fares

[George]

Looked at possible auto train from Lorton to Sanford and from Sanford to Lorton and found (just a week apart) the fares going north were double the fares going south. Why?

 

[amamba]

Because the demand is higher going north most likely, or the train is more popular and more tickets have been sold. Amtrak seems to be actively managing their fares and dropping them or raising them according to the popularity of the train and supply/demand.

 

[Railroad Bill]

If you have flexibility in scheduling, check Amsnag for fares available. We managed to "snag" a low bucket southbound fare in January, when those rates are generally highest due to snow bird flocking to FL. All the other days that week had fares $200 higher for sleepers. Northbound in January is generally cheaper (since only those of us who must return to snowy Ohio will be on it).