You have until the end of Friday, January 17, to buy a USA Rail Pass from Amtrak for just $299. The usual price is $499.
The USA Rail Pass is like Amtrak's version of Europe's Eurail pass. The American version allows passengers to take 10 rides on Amtrak trains within a 30-day period for one price.
Passes bought during the sale will be valid for 120 days from the date of purchase. Once the first ride has been redeemed, the clock starts ticking, and the pass expires in 30 days. The pass isn't a ticket, but holders are allowed to make reservations for trips using Amtrak's RideReserve service. There are no blackout dates.
If you use all 10 allowed segments in those 30 days, you'll have paid just $30 a journey—no matter how far those journeys took you.
Kids can hold USA Rail Passes, too, but they must travel with an adult.
There are a few standard limitations on the pass that make it geared more to vacationers than commuters. For one, the USA Rail Pass is only good for coach class. Additionally, it can't be used on special, higher-priced services such as Acela, the Auto Train, and Canadian portions of cross-border trains, or for upgrades to Business Class or private rooms. Finally, the pass may only be used by the purchaser, and it's only good for up to four one-way trips between any two stations.
The USA Rail Pass can be booked at Amtrak.com or by calling 800/USA-RAIL (800/872-7245).
The deal will close at the end of January 17—after that, you're back to having to pay nearly $500 for the same thing.
