Amtrak offers sleeping accommodations on long-distance train routes to make the journey more comfortable. There are dedicated “sleeper cars” that have private rooms, and meals, coffee and water are included in the ticket price.
Read on to learn about each room type (including how many people can fit in the room) to determine which option is best for you.
This content was created by train travel advocates and is not affiliated with Amtrak.
Roomettes
Maximum occupancy: 2
Roomettes are the smallest and most affordable sleeping accommodation on Amtrak. Less than four feet wide and about 6.5 feet long, roomettes have two seats, one power outlet (bring a power strip to plug in multiple devices), fold-out table and some storage space, including a place to hang a garment bag.
The seats convert into a single bed and another bed folds down from above to form an upper bunk. If you are traveling with one other person, make sure one of you can climb into the top bunk if you plan to use the beds.
Pros: Most affordable and the perfect size for one person.
Cons: Not a lot of space, especially if two people are in the roomette. Climbing into the top bunk might also be difficult for some people.
Bedrooms
Maximum occupancy: 3
Bedrooms are larger than roomettes and include a sink, toilet and small shower (bedroom pictured top of page). There is a sofa that converts to a full bed, a single bunk bed that folds down from the ceiling and a lounge chair. Up to three people can stay in a bedroom (if three, two people must share the bottom bunk).
Pros: Bedrooms are more comfortable than roomettes, and the private sink, toilet and shower are great perks. There are also multiple power outlets, including a place to plug in a razor or hairdryer near the sink (we still recommend packing a power strip or power cord with multiple plugs).
Cons: Bedrooms are considerably more expensive than roomettes and bathroom smells can be unpleasant. This can be solved by using a shared bathroom in another part of the train if you need to do more than urinate. Or pack air freshener and scented toilet spray.
Bedroom Suites
Maximum occupancy: 6
Bedroom suites are two bedrooms that are next to each other and connected via a door. It’s a very expensive option, but useful if you are traveling with multiple adults and/or children and want to have connecting rooms.
Family Bedrooms
Maximum occupancy: 2 adults, 2 children
Only available on Superliner trains, family bedrooms do not have bathrooms, but do have four beds, with one bunk bed sized for adults and one bunk bed sized for children (keep in mind that the children’s bunk is less than 5 feet long). When not in sleeper mode, there is one sofa and two chairs in the family bedroom.
Pros: Great option for families and there are windows on both sides of the train. Explore the best Superliner trips for families to learn more.
Cons: The family bedrooms are on the lower level above the wheels so it can be a loud and bumpy ride.
Accessible Bedrooms
Maximum occupancy: 2
Accessible bedrooms are on the lowest level of the train and can accommodate a wheelchair. They are reserved for travelers with a disability. Amenities include a sink and toilet in the room. Additionally, on Viewliner (single level) trains, there is also a private shower.
Video Tour
Watch videos on YouTube to learn more about Amtrak sleeping accommodations and see the rooms before you book one. Here is one of our favorite videos (note that for safety reasons, you should ask the sleeper car attendant to set up the beds and not attempt to do this yourself).
US Train Travel Guide 