First of all sign up for an Amtrak Guest Rewards account. This way you can buy points for a train trip. Many times buying points costs you much more, but with Amtrak you can actually save money on a number of their routes by buying points and using them for the trip instead of just paying cash.

For example the Cascades route in the Northwest, (Vancouver, BC – Seattle – Tacoma – Portland – Salem – Eugene) you’ll save 76%.

With the Saluki line in the Midwest (Chicago – Carbondale, IL) you’ll save 68%.

For more information, details, and how-to check out this informative article on Nonstop Awesomeness by Nathan.