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The Offer
- Amtrak is offering the USA Rail Pass for $299, save $200
The Fine Print
- Valid until 1/20/23
Our Verdict
This is a discount of $200 on the normal price. This lets you complete 10 segments over 30 days. I’d recommend looking at the segments you want to travel on first and seeing if this makes sense or not.
I wish they would offer a discount on their California Rail pass (though it is already a sweet deal without the discount). https://www.amtrak.com/california-rail-pass
This would be great if it was offered summer/fall
Could do a 2 week Chicago -> San Francisco via California Zephyr, San Francisco -> Seattle via Coast Starlight and Seattle -> Chicago via Empire Builder but Glacier National Park is not really a great visit until late summer
Eligible California Trains
Capitol Corridor, San Joaquins and Pacific Surfliner corridor trains
The California Rail Pass is not valid on the Sunset Limited, the Southwest Chief, the California Zephyr and the Texas Eagle.
I wonder if this could be used as a substitute for Amtrak’s pre-pandemic Express shipping service. Check your baggage but don’t get on the train. Instead take a plane and pick it up when it arrives cross country. Enlist a friend to load subsequent trains if necessary. 10 one-ways, 2 free checked bags up to 50lbs each, so up to 1,000lbs of freight for $300. It’s a niche use case but substantially cheaper than alternative methods.
Interesting use case, or you could also just get on the train with the bags, and get a free ride and save the plane fare.
40+ hours in coach!
Safer and more comfortable than plane ride
Not really, since you are only allowed four passes on any given segment of track.
This would be a good deal if you can use the 10 and split it amongst 2 people. 5 trips each within 120 days
Coach only
Can’t even pay for an upgrade
The pass is valid up to 120 days after purchase.
But also expires 30 days after first use.