Amtrak offers Mother’s Day ‘flash sale’

Still trying to figure out what to get the mother in your life for Mother’s Day? Or, looking for a fun getaway with a grandchild?

Instead of a trip to the pharmacy for low-grade chocolate (or a gift-wrapped box of Band-Aids), or aimlessly wandering a toy aisle, Amtrak is letting two passengers travel this summer for the price of one.

But you’ll have to hurry: The Unconditional Love Flash Sale ends May 13.

Under the terms of the sale, the purchase of one ticket qualifies you for a second, gratis, for travel to the same destination between June 1 and Sept. 30 — with no blackout dates.

According to an Amtrak press release, tickets are available for routes that reach 500 stations in 46 states. One-way tickets include New York to Washington, D.C., for $96; Los Angeles to Portland, Oregon, for $121; and Detroit to Chicago for the low, low price of $39.

Amtrak cautions that the offer is valid only for lines with reserved service: “This offer is not valid on unreserved service which includes the following trains: Pennsylvanian and Keystone Service locally between Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Capitol Corridor, Pacific Surfliner, Hiawatha and 7000-8999 Thruways.”

But if your vacation travel doesn’t include Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, this flash sale might be a great opportunity to spend quality time riding the rails with the World’s Greatest Mom, or bonding with a grandchild.