Planning an Amtrak trip involves more than booking train tickets. Between finding station parking, securing luggage storage during a layover, and coordinating rental cars or hotels at your destination, the “off-train” logistics can be challenging to navigate.
Fortunately, there are many services that can help. This guide identifies the essential websites and apps that simplify trip planning, specifically for the unique needs of rail travelers. Whether you are looking for trip protection for a long-distance adventure or a way to store your bags during a 6-hour city stop, these tools ensure you spend less time stressing over logistics and more time enjoying the ride.
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Table of Contents
SpotHero
Website
Use SpotHero to find and reserve daily and long-term parking near Amtrak stations. This service is helpful when parking is not available at your starting train station (view parking information for specific stations on Amtrak.com).
Key Benefits
- Find and reserve parking near train stations
- It’s prepaid, so you can quickly park and walk to the station when you arrive
Bounce
Bounce is a website and app for finding secure luggage storage. This service is especially helpful if you have a long layover at a train station and want to sightsee or get something to eat.
Key Benefits
- Low cost
- Easily find places to store your luggage
Enterprise-Rent-A-Car
If you want to rent a car near an Amtrak station, see if Enterprise is an option. Many offices offer pick-up service with a car reservation so you don’t have to worry about transportation once you’re off the train.
Key Benefits
- One of the few rental car companies that can pick you up from a train station.
- The website has information on each office, including if pick-up service is available (we recommend using Google Maps to find Enterprise locations near stations and to get website links)
Turo
For even more car rental options, use Turo. It is a car-sharing service with flexible pick-up locations. In many cases, you can have a car waiting for you at your arrival Amtrak station.
Key Benefits
- Cars can be left at a train station or location of your choice
- Can be cheaper than rental cars at traditional companies like Hertz, Budget, etc.
Tripadvisor
Tripadvisor is a place to read traveler reviews, compare hotel prices from multiple sites, and find and book sightseeing tours, guided day trips to national parks , and even local shuttle services.
Key Benefits
- Get cash back via the rewards program (requires using the app)
- Find tours and activities to explore your destination without a car; many experiences have free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and pay later options.
Whimstay
Whimstay has discounted last-minute stays at Airbnb and Vrbo properties. It’s a great option for last-minute trips and travel disruptions (note that Amtrak provides hotel accommodations for most missed connections, but only if your ticket included a transfer (vs having multiple one-way trips).
Key Benefits
- Discounted lodging, including entire home rentals (helpful if you’re traveling with multiple people)
ResortPass
Book a pool pass or day room with ResortPass. It’s a great option if you have a long layover between trains or before a flight and want a place to relax and freshen up.
Key Benefits
- Day use of a hotel room
- Access to resort pools and other on-site amenities such as fitness centers, spas, and water parks
CityPass
If you’re planning to visit multiple attractions in a major city along an Amtrak route, check out CityPass. You’ll pay one discounted price and get admission to multiple tourist destinations.
Key Benefits
- Save money on admission to top attractions
- Prepaid and sometimes includes skip-the-line options that make sightseeing easier
Travelex
Travelex offers a variety of travel insurance plans that can protect your entire trip and cover emergency medical expenses. The company is highly rated and has 24/7 customer service.
Key Benefits
- A variety of plans and prices
- Add-on benefits for car rentals and cancel for any reason
More Information
- 5 things to know about Amtrak travel
- 10 essential things to pack for an Amtrak trip
- Train trip planning guide
Photo by Atomic Taco (CC BY-SA 2.0)
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