Amtrak Single Ticket Rates and Rules

Amtrak Rates:

The New York State Office of General Services has negotiated a standard fare with Amtrak whereby the one-way fare between the Albany/Rensselaer or Hudson stations and New York City’s Penn Station is not to exceed $68 for all New York State government employees traveling on state business (with the exception of trains 48 and 49 – The Lakeshore Limited). Travelers may purchase Amtrak tickets at this rate using one of the following two methods:

  • At an Amtrak station using an official NYS ID
  • From the authorized state travel agency; processing fee applies

AMTRAK Government Fare Rules:

The following Amtrak fare rules apply for New York State Employees traveling on government fares:

  • Passenger must show proof of New York State Government Employment, if an employee fails to provide the proper identification – they will be required to purchase a full-fare ticket on board.
  • Passenger must be traveling on New York State Government Official Business.
  • Effective September 6, 2016, there will be a train number and passenger name listed on every Amtrak ticket.
  • View information on Multi-Ride e-ticket Rates and Rules for New York State Government Travelers.
  • The NYS Government employee must travel on the train specified on the ticket they have in their possession OR have the ticket altered to reflect the new travel itinerary.
  • The ticket must be altered PRIOR to the departure of the original train listed on the ticket.
  • Methods available to modify e-ticket purchased through the contracted travel agency:
    • Amtrak Mobile Application
    • Amtrak.com
    • Amtrak ticket counter
    • 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245)
    • Authorized state travel agency (processing fee applies)
  • Methods available to modify e-ticket purchased through Amtrak station:
    • Amtrak ticket counter
    • 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245)
  • NYS Government tickets are not valid on the Lakeshore Limited (48/49).
  • Open tickets that have been generated prior to September 6, 2016, will be accepted on Empire Service trains until the expiration date that is listed on the ticket.
  • Refund and cancelation rules prior to March 1, 2020:
    • Canceled more than 8 days prior to departure – full refund, no fee.
    • Canceled 8 days or less, up to departure – refund less 25% fee OR value to eVoucher less 25% fee to be used at a later time. eVouchers are good for one year.
    • "No Show": Forfeit all funds if not canceled prior to departure.

  • NEW! Refund and cancellation rules effective March 1, 2020:

    • Refunds: Full refund to the original form of payment or eVoucher with no fees if canceled 15 days or more before departure. 25% fee charged if canceled less than 14 days before departure.
    • Changes: No fee if changed 15 days or more before departure. 15% fee may be charged if changed less than 14 days before departure.
    • "No Show" Policy: Forfeit all funds if not canceled prior to departure.