Everything is coming up 50 for Amtrak. The nation’s train line is turning 50 next week, and to celebrate, the nation’s train service is offering fares at 50 percent off, with a maximum price of $50 per segment. Tickets must be purchased by May 5, and travel must take place between June 2 and November 13, 2021.
“Since launching service in 1971, Amtrak has been continuously driving towards the future, setting ambitious sustainability goals, rolling out sleek new locomotives, and extending access to new communities,” Amtrak CEO Bill Flynn said in a statement. “To celebrate our 50th anniversary and to welcome travelers back to Amtrak, we are offering deeply discounted fares.”
One of Amtrak’s biggest fans will be on hand Friday to celebrate the service’s golden anniversary. President Biden will make an appearance at Amtrak’s 30th Street station in Philadelphia to mark the accomplishment and push for his infrastructure plan, which includes an $80 billion investment in rail.
Biden’s nickname is Amtrak Joe, a nod to the fact that he spent his Senate career riding the trains between Washington and Delaware. At the end of his vice presidency in 2017, Biden estimated he had taken 8,200 trips on Amtrak.
Editor’s Note: Delaware’s in the spotlight — follow in President Biden’s footsteps here.
For those more interested in travel and less interested in politics, the 50th-anniversary sale is worth noting. Sale prices are valid on all routes except Pennsylvanian and Keystone Service between Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pacific Surfliner, the New Haven-Springfield shuttle, and 7000-8999 thruway connecting services.
The offer is for one-way coach and business class adult fares with no upgrades permitted.
Some examples of the $50 fares include Los Angeles to Seattle, New York to Miami, and Washington to Chicago. Other discounted fares include New York to Washington ($30), Portland to Seattle ($18), Philadelphia to New York ($19), and Chicago to East Lansing, Michigan ($15).
All of the fares can be found in this dedicated section of Amtrak’s website.
Amtrak has made great efforts to alleviate passengers’ concerns about travel during the coronavirus pandemic. Among the steps it has taken:
- When searching for travel, customers will see the percentage of seats sold that adjusts next to each route as passengers make reservations. This will give customers the opportunity to book a train that is less crowded.
- There are also no middle seats, giving customers more space.
- All trains are equipped with onboard filtration systems.
- All customers and employees are required to wear makes while onboard and in stations.
For more inspiration, consider Celebrating Amtrak’s 50th: 8 Incredible Small Town Stops, too!
