rail Pass

Time Restrictions

Once you purchase your Amtrak USA Rail Pass, you have 120 days to finish using it, but all of the travel must be completed within 30 consecutive days, within those 120 days.

For example, you cannot start your 30 days of travel 110 days after you purchase your pass; that would only give you 10 days of travel. On the other hand, if you start your travel 60 days after you purchase the pass, you still only have the next 30 days to use all 10 legs on the pass. All travel must be completed by the 120th day, so you must either start your 30 days of travel no more than 90 days after you purchase the pass, or you’ll have to forfeit the extra days.

While we were planning our trip, we were actually given false information by an Amtrak employee, stating that you just had to start your final leg by 120 days after purchasing the pass, but when we went to book our last train leg online with the pass (which would be a 35-hour ride), it gave us an error. We called again and explained the situation to another Amtrak representative, who cleared it up for us that the travel must be completed by the 120th day, but since we were told the wrong thing by a different Amtrak employee before, they helped us get our last train scheduled in the time frame we had planned, departing on the 120th day but not arriving to our destination until the 121st.

The USA Rail Pass is NOT a Ticket

Purchasing the USA Rail Pass does not mean that you get to just hop on and off of Amtrak trains at a whim; you still must make reservations for each individual train that you want to take. If there’s availability, you can make all your reservations last-minute, but we don’t recommend it. Learn more about this in the Reservations section of this article.

Coach Class Only

This is the biggest deal breaker for most travelers considering the Amtrak USA Rail Pass: your ticket is good for coach class ONLY.

No, you cannot pay to upgrade to a private room in the sleeper cars. No, you cannot pay to upgrade to business class. Not even for the overnight trains or the 46-hour train ride on the Empire Builder . USA Rail Pass holders are in coach class, period.

Before you get too bent out of shape, please note that coach on Amtrak trains is very different from coach on an airline. Although the specific details of coach class vary depending on the train route, a few things are consistent:

There are only 2 seats on either side of the aisle, so there is no middle seat.

The seats are wide and cushioned, and they recline.

You will be able to see the views out of the large windows on both sides of the train no matter where you are sitting in coach.

We review the coach seat set-up on each Amtrak train that we take , so you can hear about what the train is like on each individual route.

We’ve been told by other travelers that Amtrak used to allow USA Rail Pass passengers to pay to upgrade to a private room, but this is no longer the case and there’s no telling if Amtrak is ever going to allow it again or not.

It’s worth noting as well that sometimes having coach seats can actually be better because if you’re in a private room, you usually only have the views out of one side of the train, which sometimes means you’re looking at the rock face of a mountain instead of the incredible view of the valley on the other side. There is an observation car on many trains (but not all), but if it’s full then you’ll be stuck with whatever view you have in your room. However, if you have coach seats, you’ll still be able to see out the large windows on both sides and you’ll often be able to move around to empty seats to see out the other side for a little while if you want (just please do not hang out in someone else’s seats while they’re gone).

Route Restrictions

Almost every Amtrak route is available for you to use with the USA Rail Pass… almost . Here’s a list of the lines that are NOT included:

Canadian stations on the Maple Leaf route (it’s the USA Rail Pass, after all)

Acela route between Boston and Washington, D.C. (not to worry, the Northeast Regional also does this route and is included on the pass)

Auto Train between Washington, D.C., to Orlando, FL (the Silver Service / Palmetto also does this route and is included, it just won’t carry your car)

Specific Thruway Buses numbered 7000-7999 (for whatever weird reason)

You also cannot use this pass to go back and forth on the same route every time. You are limited to two roundtrips between the same two stations, as well as all the stations in-between, on a given route. Amtrak offers multi-ride passes for regularly commuting between two stations instead, but the USA Rail Pass is meant to be used to explore more of the country than that!

One more thing that Amtrak seems to have recently added in is that the USA Rail Pass is not applicable to Flexible Fares; it is only available for Saver and Value Fares. We haven’t run into any issues with this, but we want to mention it just in case.

What Counts as a Leg on the Amtrak USA Rail Pass

Anytime you board and then get off a train OR bus, that counts as one leg on your USA Rail Pass, even if it’s a connection to get you from point A to point B.

For example, traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco on Amtrak, you board the Coast Starlight train to Emeryville, but then have a connecting bus to get across the Bay from Emeryville to San Francisco proper, which takes less than 30 minutes. Because the journey from LA to San Francisco is a train AND a bus, it counts as 2 legs on your USA Rail Pass. On the other hand, if you take the Coast Starlight train from LA to Emeryville but don’t book your trip all the way to San Francisco, but instead you take other transportation across the Bay into San Francisco proper (such as an Uber or public transit), it will only count as 1 leg on your USA Rail Pass.

At the same time, if you are boarding a route, getting off, and then getting back on, it will count as 2 separate legs.

For example, the California Zephyr Amtrak train travels all the way from Emeryville, CA, to Chicago, passing through Denver (among many other cities) along the way. If you take the train directly from Emeryville to Chicago in one go, it counts as 1 leg on your USA Rail Pass, but if you get off the train in Denver and get back on the same route the next day, it counts as 2 legs.

Blackout Dates

There are NO blackout dates for the Amtrak USA Rail Pass!

The Amtrak luggage policy is particularly generous, especially if you’re used to air travel where they nickel and dime you at every corner. On Amtrak, you’re allowed 2 personal items, 2 carry-on items, and 2 checked bags, all for FREE. If needed, you can check two additional bags for a $20 fee per bag (for a total of 4 checked bags per person).

However, not all routes and stations offer checked luggage, so you should check each route you’ll be taking as well as each station page on the Amtrak website for your departure and arrival stations to make sure all 3 parties offer checked luggage service.

Checking bags means that you’ll need to arrive at the station a minimum of 1 hour before train departure, because that’s usually the cut-off point for them to accept any more checked bags. And we do recommend that you check as much of your luggage as possible so you’ll have as little as possible to keep track of while you’re on the train.

