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Find the best credit card for you

The best credit cards to use for all your amtrak and international train travels, whether you’re riding the rails at home or abroad, these cards will reward you for your train trips..

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

There's nothing like watching the world pass you by from a train window, seeing the landscapes change, contemplating the vast scenery around you and passing the time curled up with a good book or chatting with your fellow travelers in the dining car. There's an old-school sort of wonder to it all, whether you're traveling around the U.S. on Amtrak — some journeys are more scenic than others — or riding the rails internationally.

Of course, the whole experience feels a lot more magical when it's a free (or nearly free) one — or if you're earning rewards points or cash-back that you can use to fund even more of your travels.

Below, Select details the best credit cards to use for train travel wherever you are, plus a few tips for saving money on U.S. and international train trips.

Best credit cards for train travel

• Best overall : Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for casual Amtrak travelers : Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard®
• Best for frequent Amtrak travelers : Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard®
• Best for international train travel : Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for earning cash-back rewards on travel : Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Best for earning flexible travel rewards points : Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees )
• Best business card : Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

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Best overall

Chase sapphire reserve®.

Earn 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025

Welcome bonus

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

22.49% - 29.49% variable

Balance transfer fee

5%, minimum $5

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Terms apply.

Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.

Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Reserve® stands out for offering an up to $300 annual travel credit, which can be used to cover rail trips. Not only that, cardholders earn a generous 3X points per dollar on other travel, including train tickets.

Beyond that, cardholders can earn 5X points per dollar on flights and 10X points on hotels and rental cars when they're booked through Chase Travel℠ (after your first $300 in travel-related purchases), making it an ideal pick for frequent travelers. You'll also earn 10X points per dollar through Chase Dining, 10X points on Lyft rides through Mar. 31, 2025, 3X points per dollar for all other travel and dining purchases including takeout and delivery and 1X point per dollar for any other spending.

Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠, meaning the 60,000-point welcome bonus you can earn after spending $4,000 in the first three months is worth at least $900 in travel. 

While you can't use Ultimate Rewards® points to book train tickets, you can still transfer them to any of Chase's many airline and hotel partners such as Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, IHG, Marriott and Hyatt to enhance your travels, especially if you're flying to a particular country or locale to begin your rail adventure or need hotels to stay in — or a car rental — before or after your train trip.

There is a high $550 annual fee, but in turn, cardholders receive the $300 annual travel credit; a suite of travel and purchase protections; a  Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit ;  Priority Pass airport lounge access ; extra benefits when you book a rental car with Avis, National Car Rental or Silvercar;  VIP access  to events and experiences; and special perks such as free daily breakfast, late checkout and room upgrades when you book a stay through The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.

Best for casual Amtrak travelers

Amtrak guest rewards® mastercard®.

2X points on travel booked with Amtrak (including purchases made onboard), 2X points on dining and 1X points for all other purchases.

Earn 12,000 bonus points after spending at least $1,000 within the first three billing cycles of account membership.

25.24% to 27.49% (variable)

5% of the amount being transferred or $10, whichever is greater

Excellent/Good

See rates and fees, terms apply.

Who's this for? If you're someone who plans the occasional rail journey with Amtrak, the new Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard® issued by First National Bank of Omaha makes a great choice, as it lets you earn 2X points on travel with Amtrak (including purchases made onboard) and dining and 1X points for all additional purchases. You'll also receive a 10% rebate on food and beverage purchases made onboard the train (as a statement credit) and a 5% points rebate when your points are redeemed for travel on Amtrak.

The card has no annual fee, no transaction fees and new cardholders can pick up 12,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three billing cycles after opening an account, giving you a great head start toward free (or nearly free) train rides considering that Amtrak reward travel starts at just 800 points.

Best for frequent Amtrak travelers

Amtrak guest rewards® preferred mastercard®.

3X points on travel booked with Amtrak (including purchases made onboard); 2X points on travel, dining, public transit and ride-share services; and 1X points for all other purchases.

Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending at least $1,000 within the first three billing cycles of account membership.

Who's this for? For those who travel frequently aboard Amtrak trains, the Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard® offers similar benefits, but for a reasonable annual fee of $99 provides more perks. For starters, you'll be earning 3X points for Amtrak travel (including purchases made onboard); 2X points on travel, dining, public transit and ride-share services; and 1X points for all other purchases. You'll also score a 20% rebate on food and beverages purchased onboard, in the form of a statement credit, and a 5% points rebate whenever points are redeemed for travel on Amtrak.

As far as additional benefits, cardholders receive several special perks upon account opening as well as on their card's anniversary date, including a round-trip companion coupon, one-class upgrades and station lounge passes. You'll also earn 1,000 tier-qualifying points whenever you spend $5,000 in qualifying purchases with the card.

Now through Dec. 2, 2022, new card members can earn 30,000 bonus points (instead of the usual 20,000) after spending $1,000 within the first three billing cycles of account membership. If you've been a fan of U.S. train travel and are looking for a card that'll help you earn points towards more trips on the rails, this could be a great addition.

Best for international train travel

Chase sapphire preferred® card.

Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

21.49% - 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review .

Who's this for? If your primary goal is to earn bonus points on train rides abroad and you don't want to pay a high annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card might be a good choice.

The card has no foreign transaction fees and lets you earn 2X points per dollar on general travel purchases, including train tickets. It also offers 5X points per dollar on travel booked via  Chase Travel SM ; 5X points per dollar on Lyft rides now through Mar. 31, 2025; 3X points per dollar spent with certain streaming services, as well as on dining and online grocery shopping (except Target®, Walmart® and other wholesale clubs); and 1X point per dollar on all other purchases.

With a $95 annual fee, this card packs a punch, offering additional travel benefits such as a $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, collision damage waivers for car rentals, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, a 10% points boost to celebrate each card anniversary and special discounts for shopping with  Instacart+ ,  DoorDash , and GoPuff, among other perks.

New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, which is worth $750 toward travel when redeemed through Chase Travel SM .

