Kids 'n' Trains Educational Program

Experience the Excitement of Train Travel • Special Group Fares • Educational Adventures

Educational Group Travel Program

The Amtrak Kids 'n' Trains program offers school and youth groups (grades K-12, ages 5-18) the opportunity to experience train travel at significantly reduced fares on Pacific Surfliner and San Joaquins routes in California.

This educational program allows groups to explore California's rich history, geography, and culture while visiting educational destinations along the way. A Kids 'n' Trains trip can support classroom curriculum, special projects, fields of study, or simply provide a fun and memorable excursion by train.

Everyone in the group—both children and adult chaperones—rides at the same low price, making educational travel accessible and affordable for schools and youth organizations throughout California.

Special discounted fares for groups
Same low price for students and chaperones
Pacific Surfliner and San Joaquins routes
Educational and curriculum-supporting travel
Group sizes from 15 to 125 passengers
Easy reservation and payment process

Available Program Routes

🌊

Pacific Surfliner

Travel along California's stunning coastline from San Luis Obispo to San Diego, with stops at beautiful beach communities and major cities.

  • Coastal views of the Pacific Ocean
  • Stops at popular destinations like Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego
  • Cafe car with snacks and beverages
  • Educational opportunities focusing on coastal ecosystems and California history
  • Complimentary Wi-Fi onboard
Download Reservation Form
🏞️

San Joaquins

Journey through California's Central Valley with connections to Yosemite and other inland destinations.

  • Scenic views of agricultural heartland
  • Connections to Yosemite National Park and other destinations
  • Complimentary snacks available
  • Educational focus on agriculture, water resources, and Central Valley history
  • Multiple daily departures
Download Reservation Form

Program Benefits

🎓

Educational Value

Amtrak's Kids 'n' Trains program offers unique educational opportunities that extend learning beyond the classroom:

  • Hands-on learning about transportation systems
  • Geography and environmental studies along the route
  • Historical context of California's development
  • Cultural exposure to diverse communities
  • STEM connections through train technology and operations
  • Social studies through community exploration

Teachers report 92% of students show increased engagement with curriculum topics after train field trips.

💰

Significant Savings

The program offers substantial cost savings for educational groups:

  • Special discounted group fares
  • Same low price for both students and chaperones
  • No hidden fees or surcharges
  • Predictable budgeting for trip planning
  • Often more affordable than bus transportation for similar distances
  • Reduced need for additional transportation at destination

Average savings of 40-60% compared to regular fares for educational groups.

🚆

Comfort & Convenience

Train travel offers advantages over other transportation methods:

  • Spacious seating with room to move around
  • Large windows for optimal viewing
  • Restrooms onboard every train
  • Ability to socialize and work in groups during travel
  • Reduced travel stress compared to bus or car travel
  • Downtown stations with easy access to destinations

Students report 75% more enjoyment on train trips compared to bus travel.

🌱

Sustainable Travel

Train travel is an environmentally responsible choice for educational trips:

  • Trains are more fuel-efficient than buses or cars
  • Lower carbon emissions per passenger mile
  • Reduced traffic congestion
  • Opportunity to teach about sustainable transportation
  • Supports environmental education goals
  • Demonstrates practical application of green initiatives

Train travel produces up to 73% less greenhouse gas emissions than equivalent car travel.

How The Program Works

1

Submit Request

Complete the reservation request form and email it to Amtrak Group Sales at least 30 days before your desired travel date. Include two alternate dates in case your first choice is unavailable.

2

Receive Confirmation

Amtrak will review your request and send a confirmation letter within seven business days if your travel dates are approved. This confirms space has been reserved for your group.

3

Purchase Tickets

Once confirmed, purchase tickets either by calling Amtrak Group Sales or at a staffed Amtrak station. Payment must be completed at least seven days before departure.

4

Submit Passenger List

Provide a complete passenger name list through Amtrak.com or by email. Any changes must be submitted at least one week prior to departure.

Explore California by Rail

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Ready to Plan Your Educational Trip?

Join hundreds of schools and youth organizations that have created unforgettable learning experiences with Amtrak's Kids 'n' Trains program.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Kids 'n' Trains program is available to a wide range of educational and youth organizations:

  • Public and private schools (grades K-12)
  • Charter schools and homeschool groups
  • Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and other youth organizations
  • Community youth programs
  • Educational non-profit organizations
  • Summer camps and enrichment programs

All participants must be between ages 5-18, with adult chaperones accompanying the group.

The Kids 'n' Trains program has specific group size requirements:

  • Minimum: 15 passengers (including chaperones)
  • Maximum: 125 passengers total
  • Each reservation request is individually reviewed based on space availability
  • Some requests may be denied regardless of group size if space is not available
  • Providing alternate travel dates increases approval chances

Groups larger than 125 may need to split into multiple reservations or travel on different dates.

Proper planning is essential for a successful Kids 'n' Trains trip:

  • Reservation requests: Submit more than 30 days before desired travel date
  • Confirmation: Received within 7 business days of submission
  • Ticket purchase: Must be completed at least 7 days before departure
  • Passenger list: Submit at least 1 week before travel

It's recommended to submit requests as early as possible, especially for popular travel periods like spring and fall.

Amtrak has specific chaperone guidelines to ensure student safety:

  • Ratio: 1 chaperone for every 6 students minimum
  • Responsibilities: Chaperones are responsible for student conduct and supervision at all times
  • Arrival: Groups should arrive at stations at least 1 hour before departure
  • Identification: Group leaders should identify themselves to train conductors
  • Seating: Follow conductor instructions for group seating
  • Cafe Car: Limit of 5 students in cafe car at any time, accompanied by chaperone

Chaperones must be adults (18+) specifically designated to supervise students.

There are two options for purchasing Kids 'n' Trains tickets:

  • Option 1 - Phone/Check: Call Amtrak Group Sales at 1-888-507-5786 (credit card) or mail a personal check payable to Amtrak
  • Option 2 - Station Purchase: Visit any staffed Amtrak station with your reservation number (cash, credit card, or business check accepted)

Tickets must be purchased at least 7 days before departure, or the reservation will be automatically cancelled. Personal checks and purchase orders are not accepted at stations.

Increasing group size at the special Kids 'n' Trains fares is generally not permitted after submission:

  • Additional passengers may purchase full-fare tickets for the same trip if space is available
  • There is no guarantee that add-ons will be seated with the group
  • To purchase full-fare tickets for additional passengers, visit Amtrak.com
  • Significant changes to group size may require a new reservation request

It's important to submit your most accurate passenger count initially to ensure proper accommodations.

Amtrak welcomes passengers with disabilities and provides various accommodations:

  • Accessible services available at most stations and onboard trains
  • Not all stations can accommodate wheeled mobility device boarding
  • Federal regulations limit the number of wheeled mobility device locations on trains
  • Check with Amtrak Group Sales prior to purchasing tickets to ensure accommodations
  • Review Accessible Travel Services or call 1-888-507-5786 for specific needs

It's crucial to confirm accessibility requirements during the reservation process to ensure all group members can be accommodated.

Amtrak has specific policies regarding baggage and items brought onboard:

  • Each passenger may bring 2 carry-on bags and 2 checked bags free of charge
  • Educational materials and equipment are permitted
  • Musical instruments must fit in overhead racks or under seats
  • Sports equipment may require special handling
  • Prohibited items include weapons, hazardous materials, and illegal substances
  • Food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted for consumption during travel

For specific questions about unusual items, contact Amtrak Group Sales before your trip.

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