MFNYC

They suppsoedly have various discounts for bus and amtrak travel among other things. Is this worthwhile for a student who will be making the NYC/Boston run a few times a year?

Thanks

MerryTravel

I had one in college because I was going to school in Chicago and took Amtrak home quite a bit. At that time (late 90s) it did save me money.

escargot

My daughter used student advantage and also as a frequent Amtrak user/member and it was worth it for the amoutn of times she did and does make the trip/ no longer a student but as a rewards member she receives (as I do) points and benefit awards so if she is doing it one way, if you are going to sometimes be doing the reverse trip to visit, sign up as a member yourself - my daughter loves her coupon book with free upgrades - as a treat coming home first class in the accela !

escargot

Also, sometimes things happen and there are times they come home more than you think ( we experienced this with a family illness, a funeral, etc, etc so there were more trips than we anticipated within one of the years.)

wliwl

I just bought one for my kid. He will save $25 off his Greyhound ticket and $30 off Amtrak, so that's worth it. I can't remember what I paid for it - I do remember that I bought the 2 year plan.

My guess is that he won't use it for anything besides transportation though.

FainaAgain

Every time I buy a ticket, Amtrak advertise 15% off for students, only ID needed. Is there a student card for additional savings?

escargot

my recollection is you need the student advantage discount card to receive the 15% student discount - the card also gives the kids other discounts (movies, clothing, stores, theater, etc)

escargot

actually my recall is you needed the above card I mentioend and your current student ID -
maybe rules have changed - amtrak.com should have all the info.

Vttraveler

If you have AAA you can get a 10% discount on amtrak tickets with that--less than the 15% student advantage discount but no separate membership fee.

wliwl

Amtrak only gives student discounts to the holders of SA cards.

bardo1

My son saved $15-$20 each time he bought an Amtrak ticket. Even if you only make two trips home a year, it pays for itself.

In four years of school, he never used the "other discounts" for various stores, etc. I would think of it strictly as an Amtrak discount card. But do get it - definately worth it.