How to Change or Cancel Your Amtrak Train Reservation Easily

Changing travel plans is normal. Schedules change, bad weather intervenes or you simply want a departure at a different time. The good thing is Amtrak makes it relatively easy to revise or cancel your reservation, as long as you know the right procedure. This guide lays out everything you need to know from changing your ticket to seeking assistance when necessary through Amtrak customer service.

Rail travel should be flexible, not fraught. Here’s how to navigate transitions with minimal fuss.

When You Might Want to Change or Cancel a Ticket

Life happens. Maybe your meeting time changed. Perhaps you got off at the wrong station. Or perhaps the journey no longer works with your schedule. Whatever the reason, it feels good to be in control of where and when you’re going.

You took advantage of the internet to book Amtrak train tickets online, on its app or over the phone, and can manage that reservation in minutes. The process is simple, assuming you know Amtrak’s policy concerning refunds and the type of ticket.

Understanding Amtrak’s Ticket Types

The first step before making changes or canceling a ticket is to understand what type you purchased. Here are those categories and how they’ll influence whether you get a refund or travel credit:

1. Saver Fares

• These are the cheapest tickets.

They are changeable without a fee, but cancellations typically result in a value returned as an eVoucher rather than as a refund.

2. Value Fares

• A little more flexible.

In many cases, you can cancel and get at least some of your money back if you act soon enough.

3. Flexible Fares

• No change fees, no cancellation fees.

Great for last-minute plans.

4. Business and First Class

• More expensive, but more forgiving.

Changes and refunds are typically straightforward, provided you follow the time frames.

5. Sleeper and Roomette Reservations

• Though refunds are generally offered if you cancel far enough in advance.
• Last-minute cancellations will result in receiving only partial credit.

Your fare type is always displayed on your confirmation email. If you cannot find it, the Amtrak phone number staff can also check for you.

How to Change Your Amtrak Reservation

It’s really easy to change your ticket, and you can do so in three ways: online, through the app or by calling our support.

1. Changing Your Ticket Online

• This is the easiest method.
• Go to the Amtrak website
• Click “Modify Trip”
• Key in your booking number and e-mail
• Choose the change you want (date, time, passenger information)
• Call and verify the fare difference

And if the new train costs less money, Amtrak credits you that difference. If it’s pricier, you cover the difference.

2. Changing Your Ticket on the App

It’s convenient, if you travel a lot.

• Open the app
• Select “Trips”
• Choose your reservation
• Tap “Modify Reservation”
• Complete the update

Your new ticket updates instantly.

3. Changing Your Ticket by Phone

Others would rather speak to a human. In that case, call:

Amtrak’s customer service at the official Amtrak phone number +1(888)-929-3161

An agent can reconsider your ticket, clarify fare rules or assist if you purchased the ticket on a third-party website.

How to cancel your Amtrak reservation

If you are unable to change your schedule, canceling is easy as well.

1. Canceling Online

1. Go to “Modify Trip”
2. Enter your reservation details
3. Choose “Cancel Trip”
4. Review your refund or credit
5. Confirm

The form of the refund is based on the type of fare you have.

2. Canceling on the App

Tap your upcoming trip and then tap “Cancel Reservation.”

You will be able to see in the app whether you are receiving a refund or credit.

3. Canceling by Calling Amtrak

If you are at a loss for your fare type, or in a complex situation otherwise, calling can be helpful. Agents will be able to guide you through the available refund options and eligibility.

Refunds, Credits, and Timelines

Here’s what you need to know based on when it is:

Free cancellation more than 24 hours before pick-up

• Nearly all fare types are reimbursed in full or credited at 100 percent.

Cancel within 24 hours

• Saver fares: usually credit only
• Value and Flexible ticket types: usually refundable.

No-show (you miss the train)

Most tickets become nonrefundable, though credits might still be available depending on the fare.

How to Check Your Train Status Before Changing Plans

Always check your train before you cancel or alter anything. Occasionally you can simply carry on when there are delays or service alerts.

You can monitor your Amtrak train status at:

• The Amtrak website
• The mobile app
• By calling customer service

You automatically receive a full refund or can be rebooked for free if Amtrak cancels your train.

Tips for Smooth Changes and Cancellations

Here are easy things to do that can help you avoid travel headaches:

• Double-check your fare type before you book
• Book early for better flexibility
• Save your confirmation email
• For updates on service changes at a glance, you can check the Amtrak app
• Keep the Amtrak phone number available while traveling
• Make changes as soon as possible to avoid new booking restrictions at the last minute

Little bits make the whole trip more manageable.

What if I Want to Change or Cancel My Trip?

If your plans change, have no fear. Amtrak’s system is built to be flexible. So long as you’re proactive and you know what type of fare you have booked, there’s never been a problem changing the date, routes or departure time of your journey.

Train travel is peaceful, and changing your reservation should be too. Once you know how it all works, changing to a better one, or canceling altogether, is easy.

Commonly Asked Questions