Buying Amtrak Tickets.

[Amtrak Railfan]

When a Amtrak Station is close can the Passagers buy Tickets on the Train?

 

[Amfleet]

No, I believe the policy is that only when the train has unreserved seating and the ticket window at that station is not open or quick track ticket machines are not avalible, can a passenger buy a ticket on the train. Most stations are usually open however for departure time so any last minute passengers can buy tickets for a reserved train (if there is avalibility).

 

[AlanB]

No the policy goes like this.

Under no circumstances can a passenger buy a ticket on the train if they are riding on the Northeast Corridor. All tickets must be brought before boarding. In almost all cases the ticket offices are open on the NEC before the train boards.

On trains outside the NEC, you can indeed buy your tickets on board the train. If the office was open, then you will pay a penalty. One of course also has to hope that the train has room for you, if you don't already have a reservation.

 

[Amtrak Railfan]

How can the Passagers can buy tickets by mail?

 

[AlanB]

How can the Passagers can buy tickets by mail?

I don't think that you can do that. You must either call or go on-line to buy your tickets. Amtrak will then mail your tickets to you if you like.

Additionally of course one can just go to a station to either pickup your tickets or buy them in person at the station.

 

[Viewliner]

Railfan, are you planning on going somewhere that would require this knowledge?

 

[Amtrak Railfan]

No just want to know.

 

[railman]

Here are the correct replies:

tickets may not be purchased on board trains within the Boston-Washington corridor except when boarding at one of the few unstaffed stations like Mystic, CT; Newark, DE; etc. Conductors will put passengers off the train at the next stop if they do not obtain a ticket prior to boarding at a staffed station. This is supposed to be part of the Amtrak "security policy" for the NEC.

tickets can be ordered for mailout through the Internet or through an Amtrak reservations agent. Tickets-by-mail must be requested at least 9 days prior to departure to avoid paying a FedEx charge for express delivery. FedEx delivery is an option (for $9.00 additional) up to 4 days prior to travel. A credit card is required to pay for the tickets in order to request the mailout service.

 

[Amtrak Railfan]

When was the first Quik-Trak Machine at the Amtrak Rail Stations?

 

[AlanB]

I don't really know, but they been out for at least 2 years or more at this point.

 

[P40Power]

I recall seeing them in 97 in Chicago Union Station, I think that was the first or second year they were out.

 

[Amtrak Railfan]

Can the Kids travel on the Amtrak on Unreserved Trains or on Reserved Trains?

 

[Anthony]

I sincerely doubt that Amtrak would not allow children on unreserved trains, while allowing them on reserved trains (or vice versa).

The answer to your question is "yes".

 

[Anthony]

Ricardo, have you ever taken an Amtrak train before?

 

[Amtrak Railfan]

Not at all.

 

[Anthony]

Not at all.

:blink:

Any plans to?

 

[Amtrak Railfan]

No plans to go on Amtrak at this time.

 

[jccollins]

No plans to go on Amtrak at this time.

:unsure:

(I think that just about says it all)

 

[tp49]

Ok, terriffic...maybe it's time to lock this one up...