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A Look At Amtrak Trips for Seniors (Train Travel for Fun!)

A Look At Amtrak Trips for Seniors (Train Travel for Fun!)

Amtrak train trips have a lot to offer seniors who enjoy travel with flexible options, lots of fare choices, and tons of destinations. Amtrak trips are often more enjoyable for seniors because you can enjoy the travel itself in addition to your destination.
Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®
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Amtrak Trips For Seniors
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Amtrak Trips For Seniors

It’s a good time to be a senior citizen.

Seniors, especially those who are retired, often have a lot of free time. And these days, thanks to modern health care they’re usually in good shape too. Many seniors have good health, wisdom, and the chance to take advantage of free time to finally see more of the world.

Travel can be cheap and cheerful, or luxurious, it’s up to you.

While college graduates are often happy to travel by Greyhound, buses aren’t ideal for those who are a little older.

You could drive and set your own schedule.

Or you could take Amtrak!. For many, Amtrak is a go-to choice and it’s easy to understand why.

Fast and Fun Travel By Train

Many seniors prefer to spend their retirement days travelling and seeing the world.

Traveling by train is fast and fun. It can also be far more convenient than traveling using other methods. The Acela Express train travels at speed up to 150 miles an hour.

Travel to any new place can be stressful and difficult no matter what your age. But, travel is doubly stressful when you are a little older, for many reasons:

  • While many seniors are still fit a lot of the time, you may tire more easily and not want to walk long distances.
  • Waiting around may be an issue especially if you need to take medication at specific times.
  • You might find yourself a target for crime since there is the perception they you more likely to have things worth taking.
  • If you still have a job or family responsibilities, you need to be more stable and rigid in your schedules.
  • Maybe you are less comfortable with technology, e.g. ticket booking apps and maps.
  • You could also be used to a certain level of comfort. You’ve worked hard for decades and don’t want to ‘slum it’ when traveling.
  • Driving requires a lot of concentration and is mentally taxing – and physically exhausting – when going long distances .

Of course, some of the above challenges could be applied to younger travelers and families too. It’s one thing for a backpacking graduate to hitchhike and bus their way across the country. But if you’re looking to relax and unwind then you don’t want to be staying in hostels.

And, who wants to lose most of their trip to travel time.

Trains vs. Other Modes of Travel

The Greyhound bus is slow. You’ll also be packed into close quarters with a bunch of strangers. Plus, there is no room to roam.

Coach tours with premium tour operators are more comfortable than taking a Greyhound. But, this means that you have to travel to someone else’s schedule in a rigid way.

Driving means you can’t switch off and enjoy the travel. Plus, you’ll need to get in and out of your car frequently for rest breaks.

Flying is another option. Flights are fast and they can often be affordable. However, they come with their own challenges. While the actual length of a flight to another state could be quite short, you have to deal with getting to the airport, going through security hassles, and waiting at the gate. The whole process of checking in, flying, collecting your baggage at the other side (assuming it arrives) and then getting out of the airport at the other side can make air travel a pain for seniors.

Amtrak offers a convenient solution to those problems. Travel by train is fast and convenient and it can be affordable too.

Amtrak Superliner train car with the mountains in the background

Isn’t Train Travel Expensive?

A lot of people have the mistaken idea that travel by train is expensive. It’s true that if you travel in Business or Premium it can be expensive. Full price flexible tickets are expensive too. But there is a wide variety of ticket options and fares.

For example, a midweek ticket to travel from Los Angeles, California to Tucson, Arizona can cost $374 for a Superliner Roomette. But it costs as little as $38 for a Saver ticket!

The travel time for that Amtrak trip is around nine and a half hours. That’s a long time, true, but it would take longer on a Greyhound. There are also fewer options for transport times too.

Why Should Seniors Consider Travelling by Train?

There are many reasons seniors should consider train travel:

Senior Discounts

Amtrak offers a lot to senior citizens including a ten percent Senior discount on most fares. (Saver and Flexible fares aren’t included but Saver tickets are incredibly inexpensive anyway). There are also discount options for those with disabilities and their caregivers.

Easy Booking

Amtrak makes it easy to book since you can buy online or buy tickets at the station too.