Best for earning cash-back rewards on travel

Blue cash preferred® card from american express.

6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 3% cash back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months. 

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening

19.24% - 29.99% variable. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.

Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

See rates and fees , terms apply.

Who's this for? If you're interested in earning cash-back rewards for your travel purchases and having a 0% intro APR for the first 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening (after, 19.24% - 29.99% see rates and fees ; variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%), consider applying for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express .

This card lets you earn 6% cash back for shopping at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 6% cash back on certain U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit (including trains) and U.S. gas station purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases, making it a great card to use during your travels and when you're using trains closer to home. Terms apply.

Three things to note about this card: While there is an $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, it'll be $95 after that ( see rates and fees ); the cash back you'll earn from using this card is offered to cardholders as Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed as statement credits; and unlike many cards on this list, you'll have to pay foreign transaction fees of 2.7% for using this card outside the U.S.

New cardholders also have an opportunity to earn a welcome bonus of a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 within the first six months of account membership.

Best for earning flexible travel rewards points

Capital one venture rewards credit card.

5 Miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

N/A for purchases and balance transfers

19.99% - 29.99% variable

$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you

See rates and fees , terms apply.

Who's this for? While most travel rewards cards focus heavily on earning points for flights and hotels, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (see rates and fees ) lets you earn 2X miles for every purchase — plus, 5X miles on hotels and rental cars when you book them directly with Capital One Travel — making it easier to rack up the rewards you'll need to book your train tickets by buying the things you need to buy anyway.

The welcome bonus is pretty decent, too — new cardholders can currently earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months of card membership — and the card's annual fee of $95 is quite reasonable considering you're also getting a statement credit up to $100 to cover Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership and two complimentary visits per year to any Capital One Lounges (or any of the more than 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network)(see rates and fees ).

You'll also receive a range of travel-related benefits, including no foreign transaction fees, auto rental collision damage waivers for rental cars and travel accident insurance, as well as access to extra perks through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment .

While you can't transfer miles to Amtrak, you can use them to "erase" recent travel purchases, including those made with Amtrak, at a fixed value of one cent per point. You can also use the miles to cover hotels, flights, rental cars, and other parts of your trip either by booking through Capital One Travel or transferring and redeeming them through any of Capital One's airline or hotel partners, including Accor, Aeroplan, Qantas, Etihad and Singapore Airlines, among others.

Best business card

Ink business preferred® credit card.

Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in select categories each account anniversary year (travel; shipping purchases; internet, cable and phone services; and advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines), 1X point per $1 on all other purchases

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

21.24% - 26.24% variable

Good/Excellent

Read our Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card review.

Who's this for? Similar to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card can be used to rack up Ultimate Rewards® points — 3X points per dollar on your first $150,000 worth of spending in business categories such as travel; shipping; cable, phone and internet services; and advertising expenses, then an unlimited 1X points per dollar for all other purchases.

You can then use those points to cover additional elements of your trip, such as flights, hotel stays or rental cars by booking travel directly through the Chase Travel SM — your points will be worth 25% more that way — or by transferring and redeeming them with any of Chase's many airline and hotel travel partners, including World of Hyatt, IHG, JetBlue and British Airways, among others.

New cardholders can currently earn a welcome bonus of 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 within the first three months of account opening, which translates to about $1,250 in travel when redeemed through Chase Travel SM . There is a modest annual fee of $95, but there are no foreign transaction fees for using it abroad. The card also offers fraud and purchase protections and additional employee cards to help you stay on top of all your business needs.

More ways to save money with Amtrak

In general, the earlier you can book your ticket, the better, especially on Amtrak, which releases its schedule 11 months in advance so you'll have plenty of time to plan. You can also save more by making some obvious choices, such as traveling in coach instead of business or first class, or toughing it out long-distance in a regular seat rather than splurging on private Roomette or Bedroom accommodations. Otherwise, here are some more things to be aware of if you're trying to stick to a budget-friendly ride.

Choose your fare class wisely

Amtrak offers several ticketing options depending on your route and what's available when you're booking (which is why buying your tickets early is so important), and each of them offers different perks and policies regarding changes and cancellations.

• Saver: Non-refundable fares, usually the cheapest, with fees that may apply for changing or canceling your ticket
• Value: Fares with refund options and no change fees; often second-cheapest
• Flexible: Fully refundable fares before departure, with no fees for changes or cancellations; typically the most expensive option

Depending on your travel needs and financial situation, it might be worth splurging for a more refundable ticket if you think there might be a need to change or cancel it. On the other hand, budget-conscious travelers might be more apt to risk it all for a cheaper, non-refundable Saver fare.

Take advantage of Amtrak Guest Rewards perks

Don't forget to sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards , the train company's free loyalty program, which gives you access to perks such as a 25% points bonus on business class travel and Acela business class travel, a 50% points bonus on travel in Acela first class, the ability to earn 2X points per dollar on Amtrak purchases and points-earning opportunities through its partners.

From there, if you travel on Amtrak often and earn enough tier-qualifying points, you can earn status :

• Select: Starting at 5,000 tier-qualifying points, you'll score all the perks of being a regular member, plus a 25% bonus on Amtrak travel, two one-class upgrades, two 10% discount coupons, exclusive offers, priority call handling and two single-visit passes to Amtrak Lounges
• Select Plus: Starting at 10,000 tier-qualifying points, you'll get the same perks as the previous tier, with a few differences — a 50% points bonus on Amtrak travel, four one-class upgrades and two companion coupons.
• Select Executive: Starting at 20,000 tier-qualifying points, you'll have the same perks as the previous tier, but with a 100% points bonus on Amtrak travel, four one-class upgrades (plus another one every time you hit the 3,000 tier-qualifying points mark) and one coupon for Auto Train Priority Vehicle Offloading.

