Reservation Request Form
Amtrak Cascades Schedule
Blackout Dates
Who Can Participate
Group Size
Passenger List
Chaperones
Cost
Payment and Ticket Information
Multiple Trips
Activities and Transportation
Other Frequently Asked Questions

Reservation Request Form 
Reservations are now being accepted for trips planned between October 1, 2007 and May 22, 2008. Filling out the online reservation request form is the first step in reserving your trip.  However, submitting a request does not automatically guarantee a reservation. Reservations must be requested at least 40 days prior to desired travel date. Please remember, you do not have a reservation until you receive a confirmation from Amtrak.

Amtrak Cascades Schedule
Here's the schedule for the Schools on Trains program:
Program Train Schedule

Blackout Dates

• Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays
• October 8, 2007
• November 12, 2007
• November 20 - 27, 2007
• December 14, 2007 - January 2, 2008
• January 14, 2008
• February 18, 2008
• March 24, 2008

Who Can Participate
The Schools on Trains program is specifically for school or community groups with students in grades K-12 (or 5-18 years old) and their designated chaperones. Infants and preschool children are not eligible to participate in the program.

Group Size
The special Schools on Trains fare is for groups with a minimum of 20 and a maximum of 72 people. Groups larger than 72 may still participate, however, only 72 people will qualify for the special fare. Passengers over the 72 person limit will be booked on separate reservations at the regular available fare.

Once your request is submitted, additional participants may be added at regular published Amtrak fares by making separate reservations. Due to capacity limits in each coach car, we cannot guarantee seating will be in the same car.

Passenger List
For safety and security reasons, Amtrak requires the first and last names of all adults and students/children traveling with the group. After you have received your reservation number, please submit your passenger list to Amtrak via email or FAX before purchasing your tickets. If you need to make a substitution to the list, please contact Amtrak . Amtrak must be notified of the change prior to departure. There must be at least one adult chaperone for every six children. Any changes made to the original list must comply with this student-to-chaperone ratio.

If the change occurs the morning of the travel date, notify Amtrak and inform the Conductor as well.

Chaperones
A minimum of one designated chaperone is required for every six students aboard the train. Designated chaperones are adults specifically responsible and accountable for students participating in the program. Any adult traveling in connection with the group who is responsible for an infant or preschool child will not be considered a designated chaperone and must have a separate reservation paying regular published Amtrak fares. Chaperones are responsible for following all Group Leader and Charperone Guidelines.

Please note: Your field trip destination may require a different chaperone to student ratio than is required by Amtrak.

Cost
The cost to ride Amtrak Cascades through the Schools on Trains program is $10 per person roundtrip or one-way. This price is valid between Eugene and Portland, Oregon; or between Portland, Oregon and Bellingham, Washington.

Trips that begin south of Portland and cross the border into Washington State, or begin in Washington State and end south of Portland, will be charged $20 per person, roundtrip or one-way.

Roundtrip fares are for same-day travel only.

Payment and Ticket Information
Amtrak will accept a single credit card, check, or money order for payment. (Purchase orders will not be accepted.)

You may request tickets be sent via Federal Express (for an additional $12 fee) or purchase tickets at your nearest staffed Amtrak station. You will not be allowed on the train without your ticket. Contact Amtrak immediately if you have not received your ticket one week prior to the trip.

Payment for tickets must be received at least 14 days prior to travel date. If payment is not received at least 14 days prior to travel date, your reservation will automatically be cancelled. Once payment is received, no changes can be made to: date of travel, train, or number of passengers. Tickets will not be issued if the complete Passenger List has not been submitted to Amtrak via email or FAX.

Multiple Trips
Due to the increased interest in the Schools on Trains program, school groups will be limited to participating in the program once between October and February, and once between March and June. Only one group will be scheduled on the train at a time.

Activities and Transportation
The Schools on Trains program provides passenger rail service only. School groups are responsible for making their own arrangements for activities and transportation in their destination cities.

For activities (e.g., Seattle Aquarium, State Capitol, Washington State Historical Museum, etc.) and transportation service options in your destination city, please visit our Destinations page.