Amtrak Government Discount Program

5% Off Federal Business Travel • Fully Refundable Fares • Nationwide Coverage

Federal Government Rail Travel Program

The Amtrak Government Discount Program offers federal employees discounted fares for official business travel within the Northeast Corridor and nationwide coach fare discounts. All government fares are fully refundable when canceled prior to departure.

This program is designed to provide cost-effective, flexible travel options for government personnel while maintaining the high standards of comfort and reliability that Amtrak is known for. With city-center to city-center service, federal employees can maximize productivity while minimizing travel time and expenses.

Thousands of federal employees across government agencies utilize the Amtrak Government Discount Program annually, saving taxpayer dollars while enjoying a more productive and comfortable travel experience compared to other transportation options.

5% discount on Northeast Corridor routes
5% discount on nationwide coach fares
Fully refundable fares
No change fees
Free Wi-Fi and power outlets
Generous baggage policy

Program Benefits

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Enhanced Productivity

Transform travel time into productive work time with Amtrak's government-friendly amenities:

  • Power outlets at every seat for uninterrupted work
  • Free Wi-Fi throughout your journey
  • More legroom than typical airline seating
  • Spacious tables for laptops and documents
  • The Quiet Car for focused work
  • Ability to move around freely during travel
  • Reliable connectivity for government communications

Government travelers report 40% more productivity on trains compared to planes.

💰

Cost Savings & Flexibility

Maximize your government travel budget with significant savings and flexibility:

  • 5% discount on all Northeast Corridor services
  • 5% discount on nationwide coach fares
  • Fully refundable fares when canceled before departure
  • No change fees for government travel
  • No baggage fees for first two checked bags
  • Reduced parking costs at city-center stations
  • Predictable pricing with fewer fluctuations than airlines

Average government agency savings of 15-25% compared to air travel on similar routes.

🌱

Environmental Responsibility

Support the federal government's sustainability goals with greener travel options:

  • Trains consume less energy per passenger mile than cars or planes
  • Electric trains are pollutant-free at the source
  • Reduce your agency's carbon footprint by up to 73% compared to air travel
  • Align with Executive Order on Federal Sustainability
  • Contribute to cleaner air in urban centers
  • More efficient land use than airports and highways

Amtrak is 46% more energy efficient than driving and 34% more energy efficient than air travel.

🚆

Convenient Government Travel

Experience seamless official travel with these advantages:

  • Downtown-to-downtown service avoiding airport transfers
  • Multiple daily departures between major government hubs
  • Minimal security screening compared to airports
  • Easy access to federal buildings in city centers
  • Reliable service with fewer weather-related cancellations
  • Compliance with Federal Travel Regulation requirements
  • Simplified per diem calculations with predictable schedules

Save up to 2 hours on door-to-door travel time in the Northeast Corridor.

How The Government Program Works

1

Verify Eligibility

Ensure you are a federal government employee traveling on official business. The program is available to employees of executive departments, independent agencies, and military personnel on official travel.

2

Book Through Approved Channels

Make reservations through your authorized government travel management system or corporate booking tool. The discount cannot be applied when booking directly on Amtrak.com.

3

Select Government Fare

Choose the government fare option during the booking process in your travel system. The 5% discount will be automatically applied to eligible Northeast Corridor routes and nationwide coach fares.

4

Travel with Flexibility

Enjoy fully refundable fares with no change fees. Cancel through Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app, or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL prior to departure for a full refund.

Find Your Government Travel Route

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Amtrak Government Discount Program is available to:

  • Federal government employees traveling on official business
  • Employees of executive departments and independent agencies
  • Military personnel on official travel orders
  • Contractors traveling under federal contracts (when authorized)

State and local government employees may be eligible for separate discount programs. Verification of federal employment status is typically handled through your agency's travel management system.

Federal government employees receive:

  • 5% discount on all fare types in the Northeast Corridor (Acela, Northeast Regional, Keystone Service)
  • 5% discount on coach fares nationwide across the Amtrak network
  • Fully refundable fares when canceled prior to departure
  • No change fees for government travel
  • Access to Amtrak Guest Rewards points for personal benefit

These discounts apply to official government business travel only and cannot be used for personal travel.

Government employees must book through approved channels:

  • Government Travel Management System: Use your agency's authorized booking tool (e.g., E2 Solutions, ConcurGov)
  • Corporate Booking Tools: Select the government fare option during booking
  • Travel Management Companies: Government-contracted TMCs can apply the discount

Important: The discount cannot be applied when booking directly on Amtrak.com. You must use your agency's approved booking channels to access government fares.

The government discount has minimal restrictions:

  • Available year-round with no blackout dates
  • Applies only to official government business travel
  • Non-Acela Business Class and Private Rooms are excluded from the discount
  • Upgrades to premium accommodations follow standard fare rules
  • Discount applies to dedicated Amtrak Connection bus services

Despite these limitations, the discount is available for the vast majority of official government travel needs throughout the year.

Government fares offer exceptional flexibility:

  • Full Refunds: 100% refund when canceled prior to scheduled departure
  • No Change Fees: Modify travel plans without penalty
  • Cancellation Channels: Cancel through Amtrak.com, the Amtrak app, by phone at 1-800-USA-RAIL, or with station agents
  • No Shows: Tickets are forfeited if travel doesn't occur and cancellation isn't processed
  • Refund Processing: Refunds typically processed within 7-10 business days

This flexibility is particularly valuable for government travel, which often requires last-minute changes.

The government discount applies to a wide range of Amtrak services:

  • Northeast Corridor: Acela, Northeast Regional, Keystone Service (all fare types)
  • State-Supported Routes: Various regional services across the country
  • National Network: All long-distance coach fares nationwide
  • Canadian Service: Maple Leaf service through Niagara Falls, NY
  • Amtrak Connections: Dedicated bus services contracted by Amtrak

Note that premium accommodations (Non-Acela Business Class, Private Rooms) are excluded from the discount but can be purchased as upgrades.

Amtrak offers several advantages for government travel:

  • City Center Convenience: Avoid lengthy airport transfers and security lines
  • Productivity: Work comfortably with Wi-Fi and power outlets
  • Reliability: Less weather-dependent than air travel
  • Cost Effectiveness: Often more affordable when factoring in total travel costs
  • Comfort: More legroom, no middle seats, freedom to move around
  • Sustainability: Lower carbon footprint aligns with federal green initiatives
  • Flexibility: Fully refundable fares accommodate changing schedules

For trips under 300 miles in the Northeast Corridor, rail is typically faster door-to-door than flying.

Yes, the government discount can be applied to group travel with some considerations:

  • For official government groups of 10-15 passengers, the government discount typically provides the best value
  • For larger groups (15+), Amtrak's Group Travel program may offer additional savings
  • Group bookings require coordination through Amtrak's Group Travel department
  • Advance booking is recommended to ensure seat availability for groups
  • Different payment and documentation requirements may apply to group travel

Contact your agency's travel office or Amtrak's Group Travel department for assistance with official group travel.

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