When planning a trip, one of the fundamentals is getting from point A to point B. Depending on how far away your destination is and where it is located you may ponder whether to jump on a plane or hop in the car.
But there is another option that many overlook, taking the train. It can provide you with more comfort and convenience than flying while at the same time giving you the scenic views of a road trip without all the driving. Not to mention that you don’t have to worry about carefully packing so that everything fits into your free luggage allowance and that your bag, bags if you are lucky, aren’t overweight.
In the United States there is just one long-distance intercity passenger railroad provider, Amtrak. It has routes running from north to south and coast to coast. While it is recommendable to travel light, less lugging things around, going by rail with Amtrak allows you to carry quite the load with you compared to flying. You can carry on with you up to 150 lbs. at no cost, check another 100 for free, and for a mere $40 check another 100 lbs. to boot.
However, just like buying a plane ticket or filling up your car, there are certain times of the week when it is cheaper to get tickets.
What are the best and worst days of the week to buy a train ticket
Just like when traveling by plane, ideally you want to book in advance to get the best deals and secure the seats that you want. But when beginning your search for tickets, your first stop should be Amtrak’s Discounts & Deals page.
Travel during peak travel periods will usually see you paying more as there is more demand for tickets. For that reason, the best days to buy tickets are generally in the middle of the week between Tuesday and Thursday, the former considered the best of all by several sources.
The worst days are Saturday and Sunday, especially the former when people head out for leisurely trips. Mondays and Fridays, depending on the time of day that you plan to travel could also be problematic. As they come at the beginning and end of the work week, you’ll be competing with commuters for seats.
It goes without saying, if you have the time, shop around, i.e. compare prices for tickets on different dates and at different times. For example, Amtrak is offering special deals on Night Owl tickets between DC to New York City, as well as from the Big Apple to Boston, and stops in between on select trains departing from 7 pm to 7 am.
Likewise, if you are flexible with your travel plans you may be able to snag a better fare. Purchasing your tickets in a group could also get you some savings, and give you some company along the way. Lastly, if you are a frequent traveler, or you plan to make multiple stops along the way, look into buying a pass. This option may turn out to be more advantageous moneywise than buying individual tickets from one destination to another.
FAQs
For that reason, the best days to buy tickets are generally in the middle of the week between Tuesday and Thursday, the former considered the best of all by several sources. The worst days are Saturday and Sunday, especially the former when people head out for leisurely trips.
What is the best day of the week to buy train tickets? ›
Best Days To Purchase a Train Ticket: Middle of the Week
“These days tend to have lower demand for train travel compared to weekends or Mondays. Therefore, purchasing tickets on weekdays, such as Tuesday or Wednesday, can often result in better deals.
What day of the week is best to buy Amtrak? ›
Nationwide Amtrak Discounts
Before you start clicking links, make sure to check Amtrak's Weekly Specials, on sale between Tuesday and Friday each week. These are deeply discounted fares (often up to 80% off) that can be for any train in the country.
What days of the week are trains cheapest? ›
In general, Off-Peak hours begin at 09:30 from Monday to Friday in cities and large towns, and at 09:00 everywhere else. If your train is scheduled to depart after this time, you can travel with an Off-Peak ticket. Weekends and bank holidays are Off-Peak all day.
Is it better to buy train tickets in advance or on the day? ›
Did you know that you could save money by planning well ahead and booking an Advance train ticket? Plus, we'd recommend booking travel before you get to the station, as this will limit your time spent there. For safe, contactless travel, choose a digital ticket where possible.
What day of the week do ticket prices go down? ›
Fridays and Sundays, when people travel the most, garner the highest prices. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, when people are typically at work, are when fares drop to their cheapest.
Does Amtrak offer senior discounts? ›
Traveling by train is easy, comfortable and safe. Many stations are located in or near downtown for convenient heart-of-the-city arrivals and departures. And since Amtrak travelers 65 years of age and over are eligible to receive a 10% discount on most trains, it becomes an affordable alternative.
What is the best time to book train tickets? ›
If you know your travel dates, it's a good idea to start searching for tickets as soon as you can, to see what's available. Just remember the longer you leave it until you book your train tickets, the more expensive they tend to be. If possible, try searching for cheaper train tickets on different dates and times.
How far in advance should I book Amtrak? ›
The earlier you book your tickets, the more likely you are to get the lowest fare available for the dates you want on the routes along your journey. You may book your travel up to 11 months in advance.
What's the cheapest way to book train tickets? ›
You can wisely save the money on online train ticket booking. Here are some smart tips for booking tickets and saving money.
- Book Ticket in Advance. ...
- Split Your Booking. ...
- Look for Cashback Offers. ...
- Use IRCTC Payment Card. ...
- Avail Senior Citizen Discount Quota. ...
- Choose to Travel in Sleeper Class. ...
- Get Online Food at a Low Cost.
Save Money on Your Train Ticket
- Book in advance. Train companies sell around a million Advance tickets every week. ...
- Travel at quieter times. ...
- Use a Railcard. ...
- Buy a Season ticket. ...
- Travel in a group. ...
- Explore with a Ranger or Rover ticket. ...
- And there's more…
When are Off-Peak train times? Intercity Off-Peak times: Monday to Friday (except bank holidays) from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00. Exact times vary across routes and train companies, but in general - you'll find off-peak times outside of conventional commuter hours.
What day are trains most busy? ›
Train stations and services are usually at their busiest on a Friday and Sunday evening, which is the busiest time for passengers to travel a bit further for the weekend.
What is the best day to buy train tickets? ›
Travel during peak travel periods will usually see you paying more as there is more demand for tickets. For that reason, the best days to buy tickets are generally in the middle of the week between Tuesday and Thursday, the former considered the best of all by several sources.
Is it better to purchase your ticket at the station or on the train? ›
Higher fares usually apply when purchasing tickets onboard the train.
What's the cheapest way to travel by train? ›
Buy in advance
Advance train tickets are usually released up to 12 weeks before your departure date, although some go on sale as far as 24 weeks in advance. These types of tickets are often the cheapest way to travel on the railways if you're happy to go during a fixed time.
Is it cheaper to buy tickets on a certain day of the week? ›
No single day of the week is best to book a flight. You can find deals any day of the week since flight prices fluctuate with demand. Airlines might offer sales, increase the number of seats on a route or even lower prices to match a competitor, so there's no actual pattern in what day of the week has the best deals.
