Amtrak respects and appreciates the service of US military members. That’s why they offer a 10% discount on most train tickets. Whether you’re currently serving, retired, or a family member, this deal helps make train travel cheaper and easier across the country. Here, we are provides everything about the Amtrak Military Discount.
Overview of Amtrak Military Discount
Amtrak offers a 10% Military discount on most train fares to honor US. military personnel and their families. This includes active-duty members, veterans, retirees, spouses, and dependents.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Military Discount Amount | 10% off standard adult fares (base fare only) |
| Eligibility | Active-duty military, National Guard, Reservists, veterans with honorable discharge, and military retirees |
| Booking Requirement | No advance booking required (but recommended for seat availability) |
| Promo Code | Not required (select “Military” passenger type or mention service when booking) |
| ID Verification | Military ID (CAC card for active duty), DD214 for veterans, or Veterans Advantage membership card |
| How to Apply | Book online (amtrak.com), via the app, by phone (1-800-USA-RAIL), or at stations. Select “Military” as passenger type during booking. No promo code needed. |
| Excluded Routes | Acela Express, Auto Train vehicle transport, first class/business class upgrades, sleeper cabins |
| Special Programs | Veterans must use Veterans Advantage program for Military discounts (free membership available) |
| Official Website | https://www.amtrak.com/home.html |
Does Amtrak Give Military Discounts?
Yes, Amtrak gives a special discount to military members, including those who are currently serving, veterans, and their spouses and kids. You can save 10% on most train tickets, even on the popular Auto Train, which carries both you and your car.
| Category | Eligibility | Discount | Verification | Booking Method | Exclusions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Active Duty | Current U.S. military (including Guard/Reserves) | 10% off base fare | CAC card or orders at boarding | Online: Select “Military” Phone: 1-800-USA-RAIL Station: Request discount | Acela, private rooms, Auto Train vehicles, sale fares |
| Retirees | Honorably discharged retirees | 10% off base fare | Veterans Advantage membership + retiree ID | Must book through Veterans Advantage program | Same as active-duty exclusions |
| Veterans | All honorably discharged veterans | 10% off base fare | Veterans Advantage membership (ID.me verified) | Online via Veterans Advantage portal | Business/first class excluded |
| Families | Immediate family traveling WITH eligible service member | 10% off base fare | Military member must be present with ID | Same as active-duty booking | No standalone family discount |
| Space-A Travel | Active duty on leave (limited availability) | Free on select routes | Military ID + travel orders | At station only (not bookable in advance) | Auto Train, Acela, peak periods excluded |
Eligibility for Amtrak Military Discount
Military members, veterans, retirees, and their family can get 10% off most Amtrak tickets. Just show a valid ID to save and board early.
| Recipient | Eligibility Requirements | Proof Required |
|---|---|---|
| Active-Duty Military | Currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces (including National Guard & Reserves) | Valid military ID (CAC, DD Form 2, or orders) at check-in |
| Veterans | Honorably discharged U.S. military veterans | Membership in Veterans Advantage program (verified through ID.me) |
| Military Spouses/Dependents | Immediate family traveling with active-duty military member | Military member must be present with ID; no standalone discount for family |
| Space-A Travel | Active-duty personnel on leave (limited to select long-distance routes) | Military ID + travel orders (subject to availability; not guaranteed) |
How to Get Amtrak Military Discount?
To get 10% off Amtrak tickets, choose “Military” or “Military Veteran” when booking online, in the app, or at a station. Show a valid military ID to confirm and enjoy savings plus priority boarding.
| Step | Action Required | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Check Eligibility | Confirm you qualify as: | Active-duty military (including Guard/Reserves) Veteran (via Veterans Advantage) Family traveling with active-duty member |
| Gather Required ID | Have valid military identification ready. | Active-duty: CAC card or orders Veterans: Veterans Advantage membership (verified via ID.me) |
| Book Your Trip | Reserve tickets with the Military discount applied. | Online/App: Select “Military” discount at checkout Phone: Call 1-800-USA-RAIL and request the military discount Station: Ask agent for military fare (not all stations apply it) |
| Verify at Check-In | Show valid military ID before boarding. | Conductor may check ID for active-duty/family discounts Veterans must show Veterans Advantage card or digital ID |
| Restrictions | Be aware of limitations. | Excludes Acela, private rooms, and some promotions Only applies to base fare (not fees or upgrades) |
How to Apply Military Discount on Amtrak?
