As the sole inter-city passenger rail service in the United States, Amtrak is the only way to travel around the country by train. Amtrak has a range of trains and while some policies are the same everywhere, the experience a rider has on the high-speed Acela Express commuter train will differ from the experience on a cross-country trip from Chicago to Los Angeles.


Amtrak's general baggage policy allows two carry-on bags and three checked bags. Each bag has a weight limit of 50 pounds, and bags must be checked in at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Not every train allows for checked baggage and not every station has the facilities to check-in bags. Cross-country trains always have baggage cars, but some commuter trains do not. Major train stations, such as Washington’s Union Station, have baggage-handling facilities, but smaller stations do not.

Food and Drink

Most Amtrak trains have at least a snack car, but the menu on this car is limited to snacks, fruit, sandwiches and drinks. A rider on a commuter route, such as the Northeast Regional, might do better to pack her own snacks and meals. Cafe cars are a step up from snack cars, with a similar, but expanded, menu. The Acela Express has more upscale cafe cars. Long distance trains, such as the Chicago-to-Los Angeles California Zephyr, have full-service dining cars.

Electronic Devices

Amtrak allows passengers to operate electronic devices at all times, although a given train's capacity to support those devices is usually limited. Coach class cars are not designed for an age of laptops and portable DVD players, and have few electrical outlets. Passengers in business class and first class seats or car with sleeping compartments can expect access to an electrical outlet. Wi-Fi service is available on the Acela Express, Amtrak Cascades, certain sleepers on the Coast Starlight and the Downeaster.

Sleeping Accommodations

Amtrak's long-distance, overnight trains have sleeper cars with a variety accommodations. The Roomette is a compact compartment with two fold-down bunks. The Family Bedroom is essentially the same style of compact room, but expanded to accommodate four bunks. A step up from the Roomette is the Bedroom, which features some furniture, more space and a private bathroom. The Bedroom Suite is a double-sized bedroom that sleeps four.

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