Unfortunately, most loyalty programs no longer let you transfer points to Amtrak Guest Rewards , so your only real option is to call 1-866-313-9635 and transfer Audience Rewards ShowPoints at a 1:1 ratio in 1,000-point increments.

Otherwise, you can earn more points by shopping through the Amtrak Guest Rewards shopping portal or booking hotels and rental cars through Amtrak's partners and, of course, booking Amtrak tickets or signing up for one of its co-branded credit cards. You can also pick up more points by shopping with a litany of retail partners including 1-800-Flowers, Teleflora, Apple, Survey Points Club, QVC, The Home Depot, eBags, NRG Home, Vinesse Wines, Audience Rewards or the Rail Passengers Association.

Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our  credit card marketplace  or get personalized offers via  CardMatch™ .

Keep an eye on Amtrak's deals and promotions

Amtrak is known for having sales, so it's a good idea to check its deals page from time to time, which lets you search for specials by region. Amtrak recently offered a double points promo on fall travel , for instance, while other deals are related to newly launched routes, buy-one-get-one-free specials on certain segments or 30% off Acela bookings made at least 14 days in advance, among others. In general, though, you'll typically save 20% by booking your tickets at least a week or two ahead.

Save with group or multi-ride rail passes

If you're going to be traveling in a group —with family members, friends or co-workers — you might be able to save by booking your tickets with Amtrak's Share Fares feature, which offers discounts ranging from 17% off for groups of three to 60% off for groups of eight when you book at least two days ahead.

Another option, if you're going to be doing several trips back and forth to the same place within a certain timeframe, is to opt for multi-ride passes — monthly, 10-ride or 6-ride — which allow you to pay a discounted fare and commute more often between two cities.

For those who want to go big or go home with Amtrak, the USA Rail Pass allows you to ride 10 segments over the course of 30 days on many of its most scenic routes for $499 per person. Use the pass to plan a few weekend getaways from your hometown or plan an epic rail journey from coast to coast with a few stops in between — it's up to you.

Another option, the California Rail Pass , offers access to The Golden State's most beautiful train rides for a flat rate of $159 per adult and $79.50 per child, letting you travel anytime for 7 days within a consecutive 21-day period.

How to save more on international train travel

When booking train rides abroad, remember to be flexible. In some places, rail lines frequented by locals might be slower-paced but can save you a few bucks compared to faster trains along popular tourist routes. Try to book in advance whenever you can and consider investing in a rail pass — it's worth checking websites such as Eurail or Rail Europe if you'll be visiting multiple European countries, for instance — if you know you're going to be spending a lot of time on trains during your trip.

Check for deals and discounts, especially if you're a student, senior or traveling with children, and see if regional passes are available if you're sticking to one country or a particular area within a country. Start by checking the tourism websites of the places you're going to see what is recommended since every destination is different.

Bottom line

Though not every travel rewards card allows you to transfer your points directly to Amtrak — except of course for the two Amtrak co-branded credit cards on this list — you can still use flexible rewards-earning cards to rack up enough points to pay for other portions of your trip, such as flights, hotel stays or rental cars. By using certain cards to pay for your Amtrak tickets, you'll be able to earn even more points to help fund future travels.

Before signing up for a new credit card, it's a good idea to check your credit score so you can identify any issues and get a better idea of what your chances are for approval. Make sure you're able to spend within your budget, especially if the card you're interested in has a steep annual fee and think about whether or not you'll be able to use all of its benefits enough to justify adding it.

Our methodology

To determine which cards offer the best value for train travel,  Select  analyzed 234 of the most popular credit cards available in the U.S. We compared each card on a range of features, including: rewards, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer fee and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit and customer reviews when available. We also considered additional perks, the application process and how easy it is for the consumer to redeem points.

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of  personal finance ,  tech and tools ,  wellness  and more, and follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here .

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Traveling by bus or train may lack the allure of some other modes of transportation, but it can be an economical way to get from city to city.

And you don't find too many travel credit cards specifically advertising ways to help you with that kind of travel. In fact, when you think of travel credit cards, you probably think of plane tickets.

But depending on the card issuer, your redemption options don't have to stop there. And much like with airlines, you can save on bus and train travel costs by optimizing credit cards and rewards programs. Here’s how.

» MORE: NerdWallet's best credit cards for transit spending

Know what qualifies as 'travel'

Any number of rewards credit cards will offer bonus points on travel purchases. But the definition of "travel purchases" can vary widely among issuers. The good news is that, among most major issuers, bus lines and passenger railways count .

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , for example, both offer bonus rewards points on travel-related purchases, and that includes train and bus tickets. Those rewards points can be redeemed for cash, used to book travel through Chase or transferred to airline or hotel partners.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve® also offers a $300 annual travel credit that applies to a wide range of travel purchases, including train and bus fare.

Snag that sign-up bonus

Bus and train travelers also can take advantage of credit card sign-up bonuses to fund their trips.

With some travel cards, bonus points or miles can be redeemed to cover the cost of train and bus rides.

And you don't have to limit yourself to travel credit cards. Some cash-back credit cards — like the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card — also offer hefty sign-up bonuses when new cardholders meet a minimum spend within the first few months. And a cash-back bonus can be used toward whatever you like, including bus and rail travel.

Join a bus or train loyalty program

To get more mileage out of your bookings, see whether the bus or train company you’re using has a rewards program. Much like frequent flyer miles, these rewards programs help travelers earn free or discounted trips, as well as additional perks like points that can be used at retail, hotel and car rental partners.

Greyhound, for example, has its Road Rewards program; every time a rewards member books a bus trip with Greyhound, he or she earns points that can be redeemed for discounts on future Greyhound bus travel, a companion pass for a friend and discounts on food at Greyhound stations.

The Amtrak Guest Rewards program operates similarly. Amtrak riders earn 2 points per dollar spent on Amtrak and can redeem not only for Amtrak travel but also for hotel stays, car rentals and gift cards from participating partners.

By pairing these rewards programs with credit card points, travelers can double up on their discounts.

