Amtrak Bedrooms

Amtrak bedrooms are the most spacious accommodations available on long-distance trains, providing twice the space of a roomette. These private rooms feature a sofa, an extra seat, two sleeping berths, a sink, and an en-suite bathroom with a shower. Additionally, meals come with your room!

The additional space is ideal for solo travelers like me or couples like my parents, who value the convenience and comfort of having a bedroom during their trips. Sometimes, the added space is worth the extra cost.

This article provides all the information you need about Viewliner and Superliner Amtrak bedrooms, featuring interactive photos and tips to help you decide whether to upgrade. Grab your favorite beverage, and let’s dive in!

There are two types of Amtrak sleeper cars.

Amtrak operates two types of long-distance trains, Superliners and Viewliners, with similar bedroom layouts. I’ve combined this information into one article, while separate articles are available for roomettes.

Amtrak’s Superliner (bi-level)

Superliner sleeper cars are bi-level, offering more rooms than Viewliners.

The Superliners sleeper cars feature five bedrooms, fourteen roomettes, a family “bedroom,” and an accessible room.

The top level of the sleeper cars holds all the bedrooms and is on the same level as the dining car. You only need to use the stairs when you board or wish to leave the train.

The Auto Train provides various sleeping accommodations, including sleeper cars like transdorms and bedroom cars.

Superliner bedrooms are designated by letters, whereas numbers identify the other rooms. Bedroom A is 10 inches narrower and is situated next to the stairs. Bedrooms B and C create a suite, while Bedroom D is a standard bedroom.

Auto Train	California Zephyr
City of New Orleans	Coast Starlight
Empire Builder	Southwest Cheif
Sunset Limited	Texas Eagle

Viewliner (single-level)

Superliner sleeper cars are bi-level, offering more bedrooms than Viewliners.

The Superliners sleeper cars contain five bedrooms, fourteen roomettes, a family “bedroom,” and an accessible room.

Bedrooms are on the upper level of these cars, which is nice because you can go from car to car on that level. You only have to go downstairs to get off the train.

These cars have a few variants, such as transdorm or bedroom cars on the Auto Train.

On Superliner sleepers, bedroom A is 10″ narrower and closer to the door at the end of the car. Bedroom E is next to the stairs. Bedrooms B and C form the bedroom suite, similar to hotels.

Cardinal	Crescent
Floridian	Lakeshore Limited
Silver Meteor

Understanding Amtrak Bedrooms

The bedrooms feature large exterior windows, and the viewers have an extra upper set. Both include interior windows overlooking the hallway, creating a more spacious feel for the car.

All windows come with curtains that block light and ensure privacy.

The bedrooms feature multiple lights, including room, reading, and night lights. 

There is always at least one outlet available in the room for charging your devices, so I suggest packing an extension cord for train travel. 

Furthermore, a small closet is included for storage and hanging items and has several hangers.

The sizes of Amtrak bedroom accommodations and beds

Amtrak bedrooms generally measure 6.5 feet by 7.5 feet and provide various amenities.

The beds or berths in this room are perpendicular to the tracks, while the roomettes are parallel.

• The lower berth measures 3.3 feet by 6.3 feet
• The upper berth, which requires a ladder, measures 2.3 feet by 6.2 feet.

Restroom and shower facilities

While the bathroom in an Amtrak bedroom might be small, it efficiently accommodates both a shower and a toilet.

Yes, you heard correctly! Both are in the same compact space.

In addition, the bedroom has a sink, a trash can, a medicine cabinet, and storage space. Fresh towels and washcloths are also available outside the restroom.

However, if your travel companion uses the in-room facility, you can always use the public restrooms in the Superliners and the newer Viewliner sleeper cars.

If you run out of towels, feel free to talk to your car attendant, as they can assist you in getting more.

---

Seating and Sleeping

The central area of the bedroom features a sofa and a chair, with a fold-out table positioned between them.

At night, the sofa transforms into a lower berth, while the upper berth folds down for your companion.

