One option is to travel by Amtrak Coach class, a budget-friendly regional and long-distance train. It’s perfect for those who want to save on travel expenses. Coach class offers no middle seats, a convenient luggage rack above your seat, and power outlets, making your rail journey comfortable and relaxing.
Coach class is standard for Amtrak regional trains, but long-distance trains offer more legroom, additional comfort, and an alternative to sleeping accommodations.
Coach class is not available on Amtrak’s Acela; the base for those trains is business class.
When I began my Amtrak journey, I traveled only in coach class from coast to coast! This article will provide the essentials to get you started on your train adventure soon!
My Experience with Amtrak Coach Class
Many of my Amtrak adventures were in Amtrak coach class, both on regional and long-distance trains.
I am 6’2″ and about 210 pounds (or trying to be), and I find Amtrak coach class comfortable for watching the world go by while relaxing and working. Sleeping may not be as comfortable as a room, but it is doable for a night or two. If you sleep well in a chair, you will do great.
Because Amtrak uses different equipment across the system, experiences can vary from what I have included. This article does not cover Acela’s trains because Acela does not have a coach class, only business and first classes.
Travels with Kev’s Amtrak coach class podcast
Why You Should or Shouldn’t Book Amtrak Coach Class?
While there are many reasons to choose coach seats, here are the four main ones.
Why You Should Book Amtrak Coach Class
- The train you want to ride offers only coach class.
- You like to ride in coach class.
- Cost is a factor; you want to save money.
- The only seats left for the train you are looking at are in coach class.
Whatever the reason, coach class can be an excellent way for some to travel to the USA via rail, especially when you are on a budget.
Why You Shouldn’t Book a Coach Class Ticket
On the other hand, there are a few reasons why you might not want coach seating, such as:
- Do you need or enjoy more personal space?
- Do you want to sleep horizontally?
- The coach sections are sold out, leaving you with no other option.
- The cost is less critical.
If any of the above applies to you, consider Amtrak’s Business Class or sleeping accommodations if they are available on your train.
Amtrak Coach Car Types
Regional Trains
Most regional trains use single-level coach cars with everything on one level, but some use bi-level cars with bathrooms on the lower level and some seating.
If your train is not on the following list, it is more than likely a single-level train, but if it is on this list, it uses bi-level equipment.
Amtrak’s regional trains with bi-level (two-story) cars.
| Capitol Corridor* | San Joaquin* |
| Illini* | Saluki* |
| Pacific Surfliner |
Long-distance trains
Most East Coast trains use Viewliner and Amfleet cars, while most Western trains use Superliner.
Viewliner Trains (Single Level)
Viewliner trains have all facilities on one level; however, you may need to climb stairs to board.
Amtrak provides lifts at stations with low platforms to assist those with mobility issues.
Superliner (Bi-Level Trains)
| Auto Train | California Zephyr |
| City of New Orleans | Coast Starlight |
| Empire Builder | Texas Eagle |
| Southwest Chief | Sunset Limited |
On Superliner trains, passengers move between cars on the upper level and use the lower level for boarding and disembarking.
Amtrak Coach Class Seat Pitch
Seat pitch is the distance from any point on one seat to the same point on the seat in front of or behind it. This measure is not the same as “legroom,” but it gives you an idea of how much space you can expect.
Remember that this information is average and varies based on the equipment.
- Amtrak long-distance trains have a seat width of 23 inches (58 cm) and a pitch of 50–52 inches (127–132 cm).
- On average, Amtrak regional trains have a seat width of 23 inches and a pitch of 39 inches.
Luggage & Storage
There are a few places to store your things as you roll down the rails. Not all trains offer checked bag service, so if you need to carry on, there are places to put your items.
All coach cars have overhead storage shelves and luggage racks. The latter are on the lower level of superliner cars and on one end of single-level cars.
Bathrooms
Bathrooms are located at one end of the Viewliner and on the lower level of the Superliner cars. There is often more than one restroom per car, with one being an accessible restroom.
Amtrak coach-class amenities
Every Amtrak accommodation offers something different: coach class provides an economical travel method.
Coach class includes:
Here are a few things that the Amtrak coach class provides.
At the Seat
- Outlets: Each seat typically has a double outlet; on older cars, it is on the wall under the window, and on newer cars, they are between the newer coach cars’ seats. Be courteous and share with your seatmate if needed.
