For those that are new to Cruise Maven, I don’t fly. Instead, I travel a lot aboard Amtrak trains all over the country.
One thing is certain. I always try to have my own sleeping compartment with a cozy bed.
Depending on the route and current cost of a sleeper, I’ll buy an Amtrak ticket for a Superliner Bedroom whenever possible.
Whether it’s one night on the Amtrak Capitol Limited or two nights cross-country on the Amtrak Southwest Chief from Chicago to Los Angeles, I love having the larger deluxe bedroom. Especially because it has an en suite bathroom.
I’ve even rearranged my travel dates to find the most affordable Superliner Bedroom.
Amtrak Superliner Bedroom Review
Amtrak has two types of train cars, the single-level Viewliner and the double-decker Superliner. Almost all Superliner trains run west of the Mississippi, starting in Chicago and going across country. This is my Amtrak Superliner Bedroom review.
Two east coast Superliner train exceptions are the Capitol Limited between Washington, D.C. and Chicago and the Auto Train that runs between Sanford, Florida and Lorton, Virginia.
What is Included with a Superliner Bedroom
Included with a Superliner Bedroom are all of your meals for the entire journey. The same goes for bottled water, coffee and juice.
In addition to all of the included bedroom amenities, you’ll also have a Sleeping Car Attendant. He or she will introduce themselves as you board the train and make sure you are in the correct sleeper.
Once the train leaves the station, your car attendant will stop by your bedroom to explain how to use all the gadgets and dining procedures.
You’ll also be informed of their schedule for turning down and making up the beds. Yes, even making your bed in the morning is included with your bedroom.
What Does an Amtrak Superliner Bedroom Look Like
The main difference between and Amtrak Superliner Bedroom and Roomette is the amount of space. The bedroom features a long sofa and a separate chair that faces the sofa. There’s a pull-up table between the sofa and chair.
There is also the large vanity area with counter-space for your toothbrush etc. You’ll also find a small enclosed cabinet with a couple of shelves. There are also extra hand towels and wash cloths.
Superliner Bedroom with a Private Bathroom
Aside from extra space and a bigger bed, the really best thing about having an Amtrak Superliner Bedroom is your own private bathroom with shower. Fresh towels, soap and a handle to hang on to as you travel!
INSIDER TIP: Try to time your shower to when the train is going slower, or pulled over while waiting for a freight train to pass. Don’t waste a daytime station stop, though, by showering instead of getting fresh air.
Pre-Boarding Perks for Bedroom (and Roomette) Passengers
Included with your Amtrak Superliner bedroom, when departing from Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, Portland or Washington, D.C., is access to Amtrak’s staffed private Metropolitan Lounge.
In D.C. it’s the ClubAcela Lounge. Here you’ll find comfortable chairs, complimentary snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, newspapers, and free WiFi.
A sleeping compartment also includes priority boarding. This is a wonderful feature, especially when leaving from crowded stations like Chicago, L.A. and Washington, D.C.
How Much Luggage is Allowed
If you’re used to flying, you’ll be shocked to learn that every passenger on Amtrak can bring two small bags up to 25 lbs. each as well as two larger bags up to 50 lbs. each.
Whether you want to crowd yourself in your bedroom or check your bags is of course your decision. Generally, I’ll pack so that I can check the largest piece of luggage and then bring into my bedroom any smaller pieces.
This would include my computer suitcase, a soft-sided overnight bag and maybe another bag with snacks and miscellaneous stuff. But you can check up to two 50 lbs. bags for free.
Red Cap Service at Amtrak Stations
The major Amtrak stations mentioned above, plus a few other busy train stations around the country offer complimentary Red Cap service. Red Caps are Amtrak employees available to load your luggage onto their carts. They’ll also deliver it to your designated bedroom or roomette.
Most likely you’ll ride with them on their electric “golf” cart along with your luggage to the door of your sleeping car. Your Red Cap will carry your luggage up the narrow staircase to your Superliner bedroom.
How to Get A Red Cap Assistance
You can arrange for a Red Cap to help with your luggage by requesting service at the desk in the lounge. If there is no lounge, ask the ticket agent where the Red Caps congregate and head over to their station.
After your luggage is in your room, please tip the Red Cap for their service. $5.00 per one or two bags is customary. The only time I don’t use a Red Cap if I have a lot of luggage is if there are a lot of elderly or wheel-chair guests. I don’t want to take up their seat on the golf cart.
Also, if you are boarding in Sacramento, while there’s no official Red Cap service, their is someone with a golf cart to drive you to the train. It’s quite a long walk from the waiting room to the boarding platform.
