Travelers can take advantage of AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) discounts on Amtrak trains. It is not offered directly but under their senior discount program, which provides a guaranteed 10% off on all trains. Every passenger who is 65 or above is allowed to avail this discount.
As AARP is associated with senior discounts and travel offers, passengers sometimes assume that Amtrak provides a special AARP discount. However, this is not the entire truth. Travelers booking tickets using this discount must have a valid government-issued ID, as it will be checked at the station.
AARP Discount on Amtrak
Amtrak is the largest passenger rail company in the United States, which offers many discounts to travelers on a category basis. AARP membership has been designed to benefit all senior citizens in the U.S. by providing discounts, insurance, and resources.
However, the eligibility for AARP is different from Amtrak senior discounts. All members who are 50 or older can use the Retired Persons discount.
There are no direct AARP discounts offered by Amtrak, but all members who are 65 or above are eligible for getting 10% off on tickets, irrespective of the fact that they are a part of AARP or not.
Alternatives Present on Amtrak for AARP
In place of AARP, Amtrak offers Senior discounts, which can be used by selecting Senior in the passenger type while booking the tickets. There are no promotional codes, as the system will automatically reduce 10% from the overall cost.
The tickets can be booked through the official website of Amtrak or by calling their customer support department.
NOTE: Amtrak Senior Discount is available on connecting services in Canada. Senior travelers 60 or above can take advantage of the same discount amount with VIA Rail Canada.
Senior AARP Discount Limitations on Amtrak
Senior passengers on Amtrak will have to use their designated discount after being eligible for the program. They do not necessarily need to have an AARP membership to avail this discount.
- This discount cannot be used for sleeping cabins on Amtrak trains.
- Travelers are not allowed to avail themselves of the connection services of Amtrak, like Thruway.
- It cannot be combined with other present discounts, such as the Amtrak Military discount or Group Discount.
- Amtrak will apply certain restrictions after using this discount.
- A valid proof of age will be checked before boarding the train.
Advantages of Amtrak Senior/AARP discounts
The Senior Discount of Amtrak offers certain benefits to senior citizens with these offers and opening new opportunities for their travel.
- Amtrak offers flexible booking in which senior travelers can make changes or cancel their itineraries at a minimal or no fee.
- Amtrak tickets generally include the baggage allowance and seat selection at no extra cost, reducing the doubts of hidden costs.
- The senior discount is applicable on most Amtrak routes across the U.S., meaning seniors can explore multiple cities and regions under one affordable network, without needing to rely on multiple carriers.
- Seniors can combine their discounted fares with Amtrak Guest Reward points to get the maximum benefit of this scheme. It allows them to earn points on each travel and use them as travel credits on their future journeys.
- Bookings can be made through the website, eliminating the need for an in-person visit to reserve a seat.
Final Words
The AARP Discount on Amtrak, though not a separate Senior discounts program, provides affordable travel within the United States and Canada.
Travelers can avail a guaranteed 10% off on most Amtrak Trains, which will be applied directly after selecting “senior” as the passenger type, even if they do not have an AARP membership.
However, they are required to be at least 65 years old or above to pass the age criteria and must have a valid ID proof of their age.
FAQs
No, Amtrak does not currently offer a specific AARP discount. However, it provides a senior discount to travelers aged 65 and older.
Eligible senior travelers receive 10% off the regular adult rail fare on most Amtrak routes.
Yes, Travelers claiming the senior discount must carry a valid government-issued ID (such as a passport or driver’s license) that verifies their age. Amtrak agents may request proof during ticketing or onboard.
The discount applies only to the rail fare portion of the ticket in coach class. It does not apply to business class upgrades, sleeper accommodations, or the accommodation charge portion of a roomette or bedroom fare.
No, the discount is based on age, not AARP membership. Any qualifying senior traveler can receive the same fare reduction, regardless of whether they belong to AARP.
