If you’re planning a trip on one of Amtrak’s Superliner trains (which includes the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Southwest Chief), you have the option to book seats and sleeping accommodations on two levels. There are pros and cons of both options, but sensitivity to motion sickness or difficulty with stairs may be a deciding factor.
Here’s what you need to know about upper and lower levels in order to make the best decision for your trip.
Amtrak Upper Level
Pros
- Views slightly better
- Less noise from the tracks
- Easy access to sleeper car coffee station
- Potentially quicker service from sleeper car attendant
- No stair climbing needed to reach dining and observation cars
Cons
- Upper level can sway more and trigger motion sickness (be sure to pack medicine)
- Roomette passengers may need to go downstairs for restrooms (only one on upper level)
- The only way to move through Superliner trains is via the upper level, so you might hear people as they walk by your seat or room
Upper Level Seating Choices
- Coach: Almost all coach seats are on the upper level of the train
- Bedrooms: All bedrooms are on the upper level except for accessible bedrooms
- Roomettes: 10 roomettes are on the upper level (rooms 5 and 6 at the center of the rail car are recommended if you are sensitive to motion sickness)
Tip: If you plan to book a roomette and would like to sit on the upper level or have a specific roomette number you’d like to reserve, call 1-800-USA-RAIL to make your request.
Amtrak Lower Level
Pros
- Less sway
- Can be quieter than upper level
- Less foot traffic (passengers don’t walk through the lower level)
- Easy access to restrooms and sleeper car showers
- Next to sleeper car luggage storage (easy to retrieve items)
- Easier to get off the train at “smoke” stops and your final stop
Cons
- There might be more noise and bumps from the tracks
- You have to climb stairs in order to reach the observation and dining cars
- Exterior doors open and close at stops, making the rail car temperature fluctuate
Lower Level Seating Choices
- Coach: 12 seats, usually for passengers with accessibility needs
- Roomettes: Four on the lower level
- Family Bedroom: Four beds (two short) and windows on both sides of the train
- Accessible Bedroom: Handicap-accessible bedroom with private bathroom
If you have an accessibility request (such as lower level coach seats) or would like to reserve a roomette on the lower level, call 1-800-USA-RAIL to make your request.
US Train Travel Guide 