- Storage: Overhead storage and luggage racks are available, and each seatback has a net for small personal items.
- Trays: Fold-down trays are convenient for holding food or entertainment, except in the first row or bulkhead seats, which do not have trays.
- Additional Features: On long-distance routes, seats have extra amenities like curtains for the windows, leg rests, footrests, and the ability to recline further, providing more legroom for added comfort.
Other Amenities
- Food Service: All long-distance trains and most regional trains offer food service. (More details about this later.)
- Lounge Areas: Many Superliner trains feature a Sightseer lounge car, perfect for relaxing. Most trains also offer a café car where you can stretch out and grab a bite.
Booking Your Amtrak Coach Tickets
When it comes to booking your coach-class tickets on Amtrak, you have several options to suit your travel needs:
- One-way tickets are ideal if you travel to a single destination without returning by train or want greater flexibility in modifying a trip.
- Round-trip tickets are perfect for those who need to travel to a destination, return by train, and want everything on one ticket. However, booking round trips does not usually provide a cost advantage.
- Multi-City Tickets are great for travelers planning a trip with multiple stops. You can easily book one ticket that covers several destinations. In some cases, there are cost advantages.
- Multi-Ride Tickets: Available on select routes, these tickets are designed for commuters or frequent travelers who make the same trip multiple times.
- Rail Passes are for those looking to explore multiple cities or cover a large portion of the country. Amtrak’s Rail Passes offer great flexibility and value.
Amtrak offers different fare classes for one-way, round-trip, and multi-city tickets. If you are unsure which one is right for you, check out my article on picking the correct coach class fare.
Tips for Booking and Saving Money
Here are some tips from Amtrak to help you get the best fare:
- Book early: Fares are typically lower when booked in advance. You can reserve tickets up to 11 months in advance of your trip.
- Travel off-peak: Fares are often higher during holidays and peak travel periods, and prices can also vary depending on the day of the week or the time of day.
- Compare fares: Checking different dates and times can help you find the best price for your trip.
For more money-saving tips, check out my detailed article on how to save money on Amtrak.
Can I book two coach seats together for myself?
Amtrak does not allow passengers to book two seats together and have a whole row to themselves. You also cannot save two seats for yourself on the train.
If you have unique circumstances requiring additional seating, don’t hesitate to contact Amtrak or speak with a conductor.
Can coach passengers visit sleeper car passengers?
This question often arises. While coach passengers can visit you on the train, they cannot enter your sleeper car accommodations.
If your friend is on a coach, you can still spend time together in the lounge or café car or enjoy a meal in the dining car if available. You could also ask a conductor if you can sit with your friend in coach seating for a short time, but be aware that they might say no, especially if the train is full.
A good solution might be to upgrade your friend to join you in the sleeper car. The cost of adding someone to a sleeper room is often similar to the price of a coach ticket. You can arrange this by calling Amtrak to cancel the coach tickets and add them to your room.
Coach Class Boarding Tips
The basics of boarding trains are similar to those of other forms of transportation: Be prepared, have your ticket handy, and be ready to go when the time comes.
Most regional Amtrak trains have seating similar to Southwest Airlines: open seating without assigned seats. Before boarding, a car attendant or conductor may direct you to a coach car may direct passengers to a coach car.
On long-distance trains, you are assigned a car and often a seat before boarding, depending on how busy the train is that day.
Amtrak Coach Class: Quiet Car
Some regional trains have a Quiet Car, a magical place.
The car has straightforward rules.
- Put your phone on silent.
- If you need to have a conversation, keep it short and whisper.
- Refrain from talking on your phone.
Trains with Amtrak Quiet Cars
| Acela | Blue Water |
| Capitol Corridor trains | Empire Service Corridor trains |
| Hiawatha Service | Keystone Service |
| Northeast Regional | Wolverine |
Kev’s Packing Suggestions for Amtrak Coach Class
Here’s a helpful list to ensure you have everything you need for your train journey:
- Consider bringing snacks and a reusable water bottle, which you can refill on most trains.
- Pack an extension cord; this will provide power where you need it and allow you to plug in more than one device if necessary. Also, remember to bring headphones, chargers, and cords for all your devices.
- While not essential, a tablet can be handy for entertainment, such as downloaded movies, books, and music.
- Keep your travel paperwork handy, such as schedules and tickets. You can do this electronically, print them out, or do what I do and have both.
