FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 27, 2023
Amtrak Customers Now Benefit From
More Flexible and Affordable Fares
Changes build on earlier improvements to Amtrak’s fare structure
WASHINGTON – Based on extensive customer research, and in an effort to better meet
customer needs, Amtrak has introduced a new, simplified fare structure with more flexible and
affordable options. The simpler fare structure launched this week fall and builds on other recent
improvements Amtrak has made to the booking experience.
“This streamlined fare structure with more affordable and flexible fares is part of Amtrak’s
continued commitment to upgrading the customer experience at every step along their journey,”
said Amtrak President Roger Harris.
The new fare structure reduces fare types from three categories to two and serves to provide a
more consistent booking experience with fare types that are clearly differentiated and easy-to-
understand:
• Flex: For customers who want a more flexible travel option, these tickets are fully
refundable if canceled, and can be changed without fees before departure
1
.
• Value: For customers who know their travel plans and want a more affordable option,
these tickets are at a lower price than Flex tickets, non-changeable and receive a 75%
refund if canceled.
In addition to simplifying the fare structure, benefits of the new approach also include:
• Flex fares will often be available starting at lower prices than previously offered.
• Occasional sale fares at an even deeper discount (these will be non-changeable and
receive a 50% refund if canceled).
• Any refunds of credit card purchases will be made to the original form of payment, rather
than as an eVoucher.
2
1
If a Flex ticket is changed, the new price may differ from the original purchase price. While there are no change
fees, a change could result in a fare adjustment that would either be refunded or charged at the time of ticket change.
2
Not applicable to room product types.
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These changes to Coach and Acela Business tickets make it easier for Amtrak customers to
choose the ticket type that best fits their travel needs. Non-Acela Business and First Class
tickets were already fully refundable and changeable with no additional fees. Tickets purchased
prior to the launch of the new simplified fare structure remain subject to the fare rules and
conditions that were in effect when the ticket was purchased.
Example: One-Way Trip Between Washington, DC and Philadelphia
BEFORE
Cheapest Saver Ticket: $19
Only Flexible Ticket: $127
Starting Price Difference for Full Flexibility: $108
NOW:
Cheapest Value Ticket: $18
Cheapest Flex Ticket: $20
Starting Price Difference for Full Flexibility: $2
Note: For travel on select trains between 7 p.m. - 7 a.m., the cheapest Night Owl fares for this trip
are $9 for Value and $10 for Flex.
These improvements build on other recent pricing enhancements Amtrak has made to make
travel more affordable, including:
• Introducing ultra-low “Night Owl” fares, which are as low as $5 - $20 on select Northeast
Corridor (NEC) routes;
• Enabling Amtrak Guest Rewards members to redeem tickets with points on more fare
types;
• Updating the children’s discount so that all children (2-12 years old) can travel for 50% off
with an accompanying adult (previously limited to 1 child discount per adult fare)
3
;
• Expanding passenger discounts – such as senior and military – to apply to all fares,
including sales; and
• Improving Share Fares, which allow groups of 3-8 people traveling together to receive
discounts ranging from 17% to 60%.
3
Self-service reservations (Amtrak.com, the Amtrak mobile app and Amtrak kiosks) are limited to eight persons per
reservation. However, there is no reservation maximum when booking over the phone (1-800-USA-RAIL).
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About Amtrak®
For more than 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and modernized train travel. Offering a safe, environmentally
efficient way to reach more than 500 destinations across 46 states and parts of Canada, Amtrak provides travelers
with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through
the Amtrak app. Learn more at Amtrak.com and connect with us on X, Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
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CONTACT:
W. Kyle Anderson
Amtrak Media Relations
MediaRelations@amtrak.com