All trains have open-shelf storage space for large carry-on bags (although some have more space than others), but it’s going to be right next to the doors to board and get off the train. On the double-decker trains like the Coast Starlight , California Zephyr , and Empire Builder , that means that any large carry-ons you bring will be out of your sight for the majority of the ride, but still accessible. It’s a good idea to get a small TSA lock for your suitcase for these instances, just in case another passenger decides to go snooping. We didn’t have any problems with that on the trains, but still, it could happen.

For smaller carry-ons, there is a small, open shelf above the seats in coach, and on most trains there’s plenty of legroom to keep items at your feet as well. For our overnights on the train, we put our backpacks with valuables under the raised leg rests at our seats for extra security, and again, we didn’t have any problems.

As far as size and weight restrictions, we’re giving you a straightforward breakdown below, but you can also visit this page on Amtrak’s website.

Amtrak was not particular AT ALL about weight and size of our carry-on bags, but they DO weigh your checked bags every time, so make sure you’re within the restrictions on those.

As far as other special items, check out this page of Amtrak’s website for all the details and restrictions. They cover medical equipment, baby items, bicycles , surf boards, skis, sports equipment, and so on.

Food & Drinks

Food and drinks are not included with the USA Rail Pass because you’re in coach class. Since you can’t upgrade to the sleepers, you’ll be on your own for food and drinks, but not to worry: there is a cafe on each train. You are also allowed to bring on your own food and non-alcoholic drinks onboard, which is what we usually did. We always used one of our personal bag allowances for a food bag from the local supermarket, full of non-perishable items we would use for meals and snacks.

We have another article coming very soon all about food and drinks on Amtrak trains, so make sure you’re signed up for our newsletter (at the bottom of this page) so you’ll receive that guide as well.

Age Restrictions

You must be 16 years old to travel without restrictions on Amtrak trains and other services. They have strict rules for unaccompanied minors ages 13-15 that can be found on this page of their website. Children 12 and under must travel with another person who is at least 18 years old.

To our amazement, Amtrak actually does allow pets on their trains. There are a ton of restrictions, with extra fees, but it is possible. Here’s the criteria:

Only dogs and cats are allowed

Must weigh no more than 20 lbs with the combined weight of the pet and their carrier

Extra fees apply, which vary by route, but are usually $29-$39

Maximum travel time is 7 hours, including transfer time between trains on multiple-segment trips

Maximum of 5 pets per train - This means you should book as early as possible!

Only 1 pet per customer

Pet must be at least 8 weeks old

Pets must remain in their carrier at all times while in the stations and onboard the trains

Pets must remain with you at all times but cannot go into food service cars - This rule doesn’t make sense if you’re traveling alone, but that’s what Amtrak says *shrug*

The carrier must be kept on the floor - Amtrak says it must be placed under your seat, but that doesn’t make sense with how most of the seats are set up with their leg rests *another shrug*

Their carrier must be leak-proof and well ventilated

The carrier can be no larger than 19” long x 14” wide x 10.5” high

This pet carrier counts as a piece of carry-on luggage

Pets are not allowed on the Auto Train, Keystone Service, Pennsylvanian , San Joaquins, Capitol Corridor, or Thruway Buses

You must sign a Pet Waiver for every travel segment. At most stations, you must complete this at the station at least 30 minutes prior to boarding. At some smaller stations, you must fill it out with an Amtrak employee as you are boarding.

It is also worth noting that this criteria does NOT apply to service animals but DOES apply to emotional support animals. You can read more about the distinction and service animal expectations on this page of Amtrak’s website.

Cancellation Policy

As always, cancellation policies can be super complicated. We’ll break it down for you in plain terms:

If you haven’t booked any legs yet using your USA Rail Pass, then you have 120 days from the original date of purchase to get a full refund.

If you have booked any individual legs using your USA Rail Pass, you have until 48 hours prior to departure of your first scheduled leg to cancel the whole pass for a full refund.

If you have booked a leg using your pass and it is departing in less than 48 hours, you can get a refund minus a 25% fee.

If you’ve booked one or more legs using your USA Rail Pass but need to make changes, there are no change fees.

Once you start your first leg that you booked with your pass, it is non-refundable.

If you book a leg and miss it without canceling that individual reservation, the entire pass is not refundable.

The USA Rail Pass is non-transferable.

Of course, for all the most up-to-date information, visit this page of Amtrak’s website.

Where Can You Go with the Amtrak USA Rail Pass?

Now onto the fun stuff!

As we mentioned, a lot of fellow travelers we’ve talked to who have used the USA Rail Passes used the train itself as their vacation instead of using it as a mode of transportation to visit different places like we did. Personally, I think the way we used it is MUCH better, as there are hundreds of places you could visit on Amtrak trains , including huge cities and tiny towns. Although we used it to visit big cities, I think it would be perfect to use to explore smaller towns that you wouldn’t normally choose to fly into.

Here’s a list of some of the major destinations you could choose to visit using the USA Rail Pass:

Western USA:

Los Angeles

San Francisco

Glacier National Park (Whitefish, MT)

Northeastern USA:

New York City

Philadelphia

Washington, D.C.

Virginia Beach

Central USA:

Kansas City

Minneapolis

Indianapolis

Albuquerque

Oklahoma City

Southern USA:

New Orleans

Jacksonville

San Antonio

There are nearly endless possibilities of where you can go with Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass because there are tons of tiny towns between each of those major cities! Check out Amtrak’s full list of routes to explore all the possibilities, but be warned: it’s easy to fall down a rabbit-hole spending hours poring over the options. (And don’t forget about the restrictions we mentioned for the passes!)