- Lastly, it’s always helpful to have wet wipes available for freshening up or cleaning tray tables.
Long-distance coach class
If you are traveling overnight, consider the list above plus.
- You can make your own or get one of the Amtrak Comfort Kits (available in the café).
- Neck pillow
- Small blanket
- Earplugs
- Eyeshades
- Sleep aids
Food Options for Amtrak Coach Class Passengers
Most coach passengers use the café car on all but five regional trains. Café Cars offers hot and cold meals, snacks, drinks, and more.
Some reservations are open to coach passengers on a few long-distance trains with traditional dining.
You can bring food and drink on the train; due to FDA regulations, you cannot consume food in food service cars. Amtrak cannot store or heat any food you bring on the train.
You can bring alcohol on the train, but you cannot partake of what you have. If you drink from your stash, there is a chance you could be removed by Amtrak conductors and local police from the train and fined if you get caught.
Overnighting in Amtrak coach class
Around 10 p.m., conductors turn off the car’s lights, activate the dim night lights, and stop making announcements.
Note: You cannot turn off the night lights, and please don’t try to remove the bulbs (yes, I once saw someone attempt that).
Sleeping in coach class differs from sleeping in a $500-a-night hotel room, so set your expectations accordingly. If you want to lie flat and are willing to splurge, consider booking one of Amtrak’s sleeping accommodations.
The seats recline enough to provide a comfortable position for catching some sleep, though they don’t lie flat. I often find a cozy spot for a night or two as a side sleeper.
Occasionally, you may luck out and get two seats, but that’s not guaranteed. Find your sweet spot, and consider a sleep aid to help you rest more soundly.
Do I stay on the train the whole time?
Yes and no, depending on your definition of getting.
There are spots along long-distance routes designed for getting off the train, stretching your legs, and getting fresh air.
These longer stops are where Amtrak changes crews, fuels the locomotives, and refills the cars’ water.
Also, if a train arrives at a stop early, the crew often allows passengers to get off to get some fresh air.
You can stretch out, get fresh air, or smoke. Do not wander too far from the train.
The train can leave any time on or after its scheduled time, and it can go with or without you. Listen to the crew for the “all aboard.” Often, the engineer will toot the horn twice as a warning.
Where Can Amtrak Coach Class Passengers Go on the Train?
On the train, feel free to stretch your legs, explore by walking around, or visit the café or Sightseer car! This is just a friendly reminder that coach class passengers aren’t able to go into the sleeper cars, and the dining car may have some availability restrictions depending on how full the sleepers are.
If you need to stretch your legs, stroll through the coaches or to the cafe car and sightseer lounges.
Alternatives to Amtrak Coach Class
Many regional trains offer other options if you don’t like the coach class, and long-distance trains offer sleeping accommodations that provide privacy and more!
Amtrak Business Class
Business class is available on many regional trains and a few long-distance routes.
Amtrak Sleeping Accommodations
Long-distance routes offer sleeping cars, which can be reserved and provide privacy, showers, the ability to sleep horizontally, meals, and more.
The Palmetto is the only long-distance train that does not provide a sleeping class. However, this makes sense since it is not an overnight long-distance train.
The Downside of Amtrak Coach Class
Like all other public transportation, you will probably sit next to someone you do not know. Occasionally, you might end up with a fellow passenger who does not share the same manners. Over the years, this has been more of an exception to the rule than the standard.
If you go into coach class with the mindset of “I am going to make a new friend for the trip, and things are not going to be perfect, and that is okay,” you should do fine.
If you are easily bothered, a very light sleeper, or want privacy, coach class is not for you; upgrading might be a better option.
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Other Amtrak Coach Class Tidbits
You can track the progress of your train in a few ways: the Amtrak website or this website. To optimize your use of these sites, having the station and train number you are trying to track would be best. Twitter is also a resource for learning about the causes of delays.
For safety, remember to say something if you see something wrong while riding Amtrak. When onboard, talk to a conductor or staff member. You can call or text the Amtrak Police to speak to the train crew. The Amtrak police number is 1-800-331-008, or you can text APD11 (27311).
Amtrak Wi-Fi
Not all Amtrak trains have Wi-Fi; trains with Wi-Fi may have dead spots. The trains’ Wi-Fi is cell-based; often, there are sections of the trains’ routes where you will not have cell service. In cases of emergency, talk to a conductor. Remember, Wi-Fi is a luxury and not a right.
