FAQ Topics
All FAQs
Yes! On most of our vacations, we also offer a reverse version. Please call and speak with one of our Rail Vacation Specialists for reverse options.
Yes! In addition to self-service handcarts, Amtrak offers free Red Cap Baggage Handling Services in a number of Amtrak stations, you can count on uniformed Red Caps to provide free baggage handling assistance at many major stations. We recommend that you accept assistance from only uniformed Red Cap agents. All baggage handled by Red Cap is protected by a claim check. Please be sure to ask our Rail Experts which stations on your trip will have Red Cap services available.
Absolutely! Our pricing on our website is based on double occupancy, for individual traveller pricing, please give us a call and one of our rail experts can assist you!
With the exception of Family Bedrooms (2 adults & 2 children age 12 or under) and Bedroom Suites (up to 4 adults), all Sleeping Car rooms accommodate one or two travellers per room. For more information about each type of room, please visit our private sleeping accommodations page for a variety of details.
The prices of the private rooms onboard Amtrak vary depending on what type of room you reserve, your travel destination(s), when you are travelling, how far in advance you make your reservations, and more! In general, we recommend that you make your reservations as far in advance as possible to secure the best rates – Amtrak Vacations can book your vacation up to 24 months prior to your departure.
In your travel documents, you will have vouchers for all of your services, including any sightseeing within the holiday. Your vouchers will list in detail where to go to redeem the voucher for services.
Yes, sightseeing is included in all of our holidays. Discover your sightseeing and add on options now.
Yes! You can upgrade from coach up until your departure. You can upgrade your coach accommodations to business class on the regional trains, or to a private sleeper on the long-distance trains. Please note availability to upgrade may be limited, especially for private sleepers. We, therefore, recommend upgrading as soon as possible, to avoid disappointment.
Yes, absolutely. With any of our holidays, you can begin or end your journey at any of the over 500 Amtrak stations. Search our map for a station of your choice now!
We offer three (3) ways to book a holiday with Amtrak Vacations:
- Call Amtrak Vacations at 1300 650 257 and speak with a friendly and knowledgeable Rail Holiday Specialist.
- Book online at www.amtrakvacations.com.au. Navigate to the holiday page you wish to book, click on the “Dates & Rates” tab, select your travel dates, and enter your contact details.
- Visit or call your local travel advisor.
With Amtrak Vacations, most of our trips can be booked up to 24 months in advance. To make a booking, please call Amtrak Vacations on 1300 650 257.
Yes, you can add additional sightseeing activities and/or hotel nights to most existing rail holidays we offer. There are a couple of ways to do this:
- On the website. You are able to view the Amtrak rooming upgrade options, hotel upgrade options, and additional sightseeing options through the online booking process. Details of the upgrades and price increases are listed next to each item. Additional charges may apply.
- When you speak with a Rail Holiday Specialist. Request an explanation of the upgrade options for your holiday as you wish. Additional charges may apply.
CARRY-ON BAGGAGE
Passengers are allowed 2 personal items, 25lbs (12kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches each and 2 free carry-on bags, up to 50 lbs (23 kg) and 28” x 22” x 14” each (Pacific Surfliner®, Capitol Corridor®, San Joaquin®: 28” x 22” x 11”).
Personal items permitted include:
- Required medical devices and medication
- Pillows, blankets, and outer garments
- Coolers, purses, or small bags no larger than 14”x11”x7”
- Small electronic devices with protective cases.
Infant Items:
Passengers traveling with infants under the age of two may bring an additional infant item onboard (stroller, diaper bag, etc.), which does not count toward the carry-on baggage or personal item limit.
Stowage:
Items must be kept in the passenger’s custody, stored in overhead racks, under seats, or in designated baggage areas: items may not be stored in empty seats, aisles, vestibules, or other areas where they may cause annoyance to other passengers or present a safety hazard.
*Due to limited space onboard trains, we ask that passengers please follow the Amtrak® Carry-On Baggage policy. Baggage that goes over the restrictions may not be accepted onboard.
