Home » Question and Answer

Question: I am taking my first long distance train trip. What do I bring and how should I pack?

Answer: Storage space on Amtrak is very limited. The standard Amtrak sleeper includes a slim closet, about 8" wide. There are two comfortable chairs that turn into bunks, so you can store luggage on the second chair/bunk if you are traveling alone.

If you are traveling in coach, there is an overhead shelf and some additional shelf and floor space at the end of the cars. However, these spaces fill up fast, and if you are not embarking at the beginning of the route, they may be filled up when you get on.

You can check bags on most overnight Amtrak runs, but be aware that you will not have access to these bags until you disembark.

The best luggage for rail travel is soft, with a changeable shape, such as duffel bags, athletic bags, packs without frames and garment bags. If you are considering luggage with wheels, remember that you often have to walk up a step to enter the train and you may need to lift the luggage to the overhead rack. A small folding cart to carry soft bags is often better.

If you have a sleeper, bath and small towels and washcloths are provided, along with soap. If you will be in coach, you will need to bring a small towel and something to wash your face and hands with. Those pre-moistened wipes are good. Or, you can just use the paper towels supplied in the rest rooms, but they are very rough. Bring along some lotion - the air on the trains is very dry.

Sleepers have electrical outlets, business class has outlets at the seats, as do some coach cars. You can probably call ahead of time and find out if your train has outlets at the coach seats. If the coach seats do not have outlets, there are usually two or three outlets in the snack bar or the view lounge, if your train has one. So, if you bring along a CD player or other electronic device you will probably be able to use it even if you are in coach. Remember to bring headphones so the sound doesn't bother others.

That said, you will probably meet plenty of fellow travelers to chat with. Train travelers are very friendly. Bring along a deck or cards or a small game if you like games and I can almost guarantee that you will find someone to play.

You can buy aspirin and Tylenol on board, so no need to bring that. You may want to bring some snacks, since the food in the cafe is a little pricey. However, if you plan on eating in the dining car (either because your meals are included in the price of your sleeper, or you will prefer sit down dining) those meals will be more than enough to fill you up and you will probably not want to snack between meals.

If you have a sleeper, there is no need to bring an alarm clock, as you can request that the attendant wake you at the appropriate time.

Bring slippers or sandals, since it is dangerous, and against the rules, to walk throughout the train in bare feet.

When deciding what clothes to wear onboard, be aware that the train is always warm, even in winter. The most you will need onboard is a light sweater. In coach, no blankets are given although small pillows are, so you may want to bring something to cover you while you sleep.