AMTRAK

AMTRAK

How do I validate my Amtrak Pass?
To validate your Amtrak Pass simply present your pass at the railway station prior to your first sector of travel. You must carry full identification such as your passport at all times when using your Rail Pass.

Do I Need tickets and reservations?
Yes. Your USA Rail Pass is not a ticket. When traveling on a USA Rail Pass, you must have a ticket and a reservation for each train you board. You must make reservations and pick up your ticket(s) before boarding any train.
Reservations for train travel should be made as far in advance as possible*; seats available for USA Rail Pass passengers are limited on each train. It is not recommended to wait until the day of departure to make your reservations as there is a greater chance that seats allocated for the USA Rail Pass may not be available on your desired train. If your plans are not flexible, non-USA Rail Pass seats may be available at an additional cost.

* Reservations can only be made up to 180 days prior to travel date.

How much are seat reservations?
Seat reservations are free of charge.

Can I request specific seating?
Amtrak does not assign specific seats. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. On unreserved trains, there are no guaranteed seats.

What is the difference between Coach, Business and First Classes?
Coach class seating:
Big comfortable seats
Fold down trays
Individual reading lamps
Ample legroom

Business Class seating:
Large comfortable seats with headrests and footrests
Ample legroom
Conference tables or fold-down tray tables
Overhead reading lights
Standard AC electrical outlets for every pair of seats
Complimentary newspaper and non-alcoholic beverage (served in Cafe Car) available on some trips.

First Class seating:
On Acela Express trains, you can enjoy First Class service. Amenities include:
Spacious seating configurations
Ample legroom
Movable arm and footrests
Extra large tray tables
At-seat attendant service
At-seat meal and beverage service (hot breakfast, lunch and dinner selections)
Access to ClubAcela lounges
At-seat standard AC electrical outlets

What dining facilities are available on board?
Some trains have Dining Cars which provide you with complete sit-down meal service. On other trains, Lounge, Dinette, and Café Cars provide more informal food service. And in some shorter-distance trains, no meal service is provided.

Most of Amtrak's long-distance trains include a full-service Dining Car, which serves hot meals prepared onboard by trained chefs for breakfast, lunch and dinner. All meals for passengers with sleeping accommodations are included in the price of their train ticket while Coach class passengers may dine for an additional charge.

Meals range between USD8-USD16 for a main course.

How many pieces of luggage are we permitted to carry?
Each passenger may bring aboard no more than two pieces of carry-on baggage. Not included in this limit are personal items such as purses, briefcases, laptop computers, baby items such as strollers, diaper bags and car seats, and equipment required for a passenger's medical condition such as breathing assistance devices and oxygen tanks. All carry-on luggage must be visibly tagged with the name and address of the passenger.

Each carry-on bag may not exceed 28x22x14 inches in size and 23kg per bag in weight. Carry-on baggage is limited to 11 inches on Pacific Surfliner trains.

Ski equipment, snowboards, golf clubs and bicycles are generally only handled as checked baggage on Amtrak trains, and not as carry-ons.  Amtrak offers checked baggage service at many stations and on many trains and Amtrak Thruway motorcoaches throughout the country. Not all trains and stations offer checked baggage services. Each ticketed passenger may check up to three pieces of luggage at no charge. Up to three additional pieces may be checked upon payment of USD10 per piece.

Do I need to pre book my seat?
Reservations are not required for regional services. Reservations are required for most long distance trains, First class, Business Class and Sleeping Car accommodations. Reservations can be made in Australia up to 11 months prior to the train departure date.

Can I use my rail pass on all trains?
The USA Rail Pass is valid for travel on all Amtrak trains except:
Auto Train
Acela Express
Thruway motorcoach connections (7000-7999 series)
The Canadian portion of trains operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada.

What are the difference in the Sleeper accommodation?
Sleeping car passengers are entitled to a range of hotel-like amenities, including fresh linen and towel service, complimentary bottled water and daily newspapers. In addition, as Sleeper Service passengers, you and your companions enjoy access during your voyage to ClubAcela and Amtrak's Metropolitan Lounges located at select stations.

Accommodation	Recommended Capacity	In-room toilet	In-room shower
Roomette	2 adults	None*	None
Bedroom	2 adults	1	1
Bedroom Suite	4 adults	2	2
Family Bedroom	2 adults & 2 children	None	None
Accessible Bedroom	2 adults	1	None

*A roomette on Viewliner trains offers an in-room toilet.

Most sleeping car rooms are designed to comfortably accommodate two averaged-sized adults, one in each berth. Regular Bedrooms can be combined to create Bedroom Suites. 

Is sleeper accommodation included in my Pass?
No, sleeper accommodation requires the payment of a surcharge.

Are meals included with my sleeping accommodations?
Yes, you will receive all regular meals as part of your accommodations.