Amtrak Rooms

When I first traveled cross-country on Amtrak, I chose coach class to save money and get a feel for train travel. The following year, I upgraded to one of my first Amtrak rooms, a roomette—and like many new travelers, I had plenty of questions. Online forums were helpful, though I ran into some trolls in 2014.

Sadly, some trolls are still out there today, spreading negativity and misinformation. That’s one reason I wrote this post: to help you make informed decisions and clear up any confusion you might run into during your research.

Amtrak rooms are an excellent way to explore the country. In this article, I’ll cover the most frequently asked questions about reserving and enjoying Amtrak sleeping accommodations on long-distance trains.

Whether I book a roomette or a bedroom, I now love traveling across the USA with Amtrak. I especially appreciated the privacy, complimentary meals, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and the chance to start feeling refreshed after a shower each day.

Top 21 Questions About Amtrak Rooms

1) My favorite things about Amtrak Rooms

Over the years, these rooms have become my happy place. While I usually enjoy roomettes, I have booked a bedroom for the extra space and all the amenities those rooms provide.

Amtrak rooms offer several things that I love.

I value the privacy the rooms provide. Rooms can be locked from the inside only, and privacy curtains are on both sides of the windows.

Rooms offer seating during the day, but their most significant advantage is that you can sleep horizontally at night! This option is especially beneficial for stomach and side sleepers like me. However, if you’re traveling with a buddy, one of you will need to climb into the upper bunk.

Passengers traveling in Amtrak sleeper cars can use the showers available in their accommodations. Amtrak provides soap and towels, but passengers can bring personal items like hair dryers. You will find a shower in the en suite bathroom for those who book a bedroom.

Some train stations offer lounges that you can use while waiting for your first or next train. These lounges provide a peaceful place to relax away from the hustle and bustle of the station. I have visited several lounges, but my top choices are Chicago and New York.

2) Amtrak Rooms: Reservation Options

Amtrak offers several booking options, allowing you to select the method that best suits your comfort level.

Call Amatrak

If you need assistance booking or modifying a reservation, contact Amtrak’s agents at 1-800-USA-RAIL or 1-877-SKIP-I-95 for the Auto Train. They can also provide updates and help with special requests.

I contact them for booking adjacent roomettes or changing reservations mid-trip.

Staffed stations

Not all stations have staff, and many are unstaffed, so this isn’t an option for everyone. However, if you have access to a staffed station, they can help you the same way you would by calling.

Do it on your own: The Amtrak.com and their App.

Online tickets are an easy way to book your next adventure anywhere and anytime. You can also modify your trip.

I book 99% of my own using the app or website. I switch between the two, and both options have advantages and disadvantages.

Amtrak offers a website that caters to phones or tablets.

Let someone book your trip for you.

You could also use a travel agent. There are authorized Amtrak travel agents and others specializing in rail travel.

3) Are room prices quoted per person on Amtrak?

When searching for room prices on Amtrak, it’s essential to understand that the price displayed for two passengers represents the total cost for both travelers combined rather than a per-person rate. If you intend to split the expense, you must divide the total.

In contrast, coach class fares display the per-person price.

Booking tickets for both passengers simultaneously can help save money and simplify the process. While it’s possible to add someone to your reservation later, doing so requires contacting Amtrak directly or visiting a staffed station.

If you prefer separate accommodations—such as your roomette—you can book individual tickets through Amtrak.com or the app. This approach may also help with budgeting.

However, if you’d like rooms in the same car or near each other, it’s best to call Amtrak when booking. Remember that room placement depends on availability, and proximity can’t be guaranteed—especially if you’re booking near the travel date.

Even in different cars, you can still visit each other’s rooms during the journey. It’s fun to enjoy the trip together while having your own space.

If you’re unsure how to proceed, don’t hesitate to contact Amtrak directly or stop by a staffed station—they’ll be happy to help!

4) Discounts on Amtrak

Here are the types of Amtrak discounts; see if you qualify! If eligible, the percentage only applies to the base or rail fares, not the total price of the room.

5) Amtrak Room Assignment

Amtrak assigns rooms after processing your payment and then emails you a ticket. As in the ticket photo, you see the number for your car and room, plus the equipment type.

If you want a particular room, call 1-800-USA-Rail or visit a station. Tickets bought at stations look different, but the information is the same.

6) What’s Included With Your Amtrak Room

The rooms offer comfortable seating during the day and convert into cozy sleeping spaces at night.

Each room has seating and a fold-out table for daytime activities. The seating converts into a lower bunk in the evening, and your attendant provides turndown service to ensure a restful night’s sleep.

Your room includes all scheduled meals during your train journey, and your attendant will start your morning with coffee and juice service.

For added convenience, there’s a place to hang your clothing—either a small closet or a hook on the wall—with hangers provided.

