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Question: Should I tip on Amtrak? If so, to who and how much?

Answer: This is a very common question, even among experienced train travelers. In answer to your first question, yes, you should tip on Amtrak, just as you would in a restaurant or hotel. As with most service industries, a good tip makes for a happier employee, which makes for even better service. And, even more importantly, good service deserves a good tip.

When traveling in a sleeper, the usual tip is a minimum of $5.00 per night as a basic amount, with an added amount depending on the level of service. As you will find, the attendants who support the passengers in the sleepers are usually very attentive, so consider giving more than $5.00 per night if you are satisfied with the service.

You can either hand the tip to the attendant when you leave the train or leave it in the sleeper, unless it is not the last stop of the line, in which case someone might be coming into the sleeper.

The basic services that the attendant should provide are: either carrying your bags to the sleeper as you board, or telling you to leave the bags as you board, saying he/she will bring them onboard shortly; having coffee and juice, and sometimes bottled water, available at all times, usually at the end of the sleeping car; bringing you a meal in the sleeper if you request it; waking you at a certain time if you request that; bringing a local newspaper or USA Today in the morning; providing clean wash cloths and towels; giving you toothpaste, toothbrush, first aid items or other necessities that you may have forgotten; and, of course, answering questions about delays, stops, and other changes in scheduling. I believe that special treats, like chocolates on the pillow, are beyond the call of duty, and warrant a larger tip. Sometimes, over special holidays, you might receive gifts such as chocolates, Amtrak wine glasses or a split of champagne. In that situation, a much larger tip is called for.

At the end of your trip, you can gauge whether you think the attendant provided service over and above what is required by his/her job, and tip accordingly.

With regard to tipping at meals, base your tip on the service. Food service on Amtrak can be mixed, but remember that the dining car is usually full, the ride might be bumpy and the servers are trying to get everyone served in a reasonable time period. A good rule for food service tips is as follows: $2.00 for breakfast, $3.50 for lunch and $5.00 for dinner. Even if your meals are included in the price of your ticket, tip as if you were paying for the meals. If you buy food or drink in the snack bar, leave an appropriate tip in the tip jar.