9 Types of Amtrak Train Cars You Should Know

Amtrak, the United States’ premier passenger rail service, offers a diverse array of train cars designed to cater to various passenger needs and route specifications. There are nine different types of train cars, each serving a unique purpose to ensure a comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable journey. Understanding the different types of Amtrak train cars can enhance your travel experience, whether you are seeking comfort, scenic views, or specific amenities. This comprehensive guide provides an overview of each car type, its functions, and what travelers can expect when riding Amtrak.

Discover the diverse range of Amtrak train cars designed to enhance your travel experience. From comfortable seating to luxurious overnight accommodations, each car type serves a specific purpose to meet the needs of different travelers.

Coach Cars

Coach cars are the backbone of most Amtrak routes, providing standard seating accommodations for the majority of passengers. They are equipped with comfortable seats that are notably larger with more legroom compared to airline seats, making them suitable for medium to long-distance travel. Amtrak Coach Cars offers various Amenities, including:

• Seating: Comfortable, reclining seats with ample legroom.
• Restrooms: Located within the car for passenger convenience.
• Accessibility: Designed to accommodate passengers with mobility needs.

Available Routes: All routes except the high-speed Acela Express feature coach cars, emphasizing their role in regional and intercity travel across the country.

Quiet Cars

Designed for travelers seeking a peaceful environment, Quiet Cars are coach cars where passengers are encouraged to keep noise levels low. They are particularly popular on shorter routes or during times when travelers prefer a tranquil space. Quiet Cars are equipped with various features designed to create a peaceful and comfortable environment for passengers.

• Seating: Same as standard coach cars but designated for quiet use.
• Behavior Guidelines: Passengers are asked to avoid loud conversations, talking on cell phones, and other disruptive noises. Phone calls should be brief and quiet.

Routes with Quiet Cars:

• Acela Express
• Blue Water
• Capitol Corridor (select trains)
• Empire Service (select trains)
• Hiawatha Service
• Keystone Service
• Northeast Regional
• Wolverine (select trains)

Business and First Class Cars

For travelers seeking enhanced comfort and amenities, Amtrak offers Business Class (also called First Class on Acela Express). These cars provide a more luxurious experience at an additional cost. Its features include:

• Seating: Larger, more comfortable seats with extra legroom.
• Perks: Complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and sometimes upgraded meal options.
• Service: Attentive staff to assist with seating and amenities.

Availability: These premium cars are found on many routes, especially high-speed and regional trains, but are typically not available on long-distance routes where sleeper services are provided.

Cafe Cars

Cafe cars serve as mobile dining and snack areas on single-level trains. They are perfect for quick bites, beverages, and light meals during your journey. Amenities including:

• Menu: Snacks, beverages, and small meals available for purchase.
• Set up: Counter service with tables for eating on the train.

Dining Cars

On longer routes, Amtrak features dedicated dining cars to enhance the travel experience. These cars are equipped with kitchens and formal dining tables. Its features are:

• Seating: Tables for four, with some routes offering a more upscale dining experience.
• Meals: Traditionally, meals are complimentary for sleeper car passengers, and all passengers can enjoy meals during designated times.
• Dining Style: Formal or semi-formal dining, though pandemic-related adjustments have affected traditional service.

Note: Passengers may be seated with strangers if their party has fewer than four members, fostering social interaction and efficient use of space.

Sightseer Lounge Cars

Sightseer lounges are prominent on Amtrak’s two-level Superliner trains, offering panoramic views of the scenery through large windows. Features included:

• Seating: First-come, first-served, comfortable lounge chairs.
• Scenery: Ideal for sightseeing and relaxing during daytime travel.
• Additional Amenities: Snack bar on the lower level for refreshments.

Sleeper Cars

Sleeper cars are designed for overnight journeys, providing private or semi-private accommodations with beds and essential amenities. There are several types of rooms in sleeper cars, such as:

• Roomettes: Compact private rooms with a single bed, perfect for solo travelers.
• Bedrooms: Larger rooms with full beds, private bathrooms, and additional space.
• Shower and Bathroom Facilities: Shared or private, depending on the room type.
• Attendant Service: A car attendant is available to assist with bedding, meal reservations, and other needs.
• Refreshments: Small refreshment areas with complimentary coffee, water, and juice.
• Meals: Included or available through food delivery services.

Routes: Available on Viewliner and Superliner trains, sleeper cars are essential for long-distance travel.

Vehicle Cars (Auto Train)

Amtrak’s Auto Train offers a specialized service that allows passengers to bring their vehicles along for the journey. Included features of the vehicle Cars (Auto Train) are:

• Vehicle Storage: Secure car carriers for automobiles, motorcycles, and other small vehicles.
• Route: Connects Virginia to Florida, providing a convenient option for travelers moving between northern and southern destinations.

Baggage Cars

Baggage cars are used for storing checked luggage and bicycles, especially on longer routes or those with high passenger volumes. Available services are as follows:

• Availability: Not all stations or routes offer checked baggage services.
• Check-in Policy: Bags must typically be checked 45 minutes before departure, though some stations allow on-platform check-in.

Stations with Baggage Service:

• Charleston, WV (CHW)
• Cincinnati, OH, Union Terminal (CIN)
• Columbus, WI (CBS)
• Crawfordsville, IN (CRF)
• Dyer, IN (DYE)
• Hammond, LA (HMD)
• Lafayette, IN (LAF)
• Meridian, MS, Union Station (MEI)
• Mount Pleasant, IA (MTP)
• Albany – Rensselaer, IN (ALB)
• Texarkana, AR (TXA)
• Tuscaloosa, AL (TCL)
• Winona, MN (WIN)

Different types of Amtrak Train Cars ensure that passengers can choose the level of comfort, convenience, and scenery they desire. From basic coach seats to luxurious sleeper accommodations, each car type is tailored to specific travel needs, making train travel across the United States a versatile and enjoyable experience. Whether you are seeking a peaceful, quiet ride, scenic views, or a full-service dining experience, understanding these different car types helps travelers make informed decisions and enhances overall journey satisfaction.

Commonly Asked Questions