While COVID may keep most people on the Northeast Corridor home this fall, Amtrak is looking to incentivize travelers with its Buy One Get One Free sale on all Acela and Northeast Regional trains – from Boston to Virginia.  By booking between September 21 through Wednesday, September 30 for travel from Thursday, September 24 through Saturday, December 12, 2020, customers on the Northeast Corridor can purchase tickets at a steep discount.

Before buying tickets, be sure to understand the conditions. Advanced purchase is required at least three days before travel, and the discount is valid only for Acela Business class seats and Northeast Regional Coach class only. The sale is not valid for travel on Sundays or Fridays. Blackout dates include Tuesday, Nov. 24, Wednesday, Nov. 25, and Monday, Nov. 30. Seating is limited and seats may not be available on all days. Once purchased, refund fees may apply but can be waived upon customer request for purchases through September 30, 2020. Once travel has begun, no changes to the itinerary are permitted.

To get the discount, use the discount code C333 when booking. Exchanges and full refunds are available through September 30, 2020.

Since the pandemic started six months ago, Amtrak has seen major setbacks with ridership and revenue down, according to officials.

Amtrak’s new safety initiatives will continue to be in effect for customers and employees on trains and at stations.

Additional Amtrak safety measures include the following:

  • Face coverings: Amtrak requires that all customers and employees wear a face mask or covering that fully covers the entire mouth and nose while onboard and in stations. Amtrak reserves the right to remove a customer or ban them from future travel in the event of noncompliance with Amtrak’s face covering policy.
  • Limiting bookings: Limiting bookings on most trains to allow for more physical distancing in seating areas. Individuals traveling alone may use the seat next to them for personal belongings, while friends and family members will easily find seats together.
    Air Quality: All trains are equipped with onboard filtration systems with an air exchange rate every 4-5 minutes.
  • Physical distancing: Signs have been displayed at the busiest stations to indicate safe distances in high traffic areas. Also, protective plastic barriers have been installed at customer counters at the busiest stations.