How to Score Discounts and Save Money on Rail Travel

Traveling by train, whether within the country or abroad, is exciting. The ride itself feels magical, as the coach zips through bustling cities as well as vast expanses of hills, valleys, and rivers. But what can make this experience even more enjoyable is the chance to travel at discounted prices. For seniors, finding rail travel deals is often much easier—provided you know where to look and how to take advantage of them.

Get That 10% Off on Amtrak

Seniors over 65 years are eligible for a 10% discount on most rail fares on Amtrak trains running within the country. As for cross-border services operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada, seniors aged 60 and above are eligible for a 10% discount. Check for such senior rail travel deals and select the best option.

Compare Discounts

Just like when you shop for clothes or shoes, finding discounts on train tickets requires research. You must compare prices across online ticket providers, as each one may offer different deals and discounts, and not all may work for you. For example, some might offer 30% off a train ticket, while others may offer Buy-One-Get-One tickets that make sense if you travel as a duo.

Sign Up With Travel Websites

Signing up with popular ticketing websites is a good idea as they often send targeted deals to their signed-up customers via email. But remember that you may have to pay a one-time fee to sign up and become a member. This fee is usually nominal and is nothing compared to the money you save in the long term by getting a membership.

Look for Cashback on Bookings

Rail service providers often offer cashback on bookings, which can be redeemed later. If you accumulate enough cashback over time, you may be able to cover the entire cost of your next senior-friendly holiday. That said, it’s important to monitor the cashback balance from time to time and use it before the expiration date.

Benefit From Travel Partnerships

Sometimes you may not get a discount directly on your train ticket, but you can still save in other ways. Various ticketing websites, for instance, partner with hotels that let you use or earn points on bookings. Others may offer discounts on vehicle rentals after you purchase a rail ticket, or vice versa. There are many partnership programs that everyone, including seniors, can use to their benefit.

Get a Rail Pass

Several discounted rail passes for older adults are available online. These passes generally cover particular segments or routes and have an expiration date. For example, Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass covers ten segments. This pass is valid for a maximum of 120 days from the date of purchase, but once activated by your first trip, you must complete all segments within the next 30 days. Rail passes are generally valid for coach travel only but help you save a significant sum.

Book More Than One Ticket

You can score better discounts if you buy more than one rail ticket. Rail ticketing platforms often charge full price for one person, but offer 15% off the second ticket, 60% off the third, and so on. This can amount to a lot in savings, especially for seniors who need to cut down on bills. Such discounts are usually available during the holidays and summer to attract more customers. Besides helping you save money, traveling in a group gives you a chance to make friends and build lasting connections.

Apply Promo Codes

Most rail travel platforms launch promo and coupon codes to help people save money when booking with them. However, instead of the train’s official website, these codes may be available on third-party websites. In the case of Amtrak, promo codes are usually four digits and carry between 10% and 50% in savings. The codes usually have an expiration date, so get them quickly.

Book Early

The earlier you book, the higher your chances of securing discounts. If you confirm your travel well in advance, buy your train ticket early without hesitation. Some platforms let users book their tickets up to 11 months in advance. Besides helping you save money, an advance booking will help you plan better and avoid last-minute stress.

Read the Terms and Conditions

Whenever you buy anything, including tickets, ensure you read the terms and conditions carefully. Cheaper train fares for seniors may come with a catch. For instance, on-sale and value tickets are often non-refundable once purchased, which could put you at a loss if you need to cancel travel plans for any reason.

Carefully Plan Travel Dates

If you’re looking for senior train ticket discounts, one of the easiest ways to get them is to plan travel dates wisely. Rail tickets are usually cheaper between Tuesdays and Fridays. Additionally, booking tickets during the off-season can help you save on travel, especially as a senior. If you are unsure about when to book your tickets, consulting a tour operator may help.