As of last week, Amtrak tickets can now be searched on Google platforms, marking a significant step in making train travel more accessible and convenient for travelers. Announced by the train company on September 26, this new feature allows users to see up-to-date information about departure times, trip durations, and fares, similar to what they’ve come to expect when using Google Flights to book air travel.
With this integration, planning train journeys has never been easier. Let’s dive into how the new feature works, what it offers, and how travelers can benefit from this development.
How to Search for Amtrak Tickets on Google Flights
Using this new feature is simple and follows the same process as booking a flight. Users just need to enter their travel details—such as origin, destination, and travel dates—into Google Flights, and the platform will display relevant train options in addition to flights.
Here’s how to do it:
- Visit Google Flights and input your travel details as if searching for a flight.
- Scroll beneath the flight results and look for the section labeled “Trains to consider.”
- Here, you’ll see a list of Amtrak options, including departure times, trip durations, and prices.
- Click on “See more train options” to expand the list and review all available Amtrak listings for your route.
For example, if you’re traveling from Chicago to St. Louis, your search results will include both flights and train options, giving you a comprehensive overview of available modes of transportation.
Benefits of Searching Amtrak on Google Flights
The addition of Amtrak routes to Google Flights offers several benefits for travelers:
- Convenience: You can now compare train options alongside flight results, helping you choose the best mode of transportation based on factors like cost, time, and convenience.
- Real-Time Information: Just like with flights, you’ll get up-to-date details about departure times, trip durations, and fare prices for Amtrak routes.
- Comprehensive Travel Planning: Whether you’re booking a short regional trip or a longer journey, Google Flights now serves as a one-stop platform for planning your trip with various travel options at your fingertips.
Limitations of the Feature
It’s important to note that this feature is only available for cities and routes where Amtrak operates. If Amtrak does not serve your origin or destination city, you won’t see any train options in your search results.
Additionally, while this is an exciting development for travelers who prefer rail travel, the feature is currently limited to Amtrak in the United States. International train services are not yet available on Google Flights.
Why This Matters for Travelers
For many, the ability to search for train routes alongside flights adds flexibility and ease to travel planning. Trains offer a more relaxed and scenic way to travel, often with more space and comfort than airplanes. This feature empowers travelers to make informed choices about their journeys, especially in regions where Amtrak provides efficient service.
With features like this, travelers can now easily weigh the benefits of train travel, which often provides:
- Eco-friendly transportation compared to flying.
- More comfortable seating and freedom to move around.
- No TSA security checks or long waits at the airport.
- City-center to city-center connections, eliminating the need for extra transportation to and from the airport.
How This Fits Into Google’s Larger Strategy
Google’s addition of Amtrak options to Google Flights aligns with its ongoing efforts to expand its travel-related services and provide users with comprehensive, easy-to-use platforms for booking transportation. By integrating train routes, Google is broadening the choices available to users, making it easier to plan trips that suit their specific needs—whether by air, rail, or a combination of both.
What Travelers Should Expect Moving Forward
While this feature is a huge step forward for travelers, it’s likely that more integrations could follow. Currently, Google Flights supports Amtrak routes only, but future updates could bring in more rail companies from different countries, making this tool even more powerful for international travelers.
Final Thoughts
The inclusion of Amtrak routes in Google Flights is a welcomed enhancement for both train enthusiasts and everyday travelers. It offers a seamless way to explore and book Amtrak journeys alongside flights, streamlining the travel planning process. Whether you’re opting for rail travel for comfort, cost savings, or convenience, this feature ensures that all your transportation options are just a search away.
As this feature evolves, we can expect even more improvements in how we plan and book travel online, making it easier than ever to explore all the ways we can get from point A to point B.
