Rail Passes

[user 5784]

whats the difference between the explore america fare and the usa rail pass? i dont see any differences, except that explore america is for US citizens and usa rail for foreigners

also--can one use amtrak thruway buses with one of these passes?

 

[Trogdor]

They are completely different.

Here's what Amtrak's website says about Explore America fares:

Amtrak Explore America fares are flat-rate fares allowing for 45 days of travel within one (or more) of four geographic regions in the United States. Passengers may travel from any point to any other point, using the routes of their choice, within the region or regions purchased, with a maximum of three stopovers along the way.

The USA Rail Pass, on the other hand, is for unlimited travel (no stopover limit), within the duration of the pass (5, 15, or 30 days) within the specified region of the pass.

The rules regarding Thruway buses are dependent on each specific Thruway bus, and are usually noted in the timetable.