When planning a train journey, passengers want to know what amenities are available to ensure a comfortable and connected trip. Amtrak travels through almost every state in the United States and provides more than just transportation.
Whether traveling for business or pleasure, Amtrak trains offer passengers several amenities to make their journey comfortable and efficient, but not every train route offers the same thing. There are a few things passengers should know about riding Amtrak. Here is the definitive list of what Amtrak trains provide, including whether Amtrak trains have WiFi.
1 Most Amtrak Trains Have WiFi
Amtrak provides free access to WiFi services on certain train routes and in certain stations. Not all routes and trains have WiFi capabilities, especially on routes that cover remote areas of the country.
The trains that are equipped to provide onboard WiFi only support general web browsing in order to ensure there is enough bandwidth for all passengers.
Internet activities that require high-bandwidth access, such as streaming music and videos, are generally not supported.
2 More Legroom Than Airplanes
Amtrak has long prided itself on its commitment to providing passengers with comfortable and spacious seating arrangements during long-distance travel. With seating room that is far larger than most economy airplane seating, Amtrak seats allow passengers to stretch their legs, recline back, and even use adjustable footrests.
Additionally, Amtrak has no middle seats, only window and aisle seats.
- Amenities on Amtrak coach seats: no middle seats, reclining seats, at-seat trays, reading lights, electric outlets
3 Food And Beverage Services
Amtrak provides many dining options to its passengers. Most long-distance trains offer at least one dining option. The Café service offers to-go meals, snacks, and beverages. Traditional, sit-down dining meals are available in the dining car.
From delectable breakfast options to gourmet dinners, the menu on the dining car allows passengers to savor freshly prepared, regionally-inspired cuisine. Menus are routinely updated, and some Amtrak train routes are famous for their food.
- Passengers with private rooms have these meals included in their fare.
All passengers are welcome to bring their own food, snacks, and drinks. Passengers are allowed to bring alcoholic drinks on board, but they can only be consumed in a private room.
Though passengers are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on Amtrak, passengers can only consume personal food in their seats, and food cannot be reheated or refrigerated by Amtrak employees. Alcoholic beverages cannot be consumed in any public spaces on Amtrak.
4 Sleeping Accommodations Vary
For long-distance journeys, Amtrak offers its passengers a variety of sleeping accommodations. Passengers can sleep in a coach seat or splurge for a private room.
Private rooms on Amtrak vary in size and features, but they all provide a cozy and private space to rest and even shower during the journey. Travelers with private rooms can dine in the Dining Car.
- Private sleeping accommodations offered by Amtrak: Roomette, Bedroom, Bedroom Suite, Family Room, Accessible Bedroom
Passengers sleeping in a coach seat should try to choose a seat in a designated Quiet Car in order to experience fewer disruptions.
5 Baggage Assistance (& Low Fees)
Traveling with luggage can sometimes be a hassle, but Amtrak strives to make it easier for passengers. Amtrak trains offer ample storage space for both carry-on and checked baggage. Passengers can pack all the essentials for an Amtrak trip along with everything they'll need for their final destination.
With Amtrak's baggage policy, passengers can bring two personal items, a carry-on bag, and two free checked bags weighing up to 50 pounds. Up to two additional checked bags can be checked in for a $20 fee per bag.
Additionally, staff members are available to assist passengers with their luggage, ensuring a hassle-free boarding and disembarking process.
6 Bicycle Storage
For those looking to explore their final destinations by biking, Amtrak offers bicycle storage on select trains. Passengers can bring bicycles up to 50 pounds on board.
7 Pet-Friendly Policy
On certain train routes, Amtrak passengers are allowed to bring their small pets on the journey for a fee. Guidelines and restrictions apply, but Amtrak's pet-friendly policy allows travelers to bring dogs and cats weighing up to 20 pounds on board, making train travel a more inclusive option for pet owners.
8 Quiet Cars
If passengers are searching for a quieter environment when traveling, one of the tips and tricks to keep in mind when booking a trip on Amtrak is to reserve a seat in a designated "Quiet Car."
On these cars, conversations are kept to a minimum, and mobile devices are used in silent mode. These cars provide a tranquil space for passengers to read, work, or simply relax without any disruptions.
9 Lounge And Club Access Costs Extra
Amtrak offers exclusive lounges and clubs for select passengers, such as Amtrak Guest Rewards members or first-class ticket holders. These spaces provide a tranquil environment where travelers can relax or work, or socialize with fellow passengers.
Passengers can enjoy free WiFi access, complimentary snacks, and nonalcoholic drinks. Certain stations allow business ticket holders to purchase day passes which grant access to lounges.
- Stations with staffed Amtrak lounges: South Station (Boston, MA); Union Station (Chicago, IL); Union Station (Los Angeles, CA); Union Station (Portland, OR); Moynihan Train Hall (New York, NY); and Union Station (Washington, DC)
- Locations with unstaffed Amtrak lounges: New Orleans, St. Louis, St. Paul/Minneapolis, and Wilmington stations
10 Accessibility Features Are A Priority
Amtrak strives to make train travel accessible to all passengers. Amtrak's trains are equipped with features such as wheelchair-accessible seating, restrooms, and boarding assistance. Additionally, service animals are permitted on board to ensure a comfortable journey for passengers with disabilities.