How to save money (and recharge) with train travel this holiday season

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The holidays are just around the corner, and that means the season for travel is almost here. Whether you’re visiting loved ones or just taking a much-needed vacation, you’ll probably find yourself on the move this winter, too.

Will you travel by car or by plane? Though these are the most common modes of transportation, they’re not your only option. And if you want to save some cash or get a little R&R along the way, they’re probably not your best choice either.

In these scenarios, traveling by train may be a better option. You’ll avoid the hustle and bustle of the airport, steer clear of the stop and go traffic and, to top it off, probably save a few bucks in the process.

Are you busy planning your holiday travels? Read on to learn more about traveling by train — and how to do it affordably.

Train travel can be a less stressful way to travel during the holiday season.(Image by Emilija Manevska / Getty Images)

How to save on transportation by train

Taking a train will likely save you money right off the bat. Compared to flights, train travel can save you hundreds, especially given the premiums charged by airlines around the holidays. Trains also offer free checked and carry-on baggage — a big plus if you’re bringing along gifts.

But aside from these initial savings, there are other ways you can reduce your travel costs when traveling by train, too. You can:

You should also consider baggage policies when planning your trip. While most train services offer free (or at least cheap) checked bags and carry-ons, not all do. Double-check the policy on any railway you’re considering, and make sure your planned luggage won’t come with any fees or charges. 

How to Book Train Travel

To learn more about your options for train travel, you can go directly to the website of your area’s railway (Amtrak.com, in the U.S.) and view routes, ticket prices, amenities, and more. You can also book tickets there.

If you want to price-shop, your best bet is a site like Wanderu or LiliGo that allows you to see several railways and travel options at once.

Finally, keep in mind that it’s the holiday season. Though trains will likely be less crowded than airports or major highways, there will still be an uptick in travelers. Make sure you book early, choose your luggage wisely (it might be exposed to the elements as you move about the platform), and be flexible with your dates if you want the lowest fares.

Additional Benefits of Train Travel

We’ve covered the financial savings of train travel, but that’s not the only joy the railways have to offer. In fact, when compared to other modes of transportation, there are actually some serious perks to riding the rails — especially around the holidays.

 For example, train travel makes for:

Finally, there are environmental benefits to traveling by train, too. Train travel emits half the carbon dioxide into the air as airplanes do, and it requires less energy than cars or planes, too. For the environmentally-conscious traveler, it’s a win-win.

The Bottom Line

Trains can make for an affordable, relaxing way to travel this holiday season, and with Amtrak’s nationwide network, you can get just about anywhere with only a little planning. Just make sure you use a cashback or travel rewards credit card during booking and enroll in the railway’s loyalty program to get even more out of your winter travels.

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