Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

Amtrak vs FlixBus & FlixTrain

Amtrak 4.7★ · Free to download 60
Winner FlixBus & FlixTrain
FlixBus & FlixTrain 4.8★ · Free to download 70

FlixBus & FlixTrain has an edge over Amtrak due to its slightly more reliable app functionality and generally positive user experience, despite both apps facing significant complaints regarding customer service and trip reliability.

Full reviews: Amtrak · FlixBus & FlixTrain

FlixBus & FlixTrain generally offers a smoother app experience for booking and managing trips, though both services struggle with customer support and trip cancellations. Amtrak's app is frequently criticized for being dysfunctional, especially during ticket purchases.

Head to head

App Functionality & Ease of Use edge: FlixBus & FlixTrainR1R3R4R7
Amtrak Amtrak's app is frequently described as "clunky" and "useless," with many users reporting critical issues like being unable to purchase tickets, getting stuck in purchase mode, or the app crashing R1R3R4. Some users also find it difficult to manage reservations, add multiple coupon codes, or use reward points R7. There are also complaints about the app not working on older devices after updates and issues with two-factor authentication . However, a minority of users find it "easy to use" and "doesn't glitch" .
FlixBus & FlixTrain FlixBus & FlixTrain's app is generally praised for being "easy peasy" and "fast and easy to work" for booking tickets . However, some users report issues with price changes within minutes or after updates , difficulty applying coupons , and a lack of full functionality compared to the website, such as route maps or vehicle tracking . Accessibility features for users with disabilities are also noted as lacking .
Reliability & Trip Experience tieR2R6R8R9
Amtrak Amtrak trips are frequently marred by cancellations and delays, with some users reporting trains being delayed by hours or canceled entirely R6R9R34R50. There are also complaints about confusing communication regarding cancellations and delays R50. Despite these issues, many users praise the comfort, cleanliness, and safety of the trains, as well as friendly staff R2R8.
FlixBus & FlixTrain FlixBus & FlixTrain also suffers from significant reliability issues, including frequent delays , bus cancellations with little notice , and buses not showing up or picking up passengers at incorrect locations . Some drivers are described as rude or unprofessional . On the positive side, many users appreciate the cleanliness of the buses, comfortable seats, and friendly staff .
Customer Service & Support tieR6R34R35R44
Amtrak Amtrak's customer service is a major pain point, with users reporting long wait times, disconnections, and difficulty getting help for cancellations or app issues R6R34R44. The lack of clear explanations for cancellation fees, especially with insurance, is also noted R35.
FlixBus & FlixTrain FlixBus & FlixTrain's customer service is frequently criticized as "terrible," "hit or miss," and unhelpful, especially regarding cancellations, refunds, or changes to tickets . Users report being denied refunds, given vouchers that are hard to use, or receiving conflicting information .
Price & Value tieR20R30R37R40
Amtrak Some Amtrak users complain about "price gouging" and dynamic pricing that significantly increases ticket costs within minutes R20R30R37. Issues with using points for travel are also mentioned R40.
FlixBus & FlixTrain FlixBus & FlixTrain is generally perceived as a cheaper option, but users report price discrepancies between iOS and Android apps, and prices increasing rapidly after an update or re-checking . There are also complaints about not receiving promised discounts or having to pay more for rebooked trips after cancellations .
Pick Amtrak if

Pick Amtrak if you prioritize a comfortable and safe train travel experience, and are willing to tolerate potential app glitches and customer service challenges R2R8.

Pick FlixBus & FlixTrain if

Pick FlixBus & FlixTrain if you are looking for an easy-to-use app for booking bus/train tickets and value generally clean vehicles, but be prepared for potential trip delays or cancellations .

Evidence note: Both apps are free to download, so there is no free-vs-paid asymmetry. The reviews for both apps show a strong negative skew regarding app functionality and customer service, despite their high lifetime ratings. This suggests that recent user experiences are significantly worse than the average over time.

Frequently asked

Which app is better for booking tickets?
FlixBus & FlixTrain generally offers a more reliable and easier ticket booking experience, with many users praising its simplicity and speed . In contrast, Amtrak's app is frequently reported to have critical issues preventing users from completing ticket purchases R25R28R31R46.
Are trips reliable with these services?
Both Amtrak and FlixBus & FlixTrain struggle with trip reliability, as users frequently report significant delays and cancellations (R6, R9, R34, , R58 for Amtrak; , , , , for FlixBus & FlixTrain). Communication about these disruptions is also a common complaint for both services R50.
How is customer service for Amtrak and FlixBus?
Customer service for both Amtrak and FlixBus & FlixTrain is widely criticized by users, with common complaints including long wait times, unhelpful responses, and difficulty resolving issues like cancellations or refunds (R6, R44, R58, R60 for Amtrak; , , , , for FlixBus & FlixTrain).

