What a Treat: USA Amtrak Passes Now Available

Wow -- this is some serious news: Amtrak has started offering passes to US citizens, something the US train system has not done before -- yeah, this is news! Citizens of other countries have long been able to buy Amtrak passes, much to the dismay of Americans who've long lamented their inability to ride the US rails on passes (though on the plus side of the train pass discount equation, Americans can buy the best kinds of Eurail passes and Europeans can't).

Well, that's changed. You can now get an Amtrak pass for one of three travel durations and segments (15 days/8 segments, 30 days/12 segments and 45 days/18 segments) and travel from purple mountains' majesty to shining sea (learn more about coast-to-coast Amtrak trips):

15 days/8 segments: $389; w/Amtrak student discount: $330.65

30 days/12 segments: $579; w/Amtrak student discount: $492.15

45 days/18 segments: $749; w/Amtrak student discount $636.65

We'll be looking into this further -- you can bet we'll be grabbing an Amtrak pass to tour the US of A this spring and keeping you apprised of the research on any reduced rates. In the meantime, check out the Amtrak pass information straight from Amtrak:

• Amtrak Passes

Amtrak's especially worth looking into now that air travel has gotten very difficult and airport rules increasingly complex -- learn more about Amtrak's pretty simple security rules:

• Amtrak Security and Baggage / Carry-On Rules
• Amtrak to Expand Enhanced Security to West Coast

Learn more about Amtrak discounts:

• Amtrak Student Discounts
• 1/2 Off College Tours With Amtrak

Learn more about Amtrak travel:

• Amtrak Routes
• Buying Amtrak Tickets
• See an Amtrak Coach Seat or Superliner Sleeper
• See Amtrak Viewliner Sleeper and Other Sleeper-Bedroom Options
• See an Amtrak Family Bedroom
• Learn About Amtrak Security and Carry On and Checked Baggage Rules
• Finding and Boarding Your Amtrak Train
• About Checking Tickets
• Amtrak Observation, Dining Cars and Other Services
• Amtrak Personnel and Who's Who
• Tipping on Amtrak Trains

Views from the train:

• View From the Window
• Denver Platform View
• Nebraska Platform View
• Winter Park Ski Train Platform View
• Glenwood Springs Platform View

Photos: Kathleen Crislip | Student Travel blog home | Share on Facebook |