Amtrak Travel: What To Know

Travelling on Amtrak for the first time? Here's everything you need to know to make your first rail journey as enjoyable as possible.

First, a little advance planning goes a long way. Booking your trip at least three to four weeks in advance can give you drastically lower fares, often 50% less than what you'll find within two weeks of your departure date. Sleeping compartments for overnight trains often sell out, so be sure to book early if you're planning a long trip.

Next, be sure to check out the deals section on Amtrak's website before purchasing your ticket. There, you may find offers for 25% off a trip on Acela, or reduced fares for getaways to New Orleans or Miami. Amtrak also has standing discounts for children, seniors, active military personnel, veterans, and more.

Before you board, you'll want to opt for Red Cap service, a free baggage handling service available at 12 major stations nationwide. Look for the people in uniformed red shirts, show them your ticket, and they'll escort you and your bags to your train, allowing you to board early and pick your seat.

Finally, be sure to review the baggage guidelines on Amtrak's website to ensure you're packed and ready to go.

Discounts and deals

There are a variety of deals and discounts available for Amtrak travel. Firstly, it is recommended to book your trip at least three to four weeks in advance, as this can result in significantly lower fares, often 50% less than what you would pay within two weeks of your departure date. Sleeping compartments for overnight trains often sell out further in advance, so it is worth keeping this in mind for longer trips.

Before purchasing a ticket, it is worth checking the deals section on the Amtrak website, where you may find offers such as 25% off a trip on Acela, or reduced fares for getaways to New Orleans or Miami.

There are also standing discounts available for certain passengers. Children aged 2-12 get half-price fares (and infants under 2 ride for free), senior travellers (aged 62 and over) save 10%, military personnel and veterans save 10%, students aged 17-24 save 15% on top destinations across America, and there are discounts available for passengers with disabilities and one travelling companion. There are also discounts for group travel, with discounts available for groups of 15 or more.

If you are travelling in California, you can save up to 15% on your next trip with California Everyday Discounts on three routes serving Northern California, the Central Valley, and Southern California. This includes the Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, and San Joaquins trains.

Finally, it is worth signing up for the Amtrak Guest Rewards program, where you can earn points for free travel, upgrades, and more.

Baggage allowances

Amtrak's baggage policy allows each traveller to bring one personal item and two carry-on bags. Size and weight limitations apply to carry-on and personal items. Personal items must weigh 25 lbs (12 kg) and not exceed dimensions of 14 x 11 x 7 inches. Carry-on items must each weigh 50 lbs (23 kg) and not exceed 28 x 22 x 14 inches (28 x 22 x 11 inches for Pacific Surfliner).

If you are travelling with an infant under two years old, you can bring an additional item (e.g. a stroller or diaper bag) that does not count towards your carry-on or personal item limit.

You can check up to four bags, with two bags free of charge and two at $20 per bag. Checked bags must not exceed 50 lbs in weight and 75 linear inches in size. Two hours of layover time is recommended if you are transferring between stations en route to ensure your luggage is transferred to your new train.

Some items are prohibited onboard trains and in checked bags. All baggage should be clearly labelled with an ID tag, which are available for free at Amtrak stations.

Boarding and exiting

The boarding process is straightforward, but it does vary from station to station. Here is some essential information about boarding and exiting Amtrak trains.

When to Arrive at the Station

Amtrak recommends arriving at the station at least 30 minutes before your train's scheduled departure time. If you need assistance with baggage or ticketing, or if you are travelling from a large or busy station, consider arriving 60 minutes early. Plan for long lines at busy stations and during holiday periods.

Boarding Gate Information

Boarding gates are typically posted 15 minutes before the train's departure. Many stations have monitors and signs that display the boarding gate locations, and Amtrak customer service representatives will make announcements about boarding times and gate locations.

Assigned Seating

In Seattle, Portland, OR, Los Angeles, and Albuquerque, Amtrak offers assigned seating at the station, so you will need to show your ticket to an Amtrak employee at the gate before boarding.

