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Can I just buy a train ticket at the station?

You can purchase tickets in person at any staffed Amtrak station. At most staffed stations, we accept Amtrak gift cards, credit cards, and debit cards with a credit card logo.



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Higher fares usually apply when purchasing tickets onboard the train. To secure the best available fare, passengers should purchase tickets prior to boarding the train.

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Step 3: Buy Your Ticket Metrolink offers two main ways to purchase your ticket: on the fly and from the comfort of your home and at the station before you board, Metrolink also offers contactless ticketing through the Mobile App available for download here.

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If the passenger does not produce a valid ticket or proof of payment, the conductor may ask them to pay the fare or exit the train at the next station.

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October 2023) Fare evasion or fare dodging is the act of travelling on public transport without paying by deliberately not buying a required ticket to travel (having had the chance to do so).

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Arriving at the Station Plan to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart (Auto Train passengers should arrive at the station at least two hours prior to departure).

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Before you start clicking links, make sure to check Amtrak's Weekly Specials, on sale between Tuesday and Friday each week. These are deeply discounted fares (often up to 80% off) that can be for any train in the country.

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Reserve Early The earlier you book your tickets, the more likely you are to get the lowest fare available for the dates you want on the routes along your journey. You may book your travel up to 11 months in advance.

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A valid ticket is required before you board the rail. To purchase a ticket, use the ticket vending machines (TVMs) located at each station. Cash (coins and bills) and debit/credit cards are accepted at TVMs.

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You may bring your own food and beverages onboard for consumption at your seat or private Sleeping Car accommodations. However, you can only consume food and beverages purchased in Dining and Lounge Cars in those cars. Personal food and beverages are allowed in the upper level of Superliner Sightseer Lounges.

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In almost all cases, Amtrak seats are not assigned. The exception is Acela Express route seats and business class seating on the Northeast Regional, Carolinian, Palmetto, and Vermonter. Otherwise, Amtrak has a first-come, first-serve seating policy for coach seats.

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What kind of security do you go through on Amtrak? None! The train stops, you get on, and you go! They have the option of asking for ID, but rarely do.

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