Can You Buy Amtrak Tickets at the Station? Explained

While digital booking becomes more popular among travellers, the question remains: Can you buy Amtrak tickets at the station? The quick answer is yes. Although online ticket booking through the website, mobile app, and self-service kiosks is also available, some stations continue to offer in-person ticketing, making it easy to book a seat on a train for those who don’t have a smartphone or technical skills.

Can You Buy Amtrak Tickets at the Station? Booking Methods Explained

Do Amtrak Stations Sell Tickets?

Yes, many large and mid-sized stations have staffed ticket counters to assist the passenger with ticket booking, changing reservations, and answering queries. However, not all stations have staffed ticket offices, and some smaller stations rely only on self-service kiosks or online bookings.

How to Purchase Amtrak Station Tickets?

There are two different ways to purchase a ticket at the Amtrak station: staffed ticket counters and self-service kiosks.

Staffed Ticket Counters

The large stations have staffed ticket counters that are operated by professional agents. The agent helps to find the fare classes (such as Coach, Business, or First Class).

Visit the counter and provide travel details, including route, date, time, and number of passengers.
Provide any discount information and choose the seat if available.
Make the payment and get an eTicket or a paper value ticket.

Amtrak Self-Service Kiosks

Amtrak kiosks, automated machines, are available at most major stations. If a traveler has already booked Amtrak station tickets online, they can use the kiosk to print their physical ticket by scanning a barcode or entering their reservation number.

Go to the self-service kiosk at the station.
Touch the screen to search for destinations and select departure times.
Choose the seat type (if available), make payment, and print the ticket.

Onboard Ticket Purchase on Unstaffed Stations

Some routes offer to buy a ticket directly from the conductor on the train. They can pay using a card, as cash may not always be accepted on many stations. Onboard ticket purchases may also include an additional fee, and seats are not guaranteed.

Payment Methods Accepted at the Station

There are several ways to buy Amtrak tickets at the station, including credit card, debit card, Amtrak gift cards, and cash (at staffed counters only).

Credit and Debit Cards: Almost all staffed stations accept credit and debit cards for purchasing an Amtrak ticket. Debit cards must have a credit card logo and are processed like credit cards. Therefore, a PIN is usually not required. The rules for using credit and debit cards at Amtrak ticket counters:

Amtrak stations accept major cards, such as American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa, Universal Air Travel Plan, Diners Club, JCB, and China UnionPay. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal can also be used to make payments.
Only valid and unexpired cards are accepted for Amtrak station ticket purchases.
Unsigned cards are not accepted. The card must be signed by the cardholder, and the signature on the back must match the signature on the ticket or payment receipt.
Cards can only be used to pay for purchases and cannot be used to withdraw cash.
Follow Amtrak’s identification requirements when using a credit or debit card to buy tickets or services.

Amtrak Gift Cards and Vouchers: These gift cards can be redeemed at staffed offices. If a passenger has a valid eVoucher or paper voucher, these can often be applied toward an Amtrak station ticket purchase.

Cash: Some stations may not accept cash at kiosks, so carrying a card is recommended.

Personal and Cashier Cheque: Amtrak usually does not accept any traveler’s checks or money orders, but personal checks and cashier’s checks can be used for group travel. These cheques must be approved in advance through the Amtrak Group Desk.

Documents Required for Amtrak Ticket Booking

In most cases, no special documents are required to book an Amtrak ticket. However, it is advised to carry the following documents in case of emergency:

A valid government-issued photo ID
If using senior, student, military, or other special Amtrak senior discounts, valid proof may be needed to buy an Amtrak station ticket.
If paying by credit or debit card, the cardholder may need to show ID.
Additional forms or approvals may be required through the Amtrak Group Desk for group bookings.

Alternative Options If the Station Has No Ticket Counter

If a station does not have a ticket office or counters, alternative options are also available, including online through the Amtrak website, mobile app, phone, and ticket agent.

Online: This is the popular and convenient way to book an Amtrak train ticket. For booking:

Open the Amtrak website (amtrak.com).
Enter the travel details, such as departure station, travel date and time, number of passengers travelling, and final destination.
Select the seat and payment method (valid credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Amtrak gift card, and Voucher) to buy Amtrak tickets at the station.
Receive the e-ticket via email.

Amtrak App: Another way to book a ticket is through the Amtrak mobile app.

Download the app on the device (iOS or Android).
Find the route, travel date, and destination.
Choose the seat and make the payment.
Access the ticket directly in the app.

Over the Phone: Some stations offer ticket booking service over the phone.

Call the Amtrak agent at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).
Provide the travel details to the agent.
Confirm the train, fare, and seat preference.
Complete payment and receive the ticket confirmation by email or text.

Through Travel Agent: Some travel agencies also sell Amtrak station tickets. They can help with ticket booking, especially for those who need extra support or are planning a larger trip.

Which is the Best Method to Book an Amtrak Ticket: At the Station or Online

The choice to book an Amtrak ticket either at the station or online depends on personal preference. Buying the ticket at the station helps to speak with an agent directly, ask for special assistance, book last-minute trips, and help choose routes or seats. On the contrary, buying online or through the app offers more flexibility, 24/7 access, and easier price comparison.

Are There Extra Fees to Buy Amtrak Tickets at the Station?

Amtrak does not usually charge extra for buying tickets at a staffed counter. However, onboard purchases may include an additional fee. Prices at stations are typically the same as online, but promotional fares are more commonly found online.

Are Ticket Change or Cancel Options Available at the Station?

Yes, a staffed counter allows for the change or cancellation of tickets. An agent can help update travel dates, times, or passenger details, and handle refunds according to the Amtrak station tickets’ fare rules. Self-service kiosks also allow some changes and cancellations, depending on the ticket type. However, fees and refund policies vary based on the fare purchased.

Note: Find more details about how to cancel the Amtrak tickets.

Wrapping Up!

So, can you buy an Amtrak ticket at the station? Yes, but availability depends on whether the station has a ticket counter or a self-service kiosk. Major stations usually offer in-person ticket sales, while smaller stations may not. Always check the station’s facilities ahead of time and arrive early if they plan to buy tickets in person.