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Hi, Is it better/cheaper/safer to buy a National US Rail Pass for 30 days unlimited here in the UK or via Amtrak's website please? Thanks.
Geoff M Member # 153
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Last time I bought one they weren't available online. So I had to buy it from a UK agent which charged an extra (insert price here, probably around £10) for the privilege. They also charged for each ticket that I reserved.
No reason why it shouldn't be any less safe to buy from an agent though. Personally wherever possible I prefer to avoid the middle man. One less link in the chain to break and I know exactly where I stand (or, if I've fluffed up, fall).
Geoff M.
heatherite Member # 6059
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Thanx. I contacted Amtrak re tickets and reservations online and they said they could do the lot for me if I sent them an itinerary. Sounds helpful and promising. I'll check out the Rail pass situation with Amtrak or Trailfinders.
mr williams Member # 1928
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"Trailfinders" used to specialise in Amtrak passes. On my first couple of trips to the States I booked through them and they were fine, and I paid nothing extra. Once I found my way around, though, I booked online but like Geoff says you can't get an overseas pass that way.
One thing to be aware of is that the "pass" you are given in the UK by the agent has to be validated at an Amtrak manned station before it can be used (it is exchanged for a different style document).
Luckily for me the ticket collector on the train was as blissfully unaware as I was. I got on the Zephyr to start my first journey at unmanned Osceola, Iowa, showed him my "pass" and sleeper reservation and he was happy with that. It was only when I got to Reno and went to book another ticket that the station staff there told me what the procedure should have been and issued me with the right documents!!!
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