Celebrating College Freshman
Celebrating College Freshman
Kickstart Your Academic Journey with a Free Amtrak Ticket
Welcome to an exciting new chapter in your academic journey! Our university Western Illinois University is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and Amtrak to help our freshmen transition to campus life.
Introducing the Freshman Free Ride Program
As part of your freshman experience, you will receive a free Amtrak round-trip coach ticket, courtesy of IDOT, to use anytime within your first year at our university. Whether you're heading home or planning a weekend getaway with friends, the Freshman Free Ride Program has your to an amazing travel experience.
How to Claim Your Ride
- Book a round-trip coach ticket starting and ending in Macomb, traveling anywhere between Chicago and Quincy, IL, limited to the Carl Sandburg and IL Zephyr service lines.
- Use your promo code at checkout.Ensure you are booking a one-way trip. Click the ‘Add Coupon’ drop-down menu and enter coupon code. Fares shown will reflect the discount.
- Enjoy your journey, courtesty of IDOT and the Freshman Free Ride Program.
- The eCoupon is valid for (1) free round-trip (includes 2 coupons for each travel segment).
- Valid for travel on Illinois Zephyr and Carl Sandburg.
- Travel must originate and or terminate in Macomb, IL.
- Valid in Coach seating only.
- Valid for Sale:
- August 26, 2025 – May 13, 2026
- Valid for Travel:
- August 28, 2025 – May 15, 2026
- Blackout Date:
- November 25, 2025 - November 26, 2025, November 29, 2025 - December 1, 2025, December 20, 2025 - December 24, 2025, Decmeber 26, 2025 - December 31, 2025, January 2, 2026 - January 4, 2026, January 16, 2026, January 19, 2026, February 13, 2026, February 16, 2026, April 3, 2026, April 5, 2026 - April 6, 2026
- Two (2) Day Advance Purchase required.
- Valid for one one-way travel segment per coupon.
- Not valid for Travel Agency ticketing. Note: Travel agents may book the original reservation but cannot ticket the upgrade.
- Not combinable with any other discount offer.
- Not valid on bookings made with Amtrak Guest Rewards points.
- Not valid on Points & Cash bookings
- Seating is limited and may not be available on all trains, dates, or departures.
- Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice.
- Subject to any restrictions, blackouts, and refund rules that apply to the type of fare purchased.
| Destinations Valid with Promo Code |
|---|
Chicago, IL - Union Station (CHI) |
La Grange, IL (LAG) |
Naperville (NPV) |
Plano, IL (PLO) |
Mendota, IL (MDT) |
Princeton, IL (PCT) |
Kewanee, IL (KEE) |
Galesburg, IL (GBB) |
Quincy, IL (QCY) |
Earn Rewards with Every Journey
Enhance your travel experience by joining the Amtrak Guest Rewards (AGR) program. Earn AGR points for each train journey you take, and redeem them for future travel, upgrades, and more.
Eligibility
All first-semester freshmen can use Fresh Free Ride between August 28, 2025 and May 15, 2026. Vouchers expire after May 15, 2026.
More Ways to Save
Students Save 15% in the Midwest
Learn More
Kids 2 - 12 Ride for 50% Off
Learn More
Small Groups Save up to 60%
Learn More
Subscribe to Amtrak Email and Save
Sign UpTake the Train across America on Amtrak and Experience a Better Way to Travel
When it comes to having a great trip, the travel experience can make a world of difference. That’s why Amtrak is committed to being more than just your mode of transportation from point A to point B. Our unique offerings are dedicated to giving you a better way to travel.
Experience
the sights and sounds and sounds of America and enjoy sleeping and eating at your leisure.
Explore
America’s historic landmarks and national parks and step right into the center of major cities.
Enjoy
wide seats, legroom, Wi-Fi, power outlets and space for everything you can’t leave home without.
Save
time, money and the environment with emissions standards that just keep on getting better.
- Book a round-trip coach ticket starting and ending in Macomb, traveling anywhere between Chicago and Quincy, IL, limited to the Carl Sandburg and IL Zephyr service lines.
- Use your promo code at checkout. Ensure you are booking a one-way trip. Click the ‘Add Coupon’ drop-down menu and enter coupon code. Fares shown will reflect the discount.
- Enjoy your journey, courtesty of IDOT and the Freshman Free Ride Program.
Amtrak Guest Rewards
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