What Age Rides Free on Amtrak?

Many families and travelers often wonder, What age rides free on Amtrak? Understanding Amtrak’s fare policies for children, infants, and youth is important to help you save money and plan your journey. Whether you’re a parent traveling with young kids across the country or a teen riding the Amtrak Cascades in Washington, knowing who qualifies for free or discounted fares can make a significant difference to your travel budget and experience. This guide breaks down the national Amtrak rules and some regional specials, so you can easily see at what age children and youth are eligible to ride for free or at a discount.

What is the Eligibility for Free Travel on Amtrak?

Eligibility for free travel on Amtrak depends on both the national policies and special regional programs like those in Washington state.

National Amtrak Policy

• Infants younger than 2 years old can ride free when traveling on the lap of a paying adult. Only one free infant is allowed per adult; if a reservation is needed for a separate seat, the child fare applies.​
• Children ages 2–12 receive a 50% discount on the adult fare when accompanied by someone aged 18 or older.​

Amtrak Cascades in Washington State

• All youth aged 18 and under can ride free on Amtrak Cascades trains for trips that begin and end within Washington state. This program is funded by the state to improve accessibility and introduce young people to rail travel.​
• Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult to qualify for the free fare.​
• Youth aged 16, 17, and 18 are eligible for free fares, whether traveling alone or with an adult.​
• Free fares are available only in coach class and for state-supported Amtrak Cascades routes, not for other Amtrak trains like the Coast Starlight or Empire Builder.​
• All passengers, even those riding free, must have a ticket, which can be booked online, by phone, or at staffed Amtrak stations.​

Note: These eligibility guidelines help ensure families and youth can take advantage of Amtrak’s free travel policies where available, especially within Washington state.

How to Book a Free Ride for Children Under 2?

Here are the detaild information about step-by-step instructions for booking a free ride for children under 2 on Amtrak:

• Visit Amtrak’s official website or download and open the Amtrak mobile app.
• Enter your departure and destination stations along with your desired travel date.
• When prompted to enter passenger details, select the option for “Child under 2” or “Infant” to add your infant to the booking.
• The infant discount will be automatically applied, allowing the infant to ride free on the lap of the adult.
• If you prefer your infant to have a separate seat, add one child fare ticket to your booking for the infant’s seat.
• Continue with the booking by selecting available trains and completing payment for yourself and any additional seats.
• Confirm that the infant’s free fare is listed in your booking summary before finalizing.
• Carry proof of age for the infant (such as a birth certificate) when traveling, as it may be requested.

Note: Booking your child under 2 at the time of your ticket purchase ensures the free ride is properly recorded and reserved for your journey.​

In conclusion, Amtrak allows free travel for children under the age of 2 when riding on an adult’s lap, with each paying adult allowed one free infant. Children aged 2 to 12 receive a 50% discount on fares when traveling with an adult. Youths up to 18 years old can ride free on Amtrak Cascades trains within Washington state under a special state-funded program. Passengers 13 and older pay adult fares, with some exceptions for unaccompanied minors under specific rules. Always check specific booking requirements and carry proof of age to confirm eligibility for free or discounted fares.​