Amtrak Superliner Roomette

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 roomettes to be my new happy place.

Since 2014, I have been traveling in an Amtrak Superliner roomette, and I still feel a sense of excitement whenever I hear my train called at Chicago Union Station or 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.

Due to the tunnels leading to New York Penn Station, Amtrak operates two types of long-distance trains, and in this case, they use 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 – 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

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 in length. 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 will need to 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 its standard state.

Superliner Sleeper Car Layout

Roomettes are available on both levels of a standard Superliner sleeper car, with rooms 1-10 located 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 ten bedrooms, with four roomettes located on the lower level.

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, 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.

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 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 that there is 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.

Storage space is available under the seats, but access to this space is not possible once the seats are pushed together. Some attendants may ask you to remove items stored under the seats if they believe those items could interfere with the raising or lowering of the seats.

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 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 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 worth noting that most Superliner trains do not offer 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 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:

1. 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.
2. To board or exit the train, you’ll need to go downstairs.
   All boarding and exiting happen from the lower level, usually with 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 example, to catch the best views), but unfortunately, it’s difficult to guarantee that you’ll get it. You need to call Amtrak or visit a staffed station.

That’s because sleeper cars can be turned in either direction, depending on how the train is assembled for that trip. Even if the same train runs daily, the orientation of your room can vary. Ticket agents and other staff usually can’t promise which way your room will face, but they can suggest options based on what is typical.

If you’re hoping to switch rooms after boarding, keep in mind that availability is crucial, as sleeper rooms often sell out quickly. Just because a room is available when you board the train does not mean it will be free for the entire trip. Therefore, make sure to ask before switching rooms.

That said, both sides of the train offer beautiful views, and the “better” side often depends on the specific part of the route. What’s stunning in one section may be less scenic in another.

If you’re new to Amtrak travel, don’t stress too much about landing on the “perfect side.” Instead, enjoy the experience and take in the sights from wherever you are. Want a broader view?

• Visit the Sightseer Lounge or Café Car—these cars are designed for sightseeing and are open to all passengers.
• Make a friend: If you’re traveling solo and strike up a conversation, you might be able to switch sides or share a seat for a particularly scenic stretch. (Offering a snack or drink never hurts, but no promises!)

Kev’s Thoughts on the “Best Roomette”

I’ve traveled in all kinds of Roomettes over the years—upper level, lower level, near the bathroom, far from it—and I can honestly say: there’s no single “best” Roomette.

That said, I do have favorites. I tend to like Rooms 2–4 because they’re close to the restroom, coffee station, and stairs, which makes them super convenient. But that location isn’t for everyone—some folks prefer to be farther from the bathroom for privacy or quiet.

I’ve also enjoyed rooms 9 and 10 at the opposite end of the car, even though some say they’re “too loud.” For me, they’ve worked just fine.

Fun fact: my very first Roomette was on the lower level, and it’s still my friend Sean’s favorite spot. I’ve learned that being flexible—and open to a new experience—is what makes a good train traveler.

If you’re new to Amtrak travel, try not to chase the idea of a “perfect” room. You might love a room someone else disliked, and that’s totally okay. The real magic of train travel is in the journey itself, not in checking every box.

When I travel with friends, I do ask to be near them or in the same sleeper car—but when I’m solo, I enjoy the surprise of seeing where I end up.

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’ll have the entire room to yourself unless you book a travel companion. Amtrak will not randomly assign someone to share your room.

Booking a roomette is simple, and booking multiple rooms for groups is also straightforward. 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. Securing rooms together may be more challenging if you make a last-minute booking, so it is advisable to book as early as possible.

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 essential to note that all passengers must be on the same reservation to share an Amtrak roomette. However, if you prefer separate rooms, you can book two roomettes on a single reservation.

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 assigned location of your 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 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 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 games or puzzle books are great for solo play or shared enjoyment with a companion.
• Need more ideas? I have a whole article dedicated to entertainment on Amtrak.

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 shops nearby, but prices may be higher than those at your local grocery store.

Scheduled meals are included with your room ticket, and a café car is available.

Stay Hydrated

Bring a refillable water bottle. Staying hydrated is important on the train, and using your own bottle is better for the environment. Trains can get dry

Thinking About a Drink?

If you plan to enjoy adult beverages, please remember that alcohol is only permitted in private rooms, such as your Roomette, and not in public spaces.

Keep it classy—conductors have the authority to remove disruptive passengers, even from Sleeper Class. However, if you purchase something fun while onboard, you are allowed to drink it anywhere on the train.

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 light blanket and a blow-up pillow for a little more 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

Please observe basic manners during your Amtrak journey, but I would like to address 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 at a low level.

Your car attendant is responsible for the entire car, so please treat them with respect and appreciate 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 in a horizontal position.

The best part about having a roomette is being able to stretch out, watch the scenery, and listen to music or podcasts at a low volume without needing 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 taken care of if you have a sleeper car, and the café offers a variety of special options. Visiting the café car can be a pleasant outing and a great way to stretch your legs.

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You may also want to check out my Amtrak Rooms: The Top 21 Things You Should Know article.

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Kev