Priority Boarding for Sleeping Car Passengers
If you have booked an Amtrak Bedroom or Roomette, you have priority boarding before all of the coach-seating passengers. This can be a real help, especially during holidays or vacation times.
Listen for the station attendant to announce when it’s time for you to board. Smaller Amtrak stations will announce where to stand on the platform to board your sleeping car.
Superliner Luggage Storage
On my latest 3-month trip from Florida to Alaska, all by train and ship, I had four pieces of smaller-sized luggage. Because I was in a bedroom with a lot of empty space, I decided not to check any bags.
Instead, I simply stowed the two largest pieces on one of the luggage storage shelves.
If you’re one of the first to board, the easiest place to stow your luggage is on the bottom level of the luggage rack. It’s level with the floor and you just slide your bag into it.
Yes, it is the honor system, so if you’re nervous, don’t pack your electronics or expensive items into a bag that you’ll leave in the rack. Though it is extremely unlikely that someone would walk off with your suitcase, I always bring anything of value into my room.
If you decide not to check your luggage or use a Red Cap or wait for your car attendant, getting bags up the stairs can be a real challenge. And if you’re in a Superliner Bedroom then you will definitely have to go up the stairs.
READ MORE: How to pack for an overnight Amtrak trip
Are Amtrak Bedrooms Safe
And unlike trains in Europe, the private sleeping compartments on Amtrak do not lock from the outside. Just so you know.
Here is my short video tour of the Amtrak Superliner Bedroom aboard the Capitol Limited heading to Chicago from Washington DC. If you like my video, please subscribe to my YouTube channel.
How Much Does an Amtrak Superliner Bedroom Cost
You should know that the cost for a bedroom, especially in high tourist season or on short notice, can be very expensive. For those on a budget, maybe a roomette would be better and still give you a private place to sleep. But there are exceptions.
Generally, the farther out into the future, the less expensive is the cost for a bedroom. This can range anywhere from just under $800 on the Empire Builder in off-season to over $2,000 for the two-night trip aboard the California Zephyr in summer. Usually.
In addition to booking way ahead, different seasons and holidays affects how much you’ll pay for a Superliner Bedroom.
For example, a bedroom on the Southwest Chief from Chicago to L.A. in mid-September is $1,299 for the two-night trip. The same train route in late-December will cost $1,013. Makes no sense, right? Here’s why.
Like most commodities, accommodation prices are capacity-controlled. As bedrooms become more scarce, their price, of course, goes up.
With only four bedrooms per car, that’s not a lot of available to begin. So even though you’d think that a pre-Christmas train trip across country in a Superliner Bedroom would cost more, because there are still several available, the price is lower than off-season September.
How to Choose Your Superliner Bedroom
Finally, you should know that all Amtrak Superliner Bedrooms are not created equal. When you make your reservation, be sure to ask the Amtrak agent on the phone if you were assigned to the Bedroom nearest to the exit door. This is Bedroom A. There are five bedrooms on the upper level.
It’s not a noise issue at all. Bedroom A is nearest to the door between cars and a little bit smaller than the others. The configuration is also different with the bathroom door facing the door to the hallway.
No one can see inside because of the angle, but access to the bathroom requires a little side-step. Nothing major, but you should know that this room is different from the others.
INSIDER TIP: Why I always try to choose Bedroom A
There is one huge advantage to Bedroom A. It does not have a sliding door that adjoins to Bedroom B. Instead, there’s a solid wall. So, bedrooms B and C can adjoin to form what Amtrak calls a Bedroom Suite. This is usually reserved by families or couples traveling together. Bedrooms D and E also have the same paper-thin partition between them.
If you don’t want to hear your neighbors’ conversations loud and clear or every flush of their toilet, request Bedroom A. A little smaller but a lot more private.
Amtrak Superliner Trains Routes With Bedrooms
Including the Auto Train that runs between Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL, there are nine Superliner routes across America. The Capitol Limited between Chicago and Washington, D.C. is the only Amtrak Superliner that operates east of the Mississippi.
The remaining long-distance Amtrak Superliner trains are:
- California Zephyr: Chicago to Emeryville, CA
- City of New Orleans: Chicago to New Orleans
- Coast Starlight: San Diego to Seattle
- Empire Builder: Chicago to Seattle or Portland
- Southwest Chief: Chicago to Los Angeles
- Sunset Limited: Los Angeles to New Orleans
- Texas Eagle: Chicago to San Antonio
How to Get a Refund for Your Superliner Bedroom
So far, Amtrak has a very liberal refund policy if you must cancel your reservation. Penalties are based on how close it is to the date of departure. For me, I’m always happy to get a voucher for future travel. But that’s not viable for everyone. On the Amtrak website, you can read their Refund and Exchange Policy.
