(MSNBC.com posted the following article by Pauline Frommer of Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel on May 22.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Poor, beleaguered Amtrak is doing everything it can to attract more riders. It’s added MapQuest technology to its site, to help confused customers find its stations. It’s getting chi chi with wine tastings on the first Saturday of each month (aboard the Heartland Flyer). It’s even hired a freelance writer (late of Rolling Stone and Elle) to post her musings about the joys of rail travel on its site. But what’s undoubtedly going to get fannies in those seats? Discounts, of course.
From now through Dec. 18, Amtrak is offering a full 25 percent discount off many of its routes (but not Acela or Metroliner, sorry!) for those who book online. That translates into significant savings on a number of routes:
Tucson to Los Angeles is normally $32 but it will be just $24 with this sale
Richmond to New York is usually an $81 ride; book online and you’ll pay $20 less
San Francisco to Seattle is being reduced to $57 from $76
And so on, you get the picture. The 25 percent will be taken off not only full regular fares but also the already discounted fares available to students, seniors, and disabled adults.
To get in on the offer, go to www.amtrak.com to book and make sure to use booking code “H315”.
Bookings must be made by June 15, and some blackouts will apply.