Amtrak Coach Class:

Traveling by train in Amtrak Coach Class is a budget-friendly option for regional and long-distance routes. This choice is perfect for those who want to save money while enjoying a comfortable travel experience.

Coach Class features no middle seats, overhead luggage racks, and power outlets at your seat, helping make your rail journey convenient and relaxing.

While Coach Class is the standard on most Amtrak regional trains, long-distance trains offer extra perks like more legroom and additional comfort, making them a great alternative to sleeping accommodations if you’re watching your budget.

Just a heads-up: Amtrak Coach Class is unavailable on Amtrak’s Acela trains. On those high-speed routes, Business Class is the base option.

When I started my Amtrak travels, I went coast-to-coast in Coach Class! It’s a great way to experience the country without breaking the bank.

This article will walk you through the essentials to help you get started on your train adventure!

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 weigh about 210 pounds (or I’m working towards that). Amtrak coach class is comfortable for watching the scenery while relaxing and working. Although sleeping in coach class isn’t as comfortable as staying in a room on the train, it is manageable for a night or two. You’ll do just fine if you can sleep well in a chair.

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: An 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?
• Coach class is fully booked, leaving you with no other options.
• 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 feature 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.

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 at 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. In older cars, it is on the wall under the window, and in newer cars, it is 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 a round-trip does not usually provide a cost advantage.
• Multi-city tickets are great for travelers planning a trip with multiple stops. They allow you to book one ticket that covers several destinations quickly, and there are cost advantages in some cases.
• 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 in coach class, you can still spend time together in the loungecafécafé 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.

Tips for Boarding Coach Class

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 offer open seating, although a car attendant or conductor may guide you to a coach car before boarding.

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:

1. Consider bringing snacks and a reusable water bottle, which you can refill on most trains.
2. 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.
3. While not essential, a tablet can be handy for entertainment, such as downloaded movies, books, and music.
4. 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.
5. 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.

• You can make your own or get one of the Amtrak Comfort Kits (available in cafécafé).
  • 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; however, 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 it. If you drink from your stash, there is a chance you could be removed from the train by Amtrak conductors and local police 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. But I do not expect it to be as comfy as my bed at home.

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?

Feel free to stretch your legs, explore by walking, or visit the café or the Sightseer cars on the train! As a friendly reminder, coach-class passengers can’t go into the sleeper cars, and depending on how full the sleepers are, the dining car may have some availability restrictions.

If you need to stretch your legs, stroll through the coaches, visit the café car, or check out the sightseer lounge if your train has one. Also, get out for fresh air breaks. You cannot go into the sleeping cars; if you do want to check one out, ask a conductor or other staff member.

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, but 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 your train’s progress in several ways, including through the Amtrak website or other tracking sites. If you’re not sure how to do this, take a look at my articles on tracking Amtrak trains. Be sure to have your station name and train number ready for the best results.

For safety, remember: if you see something, say something. If you notice anything concerning while riding Amtrak, notify a conductor or staff member. You can also reach Amtrak Police by calling 1-800-331-0008 or texting 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. The seat check 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 looks 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.

cafécafe 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. getting 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 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.

🚫 The Amtrak Coach Class Passenger “Please Don’t” List

Respect the Senses

• Avoid strong-smelling foods and loud, crunchy snacks, especially in the evening. Choose snacks that are less likely to disturb others.
• Use fragrance sparingly: Strong perfume or cologne can overwhelm in shared spaces.

Be Considerate with Noise

• Always use headphones! No one else wants to hear your music or movies.
• Keep phone calls out of the coach: Between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., please step into the café car or vestibule for phone calls. While in the coach, it is polite to keep calls short, use an inside voice, and avoid using a speakerphone.
• Please use your indoor voice. Loud conversations can make it difficult for others to relax.

Mind Your Space

• Don’t expect a seat to yourself: If the train is busy, be ready to share your space with others.
• Please do not spread out: One ticket equals one seat. Keep your belongings neat and compact.
• Share tables in the café and lounge: be considerate of others wanting to use the space.
• Always clean up after yourself: restrooms, café tables, and your seating area—leave them as you would like to find them.

Be Realistic About Travel

• Delays occur: Amtrak shares its tracks with freight trains, which can lead to delays.
• Avoid booking tight connections: Allow extra time when planning connecting transportation.
• Manage expectations regarding Wi-Fi: Not all trains offer it; even when they do, it may not be fast.

✅ The Amtrak Coach Class Passenger “Please Do” List

Travel Smart & Courteous

• Maintain a positive attitude: Patience can significantly enhance your travel experience.
• Take in the scenery: Even a regular route is more enjoyable than looking at a screen.
• Please silence your phone, especially at night.
• Be patient: You might make a new friend if you’re willing to converse!

Be a Good Neighbor

• Maintain good hygiene: A clean traveler means happy fellow travelers.
• Keep the volume of your headphones at a reasonable level, as sound can leak out.
• Be prepared to share space: Working together leads to a smoother experience.
• Go with the flow: Delays and unexpected moments occur—sometimes, they create the best stories!

Kev’s Final Thoughts on Amtrak Coach Class

Coach class is a great way to travel—especially when everyone shows a little courtesy! Whether on a short ride or an overnight adventure, these simple tips will help improve the journey for everyone around you.

Thanks for stopping by, and safe travels!

Kev

10/8/19