CHECKED BAGGAGE
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. Call Amtrak® at 1-800-USA-RAIL for details of service availability.
A maximum of four checked items is allowed per passenger.
- 2 free checked bags, up to 50 lbs and 75 linear inches (length + width + height)
- You may check 2 additional bags at $20/bag
- Oversized baggage accepted for $20/bag (76-100 linear inches)
Additional Requirements:
- Luggage must be checked 45 minutes prior to scheduled train departure
- ID tags required on all luggage (free tags supplied in the station)
- Luggage must be in containers suitable for transport.
NOTE: Storage tubs and plastic bags are prohibited.
If you have additional questions regarding baggage guidelines on Amtrak, please call us and speak with a Rail Vacation Specialist.
You are responsible for obtaining and paying for all visas and passports, for meeting all health and other requirements, and for any documents required by the laws, regulations, order and/or requirements of the countries you will visit. Non-U.S. citizens must consult the appropriate consulates to determine if any visas are needed; you are responsible for obtaining all visas and entry documents independently. Amtrak Vacations is not responsible for providing you with specific visa and passport information or documentation, for any fees associated with obtaining these documents, and Amtrak Vacations cannot accept liability for any passenger refused entry onto any transport or into any country due to failure of the passenger to carry correct documentation.
All passengers travelling internationally are required to have a passport. Most countries require that the passport be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the conclusion of your trip. It is recommended you have a minimum of three blank pages in your passport when travelling, as many countries require blank pages. Multiple-entry visas are required for some vacations. It is your responsibility to verify all visa and passport requirements. The process of obtaining a visa and/or passport can take up to three months or more.
Some government agencies in foreign countries require Amtrak Vacations to collect and pass on certain personal and other details related to you, including but not limited to government-issued identification and passport details. If you fail to supply the details as requested fully and accurately, your trip may be interrupted or cancelled. There are no refunds for failure to provide documentation or failure to provide documentation by the time required.
CANADA
To enter and leave Canada, all U.S. citizens must carry proof of citizenship such as a valid passport or passport card. Noncitizens must have a valid passport, visa or alien card that permits entry into Canada. A “multiple entry” visa for return to the U.S. may be required. You are responsible for obtaining and paying for any visa, passport or documentation needed. Passengers travelling on Amtrak rail into Canada must provide date of birth, citizenship and passport information at the time of reservation. Amtrak Vacations is not responsible for any passenger that is denied entry into Canada. If the remaining portion of the trip must be cancelled, the passenger is subject to the cancellation fees noted above and is responsible for all fees to return home. Contact the Canadian Consulate before travelling for current and further information.
If you have additional questions regarding ID requirements, please call us and speak with a Rail Holiday Specialist.
Yes, Amtrak passengers 15 years of age or older must present acceptable Identification (ID) when purchasing tickets, checking baggage, sending Amtrak Express® shipments, and onboard trains when paying fares or if otherwise requested. Acceptable ID includes a driver’s license, passport, government agency ID card, and other specific forms of ID. All IDs must be current and valid. Please contact us for specific details, including requirements for passengers 15 to 17 years old who do not have their own ID.
If you need further information regarding documents required for rail travel, please call us and speak with our Rail Holiday Specialists today.
Yes, absolutely! You can take the Amtrak train one way and then fly home from a different city. This option is very popular with our Independent Rail Vacations and our Rail and Sail Vacations.
Your final payment will be automatically drafted by us 60 days prior to your departure.
Yes, all meals are included with the purchase of sleeping accommodations aboard the train as well as several other perks including; a picture window, showers and toilets, electrical outlets, climate control, individual reading lights, garment rack, fold-down table, fresh towels and bed linens, personal service (turn-down, coffee, make-up bed), and bottled water.
If you anticipate requiring medication en route, please carry it with you aboard your train. You must be capable of self-administering any medications you bring with you. Do not pack your medication in checked baggage, or leave it packed in your car on the Auto Train, as you will not have access to your checked bags or vehicle during your journey.
