Category Archives: FYI

Take 20% Off when You Travel Select Michigan Train Routes

The Midwest winter does everything big. Big snow. Big cold. And thanks to Amtrak – big savings. When you travel this winter on select Michigan routes, you’ll save 20% on travel.

Book your trip now through April 29, 2012 for travel January 1 through April 30, 2012 and save on fantastic Michigan routes like the Blue Water, Pere Marquette and Wolverine. You’ll be able to stop and explore beautiful sights like Lake Michigan, Chicago and travel as far as Grand Rapids and Detroit, Michigan.

Whether you’re heading someplace new, or to your favorite winter getaway, you’ll be sure to find an Amtrak route that fits your travel wants, as well as your budget needs. With more comfort, less stress and great amenities, your winter getaway can get started before you leave the station.

You have many ways to get out this winter. And so many ways to save big. Get 20% off your Michigan travel this winter.

Terms and Conditions
  • Valid for 20% off the regular (full) adult rail fare.
  • Valid for sale December 1, 2011 – April 29, 2012.
  • Valid for travel January 1 – April 30, 2012.
  • Blackout dates: – January 2, 2012 – February 17 and 20, 2012 – April 5-6 and 9, 2012
  • Advance reservations are required a minimum of one (1) day prior to travel.
  • Seating is limited, seats may not be available on all trains at all times.
  • Up to 2 children ages 2 – 15 may accompany each adult at half the regular (full) adult rail fare.
  • Valid for travel on the following services: Blue Water, Pere Marquette, and Wolverine.
  • Valid for coach seats.
  • Upgrade to Business Class is available upon full payment of applicable accommodation charges.
  • Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice.
  • Not combinable with any other discount offer.
  • In addition to the discount restrictions, this offer is also subject to any restrictions, blackouts and refund rules that apply to the type of fare purchased.
  • Once travel has begun, no changes to the itinerary are permitted.
  • Other restrictions may apply.
You must click on the “Book It Now”  button to receive this discount on the following web page link:
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?ff=No&c=AM_Content_C&pagename=am%2FLayout&p=1237405732514&cid=1248544987369

Fare discount will be automatically applied to qualifying travel when a selected train is added to the cart.

Valid for Sale Through April 29, 2012

Valid for Travel January 1 – April 30, 2012

Get a 25% Discount on Travel between Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City and Grand Rapids in January

Book Early and Save Big with Amtrak SmartSeatsSM

Have upcoming travel plans? Book now and enjoy substantial savings with Amtrak SmartSeatsSM. Each month Amtrak will release a limited amount of discounted seats on some of our most popular routes. The routes on sale change every month, so if the sale is in your area, Amtrak will let you know first via email. Sign up for Amtrak e-mail now if you don’t currently receive it.

This month, Amtrak brings you great Midwest offers on the Pere Marquette, Missouri River Runner and the Lincoln Service. And when you book your tickets now through January 31, 2012, you’ll save 25% on travel May 1 – 31, 2012.

Pere Marquette

From Chicago, IL to Grand Rapids, MI, the Pere Marquette allows you to enjoy the scenic landscapes and onboard amenities before you arrive in Chicago or visit the museums and attractions of Grand Rapids.

Missouri River Runner

Stretching from Kansas City to St. Louis, MO, take in the scenery of the “Show Me” state and experience barbecue and jazz, antique shops, the Truman Presidential Museum and Library, and more.

Lincoln Service

Running daily from Chicago, IL to St. Louis, MO, you’ll have the Willis Tower and the St. Louis Gateway Arch bookend a journey filled with unique and exciting Illinois destinations, as well as comfortable amenities and local snacks and beverages.

You can also bring up to two kids along at half the discounted fare, so your whole family can enjoy natural beauty and entertainment for less. Book early and save big on three routes with SmartSeatsSM offers. Enjoy 25% savings by booking before January 31, 2012.

 

Terms and Conditions
  • Valid for 25% off the regular (full) adult rail fare.
  • Valid for sale January 1 – 31, 2012
  • Valid for travel May 1 – 31, 2012.
  • Blackout date: May 25, 2012.
  • Up to 2 children ages 2 – 15 may accompany each adult at half fare.
  • Seating is limited; seats may not be available on all trains at all times.
  • Valid for travel on the following services: Pere Marquette, Missouri River Runner, and Lincoln Service.
  • Valid for coach seats only; no upgrades permitted.
  • Fares are non-refundable once ticketed; exchanges are permitted within ticket validity period.
  • Not combinable with any other discount offer.
  • In addition to the discount restrictions, this offer is also subject to any restrictions, blackouts and refund rules that apply to the type of fare purchased.
  • Once travel has begun, no changes to the itinerary are permitted.
  • Fares, routes and schedules are subject to change without notice.
  • Other restrictions may apply.

The Steam Railroading Institute is planning a Valentine’s Day excursion

The Steam Railroading Institute’s Valentine Train Excursion is scheduled for Saturday – February 11, 2012.  It will leave the Steam Railroading Institute at 10 a.m. heading for Soaring Eagle Casino in Mount Pleasant, sponsored in part by Samuel Adams Brewery.

There are coach and first class tickets available. Coach includes cash bar, $20 in casino play and a $5 food voucher. First class seats are limited and will include all of the above with specials for you and your loved one.

Call (989) 399 7589 for tickets.  You must be 21 and over to attend this excursion.

STEAM RAILROADING INSTITUTE 405 Washington St. Owosso, Michigan 48867

Track work effects Michigan train services Dec. 9&10

 Track work being performed in Chicago by Canadian National Railway will affect the Wolverine, Blue Water, Pere Marquette, Cardinal, Capitol Limited and Lake Shore Limited on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 9 and 10, as described below:

Friday, December 9

Wolverine Train 355: Pontiac • Chicago

  • Train 355, originating in Pontiac will terminate at Michigan City, where motorcoach service will be provided to Hammond-Whiting and Chicago.

 Saturday, December 10

Capitol Limited Train 29, Lake Shore Limited Train 49/449 and Cardinal Train 51 New York/Washington •Chicago

  • Trains 29, 49/449 and 51 may encounter delays of approximately 60 minutes arriving in Chicago.

Wolverine Trains 350, 351, 352, 353: Chicago •Pontiac

  • Train 350 will originate in New Buffalo. Motorcoach service will be provided from Chicago to New Buffalo. Note: The motorcoach will not serve Hammond-Whiting. Passengers traveling to Hammond-Whiting may make reservations for travel on Train 352.
  • Train 352 will operate according to an adjusted schedule, departing Chicago 45 minutes later at 1:00 p.m. and departing all remaining stations on the route 45 minutes later than the times shown in Amtrak printed timetables.
  • Trains 351 and 353 may encounter delays of approximately 60 minutes arriving in Chicago. Note: Train 353 will not make connections in Chicago with Train 30 or Train 383

Blue Water Trains 364 and 365: Chicago •Port Huron

  • Train 364 will operate according to an adjusted schedule, departing Chicago 75 minutes later at 5:25 p.m. and departing all remaining stations on the route 75 minutes later than the times shown in Amtrak printed timetables.
  • Train 365 may encounter delays of approximately 60 minutes arriving in Chicago

Pere Marquette Trains 370 and 371: Chicago •Grand Rapids

  • Pere Marquette Trains 370 and 371 will be cancelled. Motorcoach service will be provided at all stops on the route.

Check www.amtrak.com for the latest information before you begin your trip.