Hi - We're going to the States at the end of April and will be taking the train from NYC to Boston. I'm going to book our tickets here in the UK before we leave so that we can reserve a seat.

My question is this: if we are delayed for any reason, can we use the ticket on a later train, even though we've booked seats on an earlier service? I realise this won't guarantee a seat, but can we at least use it?

Or is it like a British 'Apex' ticket where the ticket is for a specific service and you have to pay a whopping supplement if you take another train?!

I can't see anything on the Amtrak website that can answer my question and even a travel agent here didn't know!

Can anyone help? Thanks!

It's somewhere in between, but basically your ticket is good only for a specific dat and time. You can't just board an Amtrak train holding a ticket for a different scheduled train. I have seen people put off the train at the next stop after the conductor discovered this.

Some of the trains between NYC and Boston are what Amtrak calls "Reserved." This doesn't mean that passengers are assigned to a specific seat, but it does limit the numberof tickets sold, so everyone is guaranteed to get *A* seat. Naturally, Amtrak cannot allow passengers to use tickets from other scheduled trips, on these trains.

Most tickets can be turned in for a refund before the time they're scheduled for. So there's no "whopping supplement," but you would have to pay the current fare for the new seat.

Interesting question! And I don't know the answer, but this is what the website says:

A ticket shall be valid for carriage or refund one year after date of issue, unless otherwise provided.

If you would like to change an existing reservation, please call us at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). Please note that fees may apply.

So, I guess, if the same price seats are available on the next train, they'll put you on. To be sure, call the above number either from home, or from any place in US (free call).

I have purchased the tix on line and then waited to pick up the tix at the station the day of departure. I have the times of earlier trains and later trains with me as well as my reservation number. If I want to catch an earlier or later train I call the (800)usa-rail number, ask for a change and then print out the tix. If there is nothing available to change to, I stick with my original purchase.

I ride this Amtrak portion all of the time and I don't think that you will have any problems getting a seat at the last minute unless you are travelling on a Friday afternoon/evening.If you want a guaranteed seat, buy a business class ticket. Seats are not numbered for you on your ticket, basically you sit anywhere.. Business class allows you unlimited non alcoholic drinks on the ride. Seats are more comfy and free newspapers. Avoid the hassle and buy your tickets when you are sure of what time you want to go...
Be sure to sit on the right hand side of the train for more picturesque views.You also have a choice of the Acela (high speed) but it costs more and doesn't save you a lot of time. They all leave from Penn Station in NYC