Apply for a co-branded card

If you’re a brand loyalist who sticks to certain bus and train companies, see whether those companies offer their own credit cards to help you earn points faster.

For example, in addition to the free Guest Rewards program, Amtrak also offers two credit cards that can help travelers earn Amtrak points faster. One card, the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard , has an annual fee of $79, but cardholders receive 20,000 bonus points when they spend at least $1,000 on the card in the first 90 days of account opening. The card also gives 3 points for every dollar spent on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases; 2 points for every dollar spent on other qualifying travel; and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

The second card, the Amtrak Guest Rewards Platinum Mastercard, has no annual fee, but the bonus is smaller: 12,000 points after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days of account opening. The card gives 2 points per dollar spent on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases, and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases.

» MORE: Review of the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard

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Need help? Find out everything you need to know about purchasing, using and renewing your Railcard.

How do I renew my Railcard online?

If you bought your Railcard online, you will be able to renew it when it is within 30 days of the expiry date.

Railcards bought at a train station cannot be renewed online.

What is the digital Railcard download code?

If you bought a digital Railcard, you will need a download code to add your Railcard to your Railcard app.

Your digital Railcard download code will be sent to your registered email address after purchase. You can also generate a new download code by logging into your account.

How do I get cheap train tickets?

With a Railcard you can get 1/3 off the price of most train fares.

This guide contains ways to get cheap train tickets, including getting the most out of your Railcard, finding promotions and booking in advance.

How to do I log into my account?

If you are having trouble logging in or have forgotten your password, follow this guide to quickly get access to your Railcard account.

Can I get a refund due to COVID?

We understand the restrictions due to COVID mean some Railcard customers haven’t made all of the journeys they had planned. After careful consideration the government has confirmed to us that Railcards will remain non-refundable and will not be extended. 

Can you earn rewards on train travel?

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Key takeaways

• By using the right rewards credit card, you can get rewards on your train travel.
• Joining the Amtrak Guest Rewards program will allow you to get more rewards for your train travel.
• Travel rewards on credit cards and the Amtrak Guest Rewards program can also be used towards hotel and other travel-related purchases to make the most of your train trip.

Trains are one of the most affordable and environmentally-friendly ways of getting from one place to another. Trains can also be one of the most comfortable and enjoyable methods of traveling, whether you’re getting work done on your laptop, watching the scenery or talking with your fellow passengers in the dining car.

If you haven’t experienced the fun of train travel before, now is the time to see whether there’s an Amtrak station in your area. And if you decide you like trains enough to incorporate them into your next vacation, you’re going to want to know how to earn rewards on train travel.

Here’s what you need to know about earning rewards on train travel, along with some of the best credit cards to consider for your next trip.

Use the right rewards credit card

Many of the top travel credit cards and top cash back credit cards reward train travel — but you’ll have to pay attention to the rewards categories offered (to make sure train travel is included) and any associated fine print.

For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers 3X points on general travel purchases, which includes passenger trains, as outlined on Chase’s Rewards Category FAQ page . That means that you’ll be able to earn points for every dollar you spend on train travel. However, you’ll have to make purchases that earn the card’s $300 annual travel credit before you’re able to earn any rewards on travel purchases.

If you’re doing more than train travel, this is one of the best credit cards for international travelers . The card also offers 10X points on Lyft rides (through March 2025), 10X points on Chase Dining purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards, 10X points on hotels and car rentals through Ultimate Rewards, 5X points on air travel through Ultimate Rewards, 3X points on restaurant purchases and 1X points on all other purchases. You’ll also get benefits like extensive travel insurance , Priority Pass lounge access and more. However, a $550 annual fee applies.

Then there’s the Citi Custom Cash® Card , which is worth considering if you’re looking for a flexible cash back card. This card comes with no annual fee and offers 5 percent cash back on your top eligible spending category each billing cycle (on up to $500 each billing cycle, then 1 percent back). Eligible spending categories you can earn 5 percent back on include select transit (including train travel), select travel, restaurants, gas stations, grocery stores, select streaming services, drugstores, home improvement stores, fitness clubs and live entertainment.

However, the catch with the Citi Custom Cash is that you’ll need to track your spending in each category since you’ll only earn 5 percent back in your top eligible category. Additionally, the 5 percent back category is limited to $500 each billing cycle, after which you’ll earn 1 percent back.

Other rewards credit cards are more straightforward. For example, the Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card , which also comes with no annual fee, offers an unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit (including passenger railway travel), popular streaming services and phone plan purchases. You’ll also earn 1X points on all other purchases.

Join Amtrak Guest Rewards

You’ll get more out of your train travel if you join a railway rewards program. If you do most of your train travel in the United States, this means signing up for Amtrak Guest Rewards . As a member, you’ll earn 2X points per dollar spent on Amtrak travel, plus a 25 percent points bonus on business class travel and a 50 percent points bonus on Acela first class travel. You can also earn Amtrak Guest Rewards points with partner hotels, car rental agencies,  retailers and more.

Amtrak Guest Rewards points can then be redeemed for Amtrak travel, with reward travel starting at just 400 points. Your points can also be redeemed for hotels, car rentals, restaurants, entertainment and shopping — which makes the Amtrak Guest Rewards program versatile enough to handle whatever experiences come your way.

If you’re a frequent Amtrak traveler, you’ll want to earn as many Amtrak Guest Rewards points as possible — which means you might want to consider transferring rewards from other loyalty programs to your Amtrak Guest Rewards account. Select loyalty programs — including Audience Rewards — allow you to transfer points directly to Amtrak Guest Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. Note that you may want to check Amtrak’s list of transfer partners occasionally as the list often changes.

Best credit cards for earning rewards on train travel

Amtrak guest rewards preferred mastercard: best for amtrak loyalists.

