Train travel is much simpler, as there is no TSA PreCheck® or CLEAR equivalent for Amtrak. Amtrak trains offer private rooms, more legroom, more space from your fellow passengers, more comfortable seats, and more food & beverage options.
People Also Ask
Why isn't there TSA security for train travel? Amtrak has own service, which makes the security check on the big stations, but it isn't the precise check like on the airport.
Arriving at the StationPlan to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart (Auto Train passengers should arrive at the station at least two hours prior to departure).
You may bring your own food and beverages onboard for consumption at your seat or private Sleeping Car accommodations. However, you can only consume food and beverages purchased in Dining and Lounge Cars in those cars. Personal food and beverages are allowed in the upper level of Superliner Sightseer Lounges.
Following federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines, we regularly conduct random ticket verification checks onboard trains to ensure that passengers are properly ticketed. Please be prepared to show valid photo identification to a member of the onboard crew upon request.
You + Two Bags = No Extra ChargeUnlike many transportation options, traveling with Amtrak is twice as nice with our generous baggage policy. When you travel with us, you can carry-on two free pieces of luggage. Each item should not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) and needs to be 28 x 22 x 14 inches in size.
No one may smoke anything in any area on trains, on Thruway services, in stations or in any other location where smoking is prohibited. This includes: Electronic smoking devices, such as electronic cigarettes.
We've added free onboard WiFi to a lot of our trains and stations! You can check if your favorite train or nearest station has WiFi here. If you're reading this while on one of our trains, wait before setting off to do your surfing.
If the passenger does not produce a valid ticket or proof of payment, the conductor may ask them to pay the fare or exit the train at the next station.
All your meals are includedYou can enjoy good food, drinks, with a window seat to view incredible scenery. In addition to our regular menu items, kids can get all their favorites onboard. All food onboard is handled with the utmost care for your health and safety.
You shouldn't try to tip the engineers or conductors, of course, since they're not service roles. To give an update on this trip I addressed in the question- I rode in coach-class on this particular train round-trip from Columbia SC to Washington DC. I did not have to tip anyone riding in coach.