Step-Up Ticket

In order to address our rider's concerns regarding the Step-Up program, we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions as well as answers. This will serve to aid you in your first encounter with the Step-Up ticket program.

Amtrak Step-Up ticket:

• The cost of the Amtrak Step-Up ticket is $5.00.


• Amtrak will only accept $5.00 Step-Up tickets along with a valid VRE TLC Pass, Monthly Pass, Five-Day Pass, or Ten-Ride ticket.

Where can I purchase a Step-Up ticket?

Step-Up tickets may be purchased at the same places you would purchase a regular VRE ticket. You may purchase single tickets on the platform at one of the TVMs with a credit or debit card only, or, these tickets may be purchased in bulk from one of our vendors. Please visit our vendor page for the vendor closest to you.

How does the Step-Up ticket work?

Once you have purchased your Step-Up ticket, you may use it in conjunction with your valid multi-fare ticket to board any of the Amtrak trains listed on our schedule. Be sure that your ticket is for the proper zones that you are travelling between. For example, if you're detraining at Fredericksburg, and you normally detrain from Leeland Road, the ticket that you're using in conjuction with your Step-Up must cover Fredericksburg.

Then, validate your multi-fare card (if needed) and present your tickets to the conductor the Step-Up ticket does not need to be validated). The conductor will then collect your Step-Up ticket and you will keep your VRE ticket.

For a list of our multi-fare tickets that may be used on Amtrak trains, please visit our ticket information page. NOTE: SINGLE FARE TICKETS MAY NOT BE USED WITH A STEP-UP TICKET TO BOARD ANY AMTRAK TRAINS.

What happens if I don't have a Step-Up ticket and board an Amtrak train?

If you do not have a Step-Up ticket accompanied by a valid VRE ticket and you board an Amtrak train, you will be asked to pay the standard rate for an Amtrak ticket to your destination. Step-Up tickets must be used in conjunction with a valid VRE ticket, not in place of.

Why do I need a Step-Up ticket?

The reason for the step-up implementation is because VRE pays Amtrak $10.00 for every VRE ticket holder riding an Amtrak train. Because of our crowding issues, we are subsidizing this program. As a result, we ask riders to pay a $5.00 step-up fee.