The Auto Train is only accessible from its two stations in Lorton, Virginia (approximately 30 minutes from Washington, D.C.) and Sanford, Florida (approximately 30 minutes from Orlando) and departs daily from each station at 4 PM with an arrival of 9 AM the following morning. Instead of being stuck in traffic on I-95, you and your vehicle could get carried away on the Auto Train. Simply pack your car with everything you need for your trip between Lorton, Virginia and Sanford, Florida and leave the driving behind.
Yes, most trains offer one or more dining options ranging from casual dining to full sit-down meals. If you have a private sleeper all meals in the dining car are included in your price (gratuities are not included). If you are in coach, business, or first-class, you are invited to the Café car where food & drinks are available for purchase and service is available from early morning until late at night.
All Amtrak trains are equipped with onboard filtration systems with a fresh air exchange rate every 4-5 minutes. There are enhanced cleaning and disinfecting protocols at stations and onboard Amtrak trains as well.
If you are checking bags, you should arrive no less than an hour before departure. If you are not checking bags, you should arrive at least 45 minutes to an hour prior to departure. If you need help with baggage, tickets, or any other services, or if you are departing from a large or busy station, we recommend you arrive at the station even earlier. Learn more about Amtrak stations.
Generally, we are independent travel, so transfers are not included; however, we typically offer hotel accommodations quite close to the station. If you prefer to add a transfer, many locations do offer transfer services between the city airport to train/hotel. Additionally, our Rail & Sail packages do typically include the transfer from your hotel to the cruise port. Please ask your travel consultant for more information!
The Amtrak Sleeping Car fleet consists of two types of cars: Superliner and Viewliner. The primary difference is that a Superliner features two levels of private accommodations per car (double-decker trains) and Viewliner features a single level. For your trip, the type of car will depend on the route you select. Typically the Superliner trains operate west of the Mississippi River while generally, the Viewliner equipment operates east of the Mississippi River.
Unfortunately, trains are sometimes delayed and food supplies may become limited. If you have special dietary requirements or a condition such as diabetes, we suggest that you carry sufficient food with you to meet your needs in the event of a delay or other contingency.
Yes, most Amtrak routes offer Café service, with a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages for sale. Customers in all classes of service are invited to the Café and service is available from early morning until late at night. For customers placing orders in the café, signage and markers promoting physical distancing leading up to the café counter have been added. For added protection, protective plastic barriers have been installed at café countertops. Amtrak is temporarily offering flexible dining service on all long-distance routes (except Auto Train) and encouraging customers in private rooms to opt for room service. Dining and lounge seating will remain available on select long-distance routes with physical distancing protocols in place. Guests with private sleepers may choose to have meals delivered to their rooms.
We can provide special menu selections on most trains with 72-hour advance notice. We require 24-hour advance notice for the Acela Express First Class service. You do not need to provide advance notice for vegetarian meals.
All of our hotels are centrally located within each city we visit. Most are within a short distance of the Amtrak station and local sights. Many hotels do offer transfer services between the city airport to train/hotel. Additionally, our Rail & Sail packages do typically include the transfer from your hotel to the cruise port. Please ask your travel consultant for more information.
We can supply ice for your cooler/container to keep medication cool. You may carry dry ice for your medication in checked baggage or carry-on baggage as long as it meets the proper conditions.
For the safety of our customers and employees, Amtrak is temporarily accepting cashless payments only, except on select routes in California, Pennsylvania, and Maine. Additionally, Café cars are temporarily operating as carryout only.
Unless you're taking the Auto Train, plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. If you need assistance with baggage and/or ticketing, we recommend you arrive 60 minutes early. There are special boarding procedures and check-in times for Auto Train, so passengers should arrive at the station at least two hours prior to departure.
If you are travelling in a Roomette or Bedroom, your train car attendant will take your meal reservations once onboard.
Be sure to look for signs and kiosks that give instructions for what to expect and where to board at unstaffed stations. Check the train status on the Amtrak app before arriving at your station. Train crews will direct you to the appropriate car and will help with your luggage.
The boarding process is very easy, but does vary from station to station. Here are some tips to help on your journey, beginning with what you need to know about boarding your train.
