Amtrak trains are among the world’s great travel experiences and a Rail Pass makes them amazingly economical. Available to citizens of any country, including the USA and Canada, passes are valid for 15, 30 or 45 days of coach class travel and allow you to visit 46 US states and more than 500 destinations. Business Class and accommodation upgrades are available at an additional charge.

Passes can be booked on-line. Segments and upgraded accommodations can be requested at time of booking or added later while traveling. One segment equals each boarding and disembarkation of a train or City to City pair. For example, Washington to Chicago with a connection in Pittsburgh would be considered 2 segments. The use of thruway bus services will count as a segment. Sleeping accommodations require an additional charge. Prices are valid all year with no peak pricing supplements.

Booking conditions

     * Start date and pick up station is required.
     * Country of residence is not needed. Passport number, expiry date and date of birth is required                 for cross-border journeys.
     * The USA Rail Pass is valid for citizens of any country. USA and Canada residents are also elegible.
     * Not valid on the Acela, Metroliner & Autotrains.
     * One infant (under the age of 2) can travel free of charge when accompanied by an adult (16 years of             age and older).
     * 50% discount for children ages 2-15
     * No peak or blackout dates. Seats are limited.

Florida Valid for unlimited travel between 33 cities in Florida by train or via Thruway motorcoach connections, the Florida Pass is available only to Florida residents who present a valid state ID (driver’s license, state ID, or voter registration) at time of purchase. Not valid on Thruway coaches between DeLand and Daytona Beach or Miami and Key West, or on Coach USA Orlando shuttles. Advance reservations and ticketing are not permitted or required but the pass must be presented on board the train along with valid photo identification.

California The 7-in-21 Day Statewide Pass includes over 90 destinations throughout California.

Some trains, such as the International and Maple Leaf, are operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail. For details of VIA Canrail passes in Canada, see VIA Rail passes

Amtrak ticket agents in the UK include Trailfinders, 215 Kensington High Street, London; tel: (020) 7938 3939. + 12 locations, call for information; The Travel Bureau, The Cottage, High Street, Wombourne, West Midlands WV5 9DN; tel: (0800) 698 7545; Travel4less.co.uk, 14 Greville Street, London EC1N 85B; tel: (0207) 400 7000.

The National Association of Railroad Passengers is America’s largest national advocacy organization for train and rail transit passengers. Established in 1967, NARP aims to expand the quality and quantity of passenger rail in the United States and has around 20,000 members, whose benefits include the following:

• 10% discount on most Amtrak rail fares

• Personalized membership card (entitles you to Amtrak discount)

• Grand Canyon Railway discounts – 20% off coach fare and 10% off a vacation package

• One year subscription to the NARP newsletter

• “I’d Rather Be on the Train” bumper sticker

• Information about meetings in your region

For the latest rail passenger news and views, or to join NARP, visit www.narprail.org