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Amtrak Refund Policy

Last verified: 2026-03-20

Official Amtrak PolicyVerified

www.amtrak.com/planning-booking/changes-refunds/refund-and-cancellation-policy

Summary

Amtrak offers refunds within Full refund within 24 hours of purchase and prior to scheduled departure for reserved fares (within 1 hour for unreserved services). Tickets become non-refundable and have no exchange value after one year from the date of payment. eVouchers or exchange credits are valid for one year from the date of issue.. Processing time: Refunds for eligible unused tickets purchased with a credit card are credited back to the original card within 14 days. Applications for refunds for lost tickets are held for five months from the date of receipt before processing.. Refund methods include online via amtrak.com or amtrak app and by phone at 1-800-usa-rail. Refund eligibility and amount depend on the fare type purchased (e.g., Flex, Value, Sale, Acela Business, Acela First Class)..

Refund Window

Full refund within 24 hours of purchase and prior to scheduled departure for reserved fares (within 1 hour for unreserved services). Tickets become non-refundable and have no exchange value after one year from the date of payment. eVouchers or exchange credits are valid for one year from the date of issue.

Processing Time

Refunds for eligible unused tickets purchased with a credit card are credited back to the original card within 14 days. Applications for refunds for lost tickets are held for five months from the date of receipt before processing.

Refund Method

Online via Amtrak.com or Amtrak App

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How to Get a Refund — Step by Step

  1. 1**For online purchases (logged in):** Log into your Amtrak.com account, navigate to 'My Account', select 'View/Edit' for your reservation, and click 'Cancel Trip'.
  2. 2**For online purchases (as guest) or tickets purchased via phone, kiosk, or station with credit card/eVoucher:** Visit 'My Trip' on Amtrak.com, enter your reservation number and the email address or phone number used for the booking, then click 'Find Trip' and 'Cancel Trip'.
  3. 3**For cash refunds:** Mail original tickets via certified mail with return receipt requested to Amtrak Refunds, Box 70, 30th St. Station, 2955 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104-2898.
  4. 4**For lost paper tickets:** Download, print, complete, and sign the Lost Ticket Refund Application Form and mail it to the address specified on the form.
  5. 5**For phone cancellations:** Call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) to speak with an Amtrak Reservations Agent.
  6. 6**For in-person cancellations:** Process refunds at any Amtrak station with a ticket office.

When You Can Get a Refund

  • Refund eligibility and amount depend on the fare type purchased (e.g., Flex, Value, Sale, Acela Business, Acela First Class).
  • Tickets not canceled prior to the scheduled departure are forfeited ('No Show' policy).
  • The refund policy applies to the entire fare paid, including rail fare and any accommodation charges.
  • Not all tickets are eligible for a refund.
  • For tickets purchased through third parties, the third-party seller's terms and conditions apply.
  • Amtrak Guest Rewards point redemptions are subject to specific cancellation and modification penalties.
  • Lost or destroyed paper tickets may be eligible for a refund, but are subject to substantial service charges and cancellation fees upon mailed application.

All Refund Methods

  • Online via Amtrak.com or Amtrak App
  • By phone at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245)
  • At Amtrak Stations with ticket offices
  • By mail for cash refunds or lost ticket applications

Partial Refunds

  • **Flex Fares:** Full refund to the original form of payment with no fees if canceled before departure.
  • **Value Fares:** 75% refunded to the original form of payment if canceled before departure; 25% of the total fare is forfeited.
  • **Sale Fares:** 50% refunded to the original form of payment if canceled before departure; 50% of the total fare is forfeited.
  • **Acela First Class Fares:** Full refund if canceled 121 or more days before departure; 75% refund if canceled 120 to 15 days before departure; within 14 days of departure, 75% of the total fare is returned as a non-refundable eVoucher.
  • **Unreserved Coach:** A 20% refund fee applies at all times.
  • **Amtrak Guest Rewards Tickets:** A 10% points penalty is assessed for any refund (redeposit) to the Member account. Additional 'close-in' penalties apply for cancellations within certain timeframes before departure for non-sleeper and sleeper tickets.

Dispute Process

  • If Amtrak initiates a schedule change, equipment substitution, or cancellation resulting in a lower fare, credit card purchases are automatically refunded. Payments made with an eVoucher, gift card, check, or cash will result in an eVoucher being issued for the refunded amount.
  • For significant delays or cancellations, compensation may be offered in the form of Amtrak Guest Rewards points, a Transportation Voucher, and/or a refund for the affected travel segment.

Additional Notes

  • The Amtrak refund and cancellation policy is subject to change at any time.
  • If the original purchase was made using cash and an eligible cancellation is made, the refund may be issued via check.
  • A ticket receipt copy can be requested for lost paper ticket stubs by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL (ask for the Refund Department), incurring a $20 fee per reservation.

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