My thoughts are that if you are spending $2,000 for a cross-country train trip, why not also invest in travel insurance. You can even add a Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) waiver.
If you have any questions that either my video or this article didn’t address, please drop me a comment.
Next, please head over to my Amtrak Guide for more suggestions on how to plan and enjoy your train trip.
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I’m the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world on waves and wheels, collecting recipes along the way. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breath…stop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.
Sherry Laskin says
Thank you for sharing your unfortunate Amtrak experience. I do know that sometimes there’s the smell of brake fluid or oil or some other substance that can filter into the air vents. It’s not very often but it can happen. I appreciate your taking the time to write your comment.
Marty says
We had a very disappointed trip from chicago to seattle and return. The toxic smell from the septic exhaust coming through the air vents was sickening- literally. Amtrak did not want to address it. I tried governmental agencies, but was always directed back to amtrak. Also, the sleeper car was dirty. That train sits overnight in chicago so there is no excuse.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Angela,
Thank you so much for reading my Amtrak articles. Your trip sounds exciting and a new adventure! I always allow at least two hours between trains, usually more. I’m never bored and enjoy my time in the station lounge. In Portland, (if it’s open!) there’s a little restaurant right at the station. I don’t know what’s opened anymore due to a rough couple of covid years. I’m assuming you have sleeping accommodations, so you have access to the Metropolitan Lounge in Portland. If you are taking the Coast Starlight to Los Angeles Union Station, you are in for a treat…it’s beautiful.
To answer your question about what if a train is late…and it does happen. If your train is late, and you have at least one hour of connection time, someone at the Amtrak station will help you to rebook your train for the next day. In the “old” days, this was called a guaranteed connection and Amtrak would pay for your hotel. This doesn’t happen anymore, to the best of my knowledge. However, they will re-book you on the same train in the same accommodation that you were supposed to have if you hadn’t missed your train.
This is one of the reasons for buying trip insurance…to cover missed connections or delays. You would be reimbursed by the insurance company. You could check out rates at: Allianz, TravelGuard, Travel Insured and there are more but those three are the main ones that I’ve used over the last 20 years.
Enjoy your train trip! Especially going through Glacier Park and on the Coast Starlight nearly the entire route. Thank you again for taking the time to comment and read my Amtrak articles. More to come!
Sherry
Angela says
I am planning my first train trip across the country from Minneapolis to the east coast to CA. For no other purpose than to experience the train. When I look up the trips it would seem that there are two segments. Empire Builder to Portland and then 4 hours later the Coast Starlight train to Emeryville CA. I have been doing so much research and I am so excited. The only concern I still have is what happens if the first train is late. I have heard trains can be hours late. Thank you for all the knowledge you have shared on your blog.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Gwen,
Thank you very much for your comment. I’m so sorry to hear about your husband’s diagnosis. I’m glad that you’ve decided to go ahead with your train trip.
You are correct…the views from the upper level of the Superliner are better than on the lower level. Noise level will really depend on whomever your next door neighbor is/are in Bedroom C. There is a connecting door between the two bedrooms. While you can hear your Bedroom C neighbor, in all my train trips I’ve really only been slightly annoyed a couple of times. The sound of the train usually drowns out voices, and the only time it’s really clear is when you’re stopped at a station. Keep in mind that even if you have a loud-mouthed Bedroom C neighbor, they may only be on the train for a short time. And if they’re really loud, maybe watching a movie without ear-buds or a headphones, then you can always ask your attendant to kindly ask them to quiet down.
I wouldn’t worry about this too much. The only other noise is the soothing sound of the train on its way down the tracks.
You didn’t mention your itinerary, but there’s so much to see between Chicago and Seattle. Watch for Cut Bank, Montana and the bridge that you cross. The view is amazing. Of course going through Glacier Park is fantastic. Be sure to walk inside the Wolf Point train station and also in Havre, take a look at the old locomotive and statue.
Enjoy your first train ride! Again, I’m so sorry about your husband and I hope this train trip creates lasting memories. Thanks you for reading my article and taking the time to comment.
Sherry
Gwen Walters says
Hi, Sherry!
My husband and I are taking our first rail trip at the end of March. We have talked about this for a long time! Then my husband was diagnosed with Glioblastoma brain cancer. So, I went for it and booked! We have a bedroom on the Empire Builder, on the upper level, ad I’d read that the views were better?
