Amtrak Accessible Rooms

Amtrak Accessible rooms, also known as ‘H’ rooms, are available on all overnight long-distance trains for passengers with mobility challenges and their travel companions. These rooms provide a comfortable space to enjoy the scenery daily and sleep at night, offering unique advantages over other Amtrak sleeping accommodations.

At night, the attendant prepares the lower berth for passengers who require accessibility while their companion uses the upper berth.

This guide explores the benefits of Amtrak’s Accessible Bedrooms to help you decide if they’re the right fit for your next rail adventure.

Which trains have Amtrak Accessible Rooms?

Superliner and Viewliner Amtrak accessible rooms are very similar, but I will highlight the differences when they arise.

Check out this list of Amtrak long-distance trains to see what equipment the train you are thinking of has. If the train you are looking at is not on the page above, it could be a regional or Acela train with seating accommodations.

The only Amtrak long-distance train that does not have rooms is the Palmetto.

As the intro states, other Amtrak trains, such as regionals, have extra space accommodations. Often, Amtrak connection services can accommodate needs.

Terms You Should Know.

Before diving in, let’s review key terms to ensure we’re on the same page.

• On trains, the beds are often called berths.
• Amtrak offers two types of sleeper cars: Viewliner and Superliner, each with unique features and layouts.

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What are the dimensions of Amtrak’s accessible rooms?

Due to the two different equipment styles, the rooms are slightly different. On the Viewliner, the rooms are parallel to the tracks, while on the Superliner, they are perpendicular and span the width of the train.

Superliner, the room is 6’9″ x 9’5″; the lower berth is 2’4″ x 6’6″; and the upper berth is 2’0″ x 6’2.”

Viewliner trains; the room is 6’8″ x 7’1″, and the lower berth is 3’4″ x 6’0″ with the upper berth with steps 2’4″ x 6’2″.

How many accessible rooms does Amtrak have on each train?

The number of Amtrak-accessible rooms offered on a route depends on the number of sleeping cars on that train.

There is only one accessible room per car. Amtrak can adjust the number of sleeper cars on a train based on the season, staff availability, and equipment. Therefore, room availability depends on these factors.

Two types of cars do not have Amtrak Accessible Rooms.

Those cars are the baggage dorm and transitional, but all the others do.

Where are the Amtrak accessible rooms located?

The location of the Amtrak Accessible Room depends on the train equipment; this is where things differ.

On the Superliner, the Amtrak Accessible Room is on the lower level, past the shower and restrooms.

Superliner Sleeper Car Layouts

Typical Amtrak Superliner sleeper car layout

Deluxe Sleeper Car (only on the Amtrak Auto Train)

Viewliner Sleeper Car Layout

Viewliner trains have an accessible room near the entrance to the car, right before the bedrooms. Amtrak offers two styles of these cars, but the accessible rooms are similar and in the same place.

Will I be sharing Amtrak Accessible rooms with others?

When you reserve or book an Amtrak room, you will not share it with someone you do not know. Your travel companion is the only person you share a room with, and they must be included in the reservation when booking.

Booking Amtrak Accessible Rooms

My best advice is to book as early as possible to get the best price and the date you want. Waiting until the day of travel could lead to disappointment, as you may not be able to get a room. Prices increase as these rooms sell out.

How many people can be in a room reservation?

You can make reservations for one or two people in these rooms.

If you need a helper as you travel, add them to your reservation when booking. Sometimes, you can add people later, but why make another call to Amtrak if you are already in the process?

How do I book the room?

Amtrak encourages passengers to discuss their assistance needs with them so they can confirm and accommodate those needs.

The best way to do this is to call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or TTY at 1-800-523-6590. If you have a status with Amtrak Guest Rewards, you can use those priority numbers: 1-800-307-5000.

When booking, ensure you provide Amtrak with a phone number and email address to which you or your travel companion will have access while traveling. If possible, give that information to both passengers, as this is how Amtrak will alert you to any changes or delays during your trip.

Don’t forget to provide your Amtrak Guest Rewards number or sign up beforehand to earn points toward free travel!

Can anyone book an accessible Amtrak room?

Amtrak reserves accessible rooms up to 11 months in advance. If any remain unbooked, they become available to all passengers two weeks before departure. At that point, you can book through the website, app, phone, travel agents, or station agents.

When will I get my Amtrak accessible room assignment?

Given that only one room exists in a car, your room number will always be “H.” After confirming your reservation, you’ll learn which car your room is in. If you book via phone, the agent can frequently share this information during the call.

Don’t worry—your ticket is in the Amtrak app, and the PDF ticket sent to you will include these details once you’ve completed the booking process.

The email with your ticket usually includes a PDF attachment that you can print if needed. You can also print your ticket at staff stations or available Amtrak ticketing kiosks. If you have questions, you can find more information about printing Amtrak tickets.

If you are an Amtrak Guest Rewards member or have an Amtrak account, your ticket should automatically show up in the Amtrak app. You can also access it by logging into your account on the Amtrak website.

If your ticket doesn’t appear in the app or you booked without an account, you can enter it manually. Open the app, scroll to the bottom, and select the “Find Trip” option to enter your reservation details.