Unlike some other companies, prices are almost always the same whether you buy online or at the station. There are also a handful of online-only special offers so it’s a great idea to sign-up on their email list to get notifications about these deals.

Accessible Trains and Travel

Amtrak offers accessible trains and there are lounges for people to relax in at the stations.

There are station services available too. So, you can get help with navigating the station and finding your train should you need it.

Serving the Whole of the US

Amtrak has stations all over the US. This means that you can find a great vacation no matter what your tastes.

There are some destinations that are very popular with senior citizens, though, such as:

  1. Washington DC – A trip to the capital is a must if you’re interested in history and culture.
  2. Yellowstone National Park – Nature lovers will enjoy a trip to this iconic national park.
  3. Yosemite National Park – This is another must-visit destination for nature-lovers.
  4. San Francisco – Enjoy the sights of San Francisco and soak up the atmosphere of the Pacific Coast.
  5. Seattle – Everyone should visit at least once. Travel from Chicago to Seattle and you get to take in the Lewis and Clark trail along the way.
  6. Las Vegas – A trip to Las Vegas to see the shows and place some bets will make for a nice trip at any time of year.
  7. Hollywood – California is warm and varied; do the walk of stars, then head to some of LA’s beaches to relax
amtrak train in Santa Fe station

Amtrak Getaway Travel Packages for Seniors

When you travel with Amtrak, you can simply book a ticket to your destination. Or, you can also take advantage of one of the travel packages that they offer. These packages have train transportation and accommodations sorted out for you. All you have to do is show up at the train stations on time.

RELATED GUIDE: Great Senior All Inclusive Vacations

Take, for example, the Northern Rail Experience. This is a nine-day trip which currently (at the time of writing) costs $1549, and takes riders from Chicago to Seattle, then to San Francisco, then back to Chicago, along a lovely scenic route. Guests will spend five nights on board Amtrak and three nights in hotels. There is a dinner included as well as CityPASS or sightseeing tickets in Seattle depending on the time of year.

RELATED GUIDE: Exciting Adventure Vacations for Seniors

Amtrak does not skimp on accommodations either. You get to choose from Hyatt, Crowne Plaza, and other similar caliber hotels so you’ll be comfortable and get a great night’s sleep. You also have flexibility with the itinerary so you can choose to do the traditional attractions such as the Space Needle. You even have time to go further off the beaten track if you want.

Other Benefits of Amtrak Trips for Seniors

Amtrak has something to offer for anyone. From national park visits for those who still have a lot of energy, to casino experiences or scenic rides around some picturesque parts of the north, there are plenty of choices.

There are trips – even day trips for seniors – to suit any budget, too. Savvy shoppers can put together their own trips and save a lot of money with saver tickets for their travel and discounted hotel stays.

Those who just want the convenience of someone else planning their journey can opt for packages which are still good value for money given the quality of what they offer.

Final Thought

Rail travel offers the perfect balance of speed and convenience at a price that puts it within the reach of almost every senior citizen. Whether it’s a cross-country trip to visit the grandkids, or the start of the next big adventure, the train will get you there.

A gift certificate for train travel makes an excellent gift for older adults who love to travel too!

To learn more about planning an Amtrak trip for you or a senior, visit Amtrak.com

Tell me about your experiences traveling by train. Any destinations you recommend? Let us know in the comments below. And, if this guide was helpful, please share on your favorite social media account!

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Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®

Scott Grant, CSA®, SHSS®

With over 20 years of experience and certifications as a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)® and Senior Home Safety Specialist (SHSS)®, Scott Grant provides reliable recommendations to help seniors maintain independence through informed product and service choices for safe, comfortable living.

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16 thoughts on “A Look At Amtrak Trips for Seniors (Train Travel for Fun!)”