We will be in room B. From what I’ve read, I’m a little concerned about noise!
I have so many more questions I would like to ask you!,I don’t know much about joining a ‘blog’,, so I’m hoping I can get help this way.
Thank you for you help,
Gwen
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Stephen,
Thank you for reading my blog! You are correct, the family bedroom does not have an en suite bathroom. But the good news is that there are three public bathrooms on the same lower level as the family bedroom, but on the opposite end of the car, before the handicapped bedroom. It’s probably only 15 steps between the family bedroom to the public bathrooms. Not as far as you’d think it would be between the two ends of the train.
Have you considered the Deluxe Bedroom with the en suite bathroom? If getting up and downstairs is difficult, keep in mind that the dining car is on the upper level. But to get fresh air, you’d have to use the stairs anyway.
You could check with Amtrak 48-hours before departure to see if the handicapped bedroom is available. There could be a price difference but there is a bathroom in the room. Have a wonderful train ride and thank you again for reading my article.
Stephen Leermakers says
We are in our 70s and would be taking a long distance train, probably California Zephyr.Are there any reviews of the family bedrooms? I assume there’s no toilet in the room. I must get up several times per night. Is the public toilet at the same end of that car or do I have to go the length of the car? Thanks.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Cheryl,
Thank you for your comment and reading my article. Much appreciated. Amtrak has specific rules regarding service animals and yes, they are allowed. I suggest you call Amtrak at 800-USA-RAIL and discuss your travel plans with a reservation agent. If the person doesn’t seem knowledgeable, ask to speak to a supervisor. From Cincinnati, you would take the one-level Viewliner train and request the handicapped accommodation.
I hope this is helpful and that you can have a wonderful train ride with your dog!
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Gail,
Thank you for your kind words and taking the time to read my article. Nice that you have a deluxe bedroom! About tipping: I assume there are two of you. I’d suggest something like $20-$30 per person per night, especially if you are going to have any meals delivered to you room.
When your attendant stops in to introduce himself/herself and explain the room gadgets, before he leaves you could reach out with say, $20. Then at the end of your trip, hand the balance of the tip. These men (and women) work horrendous hours and really do deserve and earn a gratuity.
You don’t need to pre-tip, but sometimes it helps the attendant remember you, especially if the train is full. This is just a suggestion and it’s not written in stone. I hope this is helpful. Thank you again for reading my article. Have a wonderful train ride!
Gail says
I have found your reviews to be very helpful, thank you! We will be traveling in October on the Texas Eagle from Tucson to Chicago. We have a deluxe bedroom. What is the best time of day to tip the room attendants? And how do we go about it? Thanks for your help.
Cheryl Mullins says
Hi
I am interested in traveling from Ohio to North Carolina
Does Amtrak allow small service dogs?
How does Amtrak serve the handicapped. I have difficulty with stairs ,small doorways and balance
I am also interested in a roomette/bedroom versus just a seat
Thank you for your help
Cheryl
Sherry Laskin says
HI Meg, thank you for reading my article and sharing your upcoming trip! I’m excited for you, lol! Yes, the observation car will be open, and masks may be required. Some station stops are longer then others and they will be announced over the P.A. system. For example, Wolf Point, Montana is a longer stop, as is Denver. Both stations are worth exploring for the 15-30 minutes that you might have in each place. But DON’T MISS YOUR TRAIN!
For the observation car…you may want to grab seats there just before the train departs the Denver station. That’s when the scenery really gets cranking! As you approach Denver, on the right-hand side of the train, look for the old-time cemetery…it’s pretty cool. And then on the other side, look for a permanent line of freight cars. They act as a wind and snow block. All pretty cool.
Have a terrific train ride! Thank you very much for taking the time to write. It’s much appreciated.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Marie, Thank you so much for reading my Amtrak article. Your tall husband will have to bend a little to fit on the beds, both upper and lower on the Superliner. The beds are a little over 6-feet in length but not too much over. For one or two nights, I don’t think it will be a big deal to worry about it.
Have a terrific Amtrak trip and thank you for your question. I hope my answer is helpful.
Meg says
Hi Sherry- wonderful and very helpful article! We leave on the Empire Builder from Chicago to Seattle, then to San Fran & San Fran back to Chicago. Do you happen to know if the observation car is open again? How long will we have at each stop? Do they announce as we are approaching certain locations?
I’m even more excited now that I’ve read your helpful tips!
Marie says
I have tried to find the size of the beds. My husband is 6’4” and need length for him or ability to Gand feet over the end.
