Best Ways To Save Money On Amtrak

[@ck4426]

My daughter and (future) son in law loaded a pod and moved the rest of their stuff on the California Zephyr from Emeryville to Chicago. They literally lived in Emeryville and walked to the train station with their stuff. She also had her wedding dress with her and yes, it fit in a roomette closet. Yes, you can move a lot of stuff on Amtrak!!!🤣👍😀

[@brucewilkinson8599]

I’m so appreciative of the information you’ve given about traveling on Amtrak. Especially I’m glad I signed up for the Amtrak Preferred credit card - at the time it offered 40,000 points. I agree it’s been a game changer for me, and helped me enjoy Amtrak travel even more. Love your content! Hope to run into you sometime, especially at the Atlanta station.

[@sct4040]

Took the NYC - Boston Amtrak in June. It was fully booked and was too crowded. Not like it was before the pandemic.

[@krism4139]

Train folks are the best! So glad to find your channel! Thank you for sharing such helpful info.

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Welcome!

[@bethdabruzzo7112]

I love the tip about waiting for the 50k points to come around!! I'll be in the lookout!!

[@mykeromero7075]

Thank you so much for this information. Your train travel videos are always enjoyable, but this one is most enlightening!!!

[@suebeearts]

I recently traveled in coach on the Southwest Chief from mid-Kansas to Fullerton, California, having booked a few months in advance. My ticket cost $123 one-way, a roomette would have cost over $900 which is way beyond reasonable or affordable to me. I’ve been lucky to keep two seats for myself in coach each of the four times I’ve taken that route. I can’t imagine if I’d had a stranger sitting next to me for that 29+ hour trip. I do love Amtrak, though, and have thoroughly enjoyed each time I’ve traveled via train.

[@donhorvat1931]

Excellent video (Thank you). An experience I unfortunately learned the hard way - when the rewards card bonus increases above 20,000 points (say 30 up to 50,000 points), the ONLY way to claim that amount is to apply for the card via THAT link offering it. Doing it any other way within the same time frame will only give you the 20,000 points). I agree it’s still a good deal overall, just a disappointment if you were anticipating the additional points. Deals are out there…..

[@kittykathy9532]

Good info! I’ve never traveled by train because I thought it was too expensive, but it looks like there are options. Just have 😊to be flexible. Thanks for the video.🎉

[@patrickcatpop]

When you mention discounts, I never hear you mention the Rail Passenger Association discount. There are limitations. But joining Rail Passengers to promote changes positive changes to rail service can be a great way for people to get a 10% discount on travel. Restrictions apply. People would select "Adult" then select Rail Passengers below.

[@bernardschmitt6389]

Plus its only $60 a year, great option for peeps to get discounts and support rail in the usa.

[@johnniet.7820]

Love the channel guys. And love that you can make a living at this while traveling around the US and the World. I would say however, that I consider US trains to be one of the least desirable in the world, compared to other countries. I understand that the cost of revamping and modernizing our dilapidated systems is almost prohibitive, but that is what is needed. And I consider Amtrak's fees way too expensive for the average American--who does not use the system often, or for business, and/or does not use the points/cards/special offers, or limited availability BOGO's. I do not pretend to know anything about the cost of running these trains, but it seems to me that the consumer travel routes could have more cars allocated to the busiest and most tourist-traveled routes to average down the cost of tickets. I have seen in my lifetime, freight trains that were over 200 cars long (especially coal trains), and I know that the railroad charges high rates to do this, but what is stopping them from adding another 20-30 overnight sleepers and 4 or 5 diner/bar cars to the best passenger routes--and hence, charging less for the added tickets? If I am going on vacation, I would like to maximize my spending ability at my location, and take the cheapest travel possible to get there. I would NOT consider the vacation as being the trip itself (which I understand you enjoy, and I can certainly understand that, given that you are more appreciative of the mode, comfort, and scenic opportunities of train travel). In my 73 years, I have taken many trains as my primary travel and have never, even in my youth, found them to be overly-comfortable, uniquely affordable, or timely. And with the advent of Amtrak, things have gotten more standardized and on-time, but nothing like the beauty, comfort, and speed of the Japanese bullet trains, or the picturesque enjoyment of the Alpine trains of Switzerland. We are a great country and we should have the best trains in the world--and the cheapest and most-traveled. I appreciate your channel doing what you can to help US travelers get the most for their money, and your pointing out some of the upgrades needed for future train travel. We can only hope that the situation will improve in the future.

[@larainehruby9820]

You folks are one of my favorites online. Let me know if you ever want a writer, editor, publisher to travel with you and share my Amtrak experiences that I have had since 1994 when I moved from Seattle to Chicago with 7 boxes - a move that 0:19 had a ridiculously low cost. Made a trip to California in July of 2022 to visit family, and when train was unexpectedly delayed, I applied for and received a $500 voucher for travel . . . so I used it to buy a USA Rail Pass - the future with Amtrak looks bright for a traveler, a great grandma at 80, and still an adventurer!

[@girlygirllocssoul]

Thank you so much for this! My family and I are looking forward towards our Amtrak trip in October! Excited!

[@chrisylink]

I love you Videos on amtrak. I just became a member of the rail passengers association and you save 10% on most coach seats! Also depending how much you contribute you earn a certain amount of guest rewards points each month!

