Amtrak is not always the budget option compared to driving or buses, but on certain routes, train travel is remarkably affordable. Some corridors offer Saver fares that rival bus prices while providing a far more comfortable experience. Here are ten of the cheapest Amtrak routes in America, based on the lowest available Saver fares we have tracked.
The New York to Philadelphia route on the Northeast Regional is one of the best deals in American train travel. The trip takes about 1 hour 15 minutes, and Saver fares frequently start at just $19. Trains run roughly every 30 minutes during peak hours, giving you enormous flexibility. The route passes through central New Jersey with views of the Meadowlands and the Delaware River approach into 30th Street Station. For this short distance, the train is often faster than driving once you factor in traffic and parking.
The Chicago to Milwaukee Hiawatha service is a workhorse commuter and city-pair route running 7 times daily. The 90-minute trip hugs the Lake Michigan shore through Glenview and Sturtevant. At $22 for a Saver fare, it undercuts most rideshare options and avoids the I-94 congestion that can turn a 90-minute drive into a 2.5-hour ordeal. Booking even a few days ahead usually secures the lowest price.
The Philadelphia to Washington DC segment on the Northeast Regional takes about 1 hour 50 minutes. Saver fares regularly hit $24, making it competitive with budget bus services while offering dramatically more comfort. The route passes through Wilmington, Delaware, and Aberdeen, Maryland, with the final approach into Union Station crossing the Susquehanna River bridge, one of the most scenic moments on the NEC.
The flagship New York to Washington DC route on the Northeast Regional offers Saver fares starting at $29 for the full 3.5-hour journey. This is arguably the best value in Amtrak's network considering the distance covered and the quality of the service. Book 2 to 3 weeks ahead for the best prices, and aim for midweek departures. This route also has the most frequent service on the network, with trains nearly every hour.
The Capitol Corridor between Sacramento and Oakland runs through the agricultural heart of the Central Valley before skirting the Carquinez Strait and San Pablo Bay into the East Bay. The 2-hour trip starts at $19 for Saver fares, with trains running multiple times daily. For commuters and day-trippers, this route avoids the notorious I-80 traffic through Fairfield and Vallejo.
The New York to Boston Northeast Regional takes about 3 hours 50 minutes and Saver fares start at $29. The route passes through the Connecticut shoreline with glimpses of Long Island Sound, then cuts through Providence before arriving at South Station. For this distance, the train is competitive with flying once you account for airport time, and far less stressful than the I-95 corridor.
The Pacific Surfliner between Los Angeles and San Diego is one of the most scenic short routes in the country. The 2 hour 45 minute trip follows the coast through Orange County and Camp Pendleton, with stretches of track literally on the beach in San Clemente and Del Mar. At $22 for a Saver fare, it is cheaper than the gas and parking you would spend driving, and infinitely more relaxing than I-5 traffic through Irvine.
The reverse of our number one pick, the Philadelphia to New York direction also starts at $19. Some travelers find slightly better availability in this direction since southbound demand from New York is higher during morning peak hours. Afternoon and evening northbound trains often have more Saver inventory.
The Lincoln Service between Chicago and St. Louis covers the 284-mile route in about 5 hours 15 minutes. Saver fares start at $25, and the route runs through Bloomington-Normal, Springfield (the Illinois state capital), and Alton. Four daily frequencies give reasonable scheduling options. The trains have been upgraded with new Siemens Venture coaches on many departures, making this a comfortable ride.
The Washington DC to Richmond route takes about 2 hours on the Northeast Regional trains that continue south from DC. Saver fares at $24 make this an attractive alternative to the congested I-95 corridor through Fredericksburg. The Virginia segment also connects to a growing network of state-supported trains running further south to Norfolk and Roanoke.
Across all of these routes, a few patterns hold:
All of the prices mentioned above are based on the lowest fares we have tracked on these routes. Actual prices on your travel date will depend on demand and availability. Use our route pages to check current pricing for any of these corridors.
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