An Amtrak Superliner Roomette is the smallest and most popular sleeping accommodation. Superliner Roomettes are found on eight Amtrak long-distance trains. Superliners are Amtrak’s signature bi-level cars used on many long-distance routes.
Superliner roomettes are 3.5’ by 6.5’ rooms that offer privacy, shower access, and seating during the day, which converts to beds at night. Additionally, you can enjoy morning coffee, meals, and more.
Don’t worry; you won’t share a room with someone you don’t know.
In addition to roomettes, Amtrak Superliner sleeping cars feature bedrooms, accessible rooms (for individuals with special or mobility needs), and family rooms.
My first Amtrak Superliner roomette was room 14 on the 421 Texas Eagle, which ran from Chicago to Los Angeles. I loved it! The year before, I traveled coast to coast in coach class and discovered that roomettes were my new happy place.
Since 2014, I have traveled in an Amtrak Superliner roomette, and I still feel a sense of excitement whenever I hear my train called at Chicago Union Station or at my turnaround stop. In the past, I even booked a roomette for shorter trips, such as those lasting 2 to 3 hours, because it brought me joy. Plus, I earned extra Amtrak Guest Rewards points and received a complimentary lunch!
If I have a terrible day, I imagine I am back in a roomette, and the train’s rhythm relaxes me.
Amtrak Trains with Superliner Equipment
If you’re unsure whether your train is a Superliner or an Amtrak Viewliner, this helpful chart can help you determine the correct classification.
Because of the tunnels to New York Penn Station, Amtrak operates two types of long-distance trains; in this case, it uses Viewliners.
| Superliner Routes | The train travels between these cities |
|---|---|
| Auto Train | Lorton, VA – Sanford, FL |
| California Zephyr | Chicago, IL – Emeryville, CA (San Francisco) |
| City of New Orleans | Chicago, IL – New Orleans, LA |
| Coast Starlight | Los Angeles, CA – Seattle, WA |
| Empire Builder | Chicago, IL – Seattle, WA/Portland, OR |
| Southwest Chief | Chicago, IL – Los Angeles |
| Sunset Limited | New Orleans, LA – Los Angeles, CA |
| Texas Eagle | Chicago, IL – San Antonio, TX/ Los Angeles |
A 360-degree Interactive View of an Amtrak Superliner Roomette
These interactive photo links provide a convenient way to explore different angles of the roomettes. The links below contain “360-degree photos” that are not mine.
Please note that the interior design may vary depending on when the car was built or renovated.
Not all Amtrak routes have beds configured as in the photo. However, new bedding and towels are available on Amtrak trains.
The Size of an Amtrak Superliner Roomette
Roomettes are Amtrak’s smallest accommodations, but they can be an excellent travel option.
These rooms are 6.5’ by 3.5’ and offer day and night accommodations.
During the day
During the day, two chairs face each other, and you can learn more about the amenities of these rooms further down.
At night
When you are ready for bed, press the call button to notify your attendant.
When traveling by train, the attendant will prepare your sleeping area by arranging two chairs to form a lower berth measuring 2.3 feet by 6.5 feet. They will then place a mattress over the chairs. If you travel with a companion, the second berth, measuring 2 feet by 6.2 feet, will be above the lower berth.
Please note that the upper berth has no windows and requires climbing a set of steps to access.
There is enough standing space when the beds are down, but not much more. You can change in the bathroom or the shower dressing room while your roommate changes.
In the morning, inform your attendant when you are going for breakfast, and they will return your room to its standard state.
Superliner Sleeper Car Layout
Roomettes are available on both levels of a standard Superliner sleeper car: rooms 1-10 on the upper level and 11-14 on the lower level. Please note that Room 1 is where you will find your sleeping car attendant.
However, you may encounter two other types of sleeper cars.
Standard Sleeper Car
Transdorm
These cars have only roomettes for the Amtrak crew and passengers.
Deluxe Bedroom
Deluxe Bedroom cars are exclusive to the Auto Train; the upper level features 10 bedrooms, while the lower level has four roomettes.
The Lights and Outlet of an Amtrak Superliner Roomette
Superliner Roomettes date back to a time long before we all started traveling with phones, tablets, and laptops. As a result, each room includes just one standard U.S. three-prong outlet—and that’s it.
To keep everything powered, I recommend packing a simple multi-outlet extension cord (avoid surge protectors, as they can sometimes trip the onboard circuit). This way, you can charge multiple devices at once without playing outlet Tetris.
As for lighting, Roomettes are surprisingly versatile.
- You’ll find ceiling lights, nightlights, and individual reading lights for each seat and bunk.
- Amtrak is updating older fixtures with LED lighting and touch-sensitive controls in many cars; however, you may still encounter the classic switch-style controls.
Travel tip: The reading light in the upper bunk offers great low lighting—perfect for setting the mood while winding through the Rocky Mountains’ tunnels on the California Zephyr.
It’s also handy when you’re heading out to dinner in the evening or returning home.
Windows and Doors of an Amtrak Superliner Roomette
Roomettes feature large windows that are perfect for soaking in the scenic views. An interior window faces the hallway, making the room feel slightly more open and less confined.
All windows have drapes you can close for privacy or to block out light.
Please note that you can only lock your room door from the inside. This means that when you leave your room, the door will not automatically lock behind you, and you cannot lock it from the outside.
To keep your valuables safe, it’s a good idea to tuck them out of sight before stepping away. While theft in sleeper cars isn’t something you hear much about, it’s still smart not to leave temptation out in the open.
I have an article and a video that show how to lock your roomette door and offer tips for leaving your room.
Storage for an Amtrak Superliner sleeper roomette
Storing gear in your Superliner roomette
When you enter an Amtrak roomette, you will notice that there is little space for your luggage.
Place your bag against the wall on the step. In most cases, the seat’s headrest should keep it from tipping forward.
Additional items can be stored in the small closet or hung on the hook opposite the step. Amtrak provides hangers for your convenience.
There is storage space available under the seats, but you won’t be able to access it once the seats are pushed together. Some attendants may ask you to remove items stored under the seats if they think those items could interfere with seat adjustments, especially when the seats are set to lie flat for nighttime use.
Packing as lightly as possible is fantastic!
Other storage options for your Superliner Roomette Adventure
If you need more space, there is a downstairs rack for storing your belongings. You will pass it on your way to your room.
If you travel alone and have too much luggage, you can ask your car attendant to lower the upper bunk and store your bags there. However, remember that this will reduce headspace, which might only be an issue when standing.
Checked baggage service is unavailable at all stations, so check before leaving. If your starting station doesn’t have a checked service, but your layover station does, you can check your bags there instead.
For instance, if you are traveling from Sturtevant, WI, an unstaffed station, to Omaha, NE, with a layover in Chicago, you can carry your bags on the Hiawatha and check them in Chicago. Still, it is best to do this at least 45 minutes before departure.
Amenities of an Amtrak Superliner Roomette
At Station Amenities
As a sleeper-car passenger, you can access station amenities. Some stations offer lounges, red caps, or other services to assist you in getting to and from the station’s boarding areas.
In-Room Amenities
In addition to privacy and the ability to sleep horizontally, these rooms offer more.
Each room has a fold-out table between the seats, and most have a checkerboard pattern. This pattern allows you to play checkers or chess while you travel! Behind the table, you will find a safety card and often a menu.
Your room is equipped with bottled water, fresh towels, blankets, sheets, and pillows.
A shower is also available on the lower level for everyone.
The car attendants are available to assist you throughout your journey. They will help you with your luggage, raise or lower your bed, and maintain the sleeper car.
In the morning, coffee and juice are available at the station on the car’s upper level by the stairs.
Note that most Superliner trains do not offer Wi-Fi. Therefore, it’s best to plan without Wi-Fi. Even if you have it, it is cellular-based and unsuitable for streaming movies or shows.
Food
Your room tickets include complimentary meals in the dining car and free non-alcoholic beverages at mealtimes. You can receive a complimentary alcoholic drink with dinner.
All but two Superliner trains offer traditional dining. The City of New Orleans and the Texas Eagle, which run between Chicago and San Antonio, provide flexible dining options.
Please inform your car attendant in advance if you require assistance with delivering your meals to your room. The attendant is there to help the entire car, so it may take some time for them to assist you.
In addition to the dining car, you can visit the café car to purchase snacks, meals, and a variety of hot and cold beverages, including alcoholic options.
Please refer to the resources below for more information, including sample menus for each food cart.
Getting Around a Superliner Train
Navigating a Superliner train is pretty straightforward once you know two key things:
- To move between cars, you’ll need to be on the upper level.
Amtrak trains are linear, so getting to the dining car or the Sightseer Lounge might require walking through a few cars. - To board or exit the train, you’ll need to go downstairs.
All boarding and exiting occur on the lower level, typically via a step box or station platform.
The train will sway as it moves, especially around curves or at higher speeds. It’s perfectly normal, but you’ll want to use the handrails or gently brace against the walls for balance when walking.
A quick orientation tip:
- If your Sleeper Car is at the front of the train, the Roomette side typically faces the locomotive.
- If your car is at the rear, then the Bedroom side is forward.
That said, the train’s composition (i.e., the order of cars) can change, especially with last-minute equipment swaps. A general rule of thumb: walk toward the Bedrooms if you’re heading to a food car (like the Dining or Café Car), but be ready to go through a few cars to get there.
Can You Choose Which Side of the Train Your Room Is On?
You can request a room on a specific side of the train for the best views, but there’s no guarantee you will get it. To make a request, please call Amtrak or visit a staffed Amtrak station. However, if that room is already sold out, you won’t be able to secure it.
Sleeper cars can be oriented in either direction, depending on how the train is assembled for that specific trip. Ticket agents typically cannot guarantee the direction your room will face, but they can provide suggestions based on the most common orientation for your particular route.
If you plan to switch rooms after boarding, please note that availability is crucial, as sleeper rooms often sell out quickly. A room that is open when you board may not remain available for the entire journey, so it’s always best to ask before moving.
Both sides of the train have their highlights. What is beautiful in one stretch may be less scenic in another. If you are new to Amtrak travel, don’t worry about finding the “perfect” side—enjoy the ride.
Looking for more options? Check out the Sightseer Lounge or Café Car; both areas are accessible to all passengers and offer stunning views.
Traveling alone? Start a conversation—sometimes you can swap seats or share a spot during particularly scenic moments. (A snack bribe might help… but no promises!)
Kev’s Thoughts on the “Best Roomette”
I have traveled in various Roomettes over the years, including upper- and lower-level rooms, both near and far from the bathroom. There isn’t a single “best” roomette.
I do have some favorite rooms. I tend to prefer Rooms 2–4 because they are close to the restroom, coffee station, and stairs, making them convenient. However, not everyone feels the same way; some people prefer to be farther from the bathroom for reasons of privacy or quiet.
I’ve really enjoyed Rooms 9 and 10, which are located at the opposite end of the train car. Although some people say they are “too loud,” I have found them to be perfect for my needs. If you are in these rooms and situated at the back of the train, they are actually quite quiet.
Fun fact: my very first roomette was on the lower level, number 14, in the 421 sleeper car on the Texas Eagle. My friend Sean especially enjoys the lower-level roomettes. I’ve learned that being flexible and open to new experiences is key to being a good train traveler.
Kev’s advice: It’s perfectly okay to love a room that someone else disliked. The true beauty of train travel lies in the journey itself, rather than in meeting every expectation. You won’t know what truly works for you until you experience it firsthand.
When I do make a room request:
When traveling with friends or family, I make sure to call Amtrak to request rooms that are nearby or at least in the same car. This is particularly beneficial when traveling with a partner and wanting more space. Two Roomettes can be more affordable than a Bedroom, and each of you gets your own room. I did this on a long trip with my dad, and it worked out perfectly.
When I’m alone, though, I skip the room request and enjoy the surprise of where I end up.
I have traveled with my parents without requesting rooms in the same car, and it actually worked out well. We each had our own space, allowing us to visit each other’s rooms while still organizing meals together and meeting up in the Sightseer Lounge car. Sometimes, a little separation can make the trip more enjoyable.
Booking A Superliner Roomette
There are various ways to reserve a roomette on Amtrak.
- You can book tickets through staffed stations.
- You can conveniently book through Amtrak’s app or website.
- Over the phone: 1-800-USA-Rail
- Or with a travel agent.
If you’re tech-savvy, booking from the comfort of your own home on your preferred device should be a hassle-free experience.
When you book a roomette, you have the entire space to yourself. Amtrak will not assign anyone else to share your room. If you are traveling with someone on the same reservation, you will share a roomette. If you wish to travel with someone and have more privacy, you can book two roomettes under a single reservation.
Roomettes are assigned randomly. However, if you are booking multiple rooms for a group, you can call Amtrak and request that the rooms be located near each other. They will do their best to accommodate your request if nearby rooms are available, but there is no guarantee, especially for last-minute bookings. To ensure your group stays together, it’s best to book early.
Your tickets
After booking, Amtrak emails you your receipt and ticket, which include your room assignment. The ticket also appears in the app if you used your Guest Rewards number at checkout or entered your travel details.
Reasons to call Amtrak or visit a staffed station
If you need to book multiple rooms near each other, require a specific roomette, or are not satisfied with the location of your assigned roomette on an Amtrak train, you may need to contact the station staff or call Amtrak directly.
Amtrak will attempt to fulfill such requests, provided resources are available. Therefore, it’s advisable to book your ticket as early as possible.
The Cost of a Superliner Roomette
One of the most frequently asked questions is about the cost of an Amtrak roomette, but it isn’t easy to answer because there are many variables to consider.
These variables may include your departure and arrival destinations, booking date, room availability, and the number of people traveling with you.
However, check out my page for tips on saving money on Amtrak. The best way to determine the cost of a roomette is to enter your starting and ending points into Amtrak’s website for a few dates and see the results. The more flexibility you have, the better your chances of getting the trip you want at a price you are willing to pay.
Packing Ideas for an Amtrak Superliner Roomette
A few thoughtful packing decisions can significantly enhance the comfort and enjoyment of your train trip.
Entertainment Essentials
Your phone’s internet may not work well in remote areas with limited cell service, so download shows, movies, podcasts, or audiobooks before you board. A good pair of headphones, charging cables, and a portable power bank or extension cord can help keep your devices running throughout the trip.
Don’t forget non-digital options, too. Why not get away from the screen, too?
- Books or Magazines: A great way to relax and unwind.
- Puzzles or Games: Travel-sized puzzle books or games are great for solo play or shared enjoyment with a companion.
- Need more ideas? I have a dedicated article featuring entertainment ideas for your Amtrak adventures.
Snacks and Drinks
Packing your snacks and drinks gives you more variety (and can save you money).
I usually bring a small reusable bag or lunch tote that’s easy to store once empty. For longer trips, I pack enough for the way there and pick up fresh items at my destination for the return ride.
Tip: Many large stations, such as Chicago and Los Angeles, have nearby shops, but prices may be higher than at your local grocery store.
Scheduled meals are included with your room ticket, and a café car is available for your convenience.
Stay Hydrated
Bring a refillable water bottle. Staying hydrated on the train is essential, and using your own bottle is better for the environment. Trains can get dry.
Thinking About a Drink?
Considering a drink? Here are the important details you need to know: You are only allowed to bring your own alcohol into your private room; it is not permitted in coach seating or public areas of the train. However, any alcohol purchased on board from the café or dining car can be enjoyed anywhere on the train. Regardless of where you are, please remember to behave appropriately—conductors have the authority to remove disruptive passengers, including those in Sleeper Class.
Tips to get some rest
If you’re sensitive to light or noise, pack some sleep aids like:
- Eye shades
- Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones
- Your preferred sleep supplement or melatonin (if you use it)
- I often pack a lightweight blanket and an inflatable pillow for added comfort.
A small travel blanket or cozy hoodie can also help you feel more at home in your roomette.
Car Etiquette For A Superliner Roomette
The walls in a Superliner are thin; you may hear conversations, phones ringing, and people moving around. Keep that in mind and use your inside voice. If you’re watching something on your phone or tablet, use headphones or keep the volume low.
I often skip wearing headphones when my door is closed, but I always make a point of checking that the sound doesn’t escape my room. I step outside or into an empty room next door to ensure that my volume isn’t too loud for my neighbors. If you prefer a louder sound or are watching content that may not be suitable for all audiences, please use headphones.
The car attendant is responsible for managing approximately 21 rooms. Their duties include making beds, delivering meals, answering questions, and ensuring that everything runs smoothly. Please be patient with them. If they have provided you with excellent service, tipping is a thoughtful way to show your appreciation. While tipping is not required, it is certainly appreciated.
Finally, please clean up after yourself in the common areas: the bathroom, coffee station, and anywhere else. This makes the trip better for everyone.
My experience with Superliner Roomettes
I have traveled over 200,000 miles on Amtrak since 2012, and being on a train helps me relax in a way that nothing else does. Having a roomette makes the experience even better; I can shut the door, close the shades, and settle into my own little world.
What I love most is the blend of privacy and freedom. I can relax, enjoy the scenery as it passes by, and listen to music or podcasts at a low volume without using headphones. Sometimes I’ll “watch” videos while the train is moving, though often it’s just for background noise, or I’ll focus only on the parts that actually interest me.
I prefer roomettes because I value personal space, easy access to meals and showers, and the ability to sleep flat. Once you’re on board with a sleeper, your basic needs are taken care of, allowing you to relax and enjoy the journey.
You may also want to check out my Amtrak Rooms: The Top 21 Things You Should Know article.
Safe Travels!
Kev
Do You Love Train Travel?
Want more insider Amtrak travel tips, route guides, and travel updates? Join my free Travels with Kev newsletter to get my Quick Reference Guide to Amtrak Long-Distance Trains, covering train equipment, dining options, and more. It comes out every Thursday!
It is a simple way to start planning smarter, smoother train trips.
If this guide helped you, you can also support my work through my Support Page or by joining me on Patreon. Your support helps keep Travels with Kev going, and paid Patreon members receive a postcard from my travels each month.
This is really helpful We’re getting ready to go on our first trip and I was looking for more detailed information on roomettes. I’ve been a little concerned about the space (I’m fairly tall but my wife is short) after looking this over, I think we’ll be good. Thank you.
I am about 6’2,” and I am comfortable. You will be more comfortable on the lower bunk than on the upper. I hope you have a great trip.
Safe Travels,
Kev