Amtrak offers sleeping accommodations on overnight routes to make the journey more comfortable. There are several different types of private rooms to choose from on Viewliner (one-level) and Superliner (two-level) trains. No matter which room you book, meals, coffee, and bottled water are included in the ticket price.
Read on to learn about each room type (including amenities and how many people can fit in the room) to determine which option is best for you.
Private Room Overview
| Room Type | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Roomette | -2 facing seats during the day -2 narrow bunk beds at night -1 power outlet -Shared shower room -Shared restrooms -Some have private toilet |
| Bedroom | -Private bathroom with shower -Sofa and chair during the day -Wider bed on lower bunk -More room for luggage -Multiple power outlets -On top level of two-level trains -Accessible bedrooms available |
| Family Bedroom | -Windows on two sides -Sofa and two chairs -2 sets of bunk beds -1 bunk bed is kid-sized -Shared restrooms -Shared shower room -On lower level of two-level trains |
Amtrak Roomettes
Maximum occupancy: 2
Best for: Solo travelers, trips that are one night or less in length
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 private room 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.
Amtrak Bedrooms
Maximum occupancy: 3
Best for: Long-distance trips, 2 or 3 people
Bedrooms are larger than roomettes and include a sink, toilet, and small shower (bedroom pictured top of page). There is a sofa and lounge chair during the day. At night, the sofa converts into a bed that’s wider than the roomette bunks. A single bunk bed also folds down from the ceiling.
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
Best for: Group travel, families
Bedroom suites are two bedrooms that are next to each other and connected via a door.
Pros: Useful if you are traveling with multiple adults and/or children and want to have connecting rooms.
Cons: Very expensive. It’s helpful if there are multiple adults in your party that can share the expense.
Family Bedrooms
Maximum occupancy: 2 adults, 2 children
Good for: Families and scenery
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 Tours
There are many YouTube videos about Amtrak sleeping accommodations. These videos are a great way to get a feel for the different room types. Here is one comparison video to check out (Jeb Brooks produces good content!).
US Train Travel Guide 