Celebrating College Freshman

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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

  1. Bbok 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.
  2. Use your promo code at checkout.
  3. Enjoy your journey, courtesty of IDOT and the Freshman Free Ride Program.

 

  • Voucher is valid for (1) free round-trip.
  • Two coupons are included (1 coupon 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.
  • Book between September 16, 2024 – May 8, 2025.
  • Valid for Travel:
    • September 23, 2024 – May 10, 2025
  • 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.
  • 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 19th, 2024, and May 10th, 2025. Vouchers expire after May 10th, 2025.

Take 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, WiFi, 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.

Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more.

Guest Rewards