Aboard the train. On board, you do not tip the conductor or the crew operating the train. Even in coach, however, there will be a car attendant who cleans up and keeps coffee and tea available, and so if you are on board the whole day, most people will offer the attendant at least a few dollars.

Tipping on Amtrak is not mandatory, but it is a widely practiced and appreciated custom for specific services. In Dining Cars, where full-service meals are provided to sleeper car passengers, it is standard to tip the waitstaff just as you would in a land-based restaurant (typically 15-20% of the meal's value, or $5-$10 per person if the meal is included in your fare). For Sleeping Car Attendants, who handle your luggage, make your bed, and provide turn-down service, a tip of $5 to $10 per person, per night is considered standard for good service. In the Cafe Car, tipping is less common but many passengers "keep the change" or leave a dollar for the attendant. Red Caps (baggage handlers at the station) also expect a tip, usually $1-$2 per bag. In 2026, Amtrak has made it easier to tip digitally through some payment systems, but carrying small denominations of cash is still the best way to ensure your gratitude reaches the individual employee directly. Note that Amtrak's official policy is that employees are allowed to accept tips, though they are never allowed to solicit them from passengers.