Jim,

While you may not be able to change your departure days, you are nonetheless planning on leaving on the two busiest days. Amtrak, just like hotels and airlines, charges more as their trains fill up with passengers. Therefore leaving on either of those two days could cost you more.

I would highly recommend that as soon as possible you commit to a reservation, as each day you wait could lead to an increased price.

Since you didn't tell us what month you expect to travel, that makes it hard for us to recommend any possible discounts. However, it is very rare that one find discounts that will work on the Auto Train at any time of the year, and you won't find any discounts for the Silver Service (Philly to Fla) for the summer months.

As for your sons, I probably would bring along birth certificates just in case, especially for the 15-year-old, who still qualifies for a child fare barely.

As to which train to take, that's a bit of a tougher choice. I've done both and each have their charm. The Auto Train (AT) will probably cost you a bit more, since you are also paying to transport your car. The AT however is Amtrak's premier train on the East Coast and therefore gets the best crews and the best cars. You also get dinner included on the AT regardless of whether you travel in coach or a sleeper.

On the Silver Service from Philly, you only get meals included if you book a sleeper. So that can be an additional expense.

The AT of course allows you to bring your own car, thereby avoiding a rental. On the other hand you've got to drive from Philly to just past DC. So if you do this, leave early, as the train won't wait for you. I took part of my family last May on the AT. While I live in NY, they live in Mt. Pocono, PA. So we got on the road at like 7:00 AM.

Traveling to NYP in Feb.
 

Hi - I'm new here and I'm planning a family vacation to NY from ATL. Two Adults and Three Children (2yrs - 7yrs) will be traveling unreserved coach. Travel dates desired are ATL departure 2/18 and NYP return 2/28.

What codes can be used inconjunction to the standard 50% off for the children?

Thanks for you suggestions in advance.

Thanks Alan, we are looking to go in March or April
 

I am now leaning alot more towards taking the Autotrain,what would be the cheapest way to book it, code wise ect. ?
tia

At present, I'm aware of no codes that will work on the Auto Train. If you have AAA, then that will get you 10% off the rail fare for each of you. That discount, and for that matter any discount codes, will not work on the sleeper portion of the fare if you plan on getting a sleeper.

Since Amtrak fares will go up as the train sells out, I would urge you to book ASAP rather than waiting and hoping for a discount. This is especially true if you are considering getting a sleeper. The odds are that any savings from a last minute code suddenly showing up, will be negated by the increasing prices. Wait too long and you may even end up paying more than you would right now, using no codes.

Should you decide on the Auto Train, you may wish to check out On Track On Line's Auto Train Hints & Tips. There is a lot of useful information contained in the pages.

Any new codes? I'm looking to travel PHL-EWR 5MAR/13MAR.

Need code for amtrak for nyc to washington dc for non student
 

Hi all,

Does anyone have a code for amtak for nyc/dc/nyc travel? I am not an student nor senior or aaa member.

thanks for the assistance,
LK

Student Discount
 

Any discount codes for Chicago to Carbondale? Don't have AAA or Student discount.

V242 offers a 20% discount Tues-Thurs.

An even bigger discount is available at http://tickets.amtrak.com/itd/amtrak/WeeklySpecials -- 80% off 2/7 through 2/17! Seats are limited, though.

You should bookmark that page, as that train is often listed.

V242 – 20 % off Midwest Travel Mon-Thurs, 3 day adv pur, exp 6/16/05
 

Here's more detail on V242, first posted by Aces:

V242 – 20 percent off Midwest Travel Mon-Thurs, 3 day advance purchase, Expire June 16, 2005

Midwest Midweek Getaways

Use Promotion Code V242
Save 20% on Amtrak travel.
Special rates at participating B&B's and Hotels.
Many locations offer pick-up at the Amtrak Station.
Breakfast is included at most locations.
Car Rental is availble in most communities.

Get a 20% discount when traveling on select trains within Illinois and Missouri from Tuesday to Thursday. Communities in Illinois and Missouri are offering special rates at many Bed & Breakfast's and Hotels.

For lodging reservations, call the lodging and ask for the Amtrak Midweek Getaway rate for the listed property. Special rates are available Tuesday and Wednesday night. Some lodgings honor these prices other nights. Added charges may apply for upgrades and additional guests.

Downlod the participating lodging brochure (PDF).

Terms & Conditions

Amtrak reservations must be made at least 3 days in advance to qualify for the 20% discount.

Lodgings will ask to see your Amtrak ticket receipts.

Valid on Trains 300, 301, 303, 304, 305, 306, 347, 348, 391 and 392 from January 4 - June 16, 2005, on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

Subject to availability. Restrictions, blackout dates and taxes may apply. Fares schedules, routes and other information subject to change without notice.

Anyone know any working promotional codes for the capital corridor trains? I used to use V148 but that doesnt work anymore.

Any help would be great, thanks.

http://www.amtrakcapitols.com/promot..._ride_free.php

http://www.amtrakcapitols.com/fares_.../discounts.php

Heartland Flyer (Coupons??)
 

I've never seen a discount (or anyone ask for one) for the Hearltand Flyer. I am planning on taking my family to Dallas for a weekend and my 2 year old son has never been on a train. If anyone has any codes, I would really appreciate it. We arent going until March 20th so I have a little time.

Thanks for the help.

- Mark

The Crescent
 

Any discount codes out there for travel on the Crescent in March? Would probably be in a roomette, if it makes a difference.

Campus Visit Program?
 

Does anyone know any details about the Campus Visit Program? I read Amtrak's info about filling in their questionnaire online, but they really don't explain the procedure. How does it work? If I get tickets online, how do they verify the high school age requirement - or do they ask for your birth certificate when you get on the train? This sounds like a great program, but I hope it isn't more complicated than it sounds. I'd hate to show up for the train unprepared and have the trip end before it even gets started.