How to Make Reservations with the Amtrak USA Rail Pass

First things first, how much does an Amtrak USA Rail Pass cost? At full price, a pass is $500 per person for all ages 2+. Amtrak also offers sales once or twice a year to get $100 off that price, so we recommend signing up for Amtrak Guest Rewards so you’ll receive their newsletter and be notified about sales.

Pro Tip: When signing up for Amtrak Guest Rewards, make sure your name on your account is exactly how it appears on your ID. Otherwise, you won’t actually earn any points.

Even at the $500 price point, the USA Rail Pass is an amazing deal for long trips with multiple trains, just make sure you understand all the restrictions before booking , such as the time constraints and the fact that there are NO upgrades allowed from coach class.

We did the math and our route would have cost us around $950 per person if we had done the same trips without the USA Rail Pass, so it really is a GREAT deal!

Now remember, the USA Rail Pass is not a ticket. You must reserve each individual train or bus ride using your pass after you purchase it, and we recommend booking all of your legs before you leave on your first one because there are some routes that frequently sell out, such as the California Zephyr and the Northeast Regional . Even if there’s only a short section of the route that is sold out and you want to take the entire route, as often happens on the California Zephyr, they cannot sell you a ticket because of that short portion of the route that is already full. When we were leaving Washington, D.C., to go to Boston on the Northeast Regional, we nearly missed our train and tried to book a later one, but all other trains departing later in the day were already sold out, so we just had to hurry up and make it to the one we already had booked, which we did.

With that being said, you CAN make changes to your individual leg reservations at the last minute if there is availability, without penalties, which is just one of the reasons why it is so important to have the Amtrak app on your phone while you’re traveling. You’ll be able to book, view, manage, and check in for all segments of your trip using the app, as well as view the timeline for the route you’re currently on. Trains often run a little late, as is the nature of ground travel, but the conductor will rarely tell you about it. Checking on the timeline while you’re en route to your destination will help you keep track of when you can actually expect to arrive.

Pro Tip: As you board each train, take screenshots of the route timeline in the Amtrak app so you can still reference it even if you don’t have cell service on the train.

Speaking of possible delays, it is unwise to book any train layovers the way that you would book them for air travel, with just a couple hours cushion. We did this once on our trip, transferring in Chicago from the California Zephyr to the Capitol Limited, and the last several hours on the California Zephyr were a bit stressful, as we were running late and weren’t sure if we’d make our connection. Most Amtrak trains only depart once per day, and some only once every few days, so if you miss it, you could be stuck for quite a while. It’s better to just plan to stay overnight and enjoy the city in-between rather than stress out about missing a connecting train and being stuck overnight with nowhere to go.

If you do miss a connecting train due to another Amtrak delay, you can call customer service (1-800-872-7245) to rebook your leg without it costing you on your USA Rail Pass. However, if you miss a train for any reason other than an Amtrak delay and you don’t cancel your ticket before the departure time, it will still cost you 1 leg on your USA Rail Pass.

As far as what credit card to charge the pass purchase on, it was classified as a travel purchase for us. Hopefully that information helps you get the most points you can out of it!

So start planning your route, look for the sales, and get excited! Refer back to the ‘What Counts as a Leg’ section of this article as you’re planning so you understand just how many legs you’ll need to get where you’re going.

We mapped out our route based mostly on visiting friends and family all over the country, then we filled in a gap or two with other places we hadn’t been before. We stayed in most cities for 2-3 nights between the train legs, so we jokingly refer to this trip as our “highlights tour”.

Leg 1: the Coast Starlight train from Los Angeles to Emeryville

This scenic train ride follows the Pacific coastline for quite a while from southern to central California, then moves inland to travel through wine country as you continue north to the San Francisco area. Read our full review of this train ride here.

Leg 2: the California Zephyr train from Emeryville to Denver

The most scenic train ride in the country! Get waterfront views as you depart the San Francisco area, then head into Tahoe National Forest, where you’ll have hours of hills covered in pine trees and you’ll pass by Donner Lake. Day 2 of this 34-hour train ride is even more spectacular, winding through Rocky Mountain canyons, some of which are only accessible via train or the river below. This was our favorite route of the whole trip! Learn more about it here.

Leg 3: the California Zephyr from Denver to Chicago

This portion of the route was rather forgettable in comparison to the other routes we did, but necessary in order to get across the majority of the country so we could make it to the east coast. Chicago is a major transportation hub for Amtrak and houses what many people believe is the most impressive Union Station.

This was the only time that we had a short layover planned - 3.5 hours - and we do not recommend doing that. Our train coming into Chicago was running late, and we stressed for the last few hours on this route about if we would make it in time. The train ended up making up the time (which happens often) so we still made it, but it would definitely be better to not put yourself through that since most Amtrak trains only depart once per day. If we had missed our connecting train, we would have had to find accommodations in Chicago to stay the night and get on the next train the next day. Granted, if that were to happen, we would have raised hell with Amtrak about paying for our overnight accommodations since it would have been their fault, but again, who wants to deal with that while you’re traveling?

Leg 4: the Capitol Limited from Chicago to Pittsburgh

This train route actually goes all the way from Chicago to Washington, DC, but we only took it overnight to Pittsburgh , where we stayed with friends for a few days. This train was also running late, dropping us off in Pittsburgh 2 hours late, but that meant that we arrived at 7-something in the morning, so it wasn’t that big of a deal for us. Just remember to stay flexible when traveling by train!

Leg 5: the Pennsylvanian from Pittsburgh to New York City

This route surprised us with its beauty, traveling through the forested Allegheny Mountains and around World Famous Horseshoe Curve. Since we were riding in early October, we got to see some lovely autumn colors. See everything about the Pennsylvanian train in our review here.

Leg 6: the Northeast Regional from New York City to Washington, D.C.

At only 4 hours, this was our shortest train ride of the month, and it’s also the least comfortable train we rode. Amtrak trains differ depending on the route you’re taking, and the Northeast Regional is definitely more of a commuter-style train, not a leisure train. It’s still more comfortable than an airplane though. We describe what coach is like on this route in our review article here.