If you frequently use Amtrak, you’re going to want to consider the Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard® *. Your points-earning power will be accelerated thanks to this card’s 3X points on Amtrak travel (including onboard purchases); 2X points on dining, travel, transit and rideshares; and 1X points on all other purchases. For a welcome offer, you can earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three billing cycles of account opening.

The Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred card comes with a $99 annual fee , but you’ll get plenty of benefits in return. For instance, you’ll get a round-trip companion coupon, a station lounge pass and a one-class upgrade, all of which are offered upon account opening and each account anniversary. You’ll also earn a 20 percent rebate (in the form of a statement credit) on onboard food and beverage purchases, a 5 percent points rebate when you redeem your rewards for Amtrak travel. You will also not pay foreign transaction fees on purchases made outside the United States with this card.

If you don’t buy Amtrak tickets often, this might not be the best card for you — but if you’re a regular Amtrak traveler, the Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard is well worth considering.

Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard: Best for casual Amtrak travelers

If you like the idea of earning Amtrak Guest Rewards points but you don’t like the idea of paying an annual fee, you might want to consider the Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard® *. This card offers 2X points on Amtrak travel (including onboard purchases), 2X points on dining and 1X points on all other purchases. It also comes with a welcome offer of 12,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 within the first three billing cycles of account opening.

Plus, this card comes with other benefits like no foreign transaction fees, a 5 percent points rebate when you redeem your points for Amtrak travel and a 10 percent rebate (in the form of a statement credit ) on onboard food and beverage purchases.

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card: Best for flexible travel rewards

The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card is one of the best travel cards around, especially if you’re new to travel rewards . It comes with a welcome offer of 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first three months of account opening. You’ll also earn 5X points on travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 5X points on Lyft rides (through March 31, 2025); 3X points on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs); 2X points on other travel (including train travel); and 1X points on all other purchases.

Note that the Chase Sapphire Preferred comes with a $95 annual fee. However, you’ll get notable benefits like no foreign transaction fees, up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotels purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards, trip cancellation and interruption insurance , baggage delay insurance and a trip delay reimbursement. Plus, any points you earn with the card are worth 25 percent more when redeemed for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards .

Although you can’t book Amtrak tickets through Chase Ultimate Rewards, you can use Chase Ultimate Rewards to book the hotel that awaits you at the end of your journey. You can also transfer points to Chase hotel partners like IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio.

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: Best for flat-rate travel rewards

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is a great option to consider if you’re looking for a flat-rate travel rewards card. It comes with a $95 annual fee, and it offers an unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, along with 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel . You can then redeem your miles for statement credits toward eligible travel purchases made within the last 90 days, miles transfers to airline and hotel partners or gift cards or merchandise at a lower value.

As for a welcome offer, you can earn 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 within three months of account opening (equal to $750 in travel). Frequent flyers will also appreciate the up to $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck , no foreign transaction fees and two free Capital One lounge visits per year.

Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card: Best for cash back

If you’d rather earn cash back rewards and not pay an annual fee, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card is worth considering. With this card, you’ll earn 3 percent cash back on eligible category purchases of your choice (choose from gas & EV charging stations, online shopping (including cable, streaming, Internet, and phone services), dining, travel, drugstores or home improvement). You’ll also earn 2 percent cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1 percent on all other purchases. Note that 3 percent and 2 percent categories are limited to $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter, after which you’ll earn 1 percent back. The travel category is broad , meaning you can earn 3 percent back on a wide variety of travel purchases, including train travel. Also, you can change your 3 percent category once per month as your spending needs change.

You’ll also get the chance to earn a welcome offer of $200 online cash rewards after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening. And if you’re a Bank of America Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25 percent to 75 percent more rewards in each category depending on your membership level. That means your 3 percent category could instead earn 3.75 percent to 5.25 percent.

The bottom line

A lot of regular Amtrak commuters already know how to use Amtrak Guest Rewards to earn free trips, but using the right credit card — like one of the cards mentioned above — can make your next train experience even more rewarding.

For more travel tips and tricks, check out Bankrate’s travel toolkit .

*All information about the Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard® and Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard® has been collected independently by Bankrate and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.

Article sources

We use primary sources to support our work. Bankrate’s authors, reporters and editors are subject-matter experts who thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate, timely and relevant.

Amtrak guest rewards . Amtrak. Accessed on October 20, 2023.

Bank of America customized cash rewards credit card . Bank of America. Accessed on October 20, 2023.

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The best credit cards for Amtrak and train travel

Editor's Note

Whether you're aiming to reduce your carbon footprint or simply eliminate some of the hassles that can come with air travel on shorter trips, you may find yourself opting to travel by train more frequently.

When booking train travel, you'll want to use the right credit card for payment. Many of our favorite travel cards also offer an excellent return in this space, but train travel also unlocks the unique benefits of the Amtrak credit cards.

If you find yourself traveling by train, it's worth your time to take a look at these cards and determine if they are a worthwhile addition to your wallet.

The best cards for Amtrak travel

Amtrak guest rewards® preferred mastercard®.

Sign-up bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three billing cycles from account opening.

Annual fee: $99

Perks: Earn 3 points per dollar on Amtrak travel (including onboard purchases), 2 points per dollar on dining, travel, transit and ride-hailing services and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.

Cardholders also receive a 20% rebate as a statement credit for onboard food and beverage purchases with this card as well as a 5% points rebate when redeeming points with Amtrak. They receive a station lounge pass, one class upgrade and a round-trip companion coupon. Additionally, they are exempt from points expiration.

The information for the Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard®

Sign-up bonus: Earn 12,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three billing cycles from account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Perks: Earn 2 points per dollar on Amtrak travel including onboard purchases, 2 points per dollar on dining and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Cardholders receive a 10% rebate as a statement credit for onboard food and beverage purchases, a 5% rebate when redeeming points for travel on Amtrak and an exemption from points expiration.

The information for the Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best cards for train travel

Of course, an Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card isn't the only way to earn points for train travel. Here is how they compare to some other great options for travelers exploring the world by rail:

*Valuations based on TPG valuations and not provided by the issuer.