The lower berth could accommodate two people sleeping on the lower bunk, but you must cuddle up closely. 

A ladder assists passengers in reaching the upper berth. 

I am about 6’2″ and just fit lengthwise in the upper bunk.

The upper bed is slightly shorter than a lower roomette bed, but the width provides extra space.

There is just enough room on the upper bunk to move around, but you cannot sit up while in it.

Packing Note

When traveling by train, it’s best to pack light. Viewliner bedrooms offer designated spaces in your room for luggage, while Superliners do not.

You can store your luggage under the bed on a Superliner, but access to it is limited at night. Although storage is available on the lower level, it is not secure.

What are Amtrak bedrooms like?

That’s a great question! I hope a few photos will help answer it. These photos show Superliner bedrooms, but the Viewliner cars are pretty similar.

Daytime

The link below offers information about Superliner cars, similar to Viewliners. It may also be helpful for anyone interested in Viewliners.

Use your mobile device or the mouse to view the different angles.

What comes with Amtrak bedroom reservations?

These Amtnrak bedrooms provide more than just additional space on the train!

“Complimentary” meals

All planned meals are considered “free” or included with your ticket.

All two-night trains, plus the Silver Meteor and Auto Train, have traditional dining in the dining car.

The other Viewliner trains, plus the City of New Orleans and Texas Eagle running between Chicago, IL, and San Antonio, TX, provide flex meals in the café ocaféunge car/dining car on the Lake Shore Limited and Crescent.

You can eat in the dining car or have meals brought to your room by your car attendant.

Amtrak serves coffee and juice in your car at the coffee station in the morning. If you’d like coffee during the day, visit the dining or café car.

At the Station Services

Several stations feature lounges where you can relax while waiting for your first train, during a layover, or while waiting for other transportation.

Many larger staffed stations offer some red cap service, which includes people who assist you in reaching the train using a motor cart.

Depending on the station and the equipment available, there may be a delay, mainly if it is busy.

Finding your Amtrak bedroom in a sleeping car.

Amtrak sleeper cars are generally positioned at one end of the train, though their exact placement depends on the route, season, and train configuration.

However, exceptions exist, such as the Empire Builder and Lake Shore Limited, where the train splits into separate sections to reach different destinations. Sleeper cars are at both ends of the train, and assignments are made based on each passenger’s destination. For example, on the Empire Builder, sleepers for Portland-bound passengers are at the rear, while those for Seattle are at the front.

Typically, bedrooms in sleeper cars face the center of the train. However, when Amtrak puts a train together, they occasionally face the opposite direction.

Viewliner (East Coast single-level cars)

The Viewliner bedrooms are near the boarding door vestibule. When you board the sleeper from that end of the car, walk past the accessible room, and you will find both bedrooms. You’ll know you’ve gone too far if you see the roomette hallway.

If you board from the other end of the car, walk through the roomette corridor until you reach a bend. The bedrooms are there.

Superliner Sleeper (Bi-Level)

The bedrooms in Superliner cars are on the upper level; you enter the car on the lower level and must walk up narrow stairs.

Deluxe Sleeper

Deluxe Sleepers are available only on the Auto Train; you board on the lower level and must climb stairs.

Locking your bedroom door

Locking your door is easy but can be tricky the first time. I have a video showing you how to do it, plus tips and tricks for leaving your room.

Please remember that you can only lock doors from the inside.

Navigating the train

Sleeper cars are next to the dining car for most trains, followed by the café/sightseer lounge. However, there are exceptions, such as the Empire Builder’s 27/28 section, which has the sleeper cars at the end of the train, and the Boston sections 448/449 of the Lake Shore Limited.

Keep track of how many cars are in the dining car to avoid getting in the wrong car. Even seasoned travelers can experience this.

With Superliner trains, keep two things in mind. You need to be on the upper level to move between cars, and you need to be on the lower level to board or disembark from the train.

