Price of rooms

[Kay]

I've read a few posts about people saying they have gotten good deals on rooms. Is there a trick or hints anyone would like to share on how to go about this? Or is it just a matter of calling Amtrak and asking. Thanks.

 

[Tumbleweed]

This is a good place to snag low prices......http://biketrain.netfirms.com/amsnag/amSnag.php

 

[boxcar479]

The link listed above and flexible travel dates can make a big difference. You can find some good prices the further in advance you can book. A day or two difference in your travel dates can save you some serious bucks. Unless the Missouri River floods and cancels your plans for you hboy: Also if you absolutely, positively, have to be somewhere on time, don't count on the train to do that for you, although on time performance is usually good, it seems the train I am on runs late. But that's more train time for me

 

[amtkstn]

To get a good price you have to do your reservation at least a few months ahead of your trip.

 

[AmtrakBlue]

... it seems the train I am on runs late. But that's more train time for me

Please tell me you won't be on the CL or CZ the weekend before Thanksgiving. :giggle:

 

[Ryan]

Also, check back at amtrak.com for the dates of your travel - sometimes fares go down and you can cancel and rebook your trip for less money.

 

[Devil's Advocate]

To get a good price you have to do your reservation at least a few months ahead of your trip.

&

Also, check back at amtrak.com for the dates of your travel - sometimes fares go down and you can cancel and rebook your trip for less money.

Amtkstn has the right idea in general but it still pays to follow Ryan's advice and check back periodically even after you've reserved your room.

 

[Kay]

Thanks for everyone's ideas. I'm never sure if I'm going to Oregon or not, so I never book in advance. I guess with Amtrak's cancellation policy I should just reserve it far in advance to get the cheaper prices. I will be driving out with family on the 17th of June, but on the 24th I will need to take Amtrak home. The roomettes are running $558 right now. If the Empire Builder is even running by then. If not, I'm sunk.

 

[bobnabq]

................it seems the train I am on runs late.

 

So don't book a trip on any train you're taking? :giggle:

 

 

[saxman]

I've read a few posts about people saying they have gotten good deals on rooms. Is there a trick or hints anyone would like to share on how to go about this? Or is it just a matter of calling Amtrak and asking. Thanks.

I've done it several times. In 2005 I booked a trip from CHI to San Fran 5 days out and it something like $330. This was in the middle of July!

Also I took the Empire Builder from West Glacier to Wisconsin, and my extra for the room was only $176! This was in 2009 and I booked about a week or two in advance in the middle of July!

The key is that you have to be flexible and always be checking back for prices. Chances are that someone might cancel their room and if they had a lower bucket, that same bucket is put back into inventory. If you're on it at the right time, you can grab it. Also it may not be on the exact day you want, so you should check different days.

Over last Christmas break I took my girlfriend to Texas from Chicago. I bit the bullet and booked a higher priced room, but I kept checking back for my departure day and the price came down! I immediately booked it up and cancelled my old reservation. I believe I saved nearly $100. On the return trip, it was all high buckets until January 4th. I really wanted to leave that day, but I was able to move my work schedule and leave a day later on the 5th. Several rooms are lower buckets were available, and it was only a day different.

So key is, be flexible, and always be checking the website for different fares. You never know where you might be able to go on a last minute vacation.