Does Amtrak lower fares after Christmas? Winter season etc. Looking for a one way Lax-Chicago and am wondering, I know that a hundred years ago the bus companies did and am wondering about rail.

Thanks

I don't know the answer to your question but if you go to AMTRAK.com and enter your trip with the desired dates, it will show you what the cost will be for the dates and class of service you select.

Assuming that you mean travel after January 10, 2010 or so, you should be able to get lower rates if you book as early as possible. If you are looking at travel before then, I doubt you will find any as low as they are now.

Amtrak's rates usually rise the closer the booking time is to your travel date. For example, booking more than 2 weeks before the travel date usually gets me a lower rate than within the 2 weeks preceding travel.

They had "special" internet fares posted weekly, not sure if they are still doing it. And this is only for coach, not for sleepers.

They may also announce a sale, if you are lucky to catch that.

I think you can return a ticket back to Amtrak, not sure if there is a fee. See if you can make a refundable reservation.

Dayenu, I think that the problem the OP is experiencing is because of the holiday season. It is really unlikely that Amtrak would be offering sales at the second busiest time of the year (around Thanksgiving being the busiest).

I mentioned January 10 specifically because I would think most of the colleges/universities are back in session after that time.