Question about amtrak?

Question

Okay, so i'm going to vancouver, or by myself on the Amtrak. & i'm only 13 yrs old. Okay, so when i'm trying to find a ride there, i put in my location and everything, but there's a child thing and it's ages 2-15, but i cant get rid of the adult ticket. so do i just buy a ticket for an adult and use it?

also, can i just do that for the greyhound? because i tried doing that but it says i cant buy a ticket if i'm gonna be an unaccompanied child; and i am. so do i just buy an adult ticket for myself and use that?

Answer 1

yes, it depends which vancouver.  the vancouver in BC, canada, requires crossing an international border.  at 13 yrs old, probably wont be able to do it by yourself.  see below for more details.  

for the vancouver wa, yes this is doable.  but 1st person on a train always pays an adult fare.  you can only get up to 2 children's fares for every adult fare that is paid.  you can not use a child's fare by itself.  1 person by themself, no matter the age, has to pay an adult fare.

amtrak's age for unrestricted travel by one-self is 12yrs old and older.  for restricted "unaccompanied child", the ages is 8yr-11yrs, but this is also charged an adult rate, has to be direct train with no transfers, has to be daylight hrs, and has to have staffed stations (ie ticket clerks working and on duty) at both origin and destination stations.

however, certain states may have additional restrictions (ie Illinois, under 17yr olds are not allowed to buy or refund tickets by selves, but can travel by self once tix is purchased by adult).

as far as under 18 crossing usa/canada border - a child by themself can not cross the border, has to be accompanied by an adult.  generally this should be the adults who has legal custody.  if both parents/guardians are present with the minor child, fine.  if only 1 parent is present with child, a notarised letter from the other parent (or the notarised death certificate of the other parent if they are dead) is required with details and granting permission to travel.  if the minor is accompanied by another adult, this is really frowned upon but perhaps is doable with both parents/guardians signing notarised letters (or carrying death certificates of those who are deceased and thus cannot sign).  

you should check with canadian AND usa consulates/immigration for more details.  it is one thing to be able to get into canada, and it is quite another to be able to return to the usa.  if you dont have the proper paperwork, id's, and passport, you could get stuck or have great difficulties in returning to usa.

Answer 2

I wonder which Vancouver they mean oh well

I think they mean Vancouver BC and that means parnets

permission to cross the border and a passport

now if they meant Vancover washington it doesnt

matter but since this person is 13 they could try to

use an adult ticket (but amtrak conductors may or may accpet

if you dont look like an adult

as for taking greyhound I hihgly suggest you advid

them at aALL COSTS! their service is the pits

Answer 3

Hopefully you're going to see relatives in Vancouver, so the best thing is to have your parents help you set up your trip.

Perhaps it is they who should be asking the questions.

Bottom line is, if there is trouble at home, I'd be willing to bet a lot that you'll not find the answer in Vancouver, even though I don't know you at all.  Best thing is to talk to Mom and Dad.  It may be difficult, but if you're old enough to travel alone I think you can have an adult conversation with them about any problems there might be.

Be patient with them, though... they're older and they may not understand you, so here is an opportunity for you to help them out.

Take care...