Passenger Trains > Auto-Train fare buckets

Amtrak has fares established in buckets, with several different fares available for the same seat. In general, the lowest priced fares are offered first, for a limited number of seats. When they sell out, the next lowest fare bucket is made available, also with a limited number of seats. In peak times, like Thanksgiving, the lowest fare buckets may not be offered, or may be offered in very small quantities. It's part of yield management. Additional seats can be offered at lower prices immediately before departure, or maybe not.

Many snow birds will make their reservations months in advance, and prepay them. It's not uncommon to go to a date months out and find all bedrooms sold out, even at the top price.

Current Auto-Train coach fare buckets are $112, $139, $174, $218, and $272.

Additional fares for roomette are $152, $231, $310, $389 and $467. Deluxe BDR is $342, $500, $657, $815, $972.

Vehicles range from $202 to $250, and cycles at $141. The Trike uproar was resolved with the requirement that owners must buy 2 cycle spaces. Priority offloading (first 30 cars) has gone up to $60.