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Amtrak onboard features
Enjoy a comfortable and convenient journey with a range of onboard features designed to make your travel experience enjoyable and stress-free. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, these amenities ensure you arrive refreshed and ready.
What's included
Air Conditioning
WiFi
Extra Legroom
Loyalty Reward
Power Outlet
Snacks
Bathroom
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Amtrak Reviews
3.5 out of stars
Based on 3812 reviews
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Overall sentiment toward Amtrak is predominantly negative, with frequent complaints about delays, inadequate customer service, and poor communication. Many customers expressed frustration with high ticket costs, unsanitary conditions, and subpar dining options. Common themes include dissatisfaction with customer service, inconsistent train schedules, and inadequate facilities maintenance. However, a few positive reviews acknowledged dedicated staff members and scenic routes, highlighting the potential of an enjoyable journey under better management. Despite some isolated positive experiences, the prevailing sentiment is disappointment in service reliability, quality, and responsiveness, suggesting significant room for improvement.
Customer Experiences with Amtrak: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Insights
Amtrak, the United States' primary rail service, continues to evoke a myriad of reviews from passengers across the country. While some travelers celebrate the timeless charm of train journeys, many express frustration over a range of persistent issues, from service quality to punctuality. This article delves into recent customer feedback, highlighting the key strengths and weaknesses associated with traveling on Amtrak.
Strengths: Where Amtrak Excels
Affordable Pricing: Passengers often commend Amtrak for its reasonably priced tickets, particularly in comparison to flights and car rentals. "It's more expensive than a bus but with superior comfort," noted one customer.
Staff Friendliness: Several reviews highlight instances of kind and helpful staff, enhancing the travel experience. "Our attendant Lucas has done a phenomenal job," remarked one traveler, singling out a staff member for praise amidst delays.
Unique Experience: Many travelers appreciate the scenic views and the social aspect of train travel. "Seeing the country the whole way... hearing their travel tales," was a sentiment echoed by a satisfied passenger.
Cleanliness in Some Regions: Despite some complaints about cleanliness, many passengers noted that certain trains, notably routes like the Northeast Regional, offered clean and comfortable conditions. "The seats were clean and comfortable," reflected one traveler.
Weaknesses: Areas of Concern
Punctuality Issues: A recurring theme in reviews is the frequent delays. A traveler lamented, "The train is almost always late and has been cancelled on me," illustrating the frustration experienced by many.
Cleanliness Concerns: Many customers expressed dissatisfaction with the cleanliness of trains and restrooms. "The bathrooms were nasty… disgusting conditions," highlighted one frustrated traveler.
Poor Customer Service: The quality of customer service often garners negative remarks. One customer reported, "The telephone booking app worked but customer service was awful," indicating a broader dissatisfaction with support systems.
Complicated Booking Processes: Amtrak's booking interface and cancellation policies have drawn criticism for being confusing and unhelpful. "The website is a bust... a sad attempt at creating an intuitive transit system in the US," stated one reviewer.
Logistical Challenges: Delayed trains lead to missed connections, causing logistical nightmares. A passenger shared, "One trip turned into 6.5 hours," stressing the inadequacy of time management on Amtrak’s part.
Recurring Themes in Customer Feedback
Several themes emerge from the feedback provided by travelers:
Theme
Description
Booking Process Satisfaction
Passengers find the initial booking straightforward but often face challenges with changes and cancellations.
Price Accessibility
Amtrak is valued for being an affordable travel option, especially for longer distances.
Punctuality
The majority of customers report frustration with delays, often citing missed appointments as a significant inconvenience.
Cleanliness
Complaints about restroom cleanliness and overall train condition were frequent, indicating a need for improved maintenance.
Staff Interactions
While many staff members receive praise, others are described as indifferent or rude, affecting the overall travel experience.
What These Reviews Suggest for Future Travelers
Travelers considering Amtrak for their journeys should weigh the company's attractive pricing and scenic routes against its notable service challenges. The insights offered by previous passengers suggest several potential areas for improvement, including:
Enhancing communication protocols to keep passengers informed about delays and train status.
Investing in better maintenance and cleanliness standards for trains and stations.
Improving customer service training to ensure more consistent and respectful interactions with staff.
Overhauling the booking system to simplify policies on refunds and cancellations.
Addressing and rectifying instances of rude or inattentive staff behavior to enhance customer satisfaction.
Amtrak Wordcloud
Ticket Deals and Cheap Fares
Tips to Maximize Your Savings
Want to save on your next Amtrak trip? Follow these tips.
