How do I pack for Amtrak?

7 essential things to pack for your Amtrak trip
  1. Food. Even if meals are included with your ticket, bringing food on the train is recommended, especially if you want to eat healthy. ...
  2. Warm Layer or Blanket. ...
  3. Motion Sickness Medicine. ...
  4. Cleaning Wipes. ...
  5. Non-Tech Entertainment. ...
  6. Tech Accessories. ...
  7. Cash.




People Also Ask

Whether it's a day trip or an overnight adventure, there are a few train travel essentials to consider bringing.
  1. 1. Entertainment. ...
  2. Headphones & Earplugs. ...
  3. Camera. ...
  4. Chargers & Adapters. ...
  5. Snacks & Drinks.


MORE DETAILS

Storing Items Carry-on and personal items must be kept with you, stored in overhead racks, under seats or designated baggage areas. Most buses have baggage storage bins under the bus floor, and the bus driver will assist you.

MORE DETAILS

They do random bag checks sometimes, but they don't make everything go through security like at the airport.

MORE DETAILS

Warm Layer or Blanket Many riders have had uncomfortable rail journeys due to being cold on the trains, even in summer. Be sure to pack a sweatshirt, fleece jacket, sweater or small blanket. Some people recommend a hooded sweatshirt as it can also provide some privacy and padding if you're trying to sleep in coach.

MORE DETAILS

While Amtrak does provide bedding in the Sleeping car rooms, you may wish to have your own pillow and an extra blanket for warmth. You may also ask your Sleeping car attendant for an additional blanket when they come to turn down your bed for a cozier night's sleep.

MORE DETAILS

Bring a Travel Pillow and Blanket While Amtrak does provide bedding in the Sleeping car rooms, you may wish to have your own pillow and an extra blanket for warmth. You may also ask your Sleeping car attendant for an additional blanket when they come to turn down your bed for a cozier night's sleep.

MORE DETAILS

Each passenger may bring onboard two pieces of carry-on luggage (this includes bicycles), plus two personal items, including small bags, backpacks, laptops, and purses. Please speak to the conductor if you have questions about any other items.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Arriving at the Station Plan 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).

MORE DETAILS

Can I choose a specific seat? Not while you're making a reservation. Your seat will be automatically assigned when you complete your reservation. You may change your assigned seat at any time after your booking is complete using interactive seat maps on the Amtrak app or on Amtrak.com.

MORE DETAILS

Items subject to the 3-1-1 rule include liquid and aerosol deodorant, cologne, perfume, shampoo, conditioner, dry shampoo, lotion, sunscreen and toothpaste. Outside of your clear quart-sized bag, you can pack your solid deodorant, toothbrush (manual and electronic), tweezers and mirrors.

MORE DETAILS

The following items are prohibited onboard the train: non-service animals, firearms and ammunition, hover boards, corrosive or dangerous chemicals and materials, incendiaries, martial arts and self-defense items, archery equipment, devices containing propellants, sharp objects, and similar items.

MORE DETAILS

Protein: Cheese sticks, jerky, beef or turkey snack sticks or bites, peanut butter, hummus, edamame. Fruit: Apples, bananas, oranges or tangerines, applesauce pouches, avocado. Veggies: Carrots, celery, cucumber, sliced bell pepper. Sweets: Chocolate, candy, cookies.

MORE DETAILS

Pro Tip: The best part about traveling by train? No liquids restrictions! Make sure you don't leave home without bringing the necessities! Each traveler may bring 2 personal and 2 carry-on items plus check up to 4 bags (2 free and 2 at $20 per bag).

MORE DETAILS

Trust us: You need a phone charger. And you're going to love the fact that every seat has an outlet for charging!

MORE DETAILS

Room to Roam Instead of being confined to a cramped, uncomfortable seat for your entire trip, a train lets you get up to stretch your legs and walk around to other parts of the train. That's not even an option when you fly, ride a bus or drive a car.

MORE DETAILS

Each passenger may bring two personal items, 25 lbs. (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches each, and two carry-on items, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each, onboard. Make sure you have a tag with your name and address on the outside of all your bags.

MORE DETAILS

Why isn't there TSA security for train travel? There is sometimes, TSA does random TSA level Security from time to time on AMTRAK stations. But you really can not HiJack a train, and take it somewhere, you could disable the driver and ram the train into the station at the end of a platform.

MORE DETAILS

In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you. In most cases, backpacks are considered personal items as long as they fit under the seat in front of you.

MORE DETAILS

The average Amtrak Coach seat measures 23 inches in width (compared to around 17 inches for airplane equivalent seating) with exceptional legroom and the ability to recline for an even more comfortable sleeping position.

MORE DETAILS

You can upgrade your seating from Coach to First Class and Business Class seats on Amtrak.com, through our mobile applications, at a staffed station or over the phone at 1-800-USA-RAIL. On trains with First Class private rooms, you may be able to upgrade to a Roomette or Bedroom, availability permitting.

MORE DETAILS