Are there any discounts for booking early on the train from Boston to Philadelphia

ticketbook
3 min readJun 28, 2024

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Booking early on the train from Boston to Philadelphia can be a convenient and comfortable way to travel, and if you plan ahead, you may be able to take advantage of various discounts available for early bookings. Amtrak, the primary train service provider for this route, offers several ways to save money if you book your tickets in advance.

One of the most common discounts available for early bookings is the Saver Fare. Amtrak’s Saver Fare is specifically designed to reward passengers who book their tickets at least 14 days in advance. This fare offers substantial savings compared to regular ticket prices, making it an attractive option for travelers who can plan their trips ahead of time. The Saver Fare is non-refundable, but the savings can be significant, sometimes up to 20% or more off the standard fare.

Another discount available for early bookings is the SmartFares program. This program provides weekly deals on select routes, including the Boston to Philadelphia route. These deals are typically announced on Tuesdays and are available for a limited time, usually until the end of the week or until the seats are sold out. SmartFares can offer discounts of up to 30% off the regular ticket price, so it’s worth checking Amtrak’s website regularly if you’re flexible with your travel dates.

For those who travel frequently, Amtrak also offers the Amtrak Guest Rewards program. By signing up for this loyalty program, you can earn points on every trip you take, which can be redeemed for free travel, upgrades, and other benefits. While this program doesn’t directly offer discounts for early bookings, the points you accumulate can lead to significant savings on future trips. Additionally, Amtrak Guest Rewards members often receive exclusive offers and promotions, which can include discounts for early bookings.

Additionally, Amtrak occasionally runs special promotions and sales that can provide discounts for early bookings. These promotions are often seasonal or tied to specific events and holidays. To take advantage of these offers, it’s a good idea to sign up for Amtrak’s email newsletter or follow them on social media. This way, you’ll be among the first to know about any special deals that could save you money on your train ticket from Boston to Philadelphia.

Group discounts are also available for early bookings. If you’re traveling with a group of 15 or more people, Amtrak offers a group travel discount, which can provide significant savings. Booking early is essential for group travel, as it ensures that there are enough seats available for your entire party and that you can secure the best possible rate.

Lastly, students, seniors, military personnel, and AAA members are eligible for additional discounts on Amtrak tickets. While these discounts are not specifically for early bookings, combining them with early booking discounts can result in substantial savings. For example, students can save 15% on fares, and seniors (age 65 and older) can save 10%. Military personnel and their families can also receive a 10% discount on most Amtrak fares, and AAA members can save 10% as well.

In summary, booking early can provide significant savings on train tickets from Boston to Philadelphia. By taking advantage of Saver Fares, SmartFares, special promotions, group discounts, and other eligible discounts, you can reduce your travel costs and enjoy a more affordable journey. Planning ahead and staying informed about available deals are key strategies to maximize your savings when traveling by train.

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