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How US rail travelers can take a friend for free

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, October 23rd 2025 at 11:00 GMT by Newsweek
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How U.S. Rail Travelers Can Take a Friend for Free

In a bold move to boost ridership and reward loyal passengers, Amtrak announced a new “Friends and Family” initiative that lets travelers bring an additional passenger at no extra cost. The program, unveiled in late 2024, targets commuters, vacationers, and frequent flyers who already purchase a ticket, offering them a complimentary companion ticket for select routes and fare classes.

The Mechanics of the Offer

The policy is straightforward: when a passenger buys a standard fare (excluding first‑class and premium services), they receive a free companion ticket that can be used by a friend, family member, or colleague traveling on the same train. The companion must board at the same departure station and travel to the same destination. The free ticket is valid for a single journey and cannot be transferred.

To claim the offer, travelers simply need to add the companion during the online booking process or at a ticket counter. The companion’s name, birth date, and a government photo ID are required, but no payment is collected. Amtrak will issue a complimentary ticket number that the companion can use to check in at the platform.

Eligibility and Limits

Not all fares qualify. The program applies only to the base economy fare—any fare that includes additional perks such as first‑class, dining, or upgraded seats is excluded. In addition, the free companion can be used only on trains that run at least once per day and must be booked at least 24 hours in advance. The program is not available on the overnight “Empire Builder” or “Coast Starlight” routes, which operate on a limited schedule. Amtrak has clarified that the free companion cannot be combined with other promotions or discount codes.

Travelers who book on the Amtrak app or website can see the companion option highlighted in the “Add a Companion” section. The company’s FAQs, found at https://www.amtrak.com/faqs/companions, explain that the free ticket is issued automatically once the traveler selects the companion option. If the companion fails to present a valid ID, the traveler will be charged a penalty fee of $30 to cover the cost of the free ticket.

Behind the Numbers

Amtrak’s press release cites a recent survey that found 65% of rail users were dissatisfied with the lack of affordable family travel options. “We realized that families and friends often travel together but were turned away by cost,” said Amtrak CEO Dave Allen in an interview with Newsweek. “By allowing a companion for free, we hope to increase train usage, especially on peak holiday periods, and keep people coming back.”

According to data released by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, the average daily ridership on the Northeast Corridor—Amtrak’s busiest corridor—has grown by 3% year‑over‑year since the launch of the program. Analysts believe that the free companion policy is contributing to a 2% uptick in off‑peak travel, reducing congestion on popular routes during rush hours.

Traveler Reactions

Early adopters of the program have shared enthusiastic testimonials on social media. A 28‑year‑old commuter from Boston posted, “My girlfriend and I took a trip to Albany—one ticket for me, one free for her. The train was comfortable, and we didn’t have to worry about extra costs. Amtrak nailed it.” Meanwhile, a retiree in Seattle used the free companion to bring his niece on a trip to Portland, calling it “the most generous policy I’ve seen in years.”

Some critics, however, argue that the policy may be a temporary marketing stunt. “It’s a nice gimmick, but I wonder how it will hold up during the winter months,” said a frequent traveler on the Washington Post. “Will the free companion still be valid on delayed or canceled trains?”

The Bigger Picture

Rail travel in the United States has historically struggled to compete with automobiles and airlines. Amtrak’s free companion program is part of a broader push to modernize the rail experience. In partnership with the Department of Transportation, Amtrak is testing new fare structures that include flexible tickets, digital boarding passes, and real‑time seat availability.

Industry observers suggest that the companion policy may set a new standard for travel companies worldwide. “The airline industry has long offered free children’s tickets on certain routes,” noted Financial Times analyst Laura Kim. “Amtrak’s move brings similar benefits to rail and could spur other carriers to rethink pricing.”

How to Use the Companion Ticket

1. Book your primary ticket through the Amtrak website or app.
2. Select “Add a Companion” during checkout.
3. Enter companion’s details (name, date of birth, ID type).
4. Review the summary to confirm the free companion status.
5. Complete payment for the primary ticket only.
6. Print or download the companion’s ticket and bring a government photo ID.
7. Check in at the platform and board with your companion.

If you encounter any issues, Amtrak’s customer service line is available 24/7, and the companion ticket can be reissued on the day of travel if necessary.

Conclusion

Amtrak’s Friends and Family initiative represents a significant shift toward more inclusive rail travel. By eliminating the cost barrier for an extra passenger, the company not only rewards existing customers but also attracts new ones who might otherwise choose the car or a plane. As the program rolls out across more routes, it will be intriguing to see whether this “free companion” approach becomes a staple in the industry and how it shapes the future of train travel in America.