With due respect to passengers' privacy, the random and unannounced screening and inspection of passengers and their personal items is completed as quickly as possible - usually in less than a minute.
All firearms and/or ammunition must be checked at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled train departure. Some larger stations require that baggage be checked earlier. Please contact your departure station for more details.
Amtrak, for example, bans knives completely. They are not allowed on your person, in your carry-on, or in stowed luggage. Generally speaking, this policy is not as strictly enforced as the TSA policies, but its lack of enforcement does not mean the laws and regulations don't exist.
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.
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.
Unlike commercial air travel, rail passengers do not undergo intensive security screenings. Most travelers will want to reserve their tickets ahead of time, on Amtrak's website or its mobile app.
Amtrak does operate its own police force (with true law enforcement officer powers, unlike airport TSA), but they are more interested in handling actual crimes than wasting time playing security theater at hundreds of stations spread across extremely rural portions of the country.
You may bring aboard your own private stock of alcoholic beverages subject to the following limitations: You may consume private stock alcoholic beverages only in Sleeping Car accommodations for which you have a valid ticket. You may not consume private stock alcoholic beverages in any public areas.
What happens if you fall asleep on Amtrak? The conductor will place a destination ticket in the holder above your seat. He will usually remind you within 30 minutes of your stop. If you are asleep, he will awaken you.
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.
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.
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.
If possible, try to secure the bag with a lock or cable tie so that it cannot easily be taken away from you. Additionally, if there is space available for storage above or below the seat, use it!
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.
Checked Bags: YesExcept knives with rounded-blades, blunt edges without serration/teeth such as butter knives, or plastic cutlery. Any sharp objects in checked bags should be sheathed or securely wrapped to prevent injury to baggage handlers and inspectors.
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.