Both interior and exterior windows feature curtains for privacy, and additional lighting options, such as nightlights and reading lamps, are available to suit your needs.

All rooms have at least one 120v grounded three-prong outlet, making charging your devices during the trip easy.

Each bedroom has its own bathroom and shower, while roomettes and family rooms share bathroom facilities.

7) Do you share Amtrak rooms with strangers?

This question is one of the most asked!

No, only the people on your ticket can share your room; solo travelers have the rooms all to themselves.

8) The Sizes of Amtrak Rooms

Amtrak rooms are small and cozy—like RV spaces on rails.

Roomettes

A Superliner roomette measures about 3’6″ by 6’6″, while a Viewliner roomette is slightly larger, with more headroom and extra features like a toilet and sink (depending on the train).

For reference, I’m about 6’2″ and 210 pounds, and I fit comfortably in either style of roomette.

Bedrooms

The bedrooms are more spacious, roughly 6’6″ by 7’6″, and have a private bathroom with a toilet and shower.

No matter which room you choose, the less luggage you bring, the more comfortable you’ll be. Traveling light makes a big difference in these compact spaces!

9) Amtrak Beds: Are They Comfortable? How Are They Made?

For me, the beds are comfortable, but your mileage may vary.

All the rooms have bunk beds.

The lower bed comes from the two seats coming together, or the sofa gets flattened in a bedroom or family room with a mattress on top.

The upper bunk pulls down with safety straps to keep you in.

When two people share a room, one must be able to climb to the top bunk. Roomettes have steps to the top bunk, while bedrooms have ladders.

Your attendant will make your bed up at night and put it away in the morning.

Yes, there is a net to prevent you from falling out of the top bunk, and no, I have never fallen out of bed.

10) Is it hard to sleep on an Amtrak train?

I tend to sleep well on the train but sometimes need help, such as melatonin or a sleep aid. If I am on a long train, I sleep better on the second night.

Trains make noise

The train’s motion relaxes me as I sleep; sometimes, I wake up when the train stops because of the lack of movement. The horn and the track noise also lull me to sleep.

You may struggle if you need perfect silence, but earplugs may help.

Amtrak can only do so much. Train travel always involves a din: the sound of steel wheels on steel tracks, the sound of the wheels going through switches, bells, and horns.

Staff and fellow passengers

Conductors stop making announcements around 10 p.m. and don’t return to the public address system till 7 a.m.

Also, it can get a little noisy when people board the train at night if they forget that others are already sleeping. But overall, the people are pretty good.

Because I am a side sleeper, I wish Amtrak had a heftier pillow. To help with this problem, I pack a blowup pillow and a small blanket.

If you need an extra pillow or blanket, ask your attendant, and they may be able to help.

11) Navigating Amtrak Trains

Trains are linear, meaning if you want to go from one section to another, you may need to walk through one or more cars to get to the one you want to visit.

It could be a hike from where you are to where you want to go on some trains.

A sliding door is found on each end of each car and has upper and lower (foot) buttons; hitting either will open the door.

When the train is moving, be careful when walking between cars. To maintain your balance, grab onto the candy cane-striped handles.

Train cars can sway in opposite directions, and snow and rain can enter vestibules, making them wet or slippery.

You must wear shoes while walking around the train because there are pinch points between cars that could hurt your toes.

Heels may not be the best shoes for train travel because they can change your center of balance. If you need heels, short heels are better, or you should bring a change of shoes.

12) Can I get off the train during my Amtrak trip?

There are select stops to get off the train for a smoke or fresh air. Smoke stops are usually crew changes and refueling stops.

Most station stops are quick for boarding and un-boarding.

When Amtrak arrives early, it holds the train until the scheduled time. If the passengers wait a while, conductors often allow them to take a quick, fresh-air break.

If you get off the train, don’t wander too far. When it is time for the train to leave, the conductors alert the crew and passengers, and they are off.

As a warning, the engineer may blow the horn (two quick toots) when it’s time to board. If you do not make it on the train, the train WILL LEAVE WITHOUT YOU!

13) Food Choices for Amtrak Sleeping Passengers

All long-distance trains have a cafe car open to all passengers.

The cafe is closed at night and for attendant breaks, but you can often sit in the car while it is closed.

Except for the Auto Train, Silver Star, and Silver Meteor, one-night trains use flex dining for sleeping car passengers.

Trains that run for two or more nights use traditional dining.

Texas Eagle between Chicago and San Antonio uses flex dining, but you will have traditional dining between San Antonio and LA.

Dining or sleeping car lounges are also only available for sleeping car passengers.

14) Alcohol and Drinking in Amtrak Rooms

You sure can; I often do! But there are some limitations you should know.

Amtrak sells adult beverages in the cafe and dining cars, or you can bring your own.

IF YOU BRING ADULT DRINKS ON THE TRAIN, YOU CAN ONLY CONSUME IT IN YOUR ROOM or the room of another passenger. Do not take your fun water to non-sleeping cars.