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] Amtrak 1/5 · US Never works: Never works
  2. [R3] Amtrak 3/5 · US App is clunky: It randomly fills in some things while skipping basic things
  3. [R4] Amtrak 1/5 · US This app is useless: It’s hard to know where to start. I suggest you try to use it and you will see what I mean…….
  4. [R7] Amtrak 1/5 · US Make adding same passengers and multiple coupon codes easier: Needs ability to save passengers you frequently travel with and their membership numbers. Also possible to add multiple coupon codes to a reservation?
  5. [R2] Amtrak 5/5 · US Viaje: Fue súper confor para poder sacar a mi madre fuera de su ciudad de verdad ella lleva más de 20 años sin viajar por alguna s miedos y gracias a Antrak ella salió segura y sin ese mi do alas alturas que por años la inpocibilito viajar y ahora q logre convencerla de viajar en tren fue la mejor experiencia para ella y para mi
  6. [R6] Amtrak 3/5 · US Ms.: Horrible Customer Service took forever. My train was canceled. I couldn’t get on a new one. I had to spend three times the original price I got disconnected.
  7. [R8] Amtrak 5/5 · US Only way to travel: The only and best way to travel, bar none.
  8. [R9] Amtrak 3/5 · US Mechanical problems, causing delays: I wish your trains were not having mechanical problems
  9. [R34] Amtrak 1/5 · US You cannot rely on Amtrak to get where you need to go: This is my second book trip for Amtrak and this one is a little better because instead of just being seven hours late, it was completely canceled. Give me an opportunity to get a refund and drive my own car across the state to Kansas City. What the heck is wrong with train 3:11 that I can’t go across the state. At least I get a refund for my t
  10. [R35] Amtrak 4/5 · US Pretty much user friendly. But: I need to cancel my trip and I’m sure why there is a fee for because I purchased insurance to allow such as this. If that is true, then the information provided is misleading. There should be a clear cut explanation !
  11. [R44] Amtrak 1/5 · US Sucks: Horrible site, no help screen and no way to get in touch with anyone. If I could put a ZERO I would!!
  12. [R20] Amtrak 5/5 · US Great site…: However, do not appreciate price gouging
  13. [R30] Amtrak 3/5 · US Ease up on dynamic pricing: It’s lovely to be able to pay $20 when you book in advance but the high prices on the other end seem a bit extreme.
  14. [R37] Amtrak 1/5 · US Changed my price: They changed my price TWICE. Started at 40 then to 55 then to 75 all in under a minute. I am NOT happy. This is predatory pricing
  15. [R40] Amtrak 1/5 · US Points: They’re overly playing one. You have to do so much to get the points and then you can’t even use them to travel.
  16. [R25] Amtrak 1/5 · US Doesn’t let you purchase tickets: The app is dysfunctional at a critical point, you get all the way through entering your trip details and selecting your trip but then can’t…actually…purchase. And there’s no tech support, of course.
  17. [R28] Amtrak 1/5 · US Unable to Process my Request: Love to travel Amtrak but hate the app. I always hope the new update will fix something but it never does. App works fine until I actually need to book a ticket, then it’s “temporarily unable to process my request. Try again later,” only it never works. The website on mobile is horrid as well, making it so inconvenient to book from my phone (where my payment info is s
  18. [R31] Amtrak 1/5 · US Can’t buy tickets: For months now, I’ve not been able to buy tickets through the app. At checkout, I always get an error and have to buy using the website. Please fix your app
  19. [R46] Amtrak 1/5 · US Terrible App: I can never buy tickets through the app! I go through the motions and when I try to pay, a pop up appears saying “ something went wrong. Please try again later” This happens every time!
  20. [R50] Amtrak 1/5 · US Nothing but confusion: today I had an email that told me my train had been canceled and there was a bus that was going to replace it. No bus was ever scheduled. Then I had another message telling me to get to the train station early because the train might leave early. I had another message on my app saying that the train was on time!. Then my return train was also marked canceled. Yet on the app
  21. [R58] Amtrak 1/5 · US Train cancelled: My train was cancelled one day in advance of a trip I had booked months ago, with no other trains available that day. Very disappointing and after waiting on hold for customer service for 2 hours, decided to book a flight again. Would not recommend Amtrak if you need a reliable travel plan.
  22. [R60] Amtrak 1/5 · US Worst App I've used: Who has given this App more than a Star? App will not allow payment edits, cannot look up reservations or do much more than show routes. The group I'm traveling with loves Amtrak, but 1 air traffic controller, 1 Architect and 2 lawyers could not get this App to work with the help of customer service. Scrap the app and get it together Amtrak IT!

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store