Is Amtrak more comfortable than flying?

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.



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Train travel gives you leg room Our own research has revealed that taking the train gives passengers more space on average than other common forms of transport including, of course, planes. Kick back and get comfy because there's more room on average than other forms of transport.

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Seating accommodations On shorter train journeys, Amtrak's Coach Class seats provide a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the view. On long-distance journeys, you will find extra-spacious Coach Class seating with leg rests designed to enhance your comfort for long or overnight trips.

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Amtrak tickets tend to be higher than air fares if you book a roomette or bedroom as the price includes meals and private accommodations. However, Amtrak coach seats are often cheaper than coach seats on a plane, especially if you purchase tickets in advance.

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We often get the question “Is Amtrak safe for single woman”, the short answer is yes. You are in a train car full of people. One of the great things about Amtrak is the space. On airplanes the seats are so close together that it's hard to avoid touching your seat mates.

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Personal items such as a small bag or backpack must fit under the seat. Carry-on bags must be kept with you, and need to fit in the overhead racks or luggage tower. Most buses have baggage storage bins under the bus floor, and the bus driver will assist you.

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In almost all cases, Amtrak seats are not assigned. The exception is Acela Express route seats and business class seating on the Northeast Regional, Carolinian, Palmetto, and Vermonter. Otherwise, Amtrak has a first-come, first-serve seating policy for coach seats.

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Amtrak collisions and passenger deaths are rare – despite high-profile crashes in the last year, according to industry statistics and experts. Trains remain safer for passengers than cars or buses, and nearly as safe as airliners, federal statistics show.

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When choosing a seat on a train, try to get one in the center-most car, or one of the central cars. This will put you as far as possible from the most common points of issue for collisions or derailment, namely the front and end of the train.

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The reasons sleepers are expensive is simple: many more people want to take them than there are spots available.

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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.

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“Generally speaking, traveling by plane is faster and more convenient, but can be more expensive and stressful. On the other hand, traveling by train is usually cheaper and more comfortable, but can take much longer.”

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So, here are eight tips to make your train ride as comfortable and enjoyable as possible:
  • Get A Good Seat. ...
  • Wear Comfortable Clothes. ...
  • Pack A Blanket And Inflatable Pillows. ...
  • Bring Food And Drinks. ...
  • Bring A Book. ...
  • Get Up And Move Around. ...
  • Socialize. ...
  • Be Prepared For Delays.


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Part of the reason trains are more reliable, is because they are not as dependent on the weather the way airplanes are. The other great thing about trains, is that they take you right into the heart of the city. The stations are often just a short walk away from all the main attractions.

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What Happens If You Fall Asleep on Amtrak. If you fall asleep on Amtrak and your destination is coming up, an Amtrak conductor will wake you up.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Amtrak offers Wi-Fi onboard 29 of its 39 trains, which accounts for the vast majority of annual ridership. Most service is concentrated on the East Coast, Great Lakes, and some parts of California.

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Unlike roomettes, our bedrooms also have an in-room toilet, shower and a sofa that converts to a bed. Travelers looking to stretch out and upgrade from our roomette should explore our bedroom option.

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Motion sickness on a train is rare, but some people may be affected.

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