Any good Amtrak sales?

[floridafam]

MIL may be joining us on our trip in May. She had a stroke recently and does not want to drive down alone. She also does not want to fly.

I haven't seen any Amtrak 30% off sales like I have seen in the past.

I'll let you know if I see anything if you could do the same.

 

[dsnycrzy]

I will let you know. I did call in and ask because the prices were higher then prior years and a rep said she hasn't heard about any sales yet. So I'm waiting.

 

[floridafam]

Thanks.

It seems like they always have a 30% off sale or something similar this time of year.

I'll also post again if I see something.

 

[OhMickey]

Did you know Amtrak lists seats on Ebay. I've purchased tickets from them before without any problem. I paid $20 for a ticket that is usually $80+. You actually purchase them from Amtrak and there is a $5 handling charge.

 

[dsnycrzy]

Oh Mickey,
I did look into that on ebay but haven't seen anything that I could use. Last year I paid for 3 adults, 6 big kids and then there was 4 toddlers, that were free. We got the deal were you pay the full price, half price and then 1 free. The agent had me pay full price, the my sister 1/2 price and then the other sister free. That was nice because instead aof paying 3 full prices and the discounts on the kids, she made the kids already cheaper prices--cheaper. So I paid $561 instead of $748. Then you have to use those ebay tickets in a time close to when you purchase them. I usually buy our tickets around now for an august trip. But if there is something else you are refering to let me know.
Thanks.

 

[DNBois]

Last year, we took the train down to Florida and used the buy one, get one free on the way down. We also used an entertainment 50% coupon for the ride back.
We actually purchased the Entertainment book just for the Amtrak coupon and found they didn't have one in the book this year. I remember that last year at around this time, they posted the buy one, get one free but it doesn't seem likely now.
We just booked the auto train for this March and we got a quote (only return trip) of $513.00 on Tuesday and two days later it was up to $583.00 so we just booked it figuring it would go up.
I am kind of disappointed but hopefully you will get some type of discount. . .good luck!!

 

[maggiew]

I am not sure where Grandma would be coming from, but check out the Rail Sale page on Amtraks website. They have various tickets on sale for up to 90% off.

Maggie

 

[floridafam]

Do you have a link to that page? Is it on the Amtrak website or on ebay?

Thanks in advance.

 

[dsnycrzy]

Hi floridafam and all,
The railsale is on the amtrak website. I checked that today and there is nothing going to orlando that I remember. Plus you have to use it at the time, ex 2/10-2/14. I need it for august. I e-mailed amtrak telling them about the sales and they emailed me back saying they didn't forsee any sales coming up.
Also if you remember, they were in deep financial troubles last year, so they may have stopped sales to get themselves together. Either way, I have to get to my most favorite place in the world and see my most favorite mouse and his girlfriend . This is the month I get my money that I use to pay for my train fare, so I'll just do it by months end.
I'll just cross my fingers because I have 7 people to pay for.

 

[floridafam]

I'd be really shocked if they didn't offer some type of sale this year.

We'll see.

 

[cherylp3]

Sale: Railsale by Amtrak
If you are a flexible traveler or booking late - This may be for you
http://tickets.amtrak.com/Amtrak/ra...geID=main&railSaleFlag=true&externalCall=true

Discounts: AAA and National Association of Railroad Passengers
members get %10 off

Amtrak on ebay
http://www.stores.ebay.com/id=56190638&ssPageName=L2
Quote by DC7800

Finally, a word about the Ebay ticket promotion (now more-or-less a permanant offer). Sometimes you can find some real bargains, but there have been cases where the auction price has been actually more expensive than the ticket could have been purchased online at amtrak.com. It certainly pays to do your homework.

You can find that quote on this thread:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread...threadid=377902

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Here is a link to the Amtrak "Rail Sale" page http://tickets.amtrak.com/Amtrak/railsale

Note that it states that the sale is valid for all stations along the route.

The current New York to Miami train shown comes no closer than Winter Haven, which is about 30 miles from WDW and it is almost 50% off the regular rate.

 

[maggiew]

I have seen the Autotrain route on the railsale page. It doesn't appear to be there now, but keep checking. They change these on Mondays, I believe.

Maggie

 

[OhMickey]

I just remembered a conversation I had with an Amtrak employee a couple of years ago. I don't know it this still holds true but at the time they said the earlier you purchase your tickets, the lower the cost would be.

 

[TandyR]

Buying earlier is cheaper. We are taking Amtrak to from Boston to Olrando next week and for a family of four getting a deluxe sleeper cost us $800, but I had to buy it in March 2003 for next week. If we booked next week now it would be well over $1000 just go coach for the 4 of us and there are no sleepers avalable at all. So book early as early as you know the date you are going.