You need a one-stop directory that helps you find savings fast. This guide organizes the top options for college life so you save money and time without guesswork.
Start by verifying eligibility with a valid college ID or a .edu account. That simple step connects you to deals from Amtrak, Greyhound, regional bus lines, local transit, rideshares, and car-share programs.
Learn how to stack a campus pass with an external discount for weekend travel or daily commutes. We cover when to buy tickets, how to use an app to plan trips, and how to match the right pass to your class schedule.
Compare fares, fees, and refund rules so you keep flexibility during exams and breaks. Bookmark this directory and revisit it through orientation, finals, and summer work.
Key Takeaways
- Verify eligibility with your college ID or .edu email to unlock offers.
- Stack campus passes with outside deals to extend each dollar.
- Use agency apps to plan routes and buy flexible tickets.
- Compare fares and refund policies for semester-ready options.
- Bookmark this list and check it each term as needs change.
Your nationwide guide to travel savings for college students
Find national savings that match your campus calendar and travel needs. Start by proving eligibility with a valid college ID, a .edu email, or verification services such as SheerID, ID.me, UNiDAYS, or Student Beans.
Compare modes for total value. Weigh trains, buses, flights, car-share, and bike-share by base fare, fees, refund rules, and how schedules fit your classes and labs.
Plan your calendar to save time and money. Lock in limited promotions early, choose a monthly pass when you ride daily, and set an app alert for fare drops or schedule changes.
Use trusted channels. Buy directly from agencies, airlines, or approved platforms so the student price applies correctly and your profile saves for future use.
Think door-to-door: factor campus shuttles, scooters, and local transit to reach intercity terminals and cut rideshare expenses. Keep your ID handy and track recurring passes versus single tickets to stay within budget.
Directory of student discounts on transportation
Scan national, regional, and campus options to pick the cheapest routes for each trip. This directory lists major carriers, local passes, car and bike shares, and moving offers so you can compare fast.
National and intercity travel: Amtrak, airlines, and booking platforms
Amtrak offers a 15% discount for college travelers on tickets and other purchases. United gives 5% off flights for ages 18–23 when you sign up for a free MileagePlus account in the United app. Use StudentUniverse for cheaper international fares, hotels, and rental cars.
Regional and intercity buses
ShortLine/Coach USA runs student-saver routes for many colleges and new Ithaca Platinum Express service to New York with free Wi‑Fi, charging outlets, snacks, refundable tickets, and special TGIF fares for weekend trips.
Local public transit (Peoria CityLink)
In Peoria, ride for $0.50 with a valid ID. A 30‑Day Pass is $40 and a Day Pass is $3. Buy passes at ICC Enrollment Services, Bradley’s Swords Hall cashier, CityLink Transit Center, or administrative offices. Check ridecitylink.org or the myStop app for routes and schedules.
Car sharing, bike share, and moving
Zipcar partners with many universities for discounted hourly access. Metro Bike Share in LA has student pricing (about $5/month or $50/year). Penske offers 10% off truck rentals for moves, and GM has a college program with below‑MSRP pricing for qualified buyers.
How to verify eligibility and purchase your student passes
Before you buy, confirm your eligibility so the best prices apply at checkout. Many providers require a valid college ID or .edu email verified through services such as SheerID or ID.me. Without proof you risk losing the reduced fare at the counter or during boarding.
Proof of status
Carry your campus ID and keep your .edu account active for online verification. Some agencies will ask for a live scan or verification link before a purchase completes.
Where to buy
Local passes in Peoria sell at ICC Enrollment Services, Bradley’s cashier window (Swords Hall), CityLink Transit Center (407 SW Adams St), and CityLink Administrative Offices (2105 NE Jefferson Ave). Intercity tickets are available through carrier apps and rail or bus websites.
Plan and know the terms
Use ridecitylink.org, Google Maps, or the myStop app to map routes and travel time before you purchase. CityLink has a $0.50 cash fare with ID, a $3 Day Pass, and a $40 30‑Day Pass. ShortLine/Coach USA offers refundable tickets and special TGIF fares for weekend travel.
Tip: Always carry your ID at boarding and call CityLink Customer Service at 676-4040, ICC at 309-694-5422, or Bradley at 309-677-3117 for quick help with a purchase or schedule changes.
Start saving on every trip today with the right pass for your school and routes
Match your weekly travel pattern with the right pass to start saving today. If you commute daily, a 30‑day or monthly option usually costs less. If you ride infrequently, pick flexible tickets and keep a backup car share for errands.
Use this list as an action plan: confirm eligibility, compare local transit, intercity buses, and flights, and factor first/last‑mile options like bike share or a short car to cover the final block near campus.
Prioritize providers with clear refund and exchange policies. Layer a verified discount with off‑peak travel and loyalty offers to make each trip cheaper. Revisit your plan each semester so college students keep pace with changing schedules and save time and money.
