Amtrak Discounts for Disabled, Seniors & Military Riders
Author: Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2018/09/06 - Updated: 2026/01/24
Publication Type: Informative
Category Topic: Public Transport - Related Publications
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main - Insights, Updates
Synopsis: This information details the discount programs available through America's national passenger rail service for travelers seeking accessible and affordable transportation options. The piece provides authoritative guidance by outlining specific eligibility requirements, percentage reductions, and booking procedures directly from Amtrak's official discount policies. Passengers with disabilities can access up to 50% savings on certain routes, while seniors, military families, students, and group travelers benefit from clearly defined fare reductions. These programs address real financial barriers that older adults and people with disabilities often face when planning intercity travel, making rail transportation a more viable option for those who may find air travel challenging or driving long distances impractical - Disabled World (DW).
Introduction
The name Amtrak is a portmanteau of the words America and trak, the latter itself a sensational spelling of track. The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak, is a passenger railroad service that provides medium- and long-distance intercity service in the contiguous United States and to nine Canadian cities. Amtrak serves more than 500 destinations in 46 states and three Canadian provinces, operating more than 300 trains daily over 21,400 miles (34,000 km) of track.
Amtrak's loyalty program, Guest Rewards, is similar to the frequent-flyer programs of many airlines. Guest Rewards members accumulate points by riding Amtrak and through other activities, and can redeem these points for free or discounted Amtrak tickets and other rewards.
Main Content
Amtrak Discounts
Amtrak offers a variety of Everyday Discounts for affordable travel year-round which include.
AAA members save 10%:
AAA members and their immediate family (spouses and dependents) receive a 10% discount off the lowest available Value or Flexible fare when travel is booked at least three-days in advance. Up to two kids, ages 2-12, traveling with an adult receive 50% off the AAA member rail fare.
College visit discount:
Amtrak has partnered with Collegia to make visiting college campuses more affordable. When reserved at least three days in advance, high school juniors and seniors traveling with an adult receive a 50% off companion discount on most Amtrak travel to personally check out their top choices and make sure the university that looks so good in the brochure is really a good fit.
Discounts for passengers with disabilities and their companions:
Amtrak offers adult passengers with a disability a 15% rail fare discount off the lowest available Value or Flexible fare on most Amtrak trains. Passengers with a disability traveling on Downeaster trains (Boston, MA to Portland, ME) are eligible for a 50% discount. On most Amtrak service child passengers with a disability are eligible for the Everyday 50% child discount plus an additional 15% off the discounted child's fare. Amtrak also offers a 15% discount for persons traveling with a passenger with a disability as a companion.
Group travel:
Passengers traveling together in groups of 20 or more will receive a 10% discount off the best available rail fare, or a free escort ticket for each 20 travelers. Learn more about group travel requests or call 1-800-USA-1GRP for more information on taking everyone along to share in the fun.
Kids Ride 50% off:
Children 2-12 receive a 50% discount on the best available adult rail fare. One infant, under the age of two, can ride free with each fare-paying adult. Kids will take in the wonder and fun of the train, while parents enjoy a trip without baggage fees and traffic stops.
Military personnel and families save 10%:
Amtrak is honoring the dedication of the nation's military by offering active-duty U.S. military personnel, their spouses and their dependents a 10% discount off the lowest available Value or Flexible fare on most Amtrak trains, including travel on the Auto Train.
NARP members save 10percent:
National Association of Railroad Passengers (NARP) members receive a 10% discount off the lowest available Value or Flexible fare on most Amtrak trains when travel is booked at least three-days in advance. Visit the NARP website for information about becoming a member.
Passenger Discount for Veterans Advantage® Members:
Veterans Advantage members holding a valid VetRewards Card receive a 15% discount off the lowest available Value or Flexible adult rail fares on most Amtrak service.
Seniors save 15%:
Amtrak travelers 62 years of age and over receive a 15% discount off the lowest available Value or Flexible fare on most Amtrak trains. On cross-border services operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada, senior travelers ages 60 and over can take advantage of a 10% discount.
Student discount:
Students 13-25 with a valid student ID are eligible for 15% off the lowest Value or Flexible Fare when travel is booked at least three-days in advance. Mom's hugs and free laundry are just a train ride away.
Insights, Analysis, and Developments
Editorial Note: While these discount programs represent meaningful steps toward accessible transportation, travelers should verify current eligibility requirements and restrictions before booking, as policies can change. The 15% disability discount applies to most routes, yet the more substantial 50% reduction remains limited to specific corridors like the Downeaster service, revealing how accessibility benefits still vary significantly across the national network. Those planning trips should contact Amtrak directly at least three days before departure to ensure their specific needs can be accommodated and to confirm which discounts apply to their chosen route and travel dates - Disabled World (DW).
Author Credentials: Ian is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.