If your station has a lounge, and you are traveling in a Roomette or Bedroom, you can store your luggage for free in the lounge. To learn more about at-station baggage services and storage, visit https://www.amtrak.com/onboard/baggage-policy/at-station-baggage-services.html
Boarding gates are usually posted 15 minutes prior to a train's departure. Many stations have monitors and signs that display the boarding gate locations for each train. At many stations, Amtrak customer service representatives will make announcements about boarding times and gate locations.
Get automatic boarding gate notifications in the Amtrak App
You'll automatically receive gate and track notifications right on your phone if you're departing from select stations. Just download the Amtrak app and make sure "Trip Updates & Status" is enabled in the settings.
Children ages 2 - 12 are eligible to receive a 50% discount on the lowest available adult rail fare on most Amtrak trains with at least one fare-paying adult (age 16+).
Speak to the staff at the station. They can get you rebooked on the next available train and most likely provide a hotel voucher if needed. If a voucher is not provided, keep your receipts to submit to your insurance.
Amtrak is following industry recommendations for deep cleaning and sanitizing of its trains prior to service, with additional en-route cleaning to disinfect restrooms and frequently touched surfaces along the journey. Amtrak has been working diligently to enhance safety protocols, including partnering with Lysol to reinforce disinfection protocols, utilizing EPA-registered cleaning products, and enhancing cleaning on commonly used surfaces. All trains are also equipped with onboard filtration systems with a fresh air exchange rate every 4-5 minutes.
While Amtrak passengers and employees are no longer required to wear masks while on board trains or in stations, masks are welcome and remain an important preventive measure against COVID-19. Anyone needing or choosing to wear one is encouraged to do so.
In all rooms, daytime seating converts to beds at night. Electrical outlets, climate controls, reading lights, a small closet, and a fold-down table are all within easy reach. Bed linens and soap are included, as are Dining Car meals, bottled water, coffee, and assistance from a Sleeping Car attendant.
All rooms have access to restrooms and showers. Bedrooms and Bedroom Suite accommodations have an in-room private bathroom with a toilet and shower, as well as, a sink and vanity. Accessible Rooms have an in-room sink and restroom, with shared shower access just outside the room. For superliner roomettes, the shared bathrooms and shower are just down the hall from your accommodation.
Once you book with your deposit or full payment, a confirmation email and invoice will be sent to your email after 24 hours. Additionally, after we receive your full payment, travel documents will be emailed to you 14-21 days prior to your departure. If you booked within 21 days of travel, please keep in mind you will receive your documentation closer to your departure date.
In general, each passenger is allowed two (2) carry-on bags and up to 4 checked bags. The carry-on and personal items, as well as, the first 2 checked bags are free of charge.
Each passenger may bring one personal item (which needs to fit under your seat) up to 25 lbs. (12 kg) and 14 x 11 x 7 inches, and two carry-on items, up to 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. The max sizes allowed for the Pacific Surfliner®, Capitol Corridor®, San Joaquin® routes are up to 28” x 22” x 11”.
Additionally, each passenger can check up to 4 bags – 2 free of charge and 2 for $20 per bag, each not to exceed 50 lbs (23 kg), 75 linear inches (length + width + height) if the origin and destination stations offer checked baggage service.
* You must be able to safely lift personal and carry-on items over your head onto the luggage shelf.
Amtrak trains traveling on long-distance routes typically use either two-level Superliner or one-level Viewliner trains. Both types of trains include rooms arranged in various configurations as well as private and public bathrooms and showers.
A Roomette is designed for one or two passengers, with comfortable reclining seats on either side of a sweeping picture window. At night, the seats convert to a bed and an upper berth is lowered down from the ceiling. There are several sinks, toilets and showers shared between yourself and the other passengers booking Roomettes aboard the train.
A Bedroom is ideal for two passengers. The bedroom offers a private, self-enclosed toilet and shower in the cabin. Like the Roomette, the Bedroom offers comfortable reclining seats on either side of a panoramic picture window. At night, the seats convert to a bed, and an upper berth with its own picture window folds out from the upper wall.