Thanks for your information, very very helpful.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi George, Thank you for reading my article and taking the time to send a question. Tipping your room attendant is customary. For me, I recommend between $15 to $20 per person per night. The $20 or even more would be if you have meals delivered to your compartment, have a lot of luggage for your attendant to hoist, if you have special requests…things of that sort.
How Amtrak will deal with COVID precautions will most likely be similar to what the airlines require. Way before the pandemic, I’ve had room attendants that wore a mask and gloves when making the beds in the mornings. You just never know.
Have a terrific train ride! And thank you again for reading my article. Glad I could be of help.
George Lowry says
Hello,
Great informative article! Thanks for the Bedroom ‘A’ tip. My wife and I will know next time,
What is your advice about tipping you car attendant? Is it customary?
We travel in August and so hope the onboard Covid precautions have been ended. (We’re vaccinated.)
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Patrick,
Thank you for reading the article and taking the time to comment. Much appreciated!
Patrick Armstrong says
Great article. I wanted to clarify all Amtrak pricing for people. For every route, There is no pricing for different times of the year, but prices can appear so. Amtrak has a low fixed base price for each class of ticket on the long haul trains (coach, business, roomette, bedroom, etc). You can start purchasing tickets 11 months out. As the demand for tickets increase, the price increases. There are fewer bedrooms, so they go up in price faster than roomettes. Roomettes go up faster than business class (Coast Starlight), and Coach is the last to fill to capacity and the slowest to see a price increase. This is why you can see tickets so expensive in the summer (popular time) versus in the winter.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Cat,
Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I’m so glad to have been helpful. Leaving Portland, you’ll eventually cross over to the Washington side of the Columbia river. If you follow closely on Google maps, if you look up, you’ll be able to get a view of Maryhill Museum from the left side of the train as well as “Stonehenge”. Of course on the right-hand side is the river and that in itself is beautiful. Enjoy the ride and thanks again!
Sherry
Cat K says
Sherry, we are about to travel from Portland to Essex, MT on the Empire Builder. Your tips, descriptions, photos and video are extremely helpful. Thank you.
Sherry Laskin says
Hi Susie,
Thank you so much for taking the time to read the article and post a comment. First of all, I’m happy to know you have a deluxe bedroom with your own bathroom. Definitely a help during the pandemic.
You are correct, dining options are limited. However, the good news is that in just the past few months, even before COVID, the prepared microwaved meals and menus have supposedly improved. When they were first introduced, the meals were a chemical slurry and equivalent to a salt mine. Tasty, though, but not for me. Definitely bring snacks (thank you for the tuna and crackers kit idea) and you can always get to-go orders from the cafe car that are name brand items and your room attendant can also bring those to your room. Given the horrific budget cuts over the last three years, it’s amazing that there is still train service let alone food.
When the new microwave “meals” were introduced on trains east of the Mississippi, I went so far as to buy a $3 styrofoam cooler and packed it with cheeses, sliced turkey, a split of wine, and a salad from home…things like that. My room attendant helped me with replenishing the ice before I went to sleep. At the end of the two-day trip from Florida to Chicago, the styrofoam cooler went into the trash.
As far as the observation car, all observation cars have temporarily been removed from all trains. It was too hard to manage all the people coming and going plus monitoring the downstairs cafes.
I still think you’ll have a wonderful experience. You’ll be able to look out of windows on both sides of the train from your bedroom. Sounds like you’re driving between Whitefish and Denver…spectacular scenery. Have a great train ride and vacation. Thank you again for reading my article.
Sherry
SusieD says
My husband and I have a full bedroom on a sleeper car in September, 2020 from Chicago to Whitefish, Mt and on return from Denver to Chicago. We are traveling with another couple, who have their own bedroom. The suites were sold out, so we have two separate bedrooms on the same car. Due to COVID-19, our options are limited, which is disappointing. Trays, like airlines, are delivered to the train and heated and brought to our room. Sounds unappealing to inedible – ugh. The observation car is limited or closed. I believe the cafe’ is open. Are there any reviews on this tray food? The cafe car options? We will bring tuna with crackers kits, small cups of fruit, and snacks just in case this food is revolting. Please advise based on reviews during pandemic. Thank you for feedback regarding traveler experiences during the virus.
Cruise Maven (Sherry Laskin) says
Hi Sandra,
Yes, I’ve traveled between Florida and NYC many many times and won’t do it without a sleeper. If you’d need a car, try the Auto Train and you can get a sleeper on that train too.
Thanks for your comment.
Sherry