Amtrak Student Discount Program

Save 15% on Rail Travel • Affordable Adventures • Study & Travel in Comfort

Student Travel Savings Program

College is a time for adventure, discovery, and building memories - but it also means working with a tight budget. That's why Amtrak offers a special 15% discount for students aged 17-24, making it easier for adventurous spirits to explore new destinations without breaking the bank.

Whether you're traveling home for breaks, visiting friends at other colleges, exploring new cities during semester breaks, or heading to internships and job interviews, Amtrak provides comfortable, affordable transportation with downtown-to-downtown service to more than 500 destinations nationwide.

With spacious seating, complimentary Wi-Fi, power outlets at every seat, and the ability to move around freely during your journey, Amtrak offers a travel experience that's both productive and relaxing - perfect for studying, socializing, or simply enjoying the scenery.

15% discount for students aged 17-24
Valid on most Amtrak routes nationwide
Only 1-day advance purchase required
No blackout dates
Free Wi-Fi and power outlets
Valid in Coach and Acela Business Class

Program Benefits

🎓

Perfect for Academic Travel

Amtrak's Student Discount makes educational travel more affordable for various academic purposes:

  • Travel home for semester breaks and holidays
  • Visit friends at other colleges and universities
  • Attend academic conferences and competitions
  • Travel for internships and job interviews
  • Study abroad program transportation
  • Research trips and field work
  • Campus visit tours for prospective students

Students save an average of $15-$40 per trip depending on distance and route.

💻

Productive Travel Environment

Transform travel time into productive study time with Amtrak's student-friendly amenities:

  • Free Wi-Fi throughout your journey
  • Power outlets at every seat for laptops and devices
  • Spacious seating with more legroom than buses or planes
  • Quiet Cars for focused studying
  • Large tables for textbooks and laptops
  • Ability to move around and stretch during long journeys
  • Minimal security screening compared to airports

85% of student travelers report being able to study effectively on Amtrak trains.

🌎

Explore More Destinations

With Amtrak's extensive network, students can discover countless destinations:

  • Over 500 destinations across the United States
  • Major college towns and university cities
  • Urban centers for cultural experiences
  • Natural wonders and national parks
  • Historic sites and landmarks
  • Beach destinations for spring break
  • Mountain retreats for outdoor adventures

The Student Discount makes exploring multiple destinations more affordable, whether you're taking a short regional trip or a cross-country adventure.

Access to destinations in 46 states and 3 Canadian provinces.

💰

Budget-Friendly Travel

Maximize your student budget with significant savings and cost-effective travel options:

  • 15% discount on most rail fares
  • No baggage fees for first two checked bags
  • Reduced parking costs at city-center stations
  • No hidden fees or surcharges
  • Predictable pricing with fewer fluctuations than airlines
  • Flexible booking options
  • Ability to bring your own food and drinks

The Student Discount helps stretch limited student budgets further, making travel more accessible throughout the academic year.

Average student savings of $100-$300 annually depending on travel frequency.

How The Program Works

1

Check Eligibility

Confirm you meet the age requirements (17-24 years old) and have valid student ID ready. This includes high school students, college undergraduates, graduate students, and vocational students within the age range.

2

Book Your Travel

Book at least 1 day in advance through Amtrak.com, the mobile app using code V814, by phone, or at station ticket counters. The discount applies automatically when booking through the website.

3

Present Student ID

Have your valid student ID available during your journey. Conductors may request proof of student status to verify your eligibility for the student discount.

4

Enjoy Your Journey

Relax and enjoy comfortable rail travel with your savings. Take advantage of Amtrak's spacious seating, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and scenic routes between destinations.

Find Your Student Travel Route


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Ready to Book with Your Student Discount?

Start planning your next academic adventure with Amtrak's Student Discount. Our team is ready to help you with booking questions and travel planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Amtrak Student Discount is available to students aged 17-24. This includes:

  • High school students (ages 17-18)
  • College and university undergraduates
  • Graduate students
  • Vocational and technical school students
  • Community college students

Valid student identification is required when purchasing tickets and may be requested during your journey. Acceptable forms of student ID include current school-issued identification cards, university IDs, or other official documentation showing current student status.

The 15% Student Discount applies to most Amtrak rail fares, including:

  • Coach class on eligible routes
  • Business class seating
  • Acela Business class
  • Most regional and long-distance services

The discount does not apply to:

  • Sleeping accommodation charges
  • Auto Train vehicle fees
  • Some specially priced fares
  • Certain excluded routes (see next question)

When booking, the discount will automatically apply to eligible fares when you meet the criteria.

The Student Discount is not available on the following services:

  • Keystone Service
  • Pennsylvanian
  • Missouri River Runner
  • Hiawatha Service
  • Borealis
  • Wolverine
  • Blue Water
  • Pere Marquette
  • Lincoln Service
  • Illini and Saluki
  • Illinois Zephyr
  • Carl Sandburg
  • Pacific Surfliner
  • San Joaquins
  • Capitol Corridor
  • 7000-8999 Amtrak Connection services

When booking online, the system will automatically indicate if the Student Discount is available for your selected route.

Booking with the Student Discount is simple through multiple channels:

  • Online at Amtrak.com: The discount applies automatically when booking eligible routes. No code needed.
  • Amtrak Mobile App: Use discount code V814 when booking to ensure Student Discount pricing.
  • Phone Reservations: Call 1-800-USA-RAIL and request the Student Discount when booking.
  • Station Ticket Counters: Ask for the Student Discount when purchasing tickets in person.

Remember that a minimum 1-day advance purchase is required for all Student Discount bookings.

The Student Discount has fewer restrictions than many other travel discounts:

  • No Blackout Dates: The discount is available year-round
  • Advance Purchase: Requires booking at least 1 day before departure
  • Combination with Other Offers: Not combinable with other discounts or promotions
  • Availability: May be limited on trains during busy travel periods
  • Age Requirement: Must be 17-24 years old
  • Student ID: Valid student identification required

Despite these restrictions, the Student Discount remains available for most travel throughout the year.

While you typically don't need to show proof when booking online, you must have valid student identification available during your journey. Conductors may request proof of student status to verify your eligibility for the student discount.

Acceptable forms of student identification include:

  • Current school-issued student ID card
  • University identification with current semester sticker
  • Official enrollment verification letter from your institution
  • Current class schedule with your name and institution
  • Other official documentation showing current student status

It's recommended to carry your student ID with you throughout your journey, as you may be asked to present it at any time.

Yes, the Student Discount applies per eligible traveler. If you're traveling with friends who are also students aged 17-24, they can also receive the discount by meeting the eligibility requirements.

Some considerations for group travel:

  • Each student traveler must meet the age requirement (17-24)
  • Each student must have their own valid student ID
  • The discount applies to individual bookings or when all passengers in a group booking are eligible students
  • For larger student groups (9+ passengers), contact Amtrak's group travel department for potential additional discounts

Traveling with fellow students can make trips more affordable and enjoyable for everyone.

Yes, the Student Discount can be used in conjunction with the Amtrak Guest Rewards program. You'll earn points based on the fare paid after the discount is applied.

Key benefits of combining both programs:

  • Earn Amtrak Guest Rewards points on your discounted fares
  • Redeem points for future travel while still receiving student pricing
  • Access to member-only benefits and promotions
  • Ability to use points plus cash options (though Student Discount doesn't apply to points bookings)

Simply provide your Amtrak Guest Rewards number when booking to ensure you earn points on your student-discounted travel.

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