Act fast: Amtrak offers Northeast trips from $19 amid flight delays

If you’ve been eyeing a winter getaway but airfare prices or cancellations amid the government shutdown are holding you back, Amtrak’s latest deal might be your ticket.

Amtrak was created by Congress, but it's a private corporation and its employees are not federal employees, so it has not been affected by the government shutdown.

The rail company’s Winter Wanderlust Sale is offering 30% off travel across the Northeast, giving Long Islanders an affordable way to reach cities like Boston, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., Baltimore and even Savannah, Georgia.

The deal includes popular routes such as Acela, Amtrak Cascades, Coast Starlight, California Zephyr, Crescent, Empire Builder, Northeast Regional, Texas Eagle and more. Examples of discounted one-way trips include New York to Boston for $19, Philadelphia for $36, Washington for $59 and Savannah for $99.

The promotion applies to travel between Dec. 2, and March 15, and must be booked by Nov. 13. The discount is valid for coach class and Acela business class, giving riders the chance to save on everything from quick weekend trips to longer scenic journeys. Blackout dates apply and can be found on Amtrak's website.

"This is a great opportunity for travelers to plan a winter or early spring getaway at a lower cost," Eliot Hamlisch, Amtrak’s executive vice president and chief commercial officer said in a statement. "Whether it’s a quick weekend trip or a family visit, riders can take advantage of the sale to experience the comfort and convenience of train travel."

For Long Islanders, connecting to Amtrak is simple. Riders can take the Long Island Rail Road into Penn Station, where Amtrak routes depart for many popular East Coast destinations. From there, it’s a quick trip with few or no stops to Boston’s South Station, Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station or Washington, D.C.’s Union Station.

The sale could be a particularly good option for families looking to travel together without the headaches that can come with flying. "If you’re going with family, you can spin it as a fun adventure on a train," said Lindsay Margolis, a Long Island-based travel agent with ET Travel. "Depending on the destination, the travel time might even be comparable to flying."

Margolis said she often recommends train travel to clients who want a more relaxing start to their trip. There are no long security lines, and passengers can get up and move around throughout the ride. Plus, with Wi-Fi, large seats and cafe cars, the journey itself can feel like part of the vacation.

For Long Islanders looking to explore the East Coast’s big cities, this limited-time sale might make now the perfect time to plan a getaway that is easy, scenic and affordable. For specific routes, visit their website.