What services does Amtrak offer for individuals needing assistance?

Amtrak will try to assist you, although not all stations have staff.

Some stations have staff, but others, such as platform or flag stops, are unstaffed. When the train arrives at the station, the crew will assist you.

If you need help booking a non-sleeper train or a coach seat, please indicate that you need assistance and follow the prompts. If you don’t, the staff will not expect you and will not look for you, which can be frustrating for you and them.

Station Assistance

Amtrak may assist you at one of its many staffed stations. You can explore each station to find out what services are available, ensuring you have the right expectations.

Onboard Assistance

Amtrak can assist you while you are on board the train.

If you receive excellent service from Amtrak staff and wish to show appreciation, here’s my guide to tipping on Amtrak.

Sleeping car attendants assist with your travel needs but are not responsible for personal hygiene. They can help you get to the bathroom or shower but cannot assist you inside. You may need to travel with a personal assistant if you require that support.

Remember that each car has only one attendant who helps all passengers. They may take time to reach you during busy times, such as meals and boarding.

Amenities Available in Accessible Rooms on Amtrak

Understanding what to expect can help you decide if this is the right room for you and manage your expectations.

What meals come with Amtrak accessible rooms?

Amtrak offers two types of food service on its long-distance trains, and based on your itinerary, you might experience one or both types during your journey.

These meals come with your room, so there are no out-of-pocket costs except for tips or extra adult beverages.

Most trains offer Amtrak’s Traditional Dining, with meals prepared onboard the train.

Your room on the Crescent, Cardinal, City of New Orleans, or Texas Eagle between Chicago and San Antonio receives Amtrak’s Flex Dining.

There is also a café car on all Amtrak long-distance trains that offers a variety of hot and cold grab-and-go meals, snacks, hot and cold beverages, and more.

Can I bring my service animal to my Amtrak accessible bedroom?

You can bring your service animal, but remember that comfort animals are not considered service animals on Amtrak trains and must follow Amtrak’s carry-on pet guidelines.

All you need to know about service animals and booking instructions is on Amtrak’s Service Animal guidelines page.

Will I have Amtrak accessible rooms for my whole trip?

If your journey includes a transfer, remember that the accessible accommodations might differ. Some legs of your trip may be in a coach, while others might provide accessible rooms. Plus, if you’re traveling on different types of trains, the accessibility features could vary, too. Just keep this in mind to make your journey as smooth as possible!

For example:

• Traveling from New York City to Reno, NV, you’ll have a Viewliner accessible room on your first leg and a Superliner accessible room on the Southwest Chief.
• If you’re going from Milwaukee, WI, to St. Petersburg, FL, your trip includes multiple segments:
  • Hiawatha (coach) to Chicago
  • Floridian (sleeper available) to Tampa
  • Connecting bus to St. Petersburg (Amtrak buses do not have sleeper accommodations).

To ensure an accessible journey, book an accessible room for each train that offers one and confirm all connecting services during the reservation process.

Alternatives to Amtrak Accessible Rooms

These suggestions will not work for everyone or every situation, but they are worth considering.

You could book a roomette for your travel companion. That way, no one has to climb to the upper bunk, and everyone has more room or at least personal space.

If you do not have a mobility device, a roomette may work if you walk without assistance or use a cane.

Superliner train roomettes are on the upper and lower levels. A lower-level roomette may work better for you, and your attendant can get your food if you cannot or don’t want to worry about stairs. This option could also work on Viewliner trains.

A bedroom could work for someone who can navigate stairs on Superliner trains and may only need a foldable walker or cane. Once on the upper level, you can stay there until you get off the train. If you are on a Viewliner train, everything is on one level, so once onboard, you do not need to worry about stairs.

Getting Around Superliner Trains

If your room is on the lower level of a Superliner train, you’ll need to go upstairs to access the upper level. Most Superliner trains have a café on the lower level and dining cars on the upper level.

Mobility scooters do not fit in the dining cars because of space and cannot be lifted to the upper level. However, if you can navigate stairs, using a cane may assist you in accessing the upper level.

Your attendant can help bring your meals to your room and may also be able to grab things from the café.

Getting Around Viewliner Trains

Viewliner trains are single-level, but accessibility can vary depending on your car’s location.

• If your sleeper car is located near the dining car, it may be easier to access.
• Navigating the narrow hallways can be more difficult if your sleeper is farther away.

If you can walk with assistance, you might still be able to navigate the train, although some areas may need extra effort.

Your attendant can help bring your meals to your room and may also be able to pick up items from the café.

Security in your Amtrak accessible room

You can lock your room door, but not when leaving.

Although the lock is easy to use, it might be tricky the first time. I have an article and video that explain how to lock the door and what to do when you leave your room. Learn how to lock the door on this sleeping accommodation.

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Amtrak Accessible Rooms Wrap-Up

If you have mobility issues, an Amtrak accessible room could be best for you.

The rooms offer more amenities, including meals, drinks, privacy, and the ability to sleep horizontally. They also allow you to share a room with a travel buddy. Depending on your needs, these rooms could be great for you.

Thanks for reading. I hope this article provides you with the information you need. If it helped you and you want to support my efforts to keep quality information available, consider supporting this work.