Amtrak allows travelers to get an extra discount when they travel in groups. The amount of discount increases with the number of people traveling and can go up to 60% using shared fares. In one journey, a minimum of 15 passengers can make a booking in the group.
This discount is available on most of the routes except for some specific ones, such as Borealis, California, Capitol Corridor, etc. The passengers booking tickets using this discount will have to book a coach or Acela business class, and no upgrades will be permitted. Additionally, a fee will be charged if they cancel the ticket.
What is the Amtrak Group Discount?
The Amtrak group discount is a facility to provide a percentage off on traveling in a group of 15 people or more. Travelers can book their tickets through a call, as Amtrak only provides online booking for shared ticket fares, which are open for groups of a maximum of 8 people.
Eligibility Criteria for Amtrak Group Travel discount:
- Group size: 15 people or more.
- Booking Method: Calling the customer support department.
- Policies: Amtrak will apply more restrictions and conditions that can be cleared while booking the tickets.
Amtrak Shared Fares Discount
Passengers traveling in groups of 8 can use this facility to get exclusive discounts while booking tickets through the official website or app. They can save up to 60% off on the whole booking on individual tickets.
- Passenger 1: full price (or lowest available fare)
- Group of 2: full price (or lowest available fare)
- Group of 3: 15% off all tickets
- Group of 4: 25% off all tickets
- Group of 5: 37% off all tickets
- Group of 6: 47% off all tickets
- Group of 7: 54% off all tickets
- Group of 8: 60% off all tickets
However, these are the cumulative discounts on the adult rail tickets. While booking general adult fare tickets can provide more discounts, and even the last two passengers can travel for free, they will get 100% off.
- Passenger 1: Whole price or book low-fare tickets.
- Passenger 2: Full price or booking the lowest fare possible.
- Passenger 3: 45% discount.
- Passenger 4: 55% discount.
- Passenger 5: 85% discount.
- Passenger 6: 95% discount.
- Passenger 7: 100% discount.
- Passenger 8: 100% discount.
The system will apply these discounts automatically when the traveler adds the code V291 to Amtrak’s official app.
How to book Amtrak Group Discount Tickets?
Booking Amtrak Discount tickets has to be done by calling the customer support department for more than 15 people, while shared fares can be booked through the Amtrak app.
Amtrak Seat Booking for Group Travel through Call:
- Call at 800-872-1477 and connect with an Amtrak representative.
- Inform them to book seats for a group, mentioning the number of people in the group.
- Specify to book the tickets using the Amtrak Group discount.
- Provide information about each member, with the date and destination of travel.
- Confirm the booking after completing the payment through card or online banking.
- The booking user will get all the details of the train on their registered mobile number.
Amtrak Seat Booking for Group Travel via the App (for a maximum of 8 people)
- Download the app and log in to the account.
- Navigate to the “Plan Your trip” section and make a new booking.
- Enter travel dates, destination station and departure station.
- Search for available trains and fares.
- In the passenger section, enter the total number of people in the group (up to 8).
- Proceed to check out and add the coupon “V291”.
- The discount will be applied automatically, reflecting the decrease in the total amount.
- Confirm and pay for the reservations.
Benefits of Amtrak Group Discount
The Amtrak group discount is an opportunity for travelers who want to travel in a group, providing them with discounts on their usual ticket prices. The capacity is very high, and it will give more discounts as the number of people increases.
- Exclusive Fares and discounts: Travelers get appropriate fare deals by cutting down some amount in the overall cost or providing an individual off for every person in the group.
- Convenience: It is a convenient way for people who prefer to travel in a group, as they can book all tickets by a simple phone call or by creating a single account on the Amtrak app.
- Onboard facilities: They can receive the onboard services like food and wifi for free for the whole group.
- High chances of getting nearer seats: Group bookings tend to have a higher probability of having seats near each other due to collective booking.
Limitations of the Amtrak Group Discount
The Amtrak Group discount has certain limitations on using it due to unavailability on some routes and trains. There is a requirement for a specific number of travelers in a group to use these discounts, whose reach and applicability are restricted.
- Applicability: The Amtrak group discount can be applied to coach tickets, rail fare of private rooms, and non-Acela business class tickets.
- Approval: The seats are sometimes not available; hence, group travelers are required to seek approval for space before booking the tickets.
- Service Restrictions: The service may be restricted on some trains and specific routes, especially the long-distance ones.
- Specific Terms and Conditions: Each group booking may have its own specific terms, conditions, and cancellation policies. Therefore, travelers must confirm every aspect in advance.
NOTE: These group discounts cannot be combined with other discounts, like the Amtrak Senior discount or the Military discount.
Passengers traveling in groups are eligible to get benefits from this Amtrak Group discount. Smaller groups of up to 8 people can benefit from the shared fares, while larger groups can use the regular discount by booking through Amtrak’s customer support department. However, it’s important to review the terms and conditions as the availability of this discount is sometimes limited. Only domestic routes can be booked using these concession codes. Travelers are also allowed to book extra on-board premium facilities for an extra fee.
FAQs-Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Amtrak offers group travel discounts to people traveling in groups of 15 or more.
There must be at least 15 or more people in the group to be eligible for the Amtrak Group Discount.
No, the group discounts cannot be combined with Amtrak Military discounts or any other promotional offers.
Yes, a cancellation fee will be applied if someone cancels the group tickets on Amtrak.
No, online booking is only offered for shared fares for smaller groups. While others must use their contact number 800-872-1477 to book group tickets.
