Amtrak honors America’s service members with a 10% military discount on rail fares across its entire network. Active-duty military personnel, veterans, and their families can save on travel to more than 500 destinations nationwide — and the discount applies automatically at booking, with no promo code needed.
If you wear the uniform or have honorably served, here’s everything you need to know about riding the rails for less with Amtrak.
Who is Eligible for the Amtrak Military Discount?
Amtrak’s military discount is open to a wide circle of the military community:
- Active-duty military — serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force
- Veterans — anyone who has honorably served, with qualifying proof of veteran status presented at travel
- Spouses of active-duty military personnel
- Dependent children of active-duty military personnel
- National Guard and Reserve members serving on active duty
When you travel, Amtrak may ask for proof of eligibility — a valid military ID card, a veteran ID card, or other accepted documentation. As an extra show of respect, uniformed military personnel are welcomed to the front of the ticket line at all Amtrak stations.
How Much Military Discount Does Amtrak Provide?
Amtrak provides a 10% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains, including the popular Auto Train. The savings apply to Value and Flexible fares across the entire Amtrak network — that’s more than 500 destinations, from the Northeast Corridor to cross-country routes.
On select California routes — the Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, and San Joaquins — veterans and their spouses can save even more, with a 15% discount.
A few limitations apply: the discount does not cover sleeping accommodation charges, is not valid on certain Amtrak Thruway connecting services, and does not apply to the Canadian portion of services jointly operated with VIA Rail Canada. It also generally cannot be combined with other discount offers — but for most everyday coach travel, the 10% comes straight off the fare.
How to Claim the Amtrak Military Discount
Claiming the discount is built right into Amtrak’s booking system — there’s no promo code to hunt down:
- Start your booking on amtrak.com or in the Amtrak app using the Fare Finder.
- Select the right traveler type in the booking widget:
- Active military and spouses: choose “Military (Active)” from the Adult dropdown
- Veterans: choose “Military Veteran” from the Adult dropdown
- Children of active military: choose “Military (Dependent)” from the Child or Youth dropdown
- The 10% discount applies automatically to eligible fares — no code required.
- Carry your proof of eligibility (military ID or veteran documentation) when you travel, since conductors may verify it onboard or at the station.
- Enjoy the ride — with perks like the Café car, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and some of the roomiest seats in travel.
Prefer booking another way? You can also claim the military fare by phone with an Amtrak agent or in person at any station ticket window — just mention you’re eligible for the military discount.
FAQs About the Amtrak Military Discount
Does Amtrak offer a military discount?
Yes. Amtrak offers a 10% military discount on most rail fares for active-duty military, veterans, spouses, and dependent children — no promo code needed.
Do veterans get an Amtrak discount?
Yes. Veterans receive 10% off the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains by selecting “Military Veteran” when booking, and presenting qualifying proof of veteran status.
Is there an Amtrak military discount code?
No code is needed. The discount is built into Amtrak’s booking system — just select the correct military traveler type and the 10% savings apply automatically.
Can family members use the Amtrak military discount?
Yes. Spouses and dependent children of active-duty military are eligible, and veterans’ families benefit through the veteran traveler option when booking.
Does the Amtrak military discount work on all trains?
It works on most Amtrak trains, including the Auto Train, but not on sleeping accommodation charges, some Thruway connecting services, or the Canadian portion of joint Amtrak–VIA Rail services.
Can I combine the military discount with other Amtrak offers?
Generally no. The military discount usually can’t be combined with other discount offers — the booking system will apply the best eligible option for your trip.
Does Amtrak offer a bigger discount in California?
Yes. On the Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, and San Joaquins routes, veterans and their spouses can save 15%.
