Lower Fares on Amtrak

Amtrak has lowered its All Aboard America fares for the fall and winter season, and reinstated its $7 return-trip fare during the off-peak season, October to May 24, 1990.

The United States is divided into western, central and eastern regions by Amtrak. The All Aboard America fares allow you to travel round trip throughout any one region for $179, two regions for $229 and three regions for $259.

Three stopovers are allowed, whether you travel within one or all three regions. Children ages 2 to 11 pay half price. Sleeping accommodations are extra.

Amtrak has also liberalized the validity of these fares to last 180 days. Previously, travel had to be completed within 45 days of ticket purchase. There are no advance purchase restrictions.

The $7 return fare may apply when the one-way price is more than $65, except on Metroliners (the high-speed New York City-Washington, D.C., trains) and the Washington-Florida auto train.

However, the same $7 offer is also available on some routes that cost less than $65. The best local example is the Los Angeles-San Diego route. The one-way Los Angeles-San Diego rail rate is $23. You can get your return fare for $7, making the round-trip tab $30.

Another under-$65 route is Los Angeles-Santa Barbara, where the one-way rate is $19, enabling you to buy a round-trip fare for $26.

Amtrak has dropped its family fare program, according to a spokesman.

Space may be limited on some routes, so make train reservations as early as possible. However, some routes are on an unreserved basis, such as Los Angeles-San Diego and the route to San Francisco that goes through the San Joaquin Valley instead of along the coast.

When traveling on an unreserved basis, it’s a good idea to get to the train station early (about 30 minutes, the Amtrak spokesman advised), especially on weekends and holidays.

Contact Amtrak toll-free at (800) USA-RAIL.