Sometimes it’s cheaper and easier to take a train ride instead of a flight. Especially if you live in the Northeast, where the price of train tickets is competitive with airfares. Amtrak could be a great getaway option if you’re looking to stretch your dollars.
As with most travel planning, flexibility and a little research are the keys to getting the best price. It’s worth exploring different modes of transportation to get a full picture of your options.
Omio, an online booking platform, shared some data and tips for when to consider trains over planes. Here’s what they suggested.
Amtrak is most competitive in the Northeast
According to Omio’s data, Amtrak tickets are most likely to beat airfares on routes in the Northeast.
For example, a round-trip ticket from New York to Boston, leaving Jan. 21 and returning Jan. 24, was $162 on Amtrak and $336 on American Airlines.
Omio’s data showed that routes like New York to Washington, Boston to Philadelphia, and New York to Miami were among the options where the train prices were most competitive throughout the year.
Some deals are available in other parts of the country as well, such as the Charleston to Atlanta route on Amtrak, but Omio said those are sometimes harder to come by.
Amtrak tickets are most price-competitive in the Northeast. (Photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images)
When to book
Booking ahead is the best way to find cheap train fares, and advanced booking typically yields the best deals on airfare, too.
“Booking your transportation early is key to securing the best routes and prices, whether travelling by plane, train, bus, or ferry. Flexibility is another important factor – travelling midweek or during off-peak hours can often lead to significant savings,” Omio President Veronica Diquattro said in a statement. “Remember to keep an eye on real-time updates for any changes or disruptions so you can adjust your plans smoothly. A little preparation goes a long way in making your journey seamless and enjoyable.”
Amtrak typically opens ticket sales 11 months in advance, and the best deals are usually available as soon as tickets go on sale. The closer to departure you book, the more likely it is you’ll have to pay a premium for your fare, just like with air travel.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York and you can reach him at zwichter@usatoday.com.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Amtrak can be cheaper than flying on these routes