<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Reindeerflame:
There are only 2 daily trains to Champaign; both are all reserved. This means you are supposed to have a ticket for a specific date and train.
The cheapest tickets (save 5% by booking at Amtrak.com for purchases through 12/13; even more savings (another 10%) as a AAA member) are typically "nonrefundable" these days, but can be exchanged for full dollar value for some future Amtrak trip if not used for the intended train; no need to cancel the reservation in advance.
</font>
Also note that restricted tickets sometimes carry a change fee per ticket. The amount of $35 sticks in my head, but I'm not sure. Not all tickets have them however, so be sure to ask the ticket agent for the specific rules of the fare you purchase.
It is recommended that you do cancel your reservation in advance of train departure if you won't be using the ticket. Makes the crew's life easier when they don't have a manifest full of no-shows.