There is one restroom on the upper level and several downstairs near the shower. All bedrooms are on the upper level. In most cases, to explore the train or visit a dining car, you exit your room, turn left, and remember that you may need to walk through one or more cars.

In Viewliners, everything is on one level. Sometimes, you board or disembark in an adjacent car. You typically exit your room and turn right to reach a food car. You may also have to walk through one or more cars to reach your destination.

Special request for booking an Amtrak bedroom

Each car features two bedrooms that can be converted into a suite, resembling hotel rooms with connecting interior doors. Amtrak might allow you to book three people in a room; however, two individuals must share the cozy lower bed. Amtrak can change this at any time.

For special reservations, please call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-Rail.

Reserving an Amtrak Bedroom

Various Methods for Booking

Amtrak provides various options for making reservations based on your preference.

• You can book at their staffed stations in person
• Call 1-800-USA-Rail
• Reserve electronically via the Amtrak website or app.
• The Auto Train, a specific number, is available for reservations.

It’s best to choose the booking method that suits you. I prefer using the website or app, but I call when I need to make changes or special requests, such as asking for rooms close to each other. Calling Amtrak may be the best option if you’d like someone to guide you through the process and answer questions.

You can usually adjust your trip if accommodations are available on the trains. However, a price difference may result in a refund or an extra charge, depending on the circumstances.

Remember that you can cancel your trip without a penalty within 24 hours of purchasing. If you plan to share a bedroom with others, ensure all passengers are included in the same reservation when booking. Amtrak will not assign you a room with someone you don’t know.

Your Ticket

You can print your ticket or use it via the app or phone wallet. When I have a room, I prefer to print out my tickets.

The Information on Your Ticket

Each train ticket includes the train’s name and number, the sleeper cars, and their respective room numbers. Bedrooms have letters rather than numbers, which you can find on the door frame of your room. The car number, made up of four digits, is on the door you enter, with the first two digits indicating the route number.

Tips for Booking Alternatives to Amtrak Bedrooms

This suggestion might seem a bit unconventional, but it’s worth considering.

Traveling with someone else? A bedroom is an option, but it can be pricey. Reserving two roomettes instead may give each person more personal space at a lower cost.

While roomettes lack an in-room bathroom, this setup eliminates the need to climb into an upper bunk, which can be trickier than using the ladder in a bedroom.

Room assignments are random when booking online. To request specific rooms or ensure they’re near each other, call Amtrak or visit a staffed station as early as possible. While there’s no guarantee, it’s worth a try.

Rooms might not end up in the same car, but you can always gather in one during the day for convenience. Also, keep an eye on bedroom prices—if they drop, you may be able to switch. Before modifying your reservation, check Amtrak’s booking policies for change fees.

Boarding the Train

When it’s time to board your train, there are several steps you can take to ensure a smoother process:

1. Pay attention to announcements at staffed stations for important boarding information.
2. Have your tickets ready and check which car you need to board.
3. As you approach the train, conductors and onboard staff will help you find the correct car. If you see the sleeper car passing by, keep an eye on it and walk in that direction.

Please check the button below for more detailed tips on boarding Amtrak trains.

Once in your Amtrak bedroom

Once you settle in your room, your car attendant can help you familiarize yourself with your room, inform you of meal times, and set up or stow your beds as needed. If you need assistance, use the call button in your room.

Tipping your car attendant is standard if you receive good service, with tips usually ranging from $5 to $20 daily. The amount you decide to tip should mirror the quality of service you receive and align with your budget. Find out more about tipping on Amtrak.

Can you leave an Amtrak bedroom and walk around?

You’re welcome to walk around the train within reason.

Superliner trains have a Sightseer Lounge, a great place to relax and enjoy the views. In most cases, the café is located on the lower level of the lounge car, while the dining car is open only during meal times.

If you are on a Viewliner train, you can go to the café car.

You may walk through the coach cars, but please do not sit in the seats unless you have a reservation for them.