The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bottom line

If you regularly travel by train, an Amtrak credit card in your wallet is a smart choice.

The additional points per dollar earned on Amtrak travel along with the train-related perks that come with them make the Amtrak cards a smart choice for riding the rails.

While other cards can match the points per dollar earning, Amtrak points are worth more than many other types of points. This means that, for instance, earning 3 points of those points per dollar will have a greater return than earning 3 points per dollar on the Amex Green card .

That said, to realize that increased value, you'll need to redeem the points on Amtrak travel (although you can also redeem them for hotels, car rentals, and cruise, dining and entertainment gift cards).

If you are worried about lengthy delays or cancellations, factoring in various card's built-in trip protections when booking your train ticket may also be wise.

So, for frequent Amtrak travelers, it makes sense to have and use an Amtrak rewards credit card, especially when booking train trips. However, using an all-around top travel card with more flexible rewards is likely a good call for those who aren't frequent Amtrak riders.

For rates and fees of the Amex Green Card, click here .

Hi, I'm Candace

Candace Abroad

A London & Travel Blog

London , London Travel Tips & Inspiration , Moving to London Advice & Resources · August 14, 2023

What is a Railcard? Your Ultimate 2024 Railcard Guide + FAQ

Table of Contents

Wondering if you should get a Railcard ? (or what it is in the first place ? ). Look no further. Here’s everything you need about Railcards in the UK — from a London travel blogger.

This post may contain affiliate links. Check out my  Disclosure & Privacy Policy  for more information.

Living in one of the most expensive cities in the world tends to make you think of ways you can save a pretty penny or two. Cue Railcards .

Over the past seven years, using Railcards has saved me hundreds of pounds in transport in the UK, allowing me to get the cheapest fares on trains, the Tube, DLR, London Overground, National Rail, and even the Elizabeth Line.

But what is this magical card, you ask?

In this post, I’ll be answering ‘what is a Railcard?’, ‘what does a Railcard do?’, how to decide if you need a Railcard, what types of Railcards are there, how to get a Railcard, and some quick final tips to help with your Railcard journey (no pun intended). Let’s get into it!

If you definitely know you want a Railcard already, you can purchase your Railcard here .

If you definitely know you want a Railcard already, just skip down to the section ‘How Do I Get a Railcard?’ for a step-by-guide on how to get it set up or purchase your Railcard here .

What is a Railcard? Your Ultimate Railcard Guide + FAQ

What is a Railcard?

Before you think about getting a Railcard, you should probably know what it is.

A Railcard is a card issued by the National Rail network in Britain that allows passengers to get discounted fares when they use certain types of trains and other methods of transportation.

It’s available for adults and children alike, so everyone can benefit from discounted fares!

What Does a Railcard Do?

It makes it rain! In discounts that is.

When you purchase a Railcard , you’ll receive up to 1/3 off most train tickets. You can also get discounts on other services such as the Tube, DLR, London Overground, and the Elizabeth Line if you’re in London.

Each Railcard has different and very specific eligibility criteria and offers different types of discounts, so it’s important to make sure that you’re getting the one that best suits your needs.

How Much Is a Railcard?

As of 2023, Railcards start from £20 – £30 for a 1-year Railcard or £54 – £70 for a 3-year Railcard .

What you pay will depend greatly on what type of Railcard you’re applying for. To figure that out, have a look at the chart below!

How to Decide If You Need a Railcard

Deciding if you need a Railcard comes down to one thing — how long you’ll be in London.

Travelling to London:

As you’ll need to pay for a Railcard yearly, I don’t think it’s worth going through the process of getting a Railcard and utilizing the discounts if you’ll only be here for a week or two.

Since the price is £30 for 1-year or £70 for 3-years, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting an ROI on your savings (i.e – saving more than £30 a year/£70 in 3-years through the discount), which can only really happen if you’re here for an extended amount of time.

With that said, if you’re travelling loads by train during your London trip — it may be worth calculating if the savings would be worth it.

Short-term stays, Living in or Moving to London:

On the other hand, if any of the above applies to you the answer is YES, you should definitely get a Railcard .

Whether you’re a short or long-term Londoner — living in the city is synonymous with a lifestyle of constant travel on public transport, so why not save 1/3 off travel when you can?

What Types of Railcards Are There?

There’s currently nine types of Railcards , each offering various discounts for a certain demographic. These include:

• 16 – 17 Saver – 50% off Rail travel
• 16-25 Railcard – 1/3 off Rail and certain travel fares
• 26 – 30 Railcard -1/3 off off-peak Rails and certain travel fares
• Disabled Persons Railcard – 1/3 off Rail and certain travel fares for you and a friend or travel buddy
• Family & Friends Railcard – 1/3 off off-peak Rails and certain travel fares for four adults and four children who’ll get 60% off (must be aged 5-15)
• Network Rail – 1/3 off Rail fares in South East England, including up to 3 adults and 4 children
• Senior Railcard – 1/3 off all off-peak journies
• Two Together Railcard – 1/3 off off-peak Rail travel for you and your travel buddy (doesn’t need to be a couple)
• Veterans Railcard – 1/3 off Rail travel

P.S – Click here to learn more about which Railcard you’re eligible for

How Do I Get a Railcard?

Once you’ve decided whether or not a Railcard is right for you, you’ll need to get one. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1️⃣ IMPORTANT : Have a valid passport, UK licence, or EEA national identity card and a digital passport-style photo (or a really good selfie!) saved to your computer ready — you’ll need this to verify your identity and get your Railcard set up.

2️⃣ Head to Trainline and select ‘I know the right railcard for me’ or fill in the questionnaire about your age and travel habits to get the right option for you

3️⃣ Follow the steps and make sure you’ve downloaded the Railcard app to your phone to activate your pass

4️⃣ Go to your nearest Underground station and ask the TfL staff to connect your Oyster to your Railcard (you can do it on your phone as well, but I’ve found this way to be quicker/easier)

5️⃣ Start using your glorious Railcard discount!