Book Early: Prices go up as seats fill up, so booking in advance can lock in the cheapest rates.
Be Flexible: Traveling during off-peak hours or mid-week can save you even more.
Check for Promotions: Amtrak regularly offers deals, especially around holidays.
Join Amtrak Guest Rewards: Earn points on every trip and redeem them for free travel.
Check for Flash Sales: Amtrak often runs limited-time promotions that can save you even more.
Book Multi-Ride Passes: If you’re a frequent traveler, Amtrak’s multi-ride passes offer great savings over single tickets.
Who is it for? Perfect for group trips with friends or family. Groups of 2 to 8 traveling together on the same itinerary. The more people, the bigger the savings:
Discount Breakdown
Passenger 1: Full price
Passenger 2: 15% off
Passenger 3: 25% off
Passenger 4: 37% off
Passenger 5: 47% off
Passenger 6: 54% off
Passenger 7 & 8: 60% off
Key Perks & Conditions
Available for Coach seats and Acela Business Class.
Discount applied automatically when booking online.
Available on most routes: connectivity and speed may vary depending on the route and train service.
Wi-Fi-Free Zones: Some long-distance routes may not offer Wi-Fi or may have limited connectivity in remote areas.
Power Outlets & USB Ports: Available in all classes, Coach, Business, and First-Class cars on most routes.
Acela Express: Every seat has own outlets.
Long-Distance Trains: Power outlets are available in most rooms and coach seats, but not at all older trains.
Onboard Restrooms: Available in all cars, regularly maintained.
Shower Facilities: Available only in Sleeper Cars on long-distance routes.
Learn about Amtrak train travel
Seats and Classes
Coach Class.
Business Class.
First Class (Acela): Premium leather seats with extra space, and service at the seat.
Roomettes & Bedrooms: Private accommodations with beds for overnight trips.
Amtrak Coach Class vs. Business Class
Feature
Coach Class
Business Class
Seating & Comfort
Standard seats, reclining, ample legroom
Wider seats, more legroom, extra recline
Amenities
Free Wi-Fi, access to Café Car
Free Wi-Fi, Café Car, complimentary drinks
Price & Extras
Budget-friendly, no reserved seating
Higher price, reserved/priority seating, quieter
Understanding the differences between Coach and Business Class on Amtrak trains
Dining & Food Services
Café Car: Open on most routes, offering a variety of snacks, beverages, and light meals.
Amtrak Dining Car on Long-DistanceTrains
Many offer traditional dining in the dining car, with full meals included in ticket prices for Sleeper Car passengers.
Routes with Traditional Dining: Coast Starlight, California Zephyr, Empire Builder, and more.
Acela Express: Complimentary at-seat meal service for First-Class passengers.
Flexible Dining: On select routes, "flexible dining", with pre-packaged meals delivered at seat in Sleeper Cars.
AMTRAK Baggage Size
Carry-On Luggage
Amtrak allows passengers to bring carry-on luggage on board free of charge. The following are the standard rules for carry-on items across all services:
Personal Item: One personal item allowed.
Size Limit: 14 x 11 x 7 inches (35 x 28 x 18 cm)
Weight Limit: 25 lbs (12 kg)
Carry-On Bag: Two carry-on items allowed per passenger.
Size Limit: 28 x 22 x 14 inches (71 x 56 x 35 cm)
Weight Limit: 50 lbs (23 kg) per item
Infant Items: Passengers traveling with infants can bring an additional item such as a stroller or diaper bag, which doesn’t count toward the carry-on allowance.
Rules for Specific Routes
Acela Express: Same carry-on allowance applies, but space is limited due to high occupancy. Arrive early to secure overhead or under-seat storage.
Pacific Surfliner: Size limit is slightly smaller: 28 x 22 x 11 inches (71 x 56 x 28 cm).
Excess Carry-On Baggage
Max Items: Allowed up to two additional carry-on bags, with a total of four carry-ons, including the initial two free bags.
Excess Fee: For each additional a fee of $20 per item.
Checked Luggage
Amtrak offers checked baggage service on select trains and stations.
IMPORTANT: Availability depends on whether the station or train has checked baggage capabilities.
Free Checked Bags: Each passenger is allowed two checked bags.
Size Limit: 75 linear inches (length + width + height).
Weight Limit: 50 lbs (23 kg) per item.
Additional Checked Bags: Two additional bags are allowed at $20 per item.
Overweight and Oversized Bags
Overweight Bags: Bags exceeding 50 lbs must be repacked. Overweight bags will not be accepted.
Oversized Bags: Oversized baggage (76-100 linear inches) is accepted for an additional fee of $20 per item.
