Unaccompanied Minors
Booking tickets for unaccompanied minors
To make reservations for unaccompanied minors you must call us at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). You may not book reservations for unaccompanied minors on this web site.
What rules apply to unaccompanied minors?
- Children 15 and older may travel unaccompanied, but do not qualify for any discounts available for children traveling with an adult. Children 15 and older are subject to all policies applying to adult passengers. Minors 15 and older may purchase tickets on their own from a ticket agent or conductor if they present valid photo ID.
- Children 8 to 14 may travel unaccompanied with certain restrictions. See below for details.
- Children 7 years old and younger may not travel alone. They must be accompanied by a person 15 years old or older who has responsibility for the child.
What rules apply to unaccompanied minors between 8 and 14?
Children 8 through 14 years old may travel unaccompanied on Amtrak trains under the following rules and restrictions:
- Travel is permitted only on Amtrak trains. Travel is not permitted on Thruway motorcoach service, or on any other other connecting services.
- The scheduled departure time may be no earlier than 6 am, and arrival time no later than 9 pm.
- No transfers of any kind are permitted.
- Both boarding and arrival stations must be staffed. (Please note that even certain staffed stations do not allow for unaccompanied minors.)
- An adult at least 18 years of age must bring the child who will be traveling as an unaccompanied minor to the station. Both the adult and child must be at the boarding station at least one hour prior to departure time to allow for the required interview and to complete necessary forms. The adult must provide valid current identification that meets our ID policies.
- We require that the child be interviewed. On the day of travel, a station agent or other appropriate authority will directly interview the child to determine whether the child is capable of traveling alone.
- For each unaccompanied minor traveling alone, the adult bringing the child to the departure station must complete and sign a release form.
- The child must wear an Amtrak issued wristband for the duration of travel.
- The adult must remain at the station until the train has departed.
- Upon arrival, an adult (at least 18 years old) must be present to pick up the child. The adult must display valid current identification meeting Amtrak's ID policies.
- Full adult fares are charged. Tickets for unaccompanied children may not be purchased online.
- The unaccompanied child may not have any life-threatening food allergies.
- Additional rules and restrictions apply. Before making any travel plans, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to make sure you understand all rules and requirements applicable to your specific circumstances.
What else should I do before buying tickets for unaccompanied minors?
It is extremely important to make sure that every segment of the unaccompanied child's trip can be accommodated before completing travel plans, purchasing a ticket, and arriving at the station. Additional restrictions may apply. Please call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) for further details.