Boarding the Train

When boarding, be mindful of the gap between the platform and the train, always use the handrails for support, and hold small children by the hand. Stay behind the yellow line and safety strip on the platform while waiting for the train, as trains stop very close to the platform edge.

Exiting the Train

Amtrak trains make many stops along the way, so keep an eye on the conductor or use the Amtrak app to know when the next stop is coming up. When exiting, be cautious of the gap between the train and the platform, and watch your step.

Red Cap Service

If you are carrying bags, consider opting for the Red Cap service, a free baggage handling service available at 12 major stations. Look for staff in red shirts, and they will escort you and your bags to the train, allowing early boarding and assistance with luggage storage. Tipping is recommended, especially during busy travel times.

Seating and sleeping

On most Amtrak trains, you have three options for seating accommodations: Coach Class, Business Class, and First Class. Coach Class seats are available on all trains except Acela and offer ample legroom and the ability to recline. Business Class is located in a dedicated car or section of the train and offers enhanced comfort and perks. Acela First Class seating offers priority boarding, at-seat service, complimentary meals and beverages, spacious seating, and a quiet and elegant atmosphere. First Class also offers private rooms on many routes, which include a variety of amenities such as complimentary meals, lounge access, and priority boarding. These rooms are perfect for customers seeking privacy, space, and added comfort, especially when travelling overnight.

If you tend to get motion sickness while travelling, check if your journey has seat selection so you can choose a seat that faces the direction of travel. If you are planning to sleep overnight in Coach, here are some tips to make your journey more comfortable:

• Choose a seat in the designated Quiet Car to minimise disruptions.
• Opt for a window seat so you can lean against the wall.
• Avoid seats near the bathroom as they tend to be noisy and busy.
• Bring a neck pillow, wear comfortable clothing, and pack earplugs and an eye mask to enhance your comfort and minimise noise and light.
• Bring your own snacks and water so you don't have to leave your seat during the night.
• Stretch before sleeping to relax your muscles and prevent cramping and stiffness.

Overall, whether you're travelling in Coach, Business, or First Class, Amtrak offers a unique and comfortable travel experience with spacious seating and ample legroom.

Station lounges

Amtrak offers a series of station lounges throughout the US, providing a quiet place to wait before boarding your train. These lounges are located in major stations and offer a range of amenities to enhance your travel experience.

Metropolitan Lounges

Metropolitan Lounges are available in select stations across the country, including Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington. These lounges offer comfortable seating, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and free WiFi. Attendants are available for assistance with reservations, ticketing, and local information. The lounges are open daily, with varying hours depending on the location.

Accessing Lounges

Lounge access is subject to eligibility and is typically available for those with a same-day ticket and one of the following:

• Amtrak Guest Rewards members with Select Plus or Select Executive status.
• Amtrak Guest Rewards Station Lounge Pass.
• First-Class or private room ticket.
• Business class passengers may have access to certain lounges, such as the Metropolitan Lounge in Portland, and Private Waiting Rooms in St. Paul/Minneapolis and St. Louis.

Business class passengers can also purchase day passes for select lounges, such as those in Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, New York, and Los Angeles. The cost of these day passes varies by location, ranging from $25 to $50 per day.

Private Waiting Rooms

Separate, unstaffed private waiting rooms are available in New Orleans, St. Louis, St. Paul/Minneapolis, and Wilmington stations. These rooms are typically accessible to sleeping car passengers and Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Plus and Select Executive members. Business class passengers may also use the Private Waiting Rooms in St. Louis and St. Paul/Minneapolis.

Lounge Amenities

The amenities offered in Amtrak lounges vary between staffed and unstaffed locations. Staffed lounges include comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, ticketing assistance, and conference rooms (available at select locations by reservation). Unstaffed lounges provide a private seating area, minimalistic seating, and bottled water (available at select locations).

Overall, Amtrak's station lounges offer a range of amenities to enhance your travel experience, providing a quiet and comfortable space to wait for your train.

Frequently asked questions