Final Tips on Getting a Railcard: Railcard FAQ

• You can only connect your Oyster card to your Railcard. So if you’re currently using your contactless card, you’ll need to switch over to be able to take advantage of your Railcard discount ( Read More: Oyster Card vs Contactless: Which Should I Use? )
• Remember the 1/3 off pay-as-you-go Oyster travel is for off-peak fares only, so the discount won’t be applied when you’re travelling in peak times (Monday to Friday, except public holidays, between 06:30 and 09:30, and 16:00 and 19:00)
• Railcard discounts don’t work on buses (but buses are the cheapest out of all London transport options, so you’ll still save loads)
• Despite popular belief, Railcards are not just for British residents! So if you’re travelling here for an extended time and taking a lot of trains/public transport, it may be worth calculating if getting a Railcard would be worth the 1/3 discount during your stay (at £30 a year)
• Don’t hesitate to get your Railcard! Every day you don’t have it, you’re missing out on amazing transport deals in London & the UK — thank me later!

Thanks for reading my ‘What is a Railcard?’ Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on  Instagram !

Check out more london guides:.

• How to Get Around London: Your Ultimate Transport Guide
• Oyster Card vs Contactless: Which Should I Use?
• 5 Best Short-Term Accommodation Options in London
• Moving to London
• London Neighbourhood Guides

Happy Londoning,

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How much can I save?

People with a Family & Friends  save on average £113 per year** , or  £5.2 per journey^ . If you’re travelling here’s an example of some of the savings you can make on train tickets:

Railcard price

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£50 to spend at Virgin Wines plus FREE delivery & FREE Stemless Wine Glasses!

As a Railcard holder treat yourself to a 3‐month tastecard membership for free today!

How does using a Railcard work?

Get your Railcard

Buy your discounted train tickets

Have your Railcard with you when you travel

Eligibility and terms of use

• Buy a Railcard and keep it with you when you travel (on your phone or wallet)
• Save on most tickets including Advance tickets
• Valid at Off-Peak for journeys in London & SE
• Railcard holder must travel with a child for discount to apply

Read full eligibility and usage terms

Need help getting or using your Railcard?

Need help? Can't figure out what card to buy? Or just have a question?

Can I use my Railcard for tickets for travel on the London Underground?

With your Railcard you can get 1/3 off Anytime Day Travelcard when bought as part of your journey to London from outside London Zones 1-9 (subject to a minimum fare which is currently £19.60).

What happens if my child turns 16 while my Family & Friends Railcard is still valid?

Children who turn 16 while your Family & Friends Railcard is valid are still entitled to get a discounted child fare for a time. If you have a 1-year Family & Friends Railcard, your child who has turned 16 can travel as long as the 1-year Family & Friends Railcard is valid.

If you have a 3-year Family & Friends Railcard, your 16-year old can only travel as a child on the Railcard card until the day before they turn 17.

Can I use my Family & Friends Railcard at any time of day?

No. Railcard discounts are available throughout Britain but they are not available on tickets for morning peak period services, for journeys wholly within London & South East Network Railcard area on Mondays to Fridays. (The exceptions to this discounted fare rule are when you travel at weekends and on Public Holidays).   The times of morning off-peak services do vary by route and are normally related to the availability of Off Peak  Day tickets. It's best to check with ticket office staff before buying your tickets.

Am I eligible to use a Family & Friends Railcard?

Any adult can buy a Family & Friends Railcard. To use it, at least one of the group travelling must be named on the Railcard and there must also be at least one child travelling on a child rate ticket. The named Railcard holder must travel for the entire journey with any passengers who have been bought discounted tickets.

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• Travel on any 10 days within 2 months
• Perfect for visiting 9–11 destinations

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Hop on and off most trains in 33 European countries  just by showing your Pass.

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Get extra benefits and discounts as you travel  with our 100+ partners across Europe.

Eurail has flexible  exchange and return policies  that let you book with confidence.

Seat reservations.  You'll need to pay an extra fee to reserve a seat or sleeper on  high-speed trains, night trains and popular routes . Find out more about reservations  here .

Other public transport.  Eurail only covers trains. Trams, buses, rental bikes and metros are not covered by your Pass. Though you can get a  discount in some cities .

Accommodation.  You'll need to book and pay for this separately, though you can get a  discount with our accommodation partners .

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A London Travelcard gives you unlimited travel within zones 1-4 or 1-6 on the Underground, Overground, TfL Rail, Docklands Light Railway, buses, trams, and most National Rail services in London.

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5 Helpful Tips for Traveling by Train in Europe

T rains are a comfortable and convenient way to travel around Europe. They're perfect for day trips from one town to another, as you can hop on a quick train instead of renting a car. They're also a good alternative to flying when traveling between major cities, such as Paris to Nice or Barcelona to Madrid. Prices are usually affordable, plus you can earn bonus rewards on train tickets with certain travel credit cards .

If you haven't done much train travel before, it's normal to have some questions. How early should you arrive? Can you bring heavy luggage? It's not always easy to find answers to everything, especially since some train company websites are tricky to navigate.

My wife and I spent the summer in Europe, and we took trains often. Here's what we learned along the way.

1. Search on Trainline, and book at least a few days in advance for longer trips

Europe has quite a few train companies. I recommend using Trainline to compare options. You can see which train companies provide service on the route you want to book, travel times, and prices. Once you've found tickets, you can book through Trainline or go to the train company's website to do it.

Although you can also get tickets at the station, it's better to book in advance for longer trips. If it's a popular route, ticket availability could be limited. You may need to book a more expensive ticket if nothing else is available.

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On shorter day trips, getting tickets at the station isn't normally a problem. You also can be flexible about when you head back if you haven't booked tickets in advance. Whether you book online or at the station, train companies normally accept credit cards . Just make sure to use one with no foreign transaction fees .

