What does quiet car mean on Amtrak?

Amtrak is proud to have introduced the concept of a quiet car into the transportation industry in 2001, beginning as a pilot program in 2000. Phone calls are not allowed, passengers are asked to limit conversations, and low overhead lighting is used to create a calming atmosphere.



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Specific features vary by route, but Business Class includes extra legroom, a wide and comfortable seat, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages (not offered in Acela Business Class).

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Pets are welcome in Coach class and Acela Business Class, but remember they may not travel in Acela First Class seating, non-Acela Business class, First Class private rooms or food service cars. On Keystone and Pennsylvanian trains, pets may not travel in the Quiet Car.

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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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Trains serving the long-haul routes are extremely spacious. This allows the traveler to spend time sitting comfortably in their seat, and also to move freely around the train. As some journeys last more than 24 hours, it is possible to book a room in a sleeping car.

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Amtrak is proud to have introduced the concept of a quiet car into the transportation industry in 2001, beginning as a pilot program in 2000. Phone calls are not allowed, passengers are asked to limit conversations, and low overhead lighting is used to create a calming atmosphere.

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In terms of noise from other passengers, Amtrak's conductor declares quiet hours from around 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., and lights are dimmed overnight.

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Many of the lines don't make any money or are operated at a loss. To accommodate the money-losing routes, Amtrak uses profits from its popular lines, such as the Northeast Corridor. Since this is one of the most popular routes, Amtrak can charge higher prices and send those profits to other, less profitable lines.

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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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Why do trains honk so much? Trains honk to alert people who might be on the tracks or cars about to cross the tracks to get out of the way.

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For customers seeking both privacy and savings in First Class, Roomettes feature:
  • Two comfortable seats by day transformed into upper and lower beds by night.
  • Newly upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens.
  • Access to a restroom and shower in your car.


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There is more room in the business class car along with free non-alcoholic drinks. Other perks include Amtrak points bonus and reserved seating on some routes (no reserved seating in coach cars). The train car layout is also slightly different in business class vs coach class.

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An Amtrak revenue management specialist told Trains last year that Business Class on the Auto Train had the effect of raising coach fares to the point where the company was losing business, so reservations agents had to “manually” override the yield management system to lower the price points.

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Amtrak Acela's business class tickets offer more plusher, wider seats than you'll experience in coach, but do not include a meal or in-seat service like first-class, roomette, and bedroom accommodations do.

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There is no additional charge to sit in the Quiet Car, but passengers are asked to occupy only one seat per person. Please do not use adjacent seat space for personal belongings. Passengers who board trains and find that seats are only available in the Quiet Car must follow the Quiet Car guidelines.

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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.

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Talk on the Phone on Amtrak Don't talk on your cell phone for extended periods while sitting in your seat. And by extended periods, I mean more than 2 or 3 minutes. No one wants to hear your personal stories.

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It's a very bumpy ride and many times the train must change tracks because freight trains take precedence. The freight train tracks are not smooth at all. Sleeping car rooms are expensive and very small. It's hard to fit one suitcase in your room.

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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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Amtrak does, in fact, offer scenic, luxury rail journeys to top locations across the U.S., especially if you are looking for some vacation deals.

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