How to Make Amtrak Reservations

By Kate Evelyn

The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, or Amtrak, runs throughout the United States. If you use Amtrak for your next golf vacation, you can enjoy a few advantages over flying. First, you can carry your clubs instead of having to check them, so you don't have to worry about them getting damaged. Second, you can use your cell phone and the internet while en route to your destination. It's a good idea to make Amtrak reservations in advance, especially if you're traveling to a major golf tournament.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Decide if you would like to book your tickets online, in person or by phone. You will have to buy them in person if you would like to pay with cash instead of credit.

Step 2

Reserve seats online. Go to Amtrak's website (see Resources) and click on the "Reservations" tab. Type in your departure date and time, your arrival date and time and the number of passengers you need tickets for. Click on "Next." Look at your results and click on the button next to the train you would like to take. Click on "View Fare." Review your total cost. Click "Next." Type in the names of the people you are purchasing tickets for under "Passenger Information." Click "Next." Type in your credit card information to secure your tickets. Pick them up at the Amtrak kiosk in the train station.

Step 3

Reserve seats over the phone. Follow the directions in Step 2 until you get to the "View Fare" screen. Call 1-800-872-7245 and say "Agent" to complete our reservation over the phone by speaking to a service representative. Tell the representative the train you'd like to take and give him or her your credit card number and expiration date. Close out your online session without completing it.

Step 4

Reserve seats in person. Go to any Amtrak station and purchase tickets at the reservation window or at a Quik-Trak kiosk. Either find the name and departure time of the train you would like to travel on online or ask a reservation agent for a printed schedule.

Tips & Warnings

Amtrak accepts most major credit cards, including American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Discover and Visa. Amtrak can mail your tickets to you if the ticket kiosk will be closed at your time of departure.

Amtrak accepts most major credit cards, including American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard, Discover and Visa.

Amtrak can mail your tickets to you if the ticket kiosk will be closed at your time of departure.

You cannot pay for your Amtrak tickets with a personal check, even if you do so in person. Not all Amtrak tickets are refundable. It's best to find out if yours are before you make the reservation if you foresee any possible conflicts with your chosen time and date.

You cannot pay for your Amtrak tickets with a personal check, even if you do so in person.

Not all Amtrak tickets are refundable. It's best to find out if yours are before you make the reservation if you foresee any possible conflicts with your chosen time and date.

Resources

Amtrak's website

About The Author

Based in Washington, D.C., Kate Evelyn has been writing professionally since 2000. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications, including "Elle" magazine, "Brass|CU" magazine and the "Credit Union Times." She holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Western Maryland College.

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