Amtrak Disability Discount for Passengers and Companions

For passengers with disabilities, Amtrak provides special programs to make travel easier and more affordable. Amtrak provides a 10% fare discount and sometimes 15% on certain routes for passengers with special needs. However, there could be exceptions considering destination, routes, services, and more. Whether you’re traveling alone or with a companion, knowing how the Amtrak Disability Discount works can help you save money and ensure a smooth trip. This guide will explain everything, from who’s eligible to how to book, what documentation you need, and what assistance is available.

Who Is Eligible and What Discounts Are Offered?

Adult Passengers with Disabilities

• National Discount: Amtrak offers a 10% rail fare discount for adult passengers with disabilities on most routes. 
• Downeaster Route (Boston to Portland, ME): On the Downeaster line, the discount is a generous 50% off the regular one-way coach fare. To claim this, select “Passenger with Disability” and use promo code V543. A valid photo ID and Medicare card (if applicable) are required. 

California Local Routes (Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, San Joaquins)

• In California, Amtrak offers a 15% discount for adult passengers with disabilities on these regional routes, a boost over the standard 10%. You must select “Passenger with Disability” and enter promo code V577 during booking. 
• These discounts cannot be combined with other offers and may have blackout dates. 

Child Passengers with Disabilities

• Children with disabilities receive a 50% child fare, plus an additional 10% off that discounted fare, regardless of route. 

Companions

• Amtrak offers a 10% discount for an adult companion (18+) traveling with a passenger with a disability. On California routes, the companion may also get a 15% discount if traveling together. 

How to Book and Avail Amtrak Disability Discount?

Here’s a step-by-step booking process and about how to avail the discount with the help of a promo code. 

• Online or in the App: Choose “Passenger with Disability” (and “Companion” if applicable) in the fare selection process. In California, enter discount code V577. On Downeaster routes, enter V543. 
• At the Station: If discounts aren’t applying online, you can still receive them at staffed ticket counters. Some discounts, like the California 15% are station-specific.

Promo Code Tips

• For California routes, use code V577.
• For Downeaster service, use V543.
  Always ensure you select the appropriate passenger type (“Passenger with Disability” / “Companion”) before checkout—it may make the discount visible.

Required Documentation for Amtrak Disability Discount

You must present documentation to validate the disability discount at the ticket counter and upon boarding. Valid documents include:

• Transit ID card for persons with disabilities
• Membership card from a disability organization
• A physician’s letter
• Medicare card (for those under 65)
• Veteran’s Administration ID with “Service Connected”
• Disabled parking placard (a photocopy is acceptable) 

Booking Accessible Space and Travel Assistance

• Accessible Seats, Bedrooms, and Wheelchair Spaces: Amtrak allows booking of accessible seats, wheelchair spaces, or accessible bedrooms. Booking in advance ensures availability. Accessible bedrooms require self-certification at booking and possibly forms validated by a train conductor. 
• Traveling with a Wheeled Mobility Device: If your wheelchair is not collapsible, you’ll remain in it during the trip, in a designated wheelchair space.
  If collapsible: You’ll transfer to an accessible seat and stow your wheelchair nearby. Onboard staff can assist. 
  There are size and weight limits: devices must not exceed 600 lbs (including passenger), maximum length 48 inches, and ground clearance of at least 2 inches. 
• Boarding & Detraining Assistance: On low platforms, Amtrak provides mobile lifts; on high platforms, bridge plates are used. Passengers needing assistance may pre-board and have priority boarding at intermediate stops.
• Special Requests: For modifications (e.g., extra space, equipment, service animals, etc.), request at least 72 hours in advance via Amtrak’s accessibility contact form or by phone. For group travel needing extra wheeled mobility space, request 14 days in advance through Amtrak’s Group Sales team. 

Amtrak provides thoughtful support for passengers with disabilities through fare discounts, accessible seating and bedrooms, boarding assistance, and special modifications. Amtrak Disability Discount varies by service and location (10% national, 15% in California, 50% on Downeaster). Eligibility requires proof, and booking in advance, especially for accessible space, is key. If you run into issues booking online, don’t hesitate to go to a staffed Amtrak station or call Amtrak; many passengers find that the in-person or phone experience resolves the gaps online.

Frequently Asked Questions