  1. Margaret Smith

    I am a senior with disabilities and I have traveled alone on AMTRAK for over four years Each year I visit with my two sisters and a nephew; we all meet in Laughlin, NV. and enjoy Thanksgiving together . I travel from Eugene, Oregon to Los Angeles, CA. They treat me so good with free breakfast, coffee and water, then free lunch and dinner then breakfast. The food is very good and it is brought to me as I can’t do stairs. I have my own bathroom and shower and I have my own privacy. The scenery is outstanding and blissful ! I really do recommend traveling by AMTRAK. You get to see so much more of our great land, ENJOY

    • Scott Grant, ATP, CRTS®

      Hello Margaret – Thanks so much for sharing your personal experiences traveling on Amtrak! – Scott

  2. Mary Ann

    My husband and I are taking the Grand Rail Experience in March 2021. We’ll travel in a roomette on each train, with meals included. Starting from Chicago to Seattle for 2 days, then to LA on the Coast Starlight for 1 day, then to New Orleans for 2 days, on to DC for 2 days and then back to Chicago. It’s a 2 week trip with 7 days on the train and 7 at the stops. Each stop includes a tour of some kind. It costs us a total of a little over $5,000. We are looking forward to being able to see the scenery passing by instead of missing it while driving.

  3. Thomas Cicconetti

    Does Amtrack offer travel packages for people with walking disabilities?

  4. Don Ussher

    As a single senior I enjoy seeing the USA up close, and as is, in comfort. In several rail trips I have never encountered an Amtrak Employee who was Not entirely polite and helpful. I Truly wish I could “ride the rails” much more frequently!
    Thanks for the happy memories!
    Don

  5. Jackie Laurin

    good reading and comments Amtrack is on the bucket list of travels..thank you
    Jackie

  6. shelby covey

    My daughter and I want to go on a senior tour with our own room and restroom. We are both seniors. We are in Jacksonville, Florida. Four or five days would be nice. Do you have anything going out of our city?
    Shelby

  7. Kristine LaBounty

    I have been looking for days for a trip my sister who lives in Florida and I (in Utah) can take together. Obviously we will have to meet at a station and continue on. She is disabled and I have arthritis which will prevent me from having a top bunk and she can’t get up to an upper level on a Superliner. We will want complete rooms, not roomettes and I am not interested in any hotel stays, only sleeping on the trains. It looks like adjoining rooms on a Superliner are upstairs. Poor planning I’d say. Let me know if anyone knows I am wrong

  8. Merwin Hayes

    I want to experience the Moffatt Line between Winter Park, CO, and Denver, CO; Amtrak 5 and 6, California Zephyr.

    Most convenient for me would be starting at either Granby or Winter Park, CO (whichever has the most convenient overnight parking) to Denver, then return the next morning, Denver back to Winter Park or Granby.

    Cost of travel is foremost consideration, of course. Travel dates, to be determined – late May or early June? I am retired so most any days of the week are okay, and preferring least crowded days.

  9. We booked a trip to Seattle and our train had two cars taken off it, and had to cancel the trip 3 weeks before the wedding we were going to go to. Missed the wedding. Paid $300 for trip insurance and essentially Amtrak cancelled my trip on me. I got my money back for the trip but it cost me $300 of insurance for a trip I wanted to take that they could no longer provide because they cut cars. I was not happy. Good Luck!

  10. Melanie Coonts

    Please send us your brochure on your north American tours for this year

    • Scott Grant, CSA®, ATP

      Hi Melanie- I am sorry – I am not a tour provider. Please contact Amtrak directly. This guide was more of a general introduction to train trips for seniors and the elderly. – Scott

  11. Raymond A. Nabors

    I am interested in a train tour of American National parks. Yellowstone is the most important. I may be travelling alone. Some tours include Grand Teton and others. I have already been to the Grand Canyon Park. I am in Portageville Missouri. I would need to catch a close by train from Cape Girardeau or someplace close. I will also need a safe place to leave my automobile. Time on the trip is not an issue. I want something in the spring or next fall, not winter but summer is negotiable. Please contact me.

  12. Margaret

    Looking for trip possibly to Colorado Would like price around 1000 each Anytime Ok Really more interested in finding some places price .Duration variable

    It

  13. Margaret

    This .would be my 75th BD present and something my husband and I have always dreamed of !!!!Problem VERY limited income.

    • Scott Grant

      Sign up for their email list. They send discount codes by email and announce “flash” sales where you can get cheaper tickets for shorter notice travel dates.

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