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Knowledge is power, and research is essential when it comes to traveling. If you smoke, vape, or use marijuana, learning about smoking on Amtrak is vital before your next trip. It covers vaping, transporting pot, and tobacco on Amtrak with general knowledge with links for additional details.

So, let’s learn about smoking on Amtrak.

Smoking On Amtrak Overview

Amtrak prohibits smoking products or vaping on trains, connecting services, or stations. In 2019, Congress banned smoking and vaping on all Amtrak trains. A prior smoking ban on Amtrak trains applied to shorter regional trains.

At one point, Amtrak long-distance trains had a smoking room, but from second-hand information, I learned these rooms were ineffective at exchanging air. The accommodations were bare of hard surface seats with washable services.

Smoking On Amtrak: Marijuana

While marijuana is legal in many states, you should know this section before taking it on your next Amatrak adventure.

The use or transportation of marijuana in any form for any purpose is prohibited, even in states or countries where recreational use is legal or permitted medically.

Amtrak.com

Amtrak trains are considered federal property.

Federal agencies, such as the DEA, can sweep the train anytime, as can Amtrak police, state, and local police.

So, do not transport or consume pot on Amtrak trains to avoid trouble.

Can I Bring Medical Marijuana Aboard Amtrak?

At this point, you cannot bring marijuana on Amtrak trains, even with a card.

It would require an act of Congress to change this policy, which is out of Amtrak’s hands.

Vape And Smoking On Amtrak

I am putting these two together because Amtrak treats them the same, but I know they are not.

If a conductor or other staff finds you smoking or vaping on the train, you may revive federal fines and get escorted off the train at the next station stop or sooner.

Vaping is often less evident than smoking. The scent can travel, and people can see the cloud.

Don’t Try To Outsmart The System.

Everyone will know if you smoke on the train because the smell quickly fills the car, despite how well you think you can hide it.

Do not open the conductor window in the door while the train is going or at any other time. The engineers can see you doing so and will alert the conductors. You can get kicked off the train just for opening that window. If you get kicked off the train, your ticket is canceled and is not refundable.

Are there smoke breaks on Amtrak trains?

Yes and no, long-distance trains have smoke breaks, but not always on regional routes. There are a few things to remember:

• Not every station is a smoke stop.
  • If time and the conditions permit, passengers may smoke on station platforms at longer stops.
  • The crew will inform you before pulling into the station if it is a “smoke stop.”
• Smoking elsewhere on the train and at other times is not allowed.
• Passengers must remain trainside, ready to re-board immediately upon hearing the sound of the locomotive horn and the “all aboard” calls from Amtrak employees.
• Your fellow passengers will appreciate it if you keep smoke away from the door and train vents. Smoking next to the car can fill the car up with smoke.
• Smoking stops can get shortened or eliminated if the train is operating late. So be prepared to make it quick.
• State or local laws may prohibit smoking on station platforms.

If you plan on being on the train for a while, try to devise alternatives to smoking. If you look at timetables or schedules and see stops are five minutes or more, often those are the smoke stops.

Smoking On Amtrak Wrap-up

Knowing before you go that you cannot smoke, vape or use pot on the train will help you prepare for your next trip and set your expectations. I have been on the train where people smoked, and everyone knew!

On the return section of my first Amtrak cross-country trip, I saw a lady smoking out the conductor’s window. As I walked past her to go to the restroom, she nodded that everything was okay.

When I returned from the restroom, the conductor was chatting with her. I guess her nod was overconfidence, and it was not okay.

Reminder, Amtrak is federal property; you face federal fines and removal from the train if you smoke or vape. If you transport or smoke pot, you could meet some DEA agents. There are random stops where law enforcement may walk through looking for drugs.

If you are a smoker, remember to bring something to help with the cravings.

Thanks for reading and doing your research, and remember that if I can travel, you can too!

Safe Travels,

Kev