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.