Washington’s Amtrak offers free train tickets for minors, making travel more accessible and affordable for young explorers.
Washington has shown a steadfast dedication to reducing both transportation expenses and environmental impacts over recent years. The Climate Commitment Act, enacted in 2021, spearheads the state’s climate strategy with a bold objective to slash climate emissions by 95% by 2050. This legislation also facilitated the inception of the Move Ahead Washington transportation plan in 2022. This initiative has ushered in significant changes, including free bus travel for young people, a boost in electric vehicle accessibility, and the introduction of hybrid electric ferries.
Continuing its progressive approach, Washington has recently expanded its free travel policies to include minors on the Amtrak Cascades trains and buses within the state.
AMTRAK CASCADES YOUTH TRAVEL PROGRAM
Under this new program, individuals aged 18 and under are eligible for complimentary travel when accompanied by an adult on routes that begin and end within Washington. As detailed in Amtrak Cascades’ latest announcement, minors wishing to travel beyond state borders must purchase tickets for segments outside Washington to qualify for the free travel offer within state boundaries.
Youth between 16 and 18 years may travel independently without charge, whereas children aged 13 to 15 must be accompanied by an adult or pay the standard fare.
The Amtrak Cascades route includes 18 stations stretching from Oregon to Canada, with 12 located within Washington. The stations span from Eugene, Oregon to Vancouver, British Columbia, including major stops in cities like Seattle and Tacoma.
- Mount Vernon, Wash.
- Bellingham, Wash.
- Portland, Ore.
- Seattle, Wash.
- Eugene, Ore.
- Edmonds, Wash.
- Vancouver, Wash.
- Tacoma, Wash.
- Olympia/Lacey, Wash.
- Oregon City, Ore.
- Stanwood, Wash.
- Vancouver B.C.
- Albany, Ore.
- Everett, Wash.
- Kelso/Longview, Wash.
- Tukwila, Wash.
- Centralia, Wash.
- Salem, Ore.
Traveling by car from Seattle to Vancouver, Washington, can be costly in terms of fuel. However, Amtrak offers affordable options, with one-way adult tickets starting at $27, allowing a family of two adults and their minors to travel for under $60. The policy limits bookings to eight passengers per trip.
Although tickets for minors must be secured in advance to update the passenger count, the discounted rate is applied automatically at the time of online purchase. Importantly, free tickets for young passengers are not available at ticket booths or on the train but can be booked online or by contacting 1-800-USA-RAIL.
This pioneering initiative, supported by the Move Ahead Washington package and the Washington Climate Commitment Act, marks a first in Amtrak’s nationwide services. It aims to serve a substantial demographic, as over 20% of Washington’s residents are under 18, per the Washington State Department of Transportation. The program is designed to support the next generation and their families by enhancing access to environmentally friendly transportation options.
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