Amtrak’s Night Owl service offers late-night travel for as little as $5
If you’re planning a trip and are on a tight budget, Amtrak is currently offering a bomb deal for folks who don’t mind the time. Late night departures are currently being advertised as “extra low,” with fares as low as $5 on some routes. These prices apply to coach seats on trains leaving New York City at any time after 7 p.m. (and through 5 a.m.) and all stops in between.
It’s easy to assume that $5 can only apply to the most absurd, rarely-ridden routes imaginable, but that’s not the case. TimeOut notes that both the New York City to Newark/Newark Liberty International Airport, and Philadelphia to Baltimore legs are fully operational and frequently used. If you look at the Amtrak fare schedule and plug in different dates and times, you’ll see that the $5 route from NYC to Newark can cost as much as $63, so this deal is definitely worth it.
To travel from New York City to Philadelphia or Wilmington, Delaware, or from Philadelphia to Washington, DC, or from Washington, DC to Wilmington, Delaware, all you need is a $10 fare. If you are willing to spend a little extra money, you can choose from $15 and $20 fares.
Here are some great advantages of riding a night train:
The coach seats are roomy enough to allow you to curl up and have plenty of legroom.
Since there are no middle seats, there won’t be any bothersome passengers to quarrel with about who gets to claim the armrest.
There is no cost for using the Wi-Fi, and there are outlets available for charging up your devices, such as phones and laptops.
If you’re trying to get some undisturbed shuteye, you can request a ride in the Quiet Car.
Each traveler is allowed to bring two bags and two personal items. It sounds like a no-brainer and convenient way to travel if you ask us. Don’t overcomplicate things and pass up on this deal if a trip is on your agenda.
Evie Blanco is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience who was born in the Dominican Republic and raised in Queens, New York. She is extremely well-versed in hip-hop music and culture and is always aware of any developments within it. Whether it’s the latest in pop culture, a fascinating foreign destination, a truly amazing new restaurant, or breaking news, she loves to write about it all.
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This story was originally published March 22, 2023 at 3:50 PM.