What items can you take on Amtrak?

Baggage 101: What Can I Bring on Board with Amtrak?
  • one personal item, 25 lbs. (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches.
  • two carry-on items, 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches each (Pacific Surfliner: up to 28 x 22 x 11 inches each)
  • two additional bags for $20 each.




Amtrak has a generous luggage policy compared to airlines, allowing passengers to bring two personal items (up to 25 lbs each) and two carry-on bags (up to 50 lbs each) for free. Beyond standard clothing and toiletries, you can bring a variety of specialized items. Electronics like laptops and tablets are encouraged, as most seats feature power outlets. You can bring small household items and even small musical instruments, provided they fit in the overhead rack or under the seat. For food, you are allowed to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic beverages to consume at your seat, though you cannot drink your own alcohol in public areas (only in private sleeper cars). Specialized equipment like bicycles and pets (dogs and cats up to 20 lbs) are permitted but require a pre-paid reservation and specific fees. Prohibited items follow common-sense safety rules: no explosives, corrosive chemicals, or firearms (unless properly declared and transported in checked baggage on specific routes). Overall, Amtrak offers a more flexible "packing list" than air travel, making it ideal for students moving to dorms or families on long-haul adventures.

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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.

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Checked baggage service is available at a number of our stations and on many trains and Thruway Services. Not all trains or locations are equipped to handle checked baggage. Before you travel, make sure to check and see if your train and origin and destination stations accept checked baggage.

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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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You + Two Bags = No Extra Charge Unlike many transportation options, traveling with Amtrak is twice as nice with our generous baggage policy. When you travel with us, you can bring: one personal item, 25 lbs. (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches.

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Checked Baggage Each traveler can check up to 4 bags (2 free and 2 at $20 per bag). Size/weight limitations apply.

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All your meals are included You 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.

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You can bring a smaller cooler or insulated lunch bag with you on the train to include refrigerated foods, or consider buying a meal at or near your starting station to eat while on board. If you're planning to pack food at home before your trip, here are some idea: Salty snacks like nuts, chips, crackers, pretzels.

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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).

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If you want to get up and stretch your legs, there's plenty of room to walk around, with restrooms conveniently located in every car. On shorter train journeys, Amtrak's Coach Class seats provide a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the view.

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Prohibited Items 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.

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Stand back: Always stay behind the yellow lines at train stations. Enter or exit a station platform at designated areas. Stay off the tracks: Train tracks, bridges and yards are private property. Never walk, bike, skateboard or run on or along the tracks; it's illegal and dangerous.

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In October of 2021, I spent two nights on overnight Amtrak trains traveling between Miami and NYC. I stayed in a 20-square-foot roomette for $500 and a 40-square-foot bedroom for $1,000. The extra space in the bedroom was more comfortable for the long journey and worth the price.

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While not nearly as expensive, taking an Amtrak train across the US is also largely the domain of rail enthusiasts as it takes multiple days and costs significantly more than flying. In countries like Japan, South Korea and much of Europe, the opposite is true as the train is simply a way to travel larger distances.

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Yes. Complimentary meals are one of several amenities you'll enjoy when traveling in a private room. Learn more about your onboard dining options.

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Tipping. General Guidelines: Tipping is NOT required, but is considered correct for the service crew personnel on the train. Recommendations: Snack bar attendant: roughly 10%. Dining car: 15% of menu prices (sleeping car passengers may want to note this when ordering their meals).

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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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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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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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There are luggage racks at the ends of each car for large luggage pieces, and smaller hand luggage and backpacker packs easily fit in the overhead racks above the seating. As the overhead luggage racks are the easier option, don't underestimate the weight of your luggage.

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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.

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