At specific stops, passengers can get off the train and walk around the platform. However, conductors request that you not wander too far from the train. If you fail to board on time, the train will leave without you.

Packing Ideas for Amtrak Bedrooms

Here are a few things you can bring to make your trip more enjoyable.

Entertainment and Electronics

There’s no shortage of ways to pass the time on the train. You can gaze out the window, chat with fellow passengers, spend time with a travel companion, nap, read a good book, and more. Here are some additional entertainment ideas for your Amtrak adventures.

Remember to bring your charger cables and an extension cord—both are essential for keeping your devices powered throughout the journey.

Refreshments

I like to pack enough snacks for each leg of my trip in a small reusable bag that fits neatly into my luggage. It saves space and keeps me from going hungry between meals.

A refillable water bottle is a convenient, eco-friendly way to stay hydrated and save a few bucks.

You can enjoy alcoholic beverages in your room or a friend’s room. If you’d like to drink in other parts of the train, purchase those beverages in the café or dining car. Want a post-meal drink? Grab it in the dining car and return it to your room to relax.

Sleeping

Eyeshades are a great option if you’re sensitive to light. While curtains help block sunlight and streetlights, some platform lights may be at window level and give a bit of glow.

Earplugs can help if you need quiet to sleep. Engineers must sound the horn at night to meet FRA safety regulations, so you might hear it more than expected. That said, I find the rhythm of the wheels on the tracks and the sound of the horn soothing—it often helps lull me to sleep.

A sleep aid might be helpful if you have trouble falling asleep due to excitement or unfamiliar surroundings.

Etiquette for Amtrak Bedrooms

Basic manners are essential when traveling on an Amtrak train. However, a few extra considerations exist for a comfortable and enjoyable journey.

First, please be mindful of your volume and use an indoor voice since the walls are thin and your neighbors can hear you. Keep the volume of your electronic devices low, including phone alerts, especially at night.

It’s important to show respect to your car attendant.

There is one attendant for each sleeper car, and they do their best to assist everyone. They may become busy during meals and bedtime, so please be patient if you require assistance.

Tipping is customary, though not mandatory, on Amtrak trains. However, exceptional service is always appreciated.

Finally, pay attention to announcements and prepare for your stop, ensuring a smooth transition from the train to your destination.

Kev’s Experience with Amtrak Bedrooms

Over the years, I’ve had the chance to experience Amtrak bedrooms on various routes, and they’ve made my journeys even more memorable. As a solo traveler, the extra space feels like a luxury, especially on longer trips where stretching out and having a private bathroom makes a big difference.

One of my favorite trips was on the Capitol Limited, where I booked a bedroom. My parents joined me on this journey and truly appreciated the added comfort. The bedroom gave them a cozy space to relax and the convenience of a private restroom. It’s an excellent option for couples or anyone looking for more privacy. What I loved most was that we could all hang out together since I had a roomette nearby.

More recently, I booked a bedroom on the Floridian because—surprisingly—it was cheaper than a roomette then! While bedrooms are generally more expensive, I’ve found deals that make them remarkably affordable—sometimes even the same price. On one trip aboard the City of New Orleans, the upgrade was just $50, making it an easy choice.

My advice? Always compare prices for all accommodation options when booking—you might get lucky! Whether traveling solo, with a partner, or as a family, an Amtrak bedroom can make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Summary of Amtrak Bedrooms

Wow, that’s a lot of information, and some of it may make more sense once you embark on your first trip. Doing research, like you did with this article, can help keep your expectations realistic.

I suggest booking your tickets in advance, being prepared at boarding time, sitting back and relaxing, listening to the announcements, allowing staff to assist you, being kind and courteous, and appreciating the beautiful scenery and the adventure.

Amtrak bedrooms offer a fantastic way to explore the USA, ensuring comfort and essential travel amenities. I hope you have a great time, and if I am of help, please let me know!

Let me know if I missed anything or if you have any questions!

Check out these articles for more information.

Safe Travels.

Kev

082120