Amtrak relaunches USA Rail Pass just in time for summer adventures — with a steep, limited-time discount
David Slotnick is a senior aviation business reporter at TPG. He covers anything and everything to do with the business of running an airline.
June 12, 2021
•
2 min read
Amtrak relaunches USA Rail Pass just in time for summer adventures — with a steep, limited-time discount
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Summer is here, the COVID-19 vaccine is widely available, and Americans are ready to travel again.
But instead of taking a flight to one main destination, does the idea of a cross-country trip exploring the United States appeal to you? If so, you might want to take advantage of Amtrak's current offer for the newly relaunched USA Rail Pass.
The USA Rail Pass is a multi-ride ticket that allows passengers to book any 10 rail segments over the course of 30 days, all for a flat rate. While the pass normally costs $499 per person, Amtrak is offering it for $299 — 40% off — through June 22.
If you buy the pass at the current discounted rate, that means each trip averages out to just about $30 — a stellar price for most trips. Rail pass customers are limited to Saver and Value coach fares — refundable and flexible fares are not eligible, nor are upgrades to private rooms or business class, including the Acela.
According to Amtrak, a "segment" is considered any time a passenger boards and exits a train, meaning that a trip involving a connection would use up two segments from the pass.
Once customers purchase the pass, they have 120 days to use it. When they book their first trip, the rest must be used within 30 days.
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Amtrak says that the pass can be used to go to any of its 500 destinations, presenting the perfect opportunity to take an extended cross-country trip. Whether exploring Glacier National Park, Maine and Vermont, the California coast, the Southwest, or more — there are virtually unlimited options.
More: The complete guide to Amtrak Guest Rewards elite status
Amtrak Guest Rewards members will earn two points per dollar spent on the pass, meaning that if you buy it before June 22, you'll get 598 points
Be sure to check out our guide to Amtrak routes for help planning your trip, as well as our guide to Amtrak Guest Rewards.
Featured image by (Photo by EQRoy / Shutterstock.com)
Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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Cons
- Doesn't make sense if you don't fly Delta
- SkyMiles aren't the most valuable airline currency
- Earn 90,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
- Receive a Domestic Main Cabin round-trip companion certificate each year upon renewal of your Card. Payment of the government imposed taxes and fees of no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights (for itineraries with up to four flight segments) is required. Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. See terms and conditions for details.
- Enjoy your first checked bag free on Delta flights. Plus enjoy Main Cabin 1 Priority Boarding and settle into your seat sooner.
- New: Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and purchases made directly with hotels.
- Earn 2X Miles at restaurants worldwide including takeout and delivery in the U.S., and at U.S. supermarkets.
- Earn 1X Mile on all other eligible purchases.
- Enjoy a per-visit rate of $50 per person for Card Members and up to two guests to enter the Delta Sky Club when traveling on a Delta flight.
- Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® after you apply through any Authorized Enrollment Provider. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
- Earn up to 20,000 Medallion® Qualification Miles (MQMs) with Status Boost® per year. After you spend $25,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year, you can earn 10,000 MQMs up to two times per year, getting you closer to Medallion® Status. MQMs are used to determine Medallion® Status and are different than miles you earn toward flights.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- $250 Annual Fee.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees