An Amtrak Superliner Roomette is the smallest yet most popular sleeping accommodation. This car style is found on eight Amtrak long-distance trains. Superliners are Amtrak’s signature bi-level cars used on many long-distance trains.
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 have bedrooms, accessible rooms (for special or mobility needs), and family rooms.
My first Amtrak Superliner roomette was room 14 on the 421 Texas Eagle from Chicago to Los Angeles. I loved it! The year before, I went from coast to coast in coach class and found roomettes to be my new happy place.
Since 2014, I have been in an Amtrak Superliner roomette, and I still get excited when I hear my train called at Chicago Union Station or my turnaround stop. In the past, I even got a roomette for short trips, like 2 to 3 hours, because it brought me joy; I earned extra Amtrak Guest Reward points and 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
| 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 – Seattel, 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 |
Due to the tunnels leading to New York Penn Station, Amtrak operates two types of long-distance trains; in this case, they use Viewliners.
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 made up like the ones in the photo. However, new bedding and towels are available on Amtrak trains.
The Size of an Amtrak Superliner Roomette
Roomettes are the smallest of Amtrak’s accommodations, but can be an excellent travel method.
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 the lower berth or bed, which measures 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 you must climb steps to access it.
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 standard.
Superliner Sleeper Car Layout
Roomettes are available on both levels of a standard Superliner sleeper car, with rooms 1-10 on the top and 11-14 on the lower level.
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 appear only on the Auto Train, and only four roomettes are on the lower level.
The Lights and Outlet of an Amtrak Superliner Roomette
Please note that the railcars predate the widespread use of electronics.
As such, each room features only one U.S. three-prong wall outlet.
The best advice I can give you is to bring a simple multi-outlet extension cord, which will enable you to charge multiple devices simultaneously.
The Superliner roomettes offer various lighting options, including ceiling lights and nightlights. For reading, there are reading lights for each seat and the upper bunk.
Additionally, each seat has a reading light. Amtrak is replacing many of these lights with more efficient LED lights.
Presently, Amtrak employs two types of switches, although they are transitioning to touch controls as the cars are upgraded (as seen in the photo).
A helpful travel tip: the upper bunk has a reading light that provides excellent mood lighting while passing through the Rockies’ tunnels if you are traveling on the California Zephyr. This light also comes in handy when you head to dinner and offers some illumination when you return to your room.
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, which helps the room feel a bit more open and less confined.
All windows have drapes you can close for privacy or to block out light.
It’s crucial to note that you can only lock your room door from the inside. This means that when you exit your room, the door will not automatically lock behind you, nor can you 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—with a video—that shows how to lock your door and offers tips for when you leave your room.
Storage for an Amtrak Superliner sleeper roomette
Storing gear in your Superliner roomette
When you enter an Amtrak roomette, you will notice little space for your luggage.
However, you can use the step on one side of the door to place your bag against the wall. The headrest of the seat should prevent it from falling.
Additional items can be stored or hung in the small closet or on the hook opposite the step. Amtrak provides hangers for your convenience.
Remember that there is some storage space under the seats, but once the seats get pushed together, you cannot access anything stored there.
Packing as lightly as possible is fantastic!
Other storage options
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 enjoy station amenities. Some stations have a lounge, red caps, or other services to help you get 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 has bottled water, fresh towels, blankets, sheets, and pillows.
A shower is also available on the lower level for everyone to use.
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.
It is important to note that most Superliner trains do not have Wi-Fi. Therefore, it’s best to plan on not having 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 during your trip and free non-alcoholic beverages during meal times. 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 beforehand if you require assistance 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 cafe car to purchase snacks, meals, and hot and cold beverages, including alcoholic ones.
Please consult my resources below for more information, including sample menus for each food cart.
Getting Around a Superliner Train
Getting around Superliner trains is easy if you remember two things.
First, you must be on the upper level to walk from one car to another. Trains are linear, so you may need to walk through a few cars to get where you want to go.
Second, you must go downstairs to get on or off the train.
Trains sway, so you may need to use the walls or handrails to brace yourself.
If the sleeper car is at the front of the train, the roomette side of the car is toward the locomotive, but if it is at the back of the train, then the bedroom side is forward. That can change anytime, especially if there is a last-minute swap. However, in most cases, if you walk toward the bedrooms, you are headed toward a food car; you may need to go through a few cars to get there.
Can I request a room with the best view?
It is possible to request a room on the “right” side of the train, but unfortunately, it can be challenging to guarantee that you will get it. The direction of the sleeper cars is subject to change, making it challenging to ensure that you end up on the desired side. Switching rooms depends on availability, so it might not always be possible if you want to change rooms.
A ticket agent cannot guarantee which way a room faces because sleeper cars can run in either direction.
However, it’s important to remember that views are available from both sides of the train. Sometimes, a train may have better vistas on one part of the route but only part of the way.
Therefore, if you are new to Amtrak travel, don’t get too hung up trying to get on the “perfect side” because it is subjective. Just enjoy the journey and the views from whichever room you are in.
Visit the café or the Sightseer Lounge car to take in different views. Consider chatting with other passengers on the train. If you offer a treat or a beverage to the person sitting across from you, they may let you sit with them when your side doesn’t have as scenic a view. But there are no promises with that.
Kev’s Thoughts on the Best Roomette
I love traveling by train in a roomette and trying to remain open to which room I get.
Over the years, I have stayed in both upper and lower roomettes, each with advantages and disadvantages. There’s no “wrong” room for me, but I have certain rooms that I like better.
Rooms 2-4 are my favorite because they are close to the restroom, coffee, and stairs. However, some people find being so close to the bathroom unpleasant. I’ve also had great experiences in rooms 9 and 10, which some consider “too loud.”
My first roomette was on the lower level and is still my friend Sean’s favorite. I’ve learned that being a good traveler means being flexible, trying new things, and adapting to unexpected situations.
If you don’t put too much pressure on a trip to be “perfect,” things often go more smoothly, and you’ll be less stressed. When traveling with others, I request a specific room and want to be near them or in the same car.
If you embark on your first trip, it is crucial to focus on the new experience and not let someone else’s opinions shape your own. You can enjoy something someone dislikes, as it often happens to me. If you become too fixated on meeting others’ expectations of a “perfect” trip, you risk ruining your experience before leaving home.
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 are tech-savvy, booking from the comfort of your home on your preferred device should be hassle-free.
When you book a roomette, you’ll have the entire room to yourself unless you book a travel companion. Amtrak will not randomly assign someone to share your room with you.
Booking a roomette is simple, and booking multiple rooms for groups is not difficult either. However, it’s important to note that roomettes are assigned randomly.
To ensure your group stays together, please call and request that the rooms be assigned close to one another. The staff will do their best to accommodate your request if nearby rooms are available, but please note that there are no guarantees. If you make a last-minute booking, securing rooms together may be more challenging, so booking as early as possible is advisable.
Once you make your reservations, Amtrak will email you your receipt and ticket. Your ticket will display your room assignment and be available in the app if you booked using your Amtrak Guest Rewards number.
It’s important to note that all passengers must be on the same reservation if they wish to share an Amtrak roomette. However, if you want separate rooms, you can book two roomettes on one reservation.
Reasons to call Amtrak or visit a staffed station
If you need to book multiple rooms near each other, want a specific roomette, or are not satisfied with the assigned location of your roomette on an Amtrak train, you may need to contact the station staff or call Amtrak.
Amtrak will try to fulfill such requests, but it can only do so if 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 could include your starting and ending destinations, the timing of your booking, 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 what they say. 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
Packing a few essentials can make your journey more enjoyable when traveling by train.
Since your phone’s internet access may be restricted, it’s wise to bring devices loaded with shows and movies beforehand. Also, remember to pack accessories such as headphones, chargers, cables, and an extension cord to ensure everything stays powered.
In addition to electronics, consider bringing books and other forms of entertainment. Here are a few more ideas to keep you entertained during the ride:
- Podcasts and Audiobooks: Download your favorites for hours of distraction-free listening.
- Puzzles and Games: Portable puzzles or travel-sized board games can be enjoyable, especially if you’re traveling with others.
- More Entertainment Ideas: I have an article on entertainment on Amtrak ideas.
Bringing snacks and drinks is always a good idea. I usually pack mine in a small, reusable bag that’s easy to store once emptied. For long trips, I stock up on snacks for the outbound journey and buy fresh treats at my destination for the ride home. Some stations, like Chicago and LA, have shops and stores, but the prices may be higher.
A refillable water bottle is a must for staying hydrated and reducing your environmental footprint.
If you plan to drink alcohol, remember that you can only consume it in your private room. Be mindful of your behavior, as conductors can remove unruly passengers from the train, no matter where they are headed.
For light- and noise-sensitive people, packing sleep aids such as eye shades and earplugs can ensure a more comfortable and restful journey. You might also consider using sleep aids to help you relax.
Car Etiquette For A Superliner Roomette
Observe basic manners during your Amtrak journey, but I would like to discuss a few specific points.
It is crucial to use inside voices, as the walls are thin, and you should be considerate of your fellow passengers. If you are not using headphones, keep the volume of your electronics low.
Your car attendant is responsible for the entire car, so please treat them respectfully and respect their time. Though tipping is not mandatory, it is a great way to show gratitude for their service.
Be mindful of the common areas and clean up after yourself to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.
My experience with Superliner Roomettes
Roomettes are my happy place!
I have spent many happy hours traveling by train, covering thousands of miles. Being on a train helps me relax, and having a roomette is even better. I can shut the door, close the shades, and enjoy my little world.
Sometimes, I don’t have the best car attendant, but that’s uncommon. Unfortunately, not all passengers realize they’re not the only ones on the train. However, you can find those kinds of people anywhere.
I love a Superliner roomette because I value personal space, access to food, a shower, and the ability to sleep horizontally.
The best part about having a roomette is stretching out, watching the scenery, and listening to music or podcasts at a low volume without headphones. I sometimes “watch” videos while on the move, but often, it’s just for background noise, or I watch the parts I like.
Once you’re on board, your basic needs are covered if you have a sleeper, and the cafe is available if you want something special. Going to the cafe car can be a nice outing and a chance to stretch your legs.
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Kev
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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