Superliner trains are composed of “Superliner” rail cars — a specific model that has two levels. There are Superliner coach cars, sleeper cars, sightseer lounge cars, and dining cars (to name a few) that can be combined in different ways depending on the needs of the Amtrak route. For example, sleeper and dining cars are added to overnight trains, but typically aren’t on trains that travel shorter distances.
In addition to the Superliner, Amtrak also uses Viewliner, Surfliner, Acela and Amfleet rail cars. Surfliners are based on the Superliners and also have two levels, but are designed for more frequent stops and are only used in California.
Superliner Routes
The following Amtrak routes use Superliner rail cars. All are in the western half of the United States except for the Auto Train.
| Route | End Stations |
|---|---|
| Auto Train | Lorton (VA), Sanford (FL) |
| California Zephyr | Chicago, Emeryville |
| City of New Orleans | Chicago, New Orleans |
| Coast Starlight | Los Angeles, Seattle |
| Empire Builder | Chicago, Portland, Seattle |
| Heartland Flyer | Fort Worth, Oklahoma City |
| Southwest Chief | Chicago, Los Angeles |
| Sunset Limited | Los Angeles, New Orleans |
| Texas Eagle | Chicago, Los Angeles |
Coach Car Layout
All Superliner trains have coach cars with upper-level seating. There is a center aisle and two seats together on each side of the aisle. Luggage racks are above the seats for carry-on bags.
On the lower level are restrooms. A traditional coach car also has 12 accessible seats, or the lower level can be used for bag storage or a snack bar.
Sightseer Lounge Car Layout
Sightseer lounge cars (also called observation cars) are available on most Superliner long-distance routes. This lounge is on the upper level and is open to all train passengers, with seats that face large windows. A stairway leads down to a snack bar, additional tables and a restroom.
Dining Car Layout
Dining cars are available to sleeper car passengers and sometimes extra reservations are offered to coach passengers. They are located near the sleeper cars on the upper level of the train (a kitchen is below). Sleeper car passengers can eat in the dining room (tables accommodate up to four adults) or have food delivered to their room.
Sleeper Car Layout
All Superliner routes except for the Heartland Flyer have sleeper cars with roomettes and bedrooms. To increase privacy, the sleeper cars are usually at the front or back of the train and the coach cars are positioned at the other end. This ensures that there is no need for coach passengers to walk through the sleeper car (coach passengers are not allowed in this area of the train).
The upper level has one shared bathroom, 10 roomettes (#1-10) and five bedrooms (A-E) with private bathrooms that include showers. Here are the key things to know about the layout:
- Roomette 1 is next to the bathroom.
- Roomette 2 and Bedroom E are next to the stairs.
- Bedroom A and Roomettes 9 and 10 are at the end of the sleeper car, so you might hear doors open and close between the rail cars if you are in one of these rooms.
The lower level of Superliner sleeper cars contain the following:
- One family bedroom (2 adults and 2 children maximum)
- One accessible bedroom with a private bathroom
- Four roomettes (#11-14)
- Carry-on bag storage
- A shared shower with dressing area
- Multiple shared restrooms
Tip: If you book your sleeper car tickets over the phone (1-800-872-7245), you can request a specific bedroom or roomette.
More Information
- 9 types of Amtrak train cars
- Amtrak upper vs lower level
- 5 great Superliner trips for families
- 5 things to know when traveling on Amtrak
Top photo by Mark Levisay
Last updated December 2025
US Train Travel Guide 