What Amtrak Is and How to Buy a Ticket

Amtrak is the national passenger railroad system in the United States, run by a government corporation that operates long-distance trains and regional routes across the country. You buy a ticket through Amtrak's website, by phone, or at a station, then board at your departure city and ride to your destination. Unlike buses or planes, trains let you move around during the trip, bring more luggage without extra fees, and see the landscape from your seat.

A ticket includes your seat or sleeping room, depending on which class you book. Amtrak does not charge for checked bags the way airlines do — you get two free checked bags on most routes, plus a carry-on. You can bring a personal item like a backpack or purse at no cost. If you need more than two checked bags, each additional bag costs money, and the price varies by route.

Tickets are priced differently depending on when you book, which day you travel, and how far you go. A ticket bought weeks in advance usually costs less than one bought a few days before departure. Weekend and holiday travel often costs more than weekday travel on the same route.

Key Takeaways

  • Amtrak operates long-distance routes that cross multiple states and regional routes that connect nearby cities, and you book through Amtrak.com, by phone at 1-800-USA-RAIL, or at a station ticket window.
  • Coach seats are the basic option and cost less; roomettes and bedrooms are private sleeping cars that cost more and are available on overnight routes.
  • Two checked bags travel free on most routes, but you pay per bag for anything beyond that, and the fee depends on your route.
  • Amtrak trains run on a published schedule but can be delayed by track maintenance, weather, or freight train traffic, so plan for the possibility that you will arrive later than the timetable says.
  • Refund and change policies vary by ticket type — some tickets cannot be changed or refunded, while others allow changes for a fee or refund within certain timeframes.

Long-Distance Routes Versus Regional Routes

Amtrak operates two main categories of service. Long-distance routes connect cities across multiple states and take 15 hours to over 60 hours depending on the route. The Empire Builder runs from Chicago to Seattle. The Southwest Chief goes from Chicago to Los Angeles. The Lake Shore Limited connects New York City to Chicago. These routes typically run three or four times per week, not daily, so you need to check the schedule before you plan your trip.

Long-distance trains have a dining car where you can buy meals, a lounge car where you can sit and watch the scenery, and sleeping cars if you book a room. Coach passengers can walk through the train and use these spaces, though sleeping-car passengers get reserved seating in the dining car and lounge.

Regional routes connect nearby cities and take a few hours to run. The Northeast Regional runs between Boston and Newport News, Virginia. The Cascades runs between Seattle and Eugene, Oregon. The Pacific Surfliner runs along the California coast. Regional trains run multiple times per day on most routes and do not have sleeping cars — you sit in a coach seat for the entire trip. Some regional routes have a café car where you can buy snacks and drinks.

Coach, Roomette, and Bedroom: Which Class to Choose

Coach is the most affordable class. You get a reclining seat that faces forward, a window or aisle position depending on availability, and access to the lounge car and dining car. On regional routes, coach is your only option. On long-distance routes, coach passengers can buy meals in the dining car or grab snacks from the café car, though you pay for food separately from your ticket.

Roomette is a private sleeping room available on long-distance overnight routes. It is a small enclosed space with two seats that fold into a bed at night, a toilet, and a sink. A roomette sleeps one or two people. The ticket price includes meals in the dining car — you do not pay extra for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Roomettes cost significantly more than coach seats, and the price varies based on how far you travel and when you book.

Bedroom is a larger private sleeping room, also on long-distance overnight routes. It has two beds, a toilet, a sink, a shower, and a window. A bedroom can sleep up to two adults and one child, or three adults depending on how you arrange the beds. Bedrooms include dining car meals and cost more than roomettes. Both roomette and bedroom passengers get priority boarding and reserved seating in the dining car and lounge.

How to Book and What Information You Need

To book a ticket, go to Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL. You will need to enter your departure city or station, your destination city or station, your travel date, and the number of passengers. The website will show you available trains, departure times, arrival times, and prices for each class of service.

When you select a train and class, you will see the total price, which includes your ticket and any applicable fees. You then enter your name, email address, and phone number. If you are paying by credit card, you provide the card details. If you are paying by another method, Amtrak will give you instructions.

After you complete your purchase, Amtrak sends you a confirmation email with your ticket number and a barcode. You can print this confirmation or show it on your phone at the station. Arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure for regional trains and 45 minutes before departure for long-distance trains. Amtrak does not hold trains past the scheduled departure time, so arriving late means you miss your train.