Specific Routes
Long-Distance trains allowed: California Zephyr, Empire Builder, and Coast Starlight.
Acela Express: No checked baggage service.
Auto Train: While checked baggage is not offered, luggage can be stored inside your vehicle during the trip.
💡 Busbuster Tips: Ensure your departure and destination stations have checked baggage service available.
Stations Without Checked Baggage
If you are traveling to or from a station without checked baggage service, you must carry your luggage onboard as carry-on items.
Special Items
Some items require special handling and may incur additional fees.
Bicycles
Carry-On Service: Folding bicycles under 34 x 15 x 48 inches are allowed as carry-on items on most trains and do not require a bicycle reservation.
Bicycle Racks: Certain routes offer trainside bicycle service or carry-on bicycle racks for a small fee (usually $20).
Routes Offering Bike Service: Capitol Corridor, Pacific Surfliner, and select long-distance routes like the California Zephyr.
Checked Bicycles: A $20 fee applies, and bicycles must be boxed (bicycle boxes can be purchased at staffed stations).
Musical Instruments
Carry-On: Small instruments that fit within carry-on size limits can be brought onboard.
Larger instruments may require purchasing an extra seat.
Checked Instruments: Large instruments such as cellos or double basses can be checked if they fall within size and weight limits.
Sports Equipment
Skis & Snowboards: Skis, snowboards, and poles are allowed as carry-on items or can be checked free of charge in place of a piece of luggage.
Surfboards & Wakeboards: On select routes like the Pacific Surfliner and can be checked for a $10 fee. They must be in a protective cover.
Pets Policy
While most Amtrak trains allow pets, there are some exceptions based on the service and train type.
Only dogs and cats are allowed to travel as pets.
Reservations are limited to one pet per customer.
Trip Duration: Allowed on trips of up to 7 hours (this includes transfer times if applicable).
Longer Trips: Pets are not allowed on journeys that exceed this duration, except for specific trains that permit them.
Routes Not Allowed
Adirondack
Maple Leaf
Amtrak Cascades in Canada.
Auto Train
San Joaquins
Thruway Bus Connections (Amtrak Thruway Bus services, which connect to train routes).
Pet-Friendly Routes
Northeast Regional: On all trains between Boston and Virginia.
Acela Express (Weekend Only): Allowed on weekend Acela services but are prohibited on weekdays.
Midwest Routes: Hiawatha, Wolverine, and Illini trains.
Pacific Surfliner: Pets must meet the weight and carrier size restrictions.
Capitol Corridor: Offers pet travel with advanced reservations.
Types of Pets Allowed
Only small dogs and cats are allowed to travel onboard.
Weight Limit: Pet plus carrier must weigh no more than 20 lbs (9 kg).
Age Requirement: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
Number of Pets: Only one pet is allowed per passenger.
Pet Fee: There is a fee of $29 to $39 per pet, depending on the route.
IMPORTANT: All pets must travel in a carrier and must remain inside the carrier at all times during the trip.
Pet Reservations
Limited Space: Each train has a limited number of spots for pets, so reservations must be made in advance.
Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.
🌐 Reservation Channels: online, app, or call 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Pet Carrier Guidelines
Size Limit: No larger than 19 x 14 x 10.5 inches (48 x 35 x 27 cm) to fit under the seat.
Type of Carrier: Must be leak-proof and well-ventilated.
Carrier as Baggage: Counts as one piece of carry-on baggage, so plan accordingly.
Service Animals
It is important to note that service animals are not considered pets and are permitted on all Amtrak trains without any restrictions.
No Size or Weight Restrictions.
No Carrier Required.
Disabilities and Reduced Mobility
Accessible Seating and Accommodations
Accessible Seating: Available in Coach, Business, and First Class, located near entrances for easy access.
Sleeper Cars: Accessible bedrooms with space for wheelchairs, and private restrooms are available on long-distance trains.
Size Limits: Wheelchairs must be no larger than 30 x 48 inches and weigh no more than 600 lbs with the occupant.
Accessibility: Amtrak can accommodate both manual and powered wheelchairs.
Boarding Help: Amtrak provides assistance at all staffed stations with ramps, bridge plates, and mobile lifts based on platform type.
Priority Boarding: Passengers with disabilities receive priority boarding at all stations.
15% Discount: Available for passengers with disabilities on most routes. Companions can also receive a 15% discount.
💡 Busbuster tips: Reserve accessible seating or rooms in advance to ensure availability.
📞 Amtrak Call Center: 1-800-USA-RAIL or TTY 1-800-523-6590.
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