Does your fun, sustainable trip this summer include a train ride? If you have kids and like deals, you’ll want to jump on Amtrak’s Summer Travel Flash Sale (it ends next Tuesday), which lets kids ride for free when accompanied by an adult. Although you have to buy your adult tickets now, the tickets can be used anytime June 30 through September 30 for Monday through Thursday departures.
What ages can ride free? Anyone aged 2 to 12, so long as they have one adult with them.
So, one kid per one adult? No, this is a sale where one adult can take multiple kids. If you’re a single parent or someone who wants to have an adventure while your spouse works, this is a great opportunity to get out of Dodge.
Does this count for the overnight trains? Yes...but the seats have to be coach (or Acela business class). They recline, so it’ll be like sleeping on a redeye flight. You’ll avoid the hassle of airport security, have lots of leg room and there’s no middle seat. If you want to book a private roommette or bedroom, the free part doesn’t work.
We’re interested, but what can we do on the other end? Here are a few suggestions. Take the Amtrak Downeaster to the Maine seashore—the train stops at Old Orchard Beach. There are other beach destinations, but be aware the Pacific Surfliner isn’t part of this promotion. You could head to a baseball game, like catching the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park; the Hiawatha or Empire Builder trains will get you there.
But what’s your best suggestion? We are huge fans of national parks at Time Out, so we think you should pay a visit via rail. Amtrak can take you to Montana’s Glacier National Park, and three national parks in West Virginia: Harpers Ferry, Prince and Thurmond. But if you’re an armchair tourist and don’t need to deboard to enjoy the stunning sites, Amtrak travels through an amazing array of national parks, 19 of them! We can’t list them all but some highlights are Washington’s Mount Rainier National Park and California’s Joshua Tree National Park. In Washington, D.C., you can train past the Lincoln, Washington and Jefferson memorials.
Book here, or if you’re using the Amtrak app, use code C618 when buying the adult ticket. Seating is limited and the sale ends June 20.