It’s worth mentioning too that the Northeast Regional is Amtrak’s most popular route, so make sure you book your tickets for it as far in advance as possible because they often sell out.

Leg 7: the Northeast Regional from Washington, D.C., to Boston

After a few days exploring D.C., we hopped back on the Northeast Regional to travel all the way back up through New York City to get to Boston. The sights were surprisingly nice, seeing lots of rivers and lakes, the Long Island Sound, and awesome skyline views of Upper Manhattan.

This was the only time during our month-long trip that had such significant delays that we had to cancel our plans for later that day, but the delay was out of Amtrak’s control. There evidently was a fire on an overhead bridge in Philadelphia that we were supposed to pass under, so we instead had to wait at another train station while it was being resolved before we could pass through. We ended up being 5 hours late arriving in Boston.

Read all about the Northeast Regional in our full review here.

Leg 8: the Lake Shore Limited from Boston to Chicago

We started our journey back across the country heading west on this route, which was somehow at the same time very scenic and very disappointing due to the scheduling making us miss the actual lakefront views of Lake Erie in the dark. Massachusetts put on a beautiful autumn display for us though, and we arrived in Chicago on time. See more and learn from our big mistake on this route in our full review.

Leg 9: the Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle

This leg was by far the most disappointing of our trip, and unfortunately it was also the longest. 46 hours through the Northern U.S., traveling along the Great Plains of North Dakota and Montana for the majority of the time while the sun was up. Thank goodness for the incredible scenery of the Pacific Northwest for the last few hours of the ride, coming into Seattle. You can see our very honest review with all the details you need to know about this route here. Read this before you book it!

Leg 10: the Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles

Finishing out our month strong on this scenic route was definitely the way to go! It was another long ride, clocking in at 35 hours, but at least the scenery was nice, traveling past iconic mountains (although difficult to see through the forests) and again along the Pacific coastline as we arrived home to Los Angeles . We even got a gorgeous sunset over the ocean to welcome us home!

To see all of our videos about Amtrak train travel, including route reviews, sight highlights, and quick Q&A’s, check out our Amtrak playlist on YouTube.

This was a bucket list trip and it was super affordable thanks to the USA Rail Passes! It would be such a fun family vacation too; you could let each member of the family choose somewhere to go, then map out each place and build your route! You can visit major cities or tiny towns, whatever floats your boat!

I’m so glad we used these passes the way we did for our first time using them because we got to visit so many major cities one or both of us had never been to before and we got to visit friends we hadn’t seen in years. However, next time we use the USA Rail Passes, I think we’ll go to smaller towns that would be harder (or more expensive) to fly to. The beauty of this pass is that you actually get to SEE so much more of this enormous country than you do just flying over it, and you can do it with a drink in your hand since you’re not driving!

Pin this article!

Opmerkingen

We’re Phoebe & Adam the couple behind In The Great Wide!

This is our travel lifestyle blog where we not only share stories from our adventures while traveling the world, but also our thorough research of the places we visit & practical advice on how to save money so you can travel more too!

Featured Blog Posts

Wild Elephant Seals of Central California

Sulphur Springs Land and Sea Tour

Sulphur Springs

Sandbar SXM at Maho Beach

Steepest Zipline in the World

Recent Blog Posts

123 Farm Lavender Festival

Bristols Cider House

Shell Creek Road Wildflower Field

Guavaberry Rum

Destinations

St. Thomas Travel Blog in Virgin Islands In The Great Wide

Denver Travel Blog in Colorado In The Great Wide

LA Travel Blog by Locals In The Great Wide

Follow our adventures!  

Navigate to myswitzerland.com

Destinations

Your swiss holiday time.

Holiday destinations

• Summer holiday destinations
• Winter sports & ski resorts
• Family destinations

Attractions

• Top attractions
• UNESCO World Heritage sites / biospheres
• Travel by train, bus or boat
• Top museums
• Swiss Parks
• Scenic nature

Experiences

Additional content about subnavigation experiences.

• Family excursions
• Food & Wine
• Group excursions
• Guided tours

Summer & Autumn

• Bicycle & Mountain bike
• Adventure & Sports Summer
• Zoo & animal experiences
• Ski and snowboard
• Cross-country skiing
• Snowshoe and winter hiking
• Tobogganing
• Winter excursions
• Christmas in Switzerland

Cities & culture

• Parks, Gardens and Squares
• Architecture

Experience Tour

• Car, motorcycle - Grand Tour
• Train, bus, boat – Grand Train Tour
• Mountain excursions

Accommodation

• Typically Swiss Hotels
• Wellness & Spa
• Family Hotels
• Bike Hotels
• Boutique Hotels
• Inspiring Meeting Hotels
• Swiss Historic Hotels
• Luxury hotels
• Winter sports hotels

Other types of accommodation

• On the farm
• Bed and Breakfast
• Mountains huts
• Group accommodation

Transport & Stay

• Travel to Switzerland
• Barrier-free travel
• Tickets public transport
• Service & support
• Money and shopping

About Switzerland

• General facts
• Custom and tradition
• History of Switzerland
• The Swiss Art and Culture Scene
• Health Travel
• Sustainability

Weather & Climate

• Climate in Switzerland
• Snow Report
• Water and pool temperatures
• City offers
• Touring offers
• Wellness offers
• Nature and outdoor offers
• Offers for families

Where are you from?

