USA train operator Amtrak is inviting passengers to plan their first new year trip with a discount of up to one-fifth on their fare.

The 20% discount will apply when passengers book Northeast Regional Coach and Acela Business Class fares between now and Tuesday (19 December) for travel between Tuesday 2 January and Friday 29 February. Passengers can travel to and from Boston, Washington DC, New York City, Virginia, and more.

Trips can be booked on the Amtrak app or on its website, here. Fares are marked ‘sale’ in the fare finder; no promo code is required.

Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlisch said, “There’s something special about the Northeast in the winter, and with up to 20% savings available, new and returning customers can save big and experience what each city has to offer. Whether traveling to Boston for snow and sports, New York City for seasonal markets and ice skating, Virginia to visit incredible museums, or anywhere in between, your next winter adventure is just an Amtrak away.”

Sample one-way fares:

• Boston-Providence: Northeast Regional Coach $4; Acela Business $14
• Philadelphia-Washington DC: coach $14, Acela $39
• Philadelphia-New York: coach $15; Acela $36
• Baltimore-New York: coach $21; Acela $52
• New York-Boston: coach $24; Acela $45
• Washington DC-New York: coach $24; Acela $56
• New Haven-Washington DC: coach $24; Acela $56
• Richmond-Washington DC: coach $11
• Norfolk-Washington DC: coach $24
• Richmond-New York: coach $32

Amtrak’s new fare structure simplifies the process of booking tickets and makes it easier and cheaper to travel with Amtrak. Sale Fares are the lowest available fares and have limited availability.

Facilities will include free Wi-Fi, with the freedom to use phones and devices at all times (no ‘airplane mode’) and the ability to travel with small pets. Northeast Regional and Acela trains have a café car and quiet car, and large, spacious seats with plenty of leg room and no middle seat.