A great way to unwind and take a break from routine life is to head on a train journey to a scenic destination. Trains offer a better view of the landscape one passes through and are also more affordable. Amtrak, the country’s national passenger railway system, has various preplanned train journeys one can embark on for their next vacation. Among these, a few Amtrak trips can be especially enjoyable for seniors.
Amtrak’s train tours for seniors
Seniors can choose from several routes and cover popular destinations, such as the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and Glacier National Park.
Chicago to Grand Canyon
This Amtrak trip starts from Chicago and proceeds toward the Grand Canyon. It is a round trip, meaning the tour only ends after one has safely returned to the Windy City. First, the train takes passengers from Chicago to Williams, from where they board the Grand Canyon Railway. The fare includes coach accommodations on the train to Williams and the Grand Canyon Rail and hotel accommodations for three nights, which makes the journey convenient. This is among the best Amtrak tour packages for seniors, as it covers the Grand Canyon, which is arguably the country’s most picturesque location.
New York to Niagara
Yet another majestic natural wonder that seniors can explore with an Amtrak journey is Niagara Falls. This trip begins in New York and takes one all the way to the Falls and back. It has a schedule of four days and offers several perks, such as coach accommodations aboard the train, hotel accommodations for three nights, and a Niagara Adventure Pass. This pass provides access to several activities at the Falls, including Journey Behind the Falls and White Water Walk. Seniors who wish to watch a fireworks show at the Falls can consider taking the trip during the summer months.
US to Canada rail experience
Seniors interested in longer train journeys can consider taking the US to Canada Amtrak trip. Within 24 days, this trip covers eight destinations while passing through some of the most scenic routes. It begins in Los Angeles, from where the train goes to Washington DC, New York, and then the neighboring country up north. In Canada, passengers first arrive at the capital city of Toronto, spend a few nights aboard the train, and then reach Vancouver. From Vancouver, the train returns to the US, where passengers get to explore San Francisco before returning to Los Angeles. During these 24 days, passengers get 14 nights of hotel accommodations and coach accommodations aboard the train.
The Northern Rail tour from San Francisco
Seniors who wish to go on a longer Amtrak trip within the country’s limits can consider this option. The Northern Rail tour begins from San Francisco, heads to Chicago, then to Seattle, and back to San Francisco, all within nine days. Sightseeing tours in Chicago and Seattle are included. Those who buy tickets also get coach accommodations on the train and hotel accommodations for four nights. That said, passengers are required to spend five nights on the train. So, seniors who are not used to long train journeys might want to consider that before signing up.
Pacific Northwest trip from Los Angeles
Another nine-day Amtrak trip that seniors might enjoy is the one to the Pacific Northwest, which starts from Los Angeles. The train takes passengers from the City of Angels up north to San Francisco, then to Portland, Seattle, and back to Los Angeles. On this nine-day journey, passengers only spend one night aboard the train. The trip includes sightseeing tours in Seattle and San Francisco, a dinner cruise in Portland, hotel accommodations for six nights, and coach accommodations aboard the train.
Chicago to Glacier National Park
Seniors who love geographic wonders can check out the Amtrak trip from Chicago to the Glacier National Park. This park is among the country’s most beautiful locations, thanks to the melting glaciers, lakes, and valleys. It is a scenic journey as the train passes through the North Dakota plains, offering panoramic views of the landscape. This trip has a schedule of six days with hotel accommodations for three nights. Passengers spend the remaining two nights on the train, on which they have coach accommodations. At the Glacier National Park, the Amtrak trip provides a lake cruise, the Big Sky Circle tour, and a dinner in the park’s lodge.
Amtrak deals for seniors
Besides comfort, quality service, and trips to multiple locations, Amtrak offers deals and discounts, some of which are specific to seniors. When booking, one can use these deals and discounts to save money.
Senior discounts
Those over the age of 64 get a standard 10% discount on most rail fares on most Amtrak train journeys. Seniors over 60 booking cross-border Amtrak trips also enjoy a similar deal.
Downeaster deals
Seniors aged 65 years and above interested in journeying to the New England coast can get a discount of up to 50% on their Amtrak train tickets. This discount is available on one-way coach fares.
San JoaquÃn deals
The San JoaquÃn route of Amtrak offers a special discount of 15% on selected train journeys to seniors aged 62 years and over.