• België (Nederlands)
• Belgique (Français)
• Deutschland
• Netherlands
• Russia (Россия)
• Schweiz (Deutsch)
• Suisse (Français)
• Svizzera (Italiano)
• Switzerland (English)
• United Kingdom
• Canada (English)
• Canada (Français)
• China 中文简体
• China 中文繁体
• Gulf countries العربية
• Japan 日本
• Korea 한국어
• United Arab Emirates
• New Zealand
• International

Language, region and important links

• Slovenština

Service Navigation

• Help & Contact

Swiss Family Card

Children from their 6th up to their 16th birthday travel free of charge on nationwide public transport when accompanied by at least one parent holding a Swiss Travel System pass or ticket.

The complimentary Swiss Family Card is available on request from all Swiss Travel System points-of-sale worldwide and within Switzerland. And even if not accompanied by a parent, children still receive a 50% reduction off the entire Swiss Travel System range of tickets.

Advantages at a glance

• Children under 16 years of age accompanied by at least one parent (holding a Swiss Travel System ticket) travel free of charge with the complimentary Swiss Family Card
• Children under 6 years of age who are accompanied by a holder of a valid Swiss Travel System ticket travel free of charge

Information

• The Swiss Family Card is obtainable at nearly every Swiss railway station as well as all points-of-sale worldwide
• Children from their 6th up to their 16th birthday not accompanied by a parent, receive a 50% discount on the Swiss Travel System range of tickets

Bonus Benefits with the Swiss Travel Pass

Regional passes, sales outlet swiss travel system.

Guide for Traveling in Europe by Train: Free Rides, Discounts and Single Tickets

Many of us dream of a single website that offers cheap train tickets for travel all over Europe. However, due to the intricacies of European railway systems, this remains a dream. To demystify the rail market and show you how to travel affordably or even for free, here's a comprehensive guide.

Europe has always championed public transportation, particularly trains, for being efficient, eco-friendly, and cost-effective. Over the years, several schemes and offers have been introduced that make train travel more accessible and affordable. Let's delve deeper:

PAN-EUROPEAN SINGLE-TICKET TRAVEL

For Non-European Citizens: Eurail Pass

The Eurail Pass permits non-Europeans to traverse 31 countries with just one ticket. If you're a non-European tourist, this is your best bet. You can choose the number of travel days within a certain period, covering multiple countries based on the pass type. The global pass, for instance, covers up to 33 countries, whereas the Select Pass lets you travel in 2-4 neighbouring countries. Then there's also the single-country pass. The duration of these passes ranges from a few days to three months, with some offering flexible travel dates and others offering continuous travel. Prices are influenced by the type, duration, and class (first or second) of the pass. They are also categorized by age: Youth (12-27), Adult (28+), and Senior (60+). Children under 11 often travel free with an accompanying adult.

For European Citizens: Interrail Pass

The Interrail Pass is for you if you've resided in a European country for at least six months. Options include the Global or One Country Pass, with features largely similar to the Eurail Pass. Additionally, be sure to explore the extra perks, like options to combine train travel with buses, ferries, and other transit methods.

NATIONAL SINGLE-TICKET SCHEMES IN EUROPE

Many European nations have embraced the concept of a single ticket for unlimited travel, be it by train or other public transport means.

Germany: Deutschland Ticket

The German DB offers the Deutschland Ticket (or D-Ticket) for a flat monthly fee of 49 EUR, granting access to all public transportation within the country, excluding the high-speed ICE and IC/EC trains. Children under six travel at no cost.

From Railway Passes to Climate Tickets

Some carriers, recognizing the allure of train travel, promote tourism with specialized rail passes. For instance, Italy's Trenitalia Pass is valid for 3 to 10 days, while the Swiss Travel Pass, covering 3 to 16 days, includes buses, boats, and entry to over 500 museums with additional discounts. Other noteworthy options include the Irish Rail Explorer Card and the Renfe Spain Pass.

Austria, renowned for its environmental ethos, has the KlimaTicket Ö. This innovative pass allows unlimited public transportation use throughout Austria for an annual fee of approximately one thousand euros. For those focusing on specific regions, there are also regional variations of the KlimaTicket.

TRAVELING BY TRAIN IN EUROPE FOR FREE

DiscoverEU Free Train Tickets for 18-Year-Olds

Are you 18 years old and eager to explore Europe? The European Union offers a fantastic opportunity. The DiscoverEU initiative encourages young Europeans to immerse themselves in the continent's rich cultural tapestry, fostering European identity and unity. Designed especially for 18-year-olds, this program acknowledges the pivotal phase in their lives when many are transitioning from school and contemplating their next steps. To apply, candidates must complete an online form, detailing their motivations. Often, a quiz about European cultural heritage, EU initiatives, and other relevant topics forms part of the application. Successful applicants are awarded Global Interrail passes, the number of which is contingent on the EU's annual budget allocation for this program.

Estonia: Pioneering Free Train Travel for Its Citizens

In 2013, Estonia's capital, Tallinn, set a precedent as the first European capital to offer free public transport for its residents. Registered Tallinn inhabitants can avail free rides on the city's buses, trams, trolleybuses, and certain trains using the green "Smartcard" (known as "Ühiskaart"). The country gained international attention in 2018 by scaling this model to much of the nation, establishing itself as the world's first country to initiate a national free public transport system. It's worth noting, however, that this primarily covers county buses, not the complete train system. Several regions embraced this scheme, with free train services being predominantly available in Harju County, which encompasses Tallinn. Nonetheless, services like the intercity trains run by the national railway company Elron may still incur charges. Tourists should be aware that this perk is exclusively for registered Estonian residents. Visitors will need to buy tickets.

Luxembourg: Public Transport Free for All

For an entirely free public transport experience – encompassing trains, trams, and buses – Luxembourg is your destination. In 2020, the country adopted an audacious transport strategy to combat climate change and congestion. The process is simple: board and travel, no tickets required. However, there are a couple of exceptions. If you fancy traveling first class, you'll need to purchase a ticket. Additionally, for international train journeys, passengers must pay for the portion of their trip beyond Luxembourg's borders.