2. Always double check the train stations when booking

Many cities have multiple train stations. Paris, for example, has six of them. If one station is right next to your hotel, you'll want to make sure you arrive there, and not at the station all the way across town.

Keep this in mind when you book tickets so you know where your departure and arrival stations are. I made this mistake when traveling from Montpellier to Paris. We had already taken trains in Montpellier before, so I assumed the train to Paris would depart from the station five minutes from our apartment. The morning of our trip, I realized it was actually departing from a station 30 minutes away. Fortunately, we made it in time, but it was a close call.

3. The luggage rules are flexible, but there isn't always much space available

Traveling light is always more convenient, but sometimes, it's not feasible. Since we were spending months in Europe, and we're the farthest thing from backpackers, we had some large, heavy luggage. I tried researching luggage rules before each trip, but not all train companies provided much information.

Here's what I learned from experience: Train companies aren't strict at all about luggage. I never saw anyone being forced to weigh their luggage or told that they couldn't bring it on board. The unwritten rule seems to be that if you can lift it yourself, you're good to go. I'd still recommend seeing if you can find the train company's luggage rules to play it safe. But if you just have typical luggage, even a large checked bag, you can most likely bring it on board without issue.

However, there's not always a lot of space to put your luggage. This depends on the train and how busy it is. On most trains, there were luggage racks with enough space for our bags. But there were also trains without luggage racks, or where all the space was already taken. In this situation, you just need to put your luggage on the floor, ideally somewhere it isn't blocking a walkway.

4. You can reserve premium seats and even an entire compartment

Just like when you fly, there are premium seats available on trains. The exact options depend on the train. Smaller trains may have one or two types of seats. Others offer several, sometimes including private compartments with seating for four passengers.

If you're going to be on the train for hours, I'd suggest getting a premium seat if it works for your budget. They're more comfortable, and they usually aren't that much more expensive. It's nothing like the price difference between flying economy and flying business class .

The private compartments are great if you're traveling with friends or family. You can also reserve these if you don't have four people, but make sure to check if you'll still have the whole compartment to yourself. Some train companies let you reserve the whole compartment and charge you a higher price per ticket if you have fewer than four people. Others charge the same ticket price, but there's the possibility someone else could also book the remaining seats, and you end up sharing the compartment with strangers (it's as awkward as it sounds).

5. You don't need to arrive too early -- 30 minutes is more than enough

An advantage of taking the train instead of flying is that you don't need to arrive early. There's no lengthy security check where you take off your shoes and take your laptop out of your bag. At the station, you walk to the platform where your train is, scan your ticket along the way, and board.

There's no need to arrive an hour before departure time. Waiting around at train stations isn't that enjoyable, either. Train stations can be hectic, with travelers everywhere and nowhere to sit. Some train companies have lounges available if you book a premium seat. But to be honest, the lounges I've seen are nothing special. It's not like the airport lounge access available through many credit cards.

If you're there 15 minutes to 30 minutes before departure, that's fine. I'd suggest arriving 30 minutes early if you're unfamiliar with the station. It's occasionally tricky to find the train platform, especially in large stations, so it's nice to have a little breathing room.

If you get the chance, taking the train while you travel Europe is well worth it. It's a travel method that's not available in much of the United States, it's relaxing, and the views can be spectacular.

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Bucket list travel on a budget: Expert tips for airfare, loyalty programs, credit card perks and more

Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy dives into ways to save this summer.

Many travelers have their sights set on summer getaways , but with everything from baggage fees to fuel costs impacting the price of a ticket, "Good Morning America" is asking travel experts to share tips for booking bucket list destinations on a budget and finding savings along the way.

Travel expert Nicky Kelvin, senior director of content for The Points Guy, offered his tips for affordable travel techniques.

Where to find the best flight deals

Kelvin encourages travelers to utilize Google Flights and other free price-tracking tools to compare fare prices and snag the best deal.

He also suggests using both the calendar and map features within Google Flights to see which airports, dates and destinations how the lowest fare.

From the Google Flights homepage on a computer, click "explore destinations" and select a departure city without adding a destination. Then zoom out on the map to see the best prices for destinations all over the world.

Get the most out of free travel loyalty programs

Travelers should be earning points for anything and everything that they are buying or booking from airline and hotels to car rentals, Kelvin said.

In addition to the points that can can help travelers earn free flights and hotel stays, Kelvin said to look for extra perks just for joining.

Hyatt rewards, for example, offers all guests free breakfast.

For Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Car Rental, he said you can add your spouse or domestic partner as an additional driver for free.

Loyalty programs are great for airlines too. JetBlue, for example, allows enrolled customers -- even if they don't have enough points for a flight -- to use points for discounts. Plus, with any airline, as you accumulate points to earn status, you can get free seating upgrades.

Travel credit cards with cash back perks

Along with earning points, travel credit cards give you protection for your trip like insurance to help with lost or damaged baggage and trip cancellation protection

Chase debuts new airport lounge: Gourmet menus, sleek interiors, free facials redefine hospitality for airport travel

As for credit cards, The Points Guy team suggests the Capital One Venture Rewards credit card as an all-around pick -- you get 75,000 miles after meeting your minimum spend in the first three months. Which Kelvin said is a value of over $1,300.

If you're looking to earn the most miles, he said look to the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card.

"You'll earn the most points on all your purchases with this one," he said.

Finally, if you want a credit card with no fee, Kelvin suggested the Bilt Mastercard, which he said is particularly great for renters because you can earn points on what's likely someone's biggest expense.

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Save money on international phone plans for summer trips

If someone's trip is taking them out of the country, using a cell phone internationally can cost $10 to 15 per day. For a family of four, that's more than $400 for a week.

If your phones support eSIM, Kelvin suggested purchasing a data plan for your destination through an app such as Airalo, Truphone or GigSky.

For example, one of Airalo's global SIM plans costs $9 for one week, which could save a family close to $350 dollars, depending on their existing international coverage.

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