Traveling with Children & Teens

Policy for Unaccompanied Minors

The safety of our youngest travelers is very important to us. Therefore, children under 12 years are required to be accompanied by an adult (18+). The only exception is if the accompanying guardian is younger than 18.

Children aged between 13 and 15 may travel alone, but only under certain conditions. You may book a reservation only through the station or over the phone. For all other unaccompanied travel restrictions, please refer to our policy or reach out to us directly.

🛑 No one under the age of 14 can travel internationally without an accompanying adult.

Youth Fare Discounts & Tickets Served Free of Charge

Washington Youth Fare Program 🚆

Thanks to the program by the State of Washington under the Climate Commitment Act (CCA), individuals under the age of 18 can travel on Amtrak Cascades trains and select buses free of charge within the state of Washington.

Here’s what you need to know:

✅ Who’s Eligible?

• Every passenger must possess a valid ticket regardless of the fare obtained.
• An adult must be present for children 15 and under.
• Ages 16 to 18 can freely access the service with or without an accompanying adult.
• Children under 2 years of age must be added to the adult’s reservation where they will sit on the lap of the accompanying adult.
• Free fares only apply to secondary travel only and are applicable strictly to within the Washington state boundary.

⛔ Who’s Not Covered?

• A 13, 14, or 15 year old traveling solo (unaccompanied minor) falls under the conventional fare charge.
• The travel period between coast (starlight) and empire builder non stop segment trains does not qualify for unused youth free fare.
• Tickets in the free category cannot be purchased via kiosk or onboard.

How Free Youth Ticket Defines Eligibility

In person:

Over the Phone: 1-888-652-3933

All en route ticket counters in core attended facilities including Washington like Seattle, Tacoma, Portland

Reminder: Kiosk stations are not authorized for free youth ticket dispensing via passed Amtrak’ Cascades webpage.

Heading Further Washington State?

If your aiming to travel Oregon or Canada then no issue! Travel booking options are in two separate portions: One being Washington segment ticket free and the other for described states or provinces. Adults must as well divide their tickets in order to align with their children’s schedule.

⚠️ If you fail to separate the booking you risk full fare payment.

💡 Already Have Ticket Payments Done

If you are having tickets booked under the assumed free fare and standard is purchased, the joiner must be contacted to cancel and stage a new booking to receive an assumed low fare. Be mindful of cancellation fees that may apply based on original fare which is overturned.