TRAVELING BY TRAIN IN EUROPE WITH DISCOUNTS

Europe boasts a myriad of rail ticket discounts. Whether you're a young adult under 26, a senior, or somewhere in between, you can find opportunities to save. Here's how:

Early Bird Offers

Many train companies, like France's TGV, Spain's Renfe, Germany's DB, or the Czech Republic's České dráhy, offer significant savings for early bookings.

Last-minute Deals

Some operators release discounted tickets for trains that aren't fully booked. This approach requires flexibility but can lead to substantial savings.

Travel During Off-Peak Times

Mid-morning to mid-afternoon train fares on weekdays are often cheaper. This is particularly true in the UK, where rail tickets can be pricey. Additionally, night trains can be a budget-friendly option, saving you accommodation costs.

Local and Regional Passes

Numerous countries provide regional or local passes for tourists. For example, the Swiss Travel Pass allows unlimited consecutive day travel across the Swiss Travel System network.

Loyalty and Frequent Traveler Programs

Frequent rail travelers can benefit from loyalty programs, earning points for free trips or upgrades.

Group Travel Discounts

Traveling with a group? Many train services have discounts for group bookings.

Comparison and Booking Platforms

Platforms like Trainline, Omio, and RailEurope help users compare prices and sometimes offer exclusive deals.

Take Slower Trains

Choosing regional or slower services over high-speed trains can be more economical, albeit time-consuming.

Consider Multi-Trip or Return Tickets

A return ticket might be more cost-effective than two one-way tickets. In some areas, multi-trip cards offer multiple journey discounts.

Country-specific Discounts:

Europe has a plethora of country-specific rail travel discounts. Here's a brief rundown:

ÖBB Vorteilscard: Provides discounts on train tickets - special categories for youth, seniors, and families.

• ÖBB Vorteilscard: Provides discounts on train tickets - special categories for youth, seniors, and families
• Einfach-Raus-Ticket: Day pass for regional trains, especially good for groups
• Go Pass 1 and 10: For those under 26, offering reduced fares
• Senior Ticket: Reduced fares for seniors over 65
• BDZ Loyalty Card: Offers a discount on tickets
• Youth and Student Discounts: Reduced fares for those under 26 or students
• HŽPP Card: Offers discounts for regular passengers
• Youth and Senior Discounts: Available for certain categories

Czech Republic:

• ČD Points : A loyalty program that offers points collection and selecting rewards
• In-Karta : A loyalty card with multiple levels of discounts
• DSB Orange: Discounted tickets if booked in advance
• DSB Wildcard: Offers discounts for youth aged 16 to 25
• VR Veturi: A loyalty program with discounts
• Youth and Senior Tickets: Reduced prices for certain age groups
• Carte Avantage: Offers reductions for youth, seniors, and families on TGV and Intercités
• TGVmax Subscription: Unlimited TGV travel for those under 27
• BahnCard: Offers 25%, 50%, or 100% off all train tickets. Special rates for youths
• Saver Fares: Discounted fares when booked in advance
• Railplus Card: Offers 25% off international routes
• Youth and Student Discounts: Available for domestic travel
• MÁV Card: Provides discounts for regular travelers
• Start Klub Card: Offers benefits for youth travelers
• Leap Card: Integrated public transport card offering discounts
• Student Travel Card: Discounts for students on Irish Rail
• CartaFRECCIA: Loyalty program offering various promotions and discounts on Trenitalia
• Young and Senior Offers: For travelers under 30 or over 60
• E-ticket Discounts: Buying tickets online or via mobile can result in discounts
• Loyalty Programs: Available for frequent travelers
• Loyalty Programs: Discounts for frequent train travelers
• Youth and Student Tickets: Reduced fares available

Netherlands:

• OV-chipkaart: Integrated card for all public transport with discounts for off-peak hours
• NS Subscription Options: Various subscriptions available with significant discounts
• Minipris: Discounted tickets when booked in advance
• Youth and Senior Tickets: Special prices for certain age groups
• Bilet weekendowy: Weekend ticket offers unlimited travel on regional trains
• Youth and Student Discounts: Reduced fares available
• Youth Card (Cartão Jovem): Offers discounts for those under 30
• Advance Purchase: Discounted fares available when booked ahead of time
• Cardul de Călătorie: Offers various discounts for train travel
• Youth, Student, and Senior Discounts: Available based on age or status
• ZĽAVY+ Card: Provides discounts for regular travelers
• Youth and Student Discounts: Reduced fares based on age or student status.
• SŽ Card: Provides various discounts for train journeys
• Youth and Senior Discounts: Available for specific age groups
• Renfe Youth Card: Offers discounts for those aged 14-25
• Tarjeta Dorada: Discounts for seniors over 60
• SJ Prio: A loyalty program offering points and discounts
• Youth and Senior Discounts: Special prices based on age

Switzerland:

• Swiss Travel Pass: Offers unlimited travel on consecutive days across trains, buses, and boats
• Halbtax Card: 50% off most trains, buses, and boats

United Kingdom:

• Railcards: Various cards like the 16-25 Railcard, Two Together Railcard, Senior Railcard, etc., offering up to 1/3 off fares
• Advance Purchase: Substantial discounts when booking tickets in advance

So, no matter if you are a citizen in your own European country or an international traveller – railways in Europe today offer many options to travel for free, with discounts, or using special passes that make your train journeys easier.

Not using RAILVIS Platform yet?

Rent a wagon, sell a locomotive, find a container, convert free capacity to profit. The RAILVIS Platform is the tool you need. It's faster, better organized, and more secure than email or phone calls.

High-Speed Rail

Passenger rail, sustainability, czech republic, netherlands, switzerland, united kingdom, become part of our professional community.

