Are you planning a trip and wondering if you can bring luggage on Amtrak? The answer is yes. Amtrak allows passengers to bring two personal items, two carry-on items per person, and two free checked bags. Here’s everything you need to know about packing for your next Amtrak adventure.
Can you Bring Luggage on Amtrak?
What You Can Bring on Amtrak
Amtrak passengers are allowed to bring two personal items and two carry-on items per person.
Personal items include purses, laptops, and diaper bags. The weight and size are limited to 25 lbs and 14x11x7 inches.
Carry-on items include briefcases, umbrellas, and small backpacks. All carry-on items must be able to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you. The weight and size are capped at 50 lbs and 28x22x14 inches (Pacific Surfliner is 28x22x11 inches).
Items that are not allowed on Amtrak include guns, ammunition, knives, and other weapons.
If you have larger items like skis or snowboards, you can ship them ahead of time with Amtrak’s luggage shipping service. You can also bring bicycles on most trains (excluding Acela Express and Northeast Regional trains), but they must be packed in a bicycle box or bag and stored in the baggage car. Passengers traveling with bicycles will need to purchase a bike ticket in addition to their train ticket.
Amtrak Checked Luggage Size and Policy
In addition to personal and carry-on items, Amtrak also allows passengers to check up to four pieces of luggage.
Each piece of checked luggage must weigh 50 lbs or less and have dimensions no larger than 75 (linear) inches when the length + width + height are added together.
The first two checked bags are free. Each additional is $20 for a maximum of four checked bags on Amtrak trains.
Oversized bags of 76-100 linear inches also cost $20.
Conclusion
Packing for your next train trip is easy when you know the rules.
Amtrak allows each passenger to bring two personal items and two carry-on items onboard. If you have larger items like skis or snowboards, you can ship them ahead of time with Amtrak’s luggage shipping service.
You can also bring bikes onboard most trains (excluding Acela Express and Northeast Regional trains), but they must be packed in a bicycle box or bag and stored in the baggage car. So start planning your dream train trip today — and don’t forget your camera to capture all the memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Amtrak stations allow checked baggage?
Amtrak offers a convenient checked baggage service at many of its stations. This service allows passengers to check up to two bags per person, with a maximum weight of 50 pounds each.
Current Amtrak stations that offer checked luggage include New York City, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, Indianapolis, Detroit, and Cleveland.
At these stations, passengers can check their bags at the ticket counter or at a self-service kiosk. To use the self-service option, passengers must first print out a baggage tag from an Amtrak-provided kiosk.
They then attach the tag to their bag and drop it off at the designated area. Amtrak’s checked baggage service is a convenient way to travel with all your essentials.
Not all Amtrak trains and stations accept checked luggage. It’s best to search the origin and destination to see if they accept it.
How strict is Amtrak’s baggage policy?
Amtrak’s baggage policy is strict, and passengers are limited to two carry-on bags and two personal items.
The total weight of the carry-on bags must not exceed 50 pounds, and they must be small enough to fit under the seat or in the overhead compartment. Personal items include purses, laptops, and diaper bags.
Amtrak does not allow any type of weapons on its trains, and all luggage is subject to search.
Passengers who need to travel with more than two bags can check them at the station, but there is a $20 fee for this service.
Overall, Amtrak’s baggage policy is designed to keep trains moving smoothly and efficiently while keeping passengers safe.
How much luggage can I bring on Amtrak?
Each passenger is allowed two personal items and two carry-on items.
Personal items must be small enough to fit under your seat or in the overhead compartment and include things like purses, briefcases, laptops, and diaper bags. The weight and size are limited to 25 lbs and 14″ x 11″ x 7″.
Carry-on items must be smaller than 28″ x 22″ x 14″, and include things like wheeled suitcases, duffel bags, and backpacks. The weight and size are capped at 50 lbs and 28″ x 22″ x 14″ (Pacific Surfliner is 28″ x 22″ x 11″)
Up to four bags can be checked (up to 75 linear inches) in Amtrak. The first two are free, and each additional is $20. Oversized luggage (76-100 linear inches) costs $20.
Can I bring liquids on Amtrak?
Amtrak has no limit on liquids. Dangerous liquids are prohibited.
Make sure all liquids are well-sealed to prevent leakage.
Can you bring a large suitcase on Amtrak?
Yes, large suitcases can be brought on Amtrak trains. However, they are limited to 50 lbs and 75 linear inches. A large suitcase that is between 76 and 100 linear inches is considered oversized, and a $20 fee will apply. No large suitcases over 100 linear inches are permitted on Amtrak trains.
Where do you put luggage on Amtrak?
Amtrak trains have several different types of trains, and each one has its own method for storing luggage.
The first type of car is a regular passenger car. These cars have overhead racks that are specifically designed for storing luggage. You can also put your luggage underneath your seat or in the aisle.
The second type of car is a dining car. These cars have limited space for luggage, so it’s best to store your bags in the overhead rack. However, you can also put your luggage on the floor next to your seat.
The third type of car is a sleeping car. These cars have storage areas at the end of each bunk bed. You can also store luggage in the overhead rack, but it’s best to keep it out of the way so that other passengers can move around easily.
The fourth type of car is an observation car. These cars have large windows that offer amazing views of the scenery. There is usually no place to store luggage in these cars, so it’s best to keep your bags with you in your seat.
Furthermore, most of the trains have dedicated storage compartments for checked luggage.
