Amtrak Dining Options – A Complete Guide

Have you ever wondered what the Amtrak dining options are? Dining on Amtrak is more than just a meal; it’s a chance to relax, savor freshly prepared dishes, and enjoy the rhythm of the rails while taking in scenic views. Whether you prefer a formal sit-down dinner, a quick snack, or flexible meal options, Amtrak’s dining services cater to a variety of tastes and travel styles, making your train journey even more enjoyable. Keep reading this blog to discover all the delicious options and tips that will make your onboard dining experience truly memorable. 

Amtrak Dining Services and Menu Options

Amtrak dining services provides everything you need to know about dining on Amtrak, covering the variety of meal services, menu highlights, and special accommodations designed to enhance your travel experience. 

Traditional Dining

• Chef-prepared meals served with white-table cloth service in the dining car for breakfast, lunch, and a three-course dinner.
• Complimentary meals for sleeper car passengers, with a complimentary alcoholic drink offered during dinner.
• Reservations are required; meals are served at scheduled times with communal seating encouraging social dining.

Flexible Dining

• Pre-packaged hot meals are available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with more flexible timing and no fixed seating.
• Available only for sleeper car passengers, with the option to dine in your room or in the flexible dining car.
• The first alcoholic drink is complimentary during dinner; service is less formal than traditional dining.

Cafe Service

• Casual, grab-and-go menu with snacks, sandwiches, beverages, and light meals available throughout the day.
• Open to all passengers, including coach seating, with no reservation needed.
• Offers flexibility for quick bites without formal dining and includes essentials like coffee, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages.

Menu Highlights

• Breakfast includes omelets, French toast, scrambled eggs, and continental options.
• Lunch and dinner feature steak, chicken, salmon, burgers, and vegetarian choices.
• Salads, sandwiches, and light appetizers are also available.
• Desserts include cheesecake, chocolate torte, and carrot cake.
• Complimentary coffee, tea, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages on some routes.
• Special meals for gluten-free, vegan, and kosher diets can be requested.

How to Order Food on Amtrak?

Ordering food on Amtrak is straightforward and tailored to fit various travel needs. Passengers can reserve meals in traditional dining cars, pre-order flexible dining for private accommodations, or grab quick snacks anytime from the cafe car to suit their schedule.

• On long-distance routes with traditional dining cars, you can make reservations for lunch and dinner, either in the dining car or via complimentary in-room service if you are a sleeper car passenger.
• Flexible Dining allows passengers in sleeper accommodations to pre-order meals with flexible timing and seating options, often served to your room or lounge.
• Cafe Service offers casual grab-and-go food and drinks available anytime in the cafe, no reservations needed.
• Ordering is usually done onboard through attendants or by phone in your sleeper car. For flexible dining, pre-ordering may be available through Amtrak’s platform before or during the trip.
• It’s recommended to reserve dining as early as possible, especially during busy travel periods, to secure your preferred meal time.

This system ensures a smooth food ordering experience tailored to your travel style on Amtrak.

Top Tips for Dining on Amtrak Trains

Here is the essential guide to make your dining experience on Amtrak smooth and enjoyable. Following a few simple tips will ensure you get the most out of your meals while traveling in comfort.

• Always wait to be seated by the dining car staff rather than choosing your own seat. This keeps the service orderly and comfortable for everyone.
• Meals for sleeper car passengers are included in the fare, but alcoholic beverages need to be paid for separately. Knowing this helps you manage expectations during your trip.
• Enjoy your meal at a relaxed pace, but be mindful not to overstay your seating so others can dine on schedule. Train dining cars often have limited seating capacity.
• Tipping servers around 15-20% is standard and appreciated, reflecting the quality of service you receive. Feel free to adjust based on your experience.
• Bring snacks or specialized dietary items if you have specific needs or anticipate long travel delays. This ensures you always have something enjoyable to eat.
• Use the cafe car for flexible, casual dining when you prefer no reservations or quick snacks. It’s open most of the day for your convenience. 

Commonly Asked Questions