The next station might be your stop if you get out of hand. Plus, you could get local and federal fines, and the police could take you to their local iron bar hotel.

If you get kicked off the train, you forfeit any refunds on your trip.

15) How many bathrooms are in sleeping cars?

All bedrooms have a restroom en suite.

Superliner trains have one restroom upstairs and two or more on the lower level.

Older Viewliners with blue seats do not have public restrooms in the cars, but every accommodation has a toilet. Roomettes do not have enclosed bathrooms, so if two people are in the roomette, one might have to step out.

Newer Viewliners, with “wood” interiors, have one public bathroom and no longer have bathrooms in roomettes.

16) Showers for Amtrak Sleeping Passengers

17) What Amtrak Offers for Your Shower

Amtrak provides washcloths, towels, and soap in either small bars or liquid form, but it usually does not provide shampoo.

When I was last on the Floridian, they offered me a toothbrush, toothpaste, lotion, and shampoo. I am unsure if you will see this system-wide or if it’s just an East Coast thing.

18) Smoking and Transporting Marijuana in Amtrak Rooms

All Amtrak trains are non-smoking, including e-cigarettes and vapes.

If a passenger gets caught smoking on the train, the next stop will be their stop (even if it is not their destination), and conductors will issue tickets, which are federal fines. Those passengers also forfeit any refunds.

There are “smoke breaks,” but they are not guaranteed. Finding something to curb cravings would be wise if you are a smoker.

You cannot transport marijuana on Amtrak trains even if it is legal in the state you are coming from or visiting. Amtrak is under federal jurisdiction, so it follows federal laws.

19) Bringing Your Pet into Amtrak Rooms

Yes and No: Amtrak allows pets under 20 pounds on trains and in cages, but they cannot travel for more than seven hours. Before booking your reservation, check Amtrak’s service animal policy.

20) Tipping Amtrak Sleeping Car Attendants

Tipping is not necessary but is a great way to reward excellent service.

I will tip great car attendants but not tip for unsatisfactory service. The average amount is around $10 – $20 per day. A heartfelt thank-you works well, or whatever you can afford. You can also inform Amtrak when you receive excellent service (see tip 21).

21) Sharing Feedback with Amtrak

While constructive criticism is essential, praising employees holds more incredible value. The best way to share your comments and compliments is by notifying Amtrak, ensuring that feedback reaches management and is effectively communicated to the respective employee.

Kev’s Tips for Amtrak Rooms

Getting ready for the night:

Once the car attendant makes your room for the night, there is not much room left. It may help to get dressed before your room is ready for the night. You could use a bathroom or the dressing area in the shower to change while your room is being prepared.

What else do you need to know?

Take advantage of the fresh air stops. Stepping off the train breaks up your trip and allows you to stretch your legs.

Do not plan on Wi-Fi. Even your cell phone may not have service occasionally as you travel.

Train manners

Be respectful of others. Talking to fellow passengers is fun, especially meeting a new train buddy, but not everyone wants to hear your conversation late at night.

When walking in other parts of the train, remember other riders. You may have to make way for others or temporarily invade someone’s space, so be considerate.

Consider sharing a table instead of hogging it when the lounge is busy. Feel free to take up the entire area if no one is around. If you need to make a long phone call at night, going to the lounge car is courteous so that others can sleep.

Again, walkways are tight quarters, and you may get bumped into or let others pass by to get through. It is a great time to practice manners and say hi and excuse me to fellow riders.

Ensure your bags or luggage are not banging into others as you walk through the train.

Gear to Enhance Your Stay in Amtrak Rooms 

From my experience, these are helpful tips for sleeping in a sleeper. For entertainment on Amtrak trains, check out my article on Entertainment on Amtrak.

• Tablet (iPad Air 3 for me),
  • Many streaming programs allow you to download videos to watch later without wi-fo.
• Smartphone (I use an iPhone 13 Pro)
  • Map apps are cool for determining a location.
  • Also, it works well for games, listening to music, and podcasts.
• Other Electronic Accessories
  • Headphones (either Bluetooth or wired)
  • Extension cord
  • A backup battery
  • Chargers and cords
• Comfort items
  • Snacks are a good idea.
  • Amtrak’s Comfort Kit, available at some stations and cafe car
    • The kit comes in a bag and contains a small blanket, eye mask, neck pillow, and earplugs.
    • You could make your own
  • Blowup pillow
  • A water bottle
  • Wet wipes
  • Sleep aids, stuff for motion sickness, aspirin, or other such things
  • Pain relief and a small first-aid kit
  • Shampoo or a multi-use soap
  • PJs or something for sleeping

For more information on specific rooms on the train

If I missed something, let me know in the comments below or message me.

Thanks for stopping by and letting me help with your next adventure! I love to help.

Safe Travels!

Kev

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