USA Rail Pass
International visitors to the USA can take advantage of Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass. The USA Rail Pass can be purchased in 15-day or 30-day intervals and it can span the entire country or one of three regions—West, East, and Northeast.
The restrictions on the USA Rail Pass are pretty simple. First, you must be an international visitor. Residents from the US or Canada are not eligible. Second, the USA Rail Pass comes in two different flavors—15-day and 30-day. Finally, you just need to decide what area(s) to get the pass for.
Peak Periods:
May 25th – September 3rd
December 14 – January 2
*These are 2007 dates. Each year the dates move a little. For instance, in 2008, the peak period will begin on May 23rd and end on September 1st.
You can purchase a USA Rail Pass online at Amtrak.com or by phone.
Children (2-15) receive a discount, which is generally about 50% off.
National Rail 15-day passes typically cost around $389 per person for off-peak times and $499 per person for peak times. A 30-day pass would be around $469 off-peak and $599 during peak times.
The 15-day West Rail pass and East Rail pass are $329 during off-peak and $369 during peak times. Thirty-day passes cost $369 for off-peak times and $459 for peak times. The Northeast Rail pass is less expensive, because it covers less ground. The 15-day Northeast Rail pass is $299 anytime. It’s not available in the 30-day variety.
As a closing note, if any part—even one day—of your travel is during peak times, you are charged peak prices for your USA Rail Pass. If you’re planning on traveling during off-peak times, make sure all of your dates are off-peak.