RAILWAY FILM SERIES: Source Code

RAILMARKET.com recommends railway-themed films for cosy…

RAILWAY FILM SERIES: The Darjeeling Limited

RAILWAY FILM SERIES: Train to Busan

RAILWAY FILM SERIES: Runaway Train

Innofreight helps moving gypsum in fully electric mode – on rails and on the road

A new intermodal and electric approach to transporting…

China-Serbia direct freight service launched to strengthen trade ties

Covering a distance of about 10,200 kilometers in 20 days,…

Amazon partners with Mercitalia and TX Logistik to connect distribution centres by rail

The FS Italiane Group's Logistics Hub, in partnership with…

DB Cargo's DAC system enters the customer phase

The introduction of the system into customer use is a…

• Free Travel Pass

Contact Information

The Free Travel Scheme is administered by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) and all queries about the scheme should be directed to the Department by emailing [email protected] or calling 071 915 7100.

More details on the Free Travel Scheme can be found on their website.

About the Free Travel Pass 

The Free Travel Pass allows holders to travel free of charge on public transport services in Ireland including Bus Éireann, Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland, Iarnród Éireann, Luas, TFI Local Link and Kilkenny Services operated by City Direct. The Free Travel Pass is also accepted by many commercial bus services.

You can find a full list of all operators and routes where the Free Travel Pass is accepted on gov.ie .

If you are using a PSC Free Travel Card, please hold the card to the validator until you hear a beep or see the green light.

• Train fares
• - TFI Leap Card Info
• - TFI Leap Top-Up App
• - Young Adult and Student Leap
• - TFI 90 Minute Fare
• Fare Evasion on TFI Services

Latest Posts

Public consultation on planned enhancement of bus route 233 cork to macroom, public consultation on planned significant enhancements for bus route 343 from limerick to clare, meet the nta at the transport research arena, (tra) the foremost european transport event, at dublin’s rds, next events, gaa: leinster & all-ireland semi-finals, finals in croke park- gaelic football, hurling, camogie, punchestown race festival 30 april to 4 may, tallaght: soccer events 2024 including shamrock rovers.

Get our Rail Planner app

Plan your trip, get extra discounts, and show your Pass as you go.

Our favorite spring routes

Celebrate spring with these 7 off-the-beaten-path train routes

All about seat reservations

Everything you need to know about booking your seats

Alternatives to Busy Routes

Travel between popular European cities without seat reservations

Through our Chatbot in the bottom right corner.

Ask the Community

Browse questions from fellow Eurail travellers, or ask your own!

• Order overview
• Reservations overview
• My Trips & Travelers
• {{translatedTraveler}} {{#promotional}} {{currencySign}} {{standardPrice}} {{/promotional}} {{quantity}}x {{currencySign}} {{finalPrice}}
• Child {{childPasses}}x FREE
• {{translatedPassType}}
• {{translatedValidityPeriodDescription}}
• {{translatedClass}}
• Remove Pass(es)
• {{variant.localizedTravelPackDescription}} {{quantity}}x Free
• {{variant.localizedPassUpgradeDescription}} {{quantity}}x {{currency}} {{price}}
• Your order will arrive by {{expectedDeliveryDate}} 1 x {{currency}} {{price}}

Your cart is empty

Tour Europe with 1 rail Pass

Follow your curiosity around up to 33 countries, traveling at your own pace by train

Tour Europe by train

with 1 Pass

Create the itinerary

for your perfect trip

Travel flexibly on trains

that don’t need reservations

Stay conscious

and travel sustainably

Build your Eurail adventure in 4 easy steps

1 plan your route.

Plan where you’re going and which trains will take you there.

2 Find your Pass

Travel with a Global Pass or a One Country Pass - It’s up to you.

3 Reserve your seats

Do your trains need seat reservations? Book them early!

4 Activate your Pass

Add your Pass to the app, activate it, and jump on a train!

Secure your plans by reserving seats

Most popular rail passes.

Global Pass

7 travel days

• Travel any 7 days within 1 month
• Perfect for visiting 6-8 destinations
• Change your mind? 85% refundable

10 travel days

• Travel any 10 days within 2 months
• Perfect for visiting 9–11 destinations

“We were on the road for two months and traveled to 16 cities and 10 countries. Through Eurail you get the chance to create your own individual route.” Tamara and Natalie

“I had the freedom to go at my own pace and find unexpected adventures, enjoying spectacular landscapes and discovering natural beauty. In short, a unique and unforgettable adventure." Lucas

“I loved Eurailing! It was cool to see how trains operate in different countries, and how the European network is interlinked. I can’t wait for more international trains and for international rail travel to become the new norm!” Floris

“I loved exploring Europe with my Eurail Pass! It was the perfect complement to my study abroad program and a valuable resource! I was able to visit so many places, and I can’t wait to come back to visit more!” Taylor

“Traveling by train is more than just going from A to B. Your trip already starts at the station, and the experiences and encounters are priceless.” Bram

Ready to travel?

Download our Rail Planner app

Plan your trip and show your Pass as you go.

Change of currency

You cannot change the currency once you have a Pass in your cart. Remove the Pass, and then change the currency on the website header.

BritRail Passes

BritRail provides international visitors to the UK with the freedom to keep to a flexible schedule while traveling throughout British rail’s extensive national network. BritRail’s range of rail passes offers unlimited train trips on each travel day as you journey across England, Scotland and Wales. Choose the BritRail pass that best suits your itinerary and hop on and off the train at exciting destinations like Edinburgh, London and Cardiff! What better way to visit Britain’s historic castles and countless landmarks than by train?

Discover the M-Passes

As the digital answer to rail travel, the M-Pass facilitates seamless travel by downloading your pass to your phone. With flexible and consecutive options to choose from, the M-Pass is easily scanned at the train station to start your journey. Once your purchase has been completed, an email will be sent with your activation code. For consecutive M-Passes you must select your first day of use and flexible M-Passes will select their intended dates of use. Flexible M-Pass holders get the added bonus of one free seat reservation for their trip!

Select your pass

Britrail pass, britrail england pass.

