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Save 50% on train fare with Amtrak’s Track Friday Sale

Ariana Arghandewal
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Ariana Arghandewal has been writing about points and miles for almost a decade. She previously served as editor at FlyerTalk, Frugal Travel Guy and NerdWallet while running her own travel blog, PointChaser.
Nov. 27, 2020
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3 min read
Amtrak new Acela locomotive
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Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.

Amtrak just launched its annual “Track Friday Sale,” offering up to 50% off fares on popular routes nationwide. These fares start at just $15 each way and discounts apply to both coach and Acela business class fares. If you plan to travel on Amtrak between Dec. 8 and April 30, you’ll want to book one of these fares while the sale is still going on.

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Promotion details

Amtrak's 50% off promotion is valid through Nov. 30 for travel between Dec. 8 and April 30, 2021. There are some blackout dates during the holidays, but for the most part, the schedule is pretty open. You can find all the details here.

Sample fares of the Amtrak sale (Screenshot courtesy of Amtrak.com)

Book by: Nov. 30, 2020

Travel between: Dec. 8, 2020 – April 30, 2021

Blackout dates:

  • December 23 – 24, 2020
  • December 26 – 24, 2020
  • January 3 – 4, 2021
  • January 19 – 21 2021
  • April 2, 2021
  • April 5, 2021

Related: The complete guide to Amtrak Guest Rewards

Maximizing this offer

If you’re going to take advantage of Amtrak’s Track Friday Sale, be sure to maximize it with the right credit card. If you have the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard you’ll earn 3 points per $1 spent on Amtrak purchases. The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is another great option because it earns 2 miles per $1 spent on purchases, plus you can redeem your miles to offset travel purchases at a rate of one cent per mile.

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The information for the Amtrak Guest Rewards card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: The best credit cards to use for train travel

Traveling on Amtrak during the pandemic

If you’re traveling on Amtrak during the pandemic, you’ll need to wear a mask onboard. Amtrak has implemented an enhanced cleaning protocol, which includes disinfecting the trains and stations. Amtrak is also limiting the number of passengers onboard, to enable social distancing. An onboard filtration system keeps the air fresh every 4-5 minutes.

Should you travel on Amtrak during a pandemic? Public health officials advise against any non-essential travel. However, with a possible COVID vaccine going to market in January, travel might become safer in the near future. Since Amtrak’s promotion is valid on fares through April 30, 2021, I wouldn’t hesitate to book a ticket that far out.

Just keep in mind that fares are nonrefundable, though exchanges are allowed.

Featured image by Amtrak new Acela locomotive. (Image courtesy Amtrak)
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.