All Aboard the Amtrak Rail Pass: Your Ticket to Adventure!
If you're itching to explore the beauty of the United States, buckle up and get ready to learn all about the incredible Amtrak Rail Pass with 10 legs. This nifty pass offers flexibility, convenience, and affordability, allowing you to embark on an epic train journey across the country. In this blog post, we'll dive into the details of how to snag this pass, how to make the most of it, and the price tag that comes with it. Let's get rolling!
TRAVEL HINTS AND TIPS
Two lost sailors
9/24/20234 min read
Getting Your Hands on the Amtrak Rail Pass:
So, you're eager to grab this awesome rail pass? Well, you're in luck! Purchasing the Amtrak Rail Pass is a breeze.
Head over to the official Amtrak website or give their super-friendly customer service a call. You can buy the pass online or at select stations – whatever floats your boat (or train, in this case)!
All Aboard: Activating and Using Your Rail Pass:
Once you've got your hands on the Rail Pass, it's time to activate it and start your adventure.
To activate, simply download their app and book your first trip, visit a staffed Amtrak ticket office or give their customer service a ring. Let them know the date you plan to start your journey, and voila! Your pass is good to go.
Be aware that your pass is valid for 3 months whilst unused, BUT once it is activated it’s valid for 30 days, meaning all of your 10 journeys must be made within a 30 day period.
Using the pass is as easy as pie. Just make sure to reserve your seat for each leg of your journey.
Pro tip: It's always best to book in advance, especially during those peak travel seasons as each train has a limited number of seats allocated for these type of tickets and once they’re gone they’re gone.
You can make reservations online, through the Amtrak mobile app (yep, there's an app for that), or by reaching out to their friendly customer service team.
There are some journey limitations though and not all routes are available for travel using this pass so check available routes before purchasing.
Leg Limitations: Let's Talk About It:
Now, let's get real and discuss the limitations. The Amtrak Rail Pass with 10 legs allows you to travel on up to ten segments within a designated timeframe.
But hang on, what's a segment? Well, a segment simply refers to a single trip, regardless of the distance covered. So, whether you're hopping from New York to Boston or embarking on a cross-country journey from Seattle to Los Angeles, it counts as just one leg. Keep that in mind as you plan your epic adventure!
In simple terms, each time you get on and off one train it’s a leg, so if your journey involves 3 train changes that would be 3 legs used. You can also only travel coach class, this ticket is not valid for sleeper cabins or first class travel.
Another limitation is that you can only visit the same station twice, so this ticket is no good for commuters or people frequently travelling around the same area. It is designed for travellers who are continuing forwards on their journey, going from place to place exploring Americas beauty.
Benefits and Price Tag:
Alright, now that we've covered the limitations, let's focus on the exciting part – the benefits!
With the Amtrak Rail Pass, you'll enjoy the flexibility to explore a plethora of destinations across the United States. Whether it's the bustling streets of New York City, the stunning landscapes of the Grand Canyon, or the vibrant culture of New Orleans, the choice is yours!
The journeys are really easy to book using the App but be sure to book in advance to guarantee your seat. We had no problems booking a day or so before and even booked the same day on occasion, however, booking in advance is highly recommended.
One thing to note is that each person must have their own app on their phone. Unfortunately, you can’t book several seats at once, you have to book individually, meaning that both of you have to open the app, enter the journey you want to take and book your tickets separately. We found this a bit strange and think this is something that could definitely be improved upon by Amtrak. Having said that we didn’t encounter any issues with availability and don’t worry if you do as the app is really flexible, you can cancel a journey right up to the last minute without any penalties.
As for the cost, the Amtrak Rail Pass with 10 legs is a steal.
As of 2023, prices range from approximately $499 for a 30-day pass. Keep in mind that prices may vary, so always double-check the Amtrak website for the most up-to-date information. Plus, Amtrak occasionally offers discounts and promotions, so keep your eyes peeled for those too!
If used wisely this pass can save you quite a bit of money compared to paying for one way tickets to each of your destinations.
There you have it, our fellow wanderers – the ins and outs of the Amtrak Rail Pass with 10 legs!
It's your ticket to adventure, offering flexibility, convenience, and affordability.
From buying the pass to activating it, making reservations, and understanding its limitations, you're now equipped to embark on an unforgettable journey across the United States.
So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready to make incredible memories as you chug along the scenic railways of America.
All aboard!
