Amtrak makes train travel easy for students heading home for the holidays, visiting friends, or exploring new cities with special discounts. The Amtrak student discount allows eligible students to save money on train tickets while enjoying on-board train services. Students between the ages of 17 and 24, or 13 and 25 in some areas, can avail themselves of a 10% to 15% discount on the lowest available coach fares nationwide when tickets are booked at least one day in advance. Students can simply verify their student status to get a discount on select routes and enjoy flexible travel options.
What is the Amtrak Student Discount?
The Amtrak student discount is a special fare program that allows eligible students to receive a percentage off the regular ticket price. Typically, students can save 10% to 15% on eligible Amtrak routes. The student Amtrak discount is applied to the base fare and can result in significant savings over time.

Amtrak Student Discount Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the discount, students should be:
- Within the eligible age limit, 17 to 24 years old
- Enrolled in a recognized school, college, or university
- Able to verify student status through a valid student email or student verification service
How to Verify Student Status for a Discount on Amtrak?
Before booking a discount ticket on Amtrak, students must confirm their enrollment status using an online verification process. Steps to verify student discount Amtrak status:
- Upload student ID or personal details on the Amtrak official website or mobile app.
- Show the current student ID card at the ticket counter.
- Call the customer service to verify the status.
How to Get the Student Discount on Amtrak?
Not all Amtrak routes offer a student discount. Students can get the discount either through the website or the mobile app.
- Amtrak Website: Open the Amtrak official website and go to the Amtrak Student Discount portal. This page will automatically apply the discount to eligible routes.
- Amtrak Mobile App: If students book their ticket through the mobile app, they can manually enter the promotion code.
Note: The Amtrak student discount code is V814.
How to Apply for the Student Discount on Amtrak?
Applying for the student discount is very easy. Here are the steps:

- Create or sign in to the Amtrak account.
- Change the passenger type from “Adult” to “Student.”
- Search for the trip and select available student fares.
- Enter the student discount code.
- Upload or enter student ID details as required.
- Complete the payment to finish the checkout process.
Note: Read how to make an Amtrak reservation.
Terms and Conditions to Apply the Amtrak Student Discount
Before applying the discount, students should know a few important things.
- Students must present a valid student ID to avail 15% discount.
- Discounted seats are limited and may not be offered on trains running during peak travel periods.
- The cancellation policy follows the rules of the fare purchased.
- The Amtrak student discount is applied to the regular full adult rail fare.
- The ticket must be booked at least one day in advance.
- There are no blackout dates for this discount.
- Fares, routes, and schedules may change without prior notice.
- The discount is not valid on bookings made using Amtrak Guest Rewards Points or Points & Cash.
- It applies only to Coach Class and Acela Business Class travel.
How to Use the Discount Onboard?
Using the discount onboard is easy once the ticket is bought.
- Board the Amtrak train with an e-ticket or paper ticket.
- Present the ticket and student ID to the conductor.
- They will scan the document.
Note: If a passenger cannot prove their student status, they may be required to pay the difference to a full-price fare on the spot.
Amtrak Tickets Student Discount Excluded Services
Amtrak does not allow the student discount on certain services, including:
- Lincoln Service
- Missouri River Runner
- Hiawatha Service between Chicago and Milwaukee Wolverine
- Blue Water between Chicago and Kalamazoo
- Pere Marquette between Chicago and Grand Rapids
- Illini, Saluki, or Illinois services between Chicago and Carbondale
- Illinois Zephyr and Carl Sandburg between Chicago and Quincy
- Pacific Surfliner in Southern California
- San Joaquins between San Francisco and Southern California
- Capitol Corridor in California’s Bay Area, Keystone
- Pennsylvania services between New York City and Pennsylvania
- 7000–8999 Thruway series
Some of these excluded routes still offer multi-ride passes that include student discounts.
Other Perks and Promotions
Passengers with a student discount code for Amtrak can take two personal items and two carry-on bags for free. Additionally, Amtrak regularly offers special deals and extra discounts for students. Students should check the Amtrak website and sign up for newsletters to stay informed about new savings opportunities.
Tips to Save With Student Discount Code Amtrak
With proper planning, following a few tips can help students save on their Amtrak travel.
- Book the tickets early to get the best price and secure seats.
- Use promo codes accurately to ensure discounts apply.
- Travel mid-week and off-peak hours. (Check out the cheapest days to buy an Amtrak ticket)
- If traveling within California or the Midwest, check the “Deals” section for regional student passes that might offer even better value.
- Keep checking the Amtrak website to get information about offers.
Concluding!
The Amtrak student discount is the best for eligible students to make train travel more affordable. Students must know the eligibility criteria, verify their student status correctly, know the terms and conditions, and book the tickets early to get the 15% discount on their Amtrak train travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Students between 17 and 24 with a valid student ID from a recognized school, college, or university can get a discount.
Students can get 15% off standard adult fares on eligible trains and routes.
No, students can combine the discount with other promotions.
No, the discount applies to select routes and may have blackout dates.
The Amtak student discount code is V814.
Yes, thestudents enrolled in a recognized US school and can verify their status are eligible for the Amtrak student discount.
Yes, students should carry a valid student ID or proof of enrollment.
They should double-check eligibility, ensure the code is entered correctly, or contact Amtrak customer support.
