Traveling across the US as a student doesn’t have to break the bank. With the Amtrak student discount, students can enjoy affordable and comfortable train journeys to over 500 destinations nationwide. Whether you’re heading home for the holidays or exploring new cities, Amtrak makes it easier to travel on a budget.
What Is the Amtrak Student Discount?
The Amtrak student discount is a national fare reduction program that gives students aged 17 to 24 a 15% discount on regular adult train fares across most Amtrak routes. It’s designed to make travel more affordable for students, whether you’re heading home for break, visiting friends, or exploring new cities.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Discount Amount | 15% off standard adult fares |
| Age Requirement | 17–24 years old |
| Booking Requirement | Must book at least 1 day in advance |
| Promo Code | V814 (enter during booking) |
| ID Verification | Valid student ID required (may need upload) |
| How to Apply | Visit Amtrak’s student discount page Log in/create account Enter travel details + promo code V814 Upload student ID if prompted Complete booking |
| Excluded Routes | Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, Keystone, Pennsylvanian, San Joaquins, Wolverine, Missouri River Runner, and other regional lines |
| Official Website | https://www.amtrak.com/home.html |
What is the Student Discount Eligibility & Criteria
To qualify for the Amtrak student discount, students must be 17 to 24 years old, currently enrolled in an accredited school or college, and possess a valid student ID. Tickets must be booked at least one day in advance, and the promo code V814 should be applied during checkout.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Eligibility | Must be 17–24 years old Must have a valid student ID from an accredited institution |
| Who Can Apply? | High school, college, university, or vocational students Must meet age requirement and verify enrollment status |
| Required Documents | Current student ID (must be presented) Additional proof may be needed (e.g., class schedule, transcript) |
| Booking Rules | Must book at least 1 day in advance Must apply promo code V814 during checkout Discount only applies to eligible routes |
How to Get Amtrak Student Discount?
To get the Amtrak student discount, follow these steps to unlock 15% off your train fare if you’re between 17 and 24 years old:
| Action | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Create an Amtrak Account | Sign up on Amtrak.com or via the Amtrak mobile app. |
| Verify Student Status | Have a valid student ID ready. Some bookings may require third-party verification (e.g., Student Beans, UNiDAYS). |
| Book in Advance | Purchase tickets at least 1 day before travel. Not valid for last-minute bookings. |
| Apply Promo Code | Enter V814 at checkout or select the “Student” fare option if available. |
| Complete Booking | Discount auto-applies to eligible routes (excludes Acela, premium classes, and certain regional lines). |
How to Apply Student Discount on Amtrak?
To apply the student discount on Amtrak, you’ll need to follow a few simple steps to unlock 15% off your fare if you’re between 17 and 24 years old:
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Access Amtrak Platform | Visit Amtrak.com student discount page Or use the Amtrak mobile app |
| Verify Student Status | Upload valid student ID May require additional documents (enrollment letter, course schedule) |
| Plan & Book Trip | Must book at least 1 day in advance Check route eligibility first |
| Apply Discount | Enter promo code V814 at checkout Or select “Student” fare option if available |
| Complete Booking | Confirm route is eligible Ensure you’re logged into verified account |
How to Add Student Discount to Amtrak Booking?
To add a student discount to your Amtrak booking, you’ll need to follow a few key steps to make sure the discount is properly applied during checkout. Here’s how to do it:
| Action | Details |
|---|---|
| Account Access | Visit Amtrak’s Student Discount page Sign in or create new account |
| Student Verification | Upload valid student ID (photo/digital) Age 17-24 requirement May need enrollment proof |
| Trip Search | Enter: Origin/destination Travel dates Passenger count |
| Apply Discount | Enter V814 in promo code box OR select “Student” fare option if available |
| Finalize Booking | Verify “Discount Applied” message Complete payment |
Routes Not Eligible for Student Discount
The following Amtrak trains and services are excluded from the 15% student fare reduction.
| Route Category | Excluded Routes |
|---|---|
| California Services | Pacific Surfliner Capitol Corridor San Joaquins |
| Midwest Corridors | Hiawatha Service Lincoln Service Illini/Saluki Illinois Zephyr Carl Sandburg |
| Pennsylvania Lines | Keystone Service Pennsylvanian |
| Michigan Services | Wolverine Blue Water Pere Marquette |
| Missouri Route | Missouri River Runner |
| Connecting Buses | Amtrak Thruway (7000-8999 series) |
Smart Tips to Maximize Your Amtrak Student Discount
- Book Early: Amtrak’s student discount requires booking at least one day in advance, but booking even earlier can unlock lower base fares.
- Use Promo Code: Always enter promo code V814 during checkout to ensure the student discount is activated.
- Join Amtrak Guest Rewards: Earn points on every trip—even discounted ones—and redeem them for free travel, upgrades, or perks.
- Travel with Friends: Use Amtrak’s Share Fare program to save up to 60% when booking for groups of 3–8 passengers.
- Use Rail Passes for Extended Travel: If you’re planning multiple trips, consider the USA Rail Pass or multi-ride passes for bulk savings.
- Avoid Restricted Routes: Make sure your travel route is eligible for the student discount. Avoid services like Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, and others that don’t qualify.
Check Here: Best Time to Buy Amtrak Tickets
Conclusion
The Amtrak student discount is a smart way for young travelers to explore the country while staying within budget. With 15% off eligible fares, students between 17 and 24 can enjoy flexible, comfortable travel across hundreds of U.S. destinations. Just remember to book early, verify your student status, and use promo code V814 during checkout. Whether it’s heading home for the holidays or discovering new cities, Amtrak makes student travel both accessible and affordable.
FAQs on Amtrak Student Discount
Students aged 17–24 with a valid student ID from an accredited school (high school, college, or university).
15% off standard rail fares (excludes Acela, premium classes, and certain routes).
Use V814 at checkout or select the “Student” fare option if available.
Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, Keystone, San Joaquins, Wolverine, and other state-funded routes.
No—you must book at least 1 day in advance.
Yes! Apply promo code V814 or select “Student” fare in the app.
Only if aged 17–24; otherwise, check for other Amtrak promotions.
Follow standard Amtrak refund policies (varies by fare type).
Ensure:
1) Route is eligible,
2) Code V814 is entered correctly,
3) You’re logged into your verified account.
Upload a student ID during booking; some may require extra proof (enrollment letter, transcript, or .edu email).