When booking online, in the Amtrak app, or at a station, select “Military” fare and show your valid military ID to get 10% off most tickets and priority boarding.
| Booking Method | Steps to Apply Discount |
|---|---|
| Online Booking | Go to Amtrak.com Enter trip details Under “Passenger Type,” select “Military” Proceed to checkout |
| Amtrak App | Search for trains Before payment, toggle “Military Discount” Complete booking |
| Phone Booking | Call 1-800-USA-RAIL Request military discount Provide eligibility details |
| In-Person (Station) | Visit ticket counter Ask agent for military fare Show valid ID |
Restrictions for Military Discount
Amtrak offers a 10% military discount to active-duty U.S. military personnel, their spouses, and dependents, as well as veterans. However, there are specific routes and services where this discount does not apply:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Weekday Acela Express | Not eligible Monday-Friday |
| Premium Classes | Business Class, First Class, and Sleeper accommodations excluded |
| Thruway Motorcoach Services | Bus connections operated by Amtrak Thruway not included |
| VIA Rail Canada Segments | Cross-border routes (e.g., Maple Leaf, Adirondack) operated by VIA Rail excluded |
| Saver Fares | Cannot be combined with military discount or other promotions |
| Group Travel | Not applicable to group bookings |
| Vacation Packages | Multi-day tours and special charters excluded |
| ID Requirement | Valid military ID (CAC, DD214, or Veterans Advantage card) required at booking/boarding |
| Coach Fares Only | Military Discount applies exclusively to coach class tickets |
| Non-Stackable | Cannot be combined with other discounts (e.g., senior, AAA) |
| Category | Excluded Routes/Services |
|---|---|
| Premium Trains | Acela Express |
| Private Rooms | All sleeper accommodations (e.g., Roomette, Bedroom) |
| Special Fares | Saver Fares, Weekly Specials, Flash Sales |
| Auto Train | Lorton, VA ↔ Sanford, FL (vehicle transport) |
| International | Amtrak Cascades (Vancouver, Canada segment) |
| First Class | Any first-class seating (outside coach) |
| Business Class | On routes where offered (e.g., Northeast Regional) |
| Connecting Buses | Thruway bus services |
Amtrak Retired Military Discount
Yes, Amtrak retired military discount is available! Retired personnel can enjoy the same 10% savings as active-duty members. Just select “Military Veteran” when booking and present valid ID.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Discount Amount | 10% off the lowest available fare |
| Eligible Travelers | Retired military personnel (with valid ID) |
| Fare Types Applicable | Coach fares, Auto Train, and select other standard rail services |
| Excluded Services | Acela First Class & Business Class, sleeping accommodations, some Thruway buses |
| Accepted ID Forms | Military Retiree ID, Veteran ID (VIC), DD Form 2765 |
| How to Apply Online | Select “Military Veteran” under passenger type during booking |
| Priority Boarding | Available to uniformed personnel only |
| Discount Availability | Nationwide (excluding certain regional restrictions and Canadian portions) |
Smart Tips to Maximize Your Amtrak Military Discount
Here are some smart and practical tips to help you maximize your Amtrak Military Discount and get the most value from your travel:
- Book Early: Reserve tickets 14+ days ahead for better fares and a valid discount.
- Use Fare Finder: Select “Military” or “Military Veteran” while booking to apply your discount.
- Carry Military ID: Bring an accepted ID like Active Duty, Retired, or Dependent ID.
- Combine Child Discounts: Kids 2–12 get extra savings when traveling with military family.
- Stick to Coach Class: Discount only works on coach fares, not premium seating.
- Enjoy Priority Boarding: Uniformed personnel can board early at many stations.
- Avoid Restricted Routes: Skip Acela (weekdays), Thruway buses, VIA Rail, and Saver fares.
- Join Amtrak Guest Rewards: Earn and redeem points even on discounted travel.
- Ask for Help if Needed: Contact customer service if your discount doesn’t appear.
- Travel During Off-Peak Times: Weekdays and off-seasons often mean lower base fares.
Check Here: Amtrak Senior Discount
Conclusion
Amtrak’s 10% military discount is a thoughtful way to honor US. service members and their families. By offering savings on most train fares and priority boarding for those in uniform, Amtrak makes travel more affordable and convenient. Whether you’re active-duty, retired, or a dependent, this benefit is easy to use and helps make your journey smoother across the country.
FAQs on Amtrak Military Discount
It’s a 10% discount on most Amtrak train fares for active-duty military, veterans, retirees, and their families.
Active-duty personnel, retired military members, veterans with valid ID, and their spouses and dependents are eligible.
Select “Military” or “Military Veteran” during checkout online, in the app, or at a station.
Accepted IDs include Active Duty Military ID, Retired Military ID, Veteran ID Card (VIC), CAC, and Military Dependent ID.
No, it excludes weekday Acela Express, Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, and VIA Rail Canada segments.
No, it only applies to coach fares—not Business Class, First Class, or Sleeper accommodations.
Yes, uniformed personnel are welcomed to board ahead of other passengers at many stations.
No, it cannot be combined with Saver fares or other promotional discounts.
Yes, it’s available all year and can be used for most travel dates and destinations.
Yes, children aged 2–12 get an additional 10% off on top of the regular child fare discount.
