Planning a vacation can be overwhelming. From the highway gridlock to the heavy luggage, you’ll need a vacation from your vacation by the time all is said and done.

So skip the headache and explore a cross country train adventure instead. Kids ride for 50% off and we handle all the driving. All. The. Driving.

We even make it easy to book your tickets. Follow these 4 efficient travel tips for booking your next #AmtrakVacay.

1. Reserve Early
To get the best available fares, try to make your reservations as far in advance of travel as possible. The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get the lowest fare available for any given itinerary. For the real planners in the audience, you may book your travel up to 11 months in advance!

Windows App2. Download the Amtrak App
We’re pretty hip. We have free apps for iPhone and Android phones. That means you can plan and book your Thanksgiving travel throughout Amtrak’s nationwide system of trains and buses straight from your phone. You can also check the arrival and departure status of trains and display your eTicket from right in the app.

3. Join Amtrak Guest Rewards
Have you signed up for Amtrak Guest Rewards yet? It lets you earn points toward free travel (and lots more) when you ride. Most importantly, it’s free! Also, some of our larger stations have special lounges for customers with sleeper car accommodations. Check here to see if you’re eligible. Lastly, parents traveling with young kids and passengers needing assistance can board their trains first. Simply speak to an Amtrak staff member for assistance.

4. Have Flexible Travel Dates
Our popular trains tend to sell out during holidays and peak travel periods. Fares will vary based on the date and time you travel. If you can be flexible, use the Fare Finder tool on Amtrak.com to try different dates and times then compare fares.

 

Do you have tips for booking the best train vacation? Share them in the comments below!