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Unaccompanied Minors:

Booking tickets for unaccompanied minors

To make reservations for unaccompanied minors you must call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245). Reservations for unaccompanied minors may not be booked on-line.


Children 15 and older

Children 15 and older may travel unaccompanied, but do not qualify for any discounts available for children traveling with an adult. Children 15 and older are subject to all policies applying to adult passengers. Minors 15 and older may purchase tickets on their own from a ticket agent or conductor if they present valid photo ID.


Children 8 to 14

Children 8 through 14 years old may travel unaccompanied on Amtrak trains under the following conditions:

  • Travel is permitted only on Amtrak trains. No transfers of any kind are permitted.
  • The scheduled departure time may be no earlier than 6 am, and arrival time no later than 9 pm.
  • Both boarding and arrival stations must be staffed. (Please note that even certain staffed stations do not allow for unaccompanied minors.)
  • An adult at least 18 years of age must bring the child who will be traveling as an unaccompanied minor to the station. Both the adult and child must be at the boarding station at least one hour prior to departure time to allow for the required interview and to complete necessary forms. The adult must provide valid current identification that meets our ID policies.
  • We require that the child be interviewed. On the day of travel, a station agent or other appropriate authority will directly interview the child to determine whether the child is capable of traveling alone.
  • For each unaccompanied minor traveling alone, the adult bringing the child to the departure station must complete and sign a release form.
  • The child must wear an Amtrak issued wristband for the duration of travel.
  • The adult must remain at the station until the train has departed.
  • Upon arrival, an adult (at least 18 years old) must be present to pick up the child. The adult must display valid current identification meeting Amtrak's ID policies.
  • Full adult fares are charged. Tickets for unaccompanied children may not be purchased on-line.
  • The unaccompanied child may not have any life-threatening food allergies.
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Children 7 years old and younger

Children 7 years old and younger may not travel alone. They must be accompanied by a person 15 years old or older who has responsibility for the child.


Passengers under 18 years old (if not traveling with both parents) must carry a notarized letter from any parent or legal guardian not present which gives permission for the child to cross the border. This letter must include the address and telephone number of the parent or parents not present. If one parent is deceased, a copy of that parent's death certificate will minimize questions and delay.


Amtrak policy does not allow children 14 and under to travel unaccompanied into Canada, regardless of ID or notarized letter.


Strollers and Carseats

Special items such as strollers and carseats are allowed on the train. In most cases there is a handling charge of $5 per special item. Contact 1-800-USA-RAIL for more information.