Additionally, Wi-Fi on trains does not allow streaming movies or large downloads, but it is convenient for surfing the web and checking emails. If you “NEED” Wi-Fi, consider getting a hotspot or checking to see if your plan allows you to use your phone as one.
Seating
When traveling with a companion on Amtrak, there is a chance that you may not get seats together. However, Amtrak makes an effort to seat parties together. If your seats are not together, you can always speak to the conductor about moving seats as they become available. You can move about the coach car if you are not assigned seats. It’s worth noting that you’re more likely to get seats together if everyone in your party is on the same ticket.
Before changing seats on your commute, please speak with the staff first. If you decide to move, remember to take your “seat check” with you. This is the small slip of paper above your chair showing your destination. It helps the staff know that your old seat is now available. If you have any questions, feel free to ask the onboard crew.
How to Get Kicked off an Amtrak Train
Please do not take this section as something I suggest you do; instead, it is a look at things you should avoid doing.
Drinking
While in coach class, you can transport alcohol in your luggage, but you cannot drink from your stash.
The cafe serves beer, wine, and hard liquor. If you get caught drinking the adult beverages you brought, especially if you have too much, as Amtrak puts it, the next stop will be your stop.
You might even get to ride in a “special rideshare” to an exclusive “hotel” until you get back to yourself (a.k.a. arrested and going to jail).
Marijuana & Smoking on Amtrak
You cannot smoke or vape anything on an Amtrak train. Even with a medical permit, you are not allowed to transport marijuana.
Additionally, Amtrak does not permit smoking or vaping inside any station. Outside the train station, you must be away from the station and train doors.
As stated before, there are smoke breaks along long-distance routes, and not every stop is a designated smoke stop.
From experience, if someone smokes on the train, EVERYONE will know. The smell will quickly fill the car; trust me. If you smoke, consider alternatives like vaping while on the train. Here is more information.
I have an article about smoking, vaping, and pot on Amtrak trains.
Other ways
Keeping the doors and windows closed while on board is essential, as this helps avoid unwanted interactions with conductors and police. If the doors or windows are open, engineers can notify the conductors, who will remove you from the train.
Do not transport marijuana on Amtrak trains, even if it is legal back home or in the state through which you are traveling during your journey. Amtrak trains are considered federal property and follow federal laws.
Do’s and Don’ts of Amtrak Coach Class
What Not to Do In Amtrak Coach Class
- Eat noisy food (especially at night) or foods with strong odors anywhere on the train.
- Use your electronic devices without headphones.
- Make phone calls from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. from your coach seat if you need to head to the café car or vestibule.
- Wear a lot of perfume; it can be overwhelming for other passengers. Use half or less.
- Have unrealistic expectations for your whole trip.
- Book tight connections or make plans immediately after your scheduled arrival.
- Delays often happen on train travel due to the host railroads.
- Leave messes, especially in public areas, i.e., bathrooms and cafés.
- Plan to sit alone.
- Do not hog tables in the café car when it is busy. It is unfair to your fellow passengers.
- If the train is busy, take up more than one seat; you only paid for one, and the train is not your office.
The “Please Do’s” of Amtrak Coach Class
- Use your inside voice while on the train.
- Practice good hygiene to the best of your ability.
- Use headphones and keep the volume at a reasonable level.
- Take your eyes off the screen and enjoy the view every once in a while. Not every train route has stunning vistas, but some views are breathtaking. Plus, your eyes will appreciate the break from screens.
- Be open-minded and pack your patience. Talk to others if you’re comfortable doing so.
- Clean up after yourself. When it comes to travel, we are all in it together! If we leave things better than we found them, it improves things for everyone.
- Put your phone on silent or turn the ringer down very low, especially at night. If you need to call, go to a lounge or vestibule.
- Remember that Wi-Fi is a luxury, not a right. Amtrak Wi-Fi is not available on every train and is not intended for streaming.
- Plan on sitting next to someone you may not know. When it’s busy, share lounge tables; you might make a new friend or learn something interesting.
- Set realistic expectations. Things happen, and how you react to them is essential. Don’t expect stunning views 100% of the time. Perfect trips don’t always happen; imperfect journeys often have better stories.
- Stay positive. Don’t let negative people or thoughts control your trip.
I hope this article helps you decide if Amtrak’s coach class suits you!
Thanks for stopping by, and safe travels!
Kev
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Kev
10/8/19