[@ThunderBroomPilot]

To have those tiers, you have to keep on traveling at a certain volume. They do go away if you don't

[@this_jedi_crafts6626]

I really enjoy your videos and so glad the algorithm brought me to your channel. I really appreciate your knowledge and tips and perspective. I have always wanted to take a train across the US (from NY to LA) to visit my family but never really looked into the cost. Currently the reward card is offering 20K points (very low compared to the great deal you guys scored) with the $99 annual card fee but with the caveat that you spend a minimum of $1K within three billing cycles (to qualify for the points). I think the interest rate is around 27 or 28% (which is also super super high). I can see how it completely makes sense for you two to have it (to foster the channel's growth and for you to enjoy an amazing form of relaxing travel. I think, between prices rises since the end of the pandemic and with inflation in general, I will just have to set a goal to save up (within a year) for that next December trip (2024) and finally take the plunge with a roomette. So excited to travel on Amtrak one day. Short term, it will be Metro North (up to Sleepy Hollow) with co-workers in September for some fall fun (and living vicariously through your channel and adventures! Love your content - you two are great!

[@jerrycarnley7673]

Thank you for your thoughtful, informative and entertaining videos. Love watching you both!

[@GroundedLifeTravel]

Thanks for watching!

[@evandrinks]

I really like Amtrak Share Fares, where you can travel with a group of up to 8 or 9 passengers at a reduced price. I also use the Rail Passengers Association discount of 10 percent off, which can be useful if you travel a decent amount.

[@privacyseekr]

For what was said @9:57, I asked amtrak (through a typed snail mail letter) to give points instead of lounge passes for those who are select plus and select executive. They have not responded, but I hope they consider it as a possibility.

[@scrappytracy5557]

I have actually scored some last minute deals. The best was when I got a great price on a roomette less than 2 weeks before I traveled (but it was January, so off-season). That was January of this year.

[@dnice9168]

Ty i used the senior/disability discount, and booked 7 months in advanced.

[@JeanetteWoods-d3w]

You both are so lovely x

[@macariobernal1914]

Thank you for the information, Have my tickets for my trip to OKC from Naperville, IL in Oct. Looking forward for that trip. Enjoy your videos.

[@conniekirkland4425]

Love your videos so much…thank you so much for bringing them to us…even though I haven’t taken my September trip yet I feel like I know what to do so my anxiety level is way down!!👍👍👍👍

[@J.W.W.]

Looks like I need to save this video also. Appreciate it!

[@alonzohorton6227]

Hello. My question is… If my train is late from New York to Chicago (example) and I miss my same-day train from Chicago to Seattle, does Amtrak accommodate me?

[@SharynMcDonald]

Wondering if there has been any update on the Amtrak from Mpl’s/St. Paul to Duluth? Enjoy your videos!!!!

[@nancycarden2469]

You always have such great information. Thank you.

[@debranorris9640]

What months are considered off season? For the Empire Builder route, especially.

[@dsjohuang]

Very helpful video. Thank you very much.

[@travelwithbyrdadventures]

Great information!

[@marciagrace-s5q]

I have never been on a train looking forward to traveling.

[@LindaHuge]

When is off season or high season as you mention in your videos.? How/where do I find more information? Thank you!

[@mokachyna22]

Your videos inspired me to take the Coast Starlight. I’m traveling from Seattle to Los Angeles! I have a roomette booked. Are they cold?

[@wadetowery9117]

Great channel! I'm planning my first trip on amtrak houston to san antonio (short trial run) is there a way to find the days and times the train is at each town?

[@Homer500]

Google Sunset Limited Schedule

[@vickyRivera43]

Hi thank you for the information. I never took the Amtrak for over nite. I’m interested is traveling from nyc to Kansas City. Please help. I would like to travel in May..

[@patbueltel9628]

Are these credit cards only good on train travel, or can you use them at the store

[@genesnyder2985]

I’ve heard of group cruises but is there such a thing as a group train ride

[@curthater1114]

How much for a trip to Virginia from Philadelphia

[@steveshama5960]

By the way, I've had the Amtrak Card for a number of years and have checked the point value many times. Each point is worth about 2.8 cents...an interesting fact.

[@karenbostwick1731]

I have a whole bunch of coupons but when I go to use them when I make an online purchase for a bedroom, it won't let me use them. Do I have to call to book to use them?

[@bunnywrld999]

Hey! Does anyone know if pepper spray is allowed on Amtrak or any other self defense weapons? I’m heading on my trip in a few days and it’s my first time traveling anywhere on my own so please help 😅

[@tananario]

Pepper spray in close quarters, indoors, and no way to get away from the fumes.

[@harveyh3696]

For the algorithm. plus its great

[@harrychu650]

For the Cardinal from NY to Indiana, $1,725, one way. This is pricing with 4 months out. nah, not worth it

[@ThunderBroomPilot]

Amtrak is very super now and then. But you two travel all the time. Seems like it is very tiresome to be constantly traveling.

[@Whoeverwhateverwhenever]

Let's be honest. You two probably travel for free or with a huge discount. You travel for a living. Things are completely different for an average Joe.

[@gearymertz473]

Sorry don't mind watching your sponsor ad, but if I have to watch KZbin ads then I am out of here.

[@chrisdobrowolski2783]

For most ads you can hit skip ad.

[@vickyRivera43]

Thank you 🫂