If the start of spring makes you want to go out and explore, you are not alone. With gas prices continuing to soar, a road trip may not be the most cost-effective way to travel. You can get a USA Rail Pass from Amtrak for $399, which will give you 30 days of train travel. Here is what to know. What do you get for $399, other than $100 off the usual price? The USA Rail Pass is good for 10 train rides over a 30-day period, allowing you to travel between more than 500 destinations. There are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, any time you board and disembark a train, it is counted as a segment. If you want to go from New York City to Springfield, Illinois, you'll have to switch trains in Chicago.
How Amtrak’s USA Rail Pass works
Travel segments
You have to use your USA Rail Pass within 120 days. The latest you can embark on your railway journey is 90 days after you purchase it. The first day you take your first trip is when the pass begins.
The USA Rail Pass is not a ticket. You have to have a ticket and reservation for each train you board to hop on a train and flash the pass at the conductor. You are also expected to confirm each leg of your trip on the Amtrak website or app, or with an agent before you travel. Each person must have their own USA Rail Pass to travel with their friends and family.
The pass only includes coach-class seats. If you want to upgrade to business class or a sleeping car, you'll have to pay separately. You can only book Saver and Value fares with the rail pass, even if a segment only offers Flexible fares.
The USA Rail Pass can only be used for two journeys between the same two stations, so if you are planning on traveling back-and-forth between two cities, keep that in mind.
There are some restrictions on the routes. The USA Rail Pass is not valid on some trains.
The rest of the fine print can be found here.
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