What happens if I board a train without a ticket?

Technically it is considered theft of services to board without a valid ticket. So if the conductor really wanted to cause you trouble, he/she could have you arrested. Most however would probably never go to those lengths, unless you gave them a reason.



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In most circumstances, you must purchase a ticket before you board a train. Most trains require reservations and you should not board reserved trains without a reservation. Passengers who do so are not guaranteed a seat and may be instructed to get off the train at the next station stop.

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If you board a train without a ticket the Amtrak conductor has the right to remove you. Some conductors will allow a passenger to purchase a ticket onboard using the app on their phone.

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Show Your eTicket Open the eTicket on your mobile device and show the barcode to the conductor. You can even print your eTicket before you arrive at the station.

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Generally, train fares go up in price, right up until the day you travel. So, one secret to finding cheap train tickets is booking Advance tickets. Our Journey Planner tells you live train times, ticket costs and route stops.

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Yes, it is often cheaper to buy train tickets online. In fact, Saver Fares—the most discounted Amtrak fares—almost always require that you purchase in advance, which is easiest to do online. In general, prices fluctuate based on availability and demand, but tend to spike as you get closer to your departure date.

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Currently, all Amtrak Locomotive and Control Cars operating in revenue passenger service are equipped with outward-facing cameras and advanced systems that monitor locomotive operation.

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It is trespassing and illegal, and you will be subject to arrest if caught. Due to vandalism and theft from shipments, railroad security is more observant than ever. Not to mention increased post-9/11 surveillance… Try Amtrak if you want to ride a train….

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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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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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Can I travel without a printout of an I-ticket? No, you cannot travel without a print out of an I-ticket because if the ticket has been booked through counter then it is mandatory to carry the original ticket otherwise you will be fined as without ticket.

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It is recommended, but not required, to print out an updated copy of your eTicket (or obtain a new copy from a ticket agent or an Amtrak kiosk) after you have modified your itinerary.

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They do random bag checks sometimes, but they don't make everything go through security like at the airport.

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Amtrak has its own modest-sized police department, but they rarely check bags before people board.

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By the time a train operator sees you, it is too late to stop the train in time. An oncoming train is moving faster and is closer to you than it appears. Similar to an airplane traveling at 150 mph that appears to float onto the runway, it's hard to determine a train's speed and distance from you.

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Trains have the right-of-way because they cannot quickly stop for a motorist at crossings or for trespassers on the tracks. The average freight train, traveling at 55 MPH, takes anywhere from 1 to 1½ miles to stop.

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