If you need to change your ticket to a different date or train, the policy depends on the ticket type you bought. Some tickets are non-refundable and cannot be changed. Others allow one change for a fee, or changes without a fee if you book far enough in advance. Check your confirmation email or call Amtrak to learn what changes are allowed on your specific ticket.

Luggage, Pets, and What You Can Bring Aboard

You get two free checked bags on most Amtrak routes. Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds and measure up to 36 inches long, 27 inches wide, and 14 inches deep. You also get one carry-on bag and one personal item at no cost. The carry-on must fit in the overhead rack or under your seat. A personal item is a backpack, purse, laptop bag, or small suitcase.

If you need to check more than two bags, each additional bag costs money. The fee varies by route — it is not a flat rate across all Amtrak service. Ask at the ticket counter or call Amtrak before your trip if you are unsure how many bags you have or whether you will be charged.

Pets are allowed on most Amtrak routes, but only in coach class, and only if you pay a pet fee. The fee is usually around $25 per pet per leg of the journey, though this varies. Your pet must be in a carrier or on a leash at all times. Service animals that are trained to perform a task for a person with a disability travel free and do not need to be in a carrier, though they must be under control.

You cannot bring weapons, explosives, or hazardous materials aboard. You can bring alcohol, but you cannot drink your own alcohol in the coach or lounge areas — alcohol sales in the dining car and lounge car are the only legal way to drink aboard. Smoking is not allowed anywhere on the train.

Delays, Cancellations, and What Happens If Your Train Is Late

Amtrak trains run on a published schedule, but delays are common. Freight trains have priority on most of the track that Amtrak uses, so if a freight train is ahead of your train, your train will wait. Track maintenance, weather, mechanical issues, and passenger boarding can also cause delays. Long-distance trains are often delayed by several hours, and it is not unusual for a train to arrive 4 to 8 hours late.

If your train is delayed, Amtrak does not automatically refund your ticket or pay for a hotel room. However, if your delay causes you to miss a connecting train, Amtrak will book you on the next available train at no extra cost. If you miss a connection because of Amtrak's delay, tell a crew member or call Amtrak as soon as you know you will not make the connection.

Cancellations are rare but do happen, usually because of severe weather or track damage. If Amtrak cancels your train, you can get a full refund or rebook on another train at no extra cost. Amtrak will contact you by email or phone if your train is cancelled, though you should also check Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL if you are unsure whether your train is running.

Amtrak Guest Rewards and Discounts

Amtrak Guest Rewards is a free membership program where you earn points on every ticket you buy. You can redeem points for free or discounted tickets. To join, go to Amtrak.com and create an account. You provide your name, email, and mailing address. Once your account is set up, you earn points automatically when you book through Amtrak.com or by phone.

Amtrak also offers discounts for students, seniors (age 62 and older), military members, and people with disabilities. The discount amount varies by route and ticket type, but it is typically 10 to 15 percent off the regular price. To get a discount, you need to show proof of your status — a student ID, military ID, or disability documentation — either at the ticket counter or during online booking if you have the required document number.

Children under 2 travel free if they sit on an adult's lap. Children 2 and older need their own ticket. Some routes offer family packages or group discounts if you are traveling with a large group, so call Amtrak to ask whether a discount is available for your specific trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a bicycle on Amtrak?

Yes, but only if you pack it in a bike bag or hard case. Amtrak charges a fee for bikes, usually around $20, and you need to reserve space when you book your ticket. Call Amtrak or ask at the ticket counter to add a bike to your reservation before you travel.

What if I need to use the bathroom during a long trip?

Every Amtrak train has bathrooms, and they are available to all passengers. On long-distance trains, bathrooms are located throughout the train. On regional trains, there are bathrooms in the coach cars. Bathrooms are cleaned regularly during the day, though they can get busy during peak travel times.

Do I need to book a seat in advance, or can I just show up at the station?

You should book in advance, especially on popular routes or during busy travel times. If you show up without a ticket, seats may not be available, or you may have to pay a higher price. On some regional routes during off-peak times, you might be able to buy a ticket at the station, but this is not may provide.

What happens if I miss my train?

If you miss your departure, you cannot board that train. Depending on your ticket type, you may be able to rebook on a later train for a fee, or you may lose the ticket entirely. Check your confirmation email to see what changes are allowed, or call Amtrak when ready if you miss your train.

Are there outlets or WiFi on Amtrak trains?

Most long-distance trains have WiFi, though the connection can be slow or spotty in some areas. Coach and sleeping-car passengers both get WiFi access. Power outlets are available in some coach seats and in all sleeping rooms, but not all coach seats have outlets. Check with Amtrak or look at the seat map when you book if having an outlet is important for your trip.