Amtrak Quiet Cars

Amtrak Quiet Cars are available on eight regional trains and are open to coach passengers who want a more peaceful train ride. Passengers need to follow some rules if they wish to use these cars. There are no additional fees to passengers, but in most cases, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis. The exception is for passengers of Amtrak’s Acela, which is an additional step to ride in this car, but don’t worry; it is free and easy, with more info below!

If your next train has a Quiet Car, this article will help you prepare if you choose to use it.

What are Amtrak Quiet Cars?

Amtrak Quiet Car intends to create a peaceful environment for travelers who want to relax or work with minimal distractions.

Key rules include keeping conversations quiet, avoiding phone calls, and using headphones at a low volume. Quiet Cars are usually designated areas on select Amtrak trains, typically at the front or rear.

Who can use Amtrak Quiet Cars?

As said in the intro, anyone in coach class can use an Amtrak Quiet Car, provided there are open seats. Acela passengers check out the next section.

Business or first-class passengers would need to downgrade their reservation if they want to use it, but whether it is worth it is up to them.

Acela Quiet Cars

As said before, using the Quiet Car on an Acela route requires an added step, but fear not—it is not hard.

How to move your reservation to the Quiet Car:

• Open the Amtrak app or go to the website.
• Click on your Acela reservation.
• Click the View/Change My Seat button.
• Find the Aclea Quiet Car, the number 2 car.
• Pick your seat and finish up the process.

If you print your ticket, you can still use it, even if it shows the wrong seat assignment. You can also print a new ticket at the station or use your phone.

Why use the Quiet Cars?

Everyone has reasons for sitting in Amtrak Quiet Cars, and some have reasons not to (that is the next section). Here are a few common reasons some like them:

• It allows passengers to transfer gradually between work and home mode.
• Passengers can listen to headphones at a lower level because they do not need to drown out others.
• Some people like to meditate as they ride.
• Passengers can finish their TPS reports peacefully before heading home or beat that punch-in deadline.
• Some people like to close their eyes, take a quick nap, or meditate while traveling.
  • Please refrain from this car if you want to sleep and snore loudly.

Who should avoid Quiet Cars?

The Quiet Car is not for everyone, and it’s essential to be realistic about what you want from your trip and what you can handle.

If you have a phone call or want to chat, the Quiet Car may not be the best choice. However, rest assured: Plenty of other coach cars are available to accommodate different preferences and needs.

Those traveling with younger companions who struggle to be quiet may prefer the other coach cars. I know adults with this problem so that they can be in good company in the other coach cars.

I wouldn’t say I like pure quiet, but I enjoy the calm of this car with the addition of the soundtrack I pick (via my headphones).

Trains with Amtrak Quiet Cars and the location

These cars are available on eight train routes; however, not all train sets may include them, and their locations can change. If you cannot find them, please get in touch with the conductor; otherwise, follow the guide below.

• Acela
  • It is the Number 2 car, between the First Class and a business class car.
  • You need to change your reservation to this car.
• Wolverine
  • Often, the opposite side of the train from the cafe car, but verify with the conductors.
  • Not all trains on this route have them.
• Northeast Regional
  • Next to the Business Class car
• Keystone Service
  • Next to the locomotive
• Hiawatha Service
  • Please verify with the conductor, but often the southernmost passenger car.
  • Not all Hiawatha’s have a quiet car.
• Capitol Corridor trains
  • Check with the conductors.
  • Not all trains on this route have them.
• Blue Water
  • Often, the opposite side of the train from the cafe car, but verify with the conductors.
• Empire Service Corridor trains
  • Near the locomotive.
  • Not all trains on this route have them.

How do you verify that your Amtrak train has a Quiet Car?

Not all trains on the above routes may have a Quiet Car, so it is best to confirm before you go!

Checking by using the Amtrak app when booking

• Hit the bottom Book button.
• Enter your info into the app and hit the green Find Trains button.
• Click the train you want.
• Hit the details section.
• Look at what is offered for Quiet Car on the list (see the photo).

Using the Amtrak website to check

• Enter your info and hit the green Find Trains button.
• Pick your train
• Hit Trip Details found under the arrival time.
• Then, hit the Services button.
• Look for Quiet Car on the list.

If you see Quiet Car when you do this, your train should have one, but if you do not, you can pick a different train or adjust your expectations.

Guidelines for Amtrak Quiet Cars

To maintain a peaceful environment, please follow these guidelines:

• Avoid making phone calls; step into the café or vestibule if necessary.
• Keep conversations at a whisper to support the library-like atmosphere encouraged by conductors.
• Use headphones at a low volume to respect fellow travelers who wish to relax or concentrate.

I appreciate your cooperation on behalf of quiet car lovers and users!

What sets Amtrak Quiet Cars apart from business class?

One of the most significant differences is the cost, but business is not always quiet. There are more differences, but that is the important one for many.

You are guaranteed a seat if you have business class, but not in quiet cars.

What if the only available seats are in the Quiet Car?

If you get stuck in a quiet car because it is the only one with open seats available, you still need to follow the rules and respect your fellow passengers.

I get that this car can be some people’s worst nightmare! But if this is the lot you have to deal with, you can try to move to the next stop.

One way to do that is to hunt for a new seat when the train announces the next stop. As the train pulls into the station, people get up to move, so you can seek a new seat as they get off and before the new passengers board.

If the train has a cafe car, you can always hang out there if you need to make a call or not be in that car.

Kev’s summary

In the early days of my Amtrak travel, I accidentally sat in these quiet cars, and after realizing it, I moved to another coach because I was not a fan. As time has passed, things have changed, and I now love the quiet car and often head for it when given a chance. If I travel solo, I love these cars because I can put my headphones in and enjoy the trip more peacefully.

This car is not for you when you ride with a friend and want to chat.

If you get stuck in the Quiet Car on a packed train, check if seats open up after the next stop. You can always ask a conductor when the walk-through is,

Happy planning and safe travels!

Kev