While riding on Amtrak is becoming increasingly popular, it often doesn’t come cheap. Even a one-way, short-haul coach fare can cost hundreds of dollars depending on the route and date. But frequent Amtrak riders know that there are several ways to save on your booking, though the methods may not always be obvious. Check out seven underrated ways to save on Amtrak tickets.

Book Early

While you may be tempted to wait to see if prices drop closer to your departure date, as sometimes happens with hotels, that rule typically doesn’t apply when it comes to Amtrak. Amtrak recommends you book sooner rather than later to secure the lowest fare for your trip. Travelers can reserve a seat as far out as 11 months in advance. This isn’t just a clever marketing tactic; trusted travel bloggers such as the YouTube channel Grounded Life Travel and Martin Soto agree that booking early leads to cash savings.

Buy Rail Passes

If you’re planning to take multiple Amtrak rides over several weeks, it may be in your best interest to book a special pass. There are three types of passes to choose from; they all provide discounted fares compared with booking multiple trips individually.

One option is the Multi-Ride Pass, which is ideal for commuting between the same two destinations. Riders can buy either a monthly option or a 10-ride pass good for a 45- or 90-day period, depending on the stations you choose. Then there’s the USA Rail Pass, which costs a flat rate of $499 and allows you to ride on 10 separate Amtrak trips over a 30-day period once the first trip is taken. That comes out to less than $50 per ride. Lastly, the California Rail Pass permits seven individual days of unlimited Amtrak travel within California over a 21-day period. Discounts differ based on destinations and dates of travel, but expect to save no matter which option you go for.

Take Advantage of Share Fares

Amtrak Share Fares can be used on coach seats booked for up to eight passengers under the same reservation. Savings kick in when you book for three people (15% off each ticket), increasing up to 60% for a party of eight. Discounts are automatically applied when booking through this page, or by applying code “V291” if booking through the Amtrak app. In either case, you must do so at least two days in advance to receive the savings. It’s also worth noting that Amtrak offers travel discounts for groups of 15 or more; contact Amtrak directly for further info.

Be a Night Owl

Traveling late at night or early in the morning may be in your best interest if you’re trying to save money on Amtrak rides. Amtrak’s Night Owl fares offer steep discounts compared with typical daytime fares, but these rates are limited to rides between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., and they’re available only on trains along the Northeast Corridor. (This is Amtrak’s busiest route, connecting big cities such as Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C.) 

Precise rates vary depending on your destinations and dates, but the Amtrak website lists sample coach seats for as little as $10 between New York City and Newark Liberty Airport, $15 between New York and Philly, and $25 from New York to Boston or D.C.

See if You Qualify for Special Discounts

While discounts aren’t available to all Amtrak riders, eligible passengers can save 10% to 50% on their rides. For example, seniors (anyone 65 or older) can take advantage of a 10% discount on most fares, and are also eligible to save up to 50% on routes such as the Downeaster in New England. Be sure to provide proof of age if asked on board the train.

Students are eligible for discounts, too. Anyone with a valid student ID ages 17 to 24 can save 15% on bookings made at least one day in advance of their trip. Children ages 2 to 12 traveling with an adult also save up to 50%. And disabled travelers are eligible for savings of 10% to 50% on select routes, while veterans and active military personnel can get 10% off. You can also check here for any other deals or discounts that may be available.

Apply for an Amtrak Credit Card

Plan to travel Amtrak frequently? Consider applying for an Amtrak credit card. The no-annual-fee Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard offers perks such as double points on Amtrak travel, a 10% rebate for onboard food or beverage purchases, and 12,000 bonus points for meeting certain criteria after sign-up.

For a $99 annual fee, the Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard, offers triple points on Amtrak travel, a 20% rebate for onboard food and drink purchases, and 20,000 bonus points. It also comes with benefits upon activation and future anniversaries, such as complimentary companion coupons, free seat-class upgrades, and access passes to station lounges.

Join the Rail Passengers Association

The Rail Passengers Association is a nonprofit advocacy group for U.S.-based rail travel, and members receive discounts on Amtrak tickets. An annual individual membership costs $40 — or $30 for seniors, $20 for students, and $60 for a family of four. But if you plan to use Amtrak frequently, you can make that membership fee back easily, as you’ll receive 10% off the lowest available fare on most Amtrak trains. The only catch is you need to make your booking at least three days in advance. Just be sure to travel with your membership card handy, as the conductor may request to see it during the journey.