BritRail London Plus Pass

BritRail South West Pass

BritRail Spirit of Scotland Pass

Popular Passes

The best way to explore England, Scotland and Wales is with a BritRail pass, allowing for unlimited train travel on Britain’s National Rail Network! Journey to popular cities throughout Britain while enjoying scenic views of England’s rolling hills, Scottish highlands and Welsh National Parks.

If you’re visiting England, your best bet to travel around the nine distinct regions of this beautiful country is by train. Enjoy coastal destinations like Brighton and vibrant cities including London, Manchester, Liverpool & beyond!

The BritRail South West Pass will bring you to cities in England such as London, Bath, Oxford, and popular destinations along the coast from Plymouth to Penzance! You can also visit Swansea and Cardiff in Wales making this the perfect pass to discover the southwestern region of Britain today!

Travelling the UK with a BritRail Pass

• PLAN MY TRIP
• All Destinations
• Discover Hokkaido
• Discover Honshu
• Discover Kyushu
• Discover Shikoku
• THINGS TO DO
• Japan Travel Deals

UPDATED! Japan Rail Pass: The Ultimate Guide (2024 Edition)

61    comments

Download my "Essential Japan Rail Pass" checklist:

Selecting a start date for the Pass

When you exchange your voucher for the actual pass, you can select any start date provided it is within one month from the day you exchange . Note: once the actual pass is issued, the start date cannot be changed. 

If you purchase passes through the official JR website you will need to select the start date of the passes at the time of purchase, and again, the start date cannot be changed later.

Where can I activate my Japan Rail Pass?

For Japan Rail Passes purchased in advance outside of Japan, you need to activate them at an exchange office after arriving in Japan . Exchange offices can be found in several major train stations and airports.

The official JR Pass website has a complete list of exchange offices here: https://japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html .

How to make seat reservations

Seat reservations are free with the Japan Rail Pass . After exchanging your voucher for the actual pass, you can make seat reservations for JR trains for free at ticket machines or ticket offices across Japan. Note: reservations cannot be made on board trains.

The official Japan Rail Pass website includes a list of all of the exchange offices: https://japanrailpass.net/en/exchange.html .

Starting this summer, thousands of young people will once again travel around Europe by train for free thanks to the latest call of the DiscoverEU programme. Today at 12:00 CET during the  European Youth Week  buzzing with  activities , the Commission launched the latest DiscoverEU application round. It will end on Tuesday 30 April at 12:00 CET.

In total, 35,500 travel passes are available. To get one, young people born between 1 July 2005 and 30 June 2006 can do a quiz with five questions about the EU and one additional question on the  European Youth Portal . Successful applicants will get a free rail pass to travel in Europe for up to 30 days between 1 July 2024 and 30 September 2025.

The call is open to applicants from the European Union and countries associated to the  Erasmus+ programme  including Iceland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Norway, Serbia and Türkiye. Ticket holders can plan their own routes or be inspired by existing ones. For example, they can discover a  route  launched last year, which focuses on cities and places making the European Union ‘beautiful, sustainable and inclusive' in line with the principles of the  New European Bauhaus .

Participants can also benefit from the  DiscoverEU Culture Route  an initiative of the 2022 European Year of Youth that combines various cultural destinations including architecture, music, fine art, theatre, fashion and design. Participants can visit the  European Capitals of Culture  which are on the  UNESCO World Heritage List ,   European Heritage Label  sites, or  Access City Award  label locations, which are cities that have gone above and beyond to become more accessible to everyone.

DiscoverEU is much more than just a ticket. Participants will also receive a  discount card  with over 40,000 discount possibilities on public transport, culture, accommodation, food, sports and other services in eligible countries. Additionally,  Erasmus+ National Agencies  organise pre-departure information meetings, and national agencies across all Erasmus+ countries prepare  DiscoverEU Meet-ups , learning programmes lasting from one to three days.

Social inclusion is a top priority of the Erasmus+ programme, so participants with disabilities or health issues receive support on their journeys. Since October 2022, the Erasmus+ National Agencies have implemented the  DiscoverEU Inclusion Action , allowing organisations working with young people with fewer opportunities to apply for a grant. This action provides extra support to participants, such as extra funding and the possibility to travel with accompanying persons. More than 250 projects have been awarded by the Erasmus+ National Agencies since the first call in October 2022, and two calls of the Inclusion Action are taking place in this year.

While DiscoverEU encourages sustainable travel by rail,  special arrangements  are available for young people from outermost regions, Overseas Counties and Territories, remote areas and islands.

The Commission launched  DiscoverEU  in June 2018 following a preparatory action from the European Parliament. It is integrated into the  Erasmus+ programme 2021-2027 .

Since 2018, more than 1 million candidates have applied for 284,000 available travel passes. According to the latest post-travel survey, 72% of candidates declared it to be the first time travelling out of their country of residence by train. For many, it was also the first time they travelled without parents or accompanying adults, and the majority indicated an increased sense of independence. Over two-thirds said that they would not have been able to finance their travel pass without DiscoverEU.

The DiscoverEU experience has given young people a better understanding of other cultures as well as European history and improved their foreign language skills. Participants are invited to become DiscoverEU Ambassadors to champion the initiative. The  # DiscoverEU Official group  has more than 96,000 members where young travellers can contact each other to share experiences and tips.

To apply, eligible candidates need to complete a multiple-choice quiz on general knowledge about the European Union and other EU initiatives targeting young people. The Commission will rank applicants on the basis of their responses. The Commission will offer travel passes to applicants following their ranking up to the limit of available tickets.

For More Information

European Youth Portal

DiscoverEU is a fantastic opportunity for young people who want to explore Europe, discover places and meet new people. I am happy to launch this spring application round during the exciting European Youth Week. I wish the best of luck to all applicants!

Iliana Ivanova, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth

Share this page