Refund and Exchange Policy
Once the value of a refund has been calculated, based on the rules applying to the fare paid, passengers have two options to receive the refund value:
- eVoucher: Starting October 30, 2011, passengers may receive the calculated refund value in the form of an eVoucher or in some limited situations, in the form of a non-refundable paper Exchange Voucher. Both are valid for future travel purchases and can only be redeemed at an Amtrak ticket office. Visit eVouchers for more details about this new ticket exchange option.
- Refund: When some or all of the amount paid for a conventional ticket is eligible for a refund, passengers may receive the calculated refund value, less a 10% refund fee, in the form of cash, check or as a credit to the credit card used to pay for the travel, depending on the form of payment that was used for the ticket being refunded. The maximum amount of the refund service charge will be $100 per refund transaction on any single reservation. The 10% refund service charge applies to the actual amount refunded. Call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to speak with an Amtrak Reservations Agent for details.
Refund Calculations
Refunds will be calculated separately on each component of the total charges, as described below.
- Rail fare: Most tickets are refundable before travel begins. In most cases, partially used regular (full) one-way fare tickets may be returned for a partial refund. Some discount tickets are non-refundable once paid for.
- First class seat charge on Acela Express trains; Business class seat charge on other trains: Refundable if reservations are cancelled at least one hour prior to departure. If not cancelled by one hour prior to departure, the seat charge amount will not be refundable but it may be applied to future Amtrak travel purchases. The First/Business class non-refundability penalty will not be imposed if the customer chooses to cancel travel on account of the train being late one hour or more at the boarding station.
- Sleeping car accommodation charge: Refundable if sleeping car reservations are cancelled at least seven days prior to departure. If cancelled fewer than seven days prior to departure, but before actual departure, the accommodation charge is not refundable but may be applied to future travel purchases by issuance of a non-refundable exchange voucher. If not cancelled before actual departure ("no show"), the accommodation charge is neither refundable nor may it be applied to future travel. The sleeping car non-refundability penalty will not be imposed if the customer chooses to cancel on account of the train being late two hours or more at the boarding station.
- Vehicle (automobile, van, motorcycle and bicycle) accommodation charge: Refundable at any time.
Multi-Ride Tickets
Refunds of Multi-Ride Tickets (monthly, 10-ride, 6-ride and 2-ride) are limited once the validity period has begun, or after the first trip has been taken.
Monthly Ticket Refund Policy
Monthly ticket refunds are calculated based on the date of the refund request.
| Refund Request Date |
Amount of Refund |
Exchange Value |
| Before valid month |
Full refund, less 10% refund fee |
100% |
| Day 1 through day 10 of valid month |
50% refund, less 10% refund fee |
50% |
| On or after day 11 of valid month |
Non-refundable |
None |
Ten-Ride, Six-Ride and Two-Ride Ticket Refund Policy
| Number of Rides (punches) Taken |
Amount of Refund |
Exchange Value |
| None |
Full refund, less 10% refund fee |
100% |
| One or more |
Non-refundable |
None |
Multi-Ride Tickets Sold for Other Carriers
The refund policies for multi-ride tickets sold by Amtrak for other carriers (such as MARC and Shore Line East) are determined by the carrier.
Time Limits
An Amtrak ticket becomes non-refundable, not valid for carriage and has no exchange value, after one year from its date of issue (or other period if so endorsed on the ticket). An eVoucher or paper exchange voucher is valid for use for one year from date of issue and may be renewed provided this is done before its expiration date.
eTicket and Prepaid Tickets
When purchased an eTicket or through other prepaid programs, tickets are considered "paid for" and subject to the refund policies of any component rail fare, passenger type discount, and/or promotional discount, even if paper value tickets have not yet been printed.
Onboard Refunds
Passengers who downgrade accommodations or reduce the number in their party on board trains must obtain a Refund Authorization Form from the conductor; actual refundability, if any, will be determined by the rules that apply to the fare paid.
Must Return Original Tickets
Cancellation or change of reservations does not generate a refund (except for eTicket reservations); the actual original unused or partially used ticket (not a photocopy) must be submitted.
Where to Obtain Refunds
Most refunds can be processed at Amtrak ticket offices with exceptions, depending on the type of ticket and the form of payment. Tickets purchased at a travel agency must normally be returned to that agency; however, Amtrak will process travel agency ticket refunds caused by a downgrade or a service disruption.
Most tickets purchased online can be canceled and refunded online.
Mail Refunds
Amtrak can process your unused ticket refund by mail. Send original tickets via certified mail with return receipt requested to:
Amtrak Customer Refunds
Box 70
30th St. Station
2955 Market Street,
Philadelphia, PA 19104-2898
