Last Updated: October 2025
Planning an overnight train journey? Amtrak’s private rooms transform long-distance travel into a comfortable, memorable experience. Whether you’re crossing the country or taking a regional overnight trip, understanding your sleeping car options helps you choose the right accommodation for your journey.
Key Takeaways
- Roomettes sleep 2 people and start around $150-$400 per night (varies by route)
- Bedrooms offer more space with private bathrooms and accommodate 2-3 passengers
- All private rooms include free meals, bedding, and priority boarding
- Bedroom Suites (two connected bedrooms) are perfect for families or groups
- Book 6-11 months ahead for popular routes like California Zephyr or Coast Starlight
- Private rooms cost more than coach but include amenities worth $100+ in value
What Is an Amtrak Private Room?
An Amtrak private room is your own lockable sleeping compartment on overnight trains. Unlike coach seats where you sit upright, private rooms give you a personal space with beds, storage, and often a private bathroom.
Quick Answer: Amtrak private rooms are enclosed sleeping accommodations on long-distance trains that include beds, meals in the dining car, and exclusive access to attendant services. You get privacy, comfort, and amenities that make overnight travel feel more like a hotel on rails.
Types of Amtrak Private Rooms
1. Roomette (Most Popular)
The roomette is Amtrak’s most affordable private accommodation. Perfect for solo travelers or couples who don’t mind cozy quarters.
What You Get:
- Two seats facing each other during the day
- Converts to upper and lower beds at night
- Window with your own view
- Fold-down table
- Outlets for charging devices
- No private bathroom (shared facilities down the hall)
- Measures approximately 3.5′ × 6.5′
Best For: Budget-conscious travelers, solo passengers, couples comfortable in tight spaces
Price Range: $150-$400+ per room per night (depending on route and season)
2. Bedroom (Most Comfortable)
Bedrooms offer significantly more space and the luxury of your own bathroom.
What You Get:
- Sofa and chair during the day
- Upper and lower beds at night (lower bed is wider)
- Private bathroom with sink, toilet, and shower
- Larger window
- More storage space
- Two electrical outlets
- Measures approximately 6.5′ × 7.5′
Best For: Travelers who value space and privacy, those who prefer private bathrooms, longer journeys
Price Range: $400-$900+ per room per night
3. Bedroom Suite
Two adjoining bedrooms can be booked together as a suite, perfect for families or groups traveling together.
What You Get:
- All amenities of two bedrooms
- Door connecting the rooms
- Sleeps up to 4 people comfortably
- Two private bathrooms
- Maximum space and privacy
Best For: Families with children, groups of 3-4 travelers, those wanting maximum space
Price Range: $800-$1,800+ per night (essentially double bedroom pricing)
4. Accessible Bedroom
Specially designed rooms with features for passengers with disabilities.
What You Get:
- Wider doors and more maneuvering space
- Accessible bathroom with grab bars
- Lower bed accessible from wheelchair
- All standard bedroom amenities
- Available on most long-distance routes
Best For: Passengers with mobility challenges, those requiring accessible facilities
Amtrak Private Room Prices: What to Expect
| Room Type | Average Cost Per Night | Passengers | Private Bathroom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Roomette | $150-$400 | 1-2 | No |
| Bedroom | $400-$900 | 2-3 | Yes |
| Bedroom Suite | $800-$1,800 | 3-4 | Yes (2) |
| Accessible Bedroom | $400-$900 | 2-3 | Yes |
Note: Prices vary dramatically based on route, season, and how far in advance you book. Popular scenic routes like the California Zephyr or Coast Starlight command premium prices.
What Affects Private Room Costs?
- Route popularity (scenic routes cost more)
- Travel season (summer and holidays = higher prices)
- Booking timing (last-minute bookings are expensive)
- Day of the week (weekday travel is sometimes cheaper)
- Train occupancy (prices increase as rooms sell out)
What’s Included with Your Private Room?
One of the best parts about booking an Amtrak sleeper car? The value-packed inclusions.
✓ Complimentary Meals
- All meals in the dining car (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Non-alcoholic beverages, coffee, and tea
- Wine and beer with dinner (one complimentary glass)
- In-room coffee service
Value: Easily $75-$100+ per person per day
✓ Bedding & Towels
- Fresh linens and pillows
- Blankets
- Towels (in rooms with private bathrooms)
- Turndown service from your attendant
✓ Priority Services
- Priority boarding at stations
- Dedicated sleeping car attendant
- Access to Metropolitan Lounges (at select stations)
- Help with luggage
✓ Privacy & Comfort
- Lockable door
- Climate control
- Reading lights
- Window with curtains/shades
Popular Amtrak Routes with Private Rooms
Best Long-Distance Routes for Sleeper Cars
| Route | Journey Time | Highlights | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Zephyr (Chicago-San Francisco) | 51 hours | Rocky Mountains, Sierra Nevada | $450+ |
| Empire Builder (Chicago-Seattle/Portland) | 46 hours | Glacier National Park, Columbia River | $350+ |
| Coast Starlight (Seattle-Los Angeles) | 35 hours | Pacific coastline, Cascade Mountains | $400+ |
| Southwest Chief (Chicago-Los Angeles) | 43 hours | Desert landscapes, Grand Canyon | $350+ |
| Sunset Limited (New Orleans-Los Angeles) | 48 hours | Southern scenery, desert Southwest | $400+ |
| Auto Train (Virginia-Florida) | 17 hours | Direct service, bring your car | $250+ |
How to Book an Amtrak Private Room
Step-by-Step Booking Process
1. Plan Ahead Book 6-11 months in advance for popular routes and summer travel. Rooms sell out quickly.
2. Visit Amtrak.com
- Enter your departure and arrival cities
- Select your travel dates
- Choose “Rooms” instead of “Seats”
3. Compare Options Review roomette vs. bedroom pricing and amenities for your route.
4. Select Your Room Choose your preferred accommodation. You’ll see the total price including all passengers and meals.
5. Book Early for Best Prices Amtrak uses dynamic pricing—early bookings save money.
Pro Booking Tips
- Use Amtrak Guest Rewards for points on every trip
- Check the Amtrak app for mobile-exclusive deals
- Be flexible with dates to find lower prices
- Call Amtrak directly (1-800-USA-RAIL) for multi-city trips
- Book weekday travel when possible for better availability
Amtrak Private Room FAQ
Roomettes typically range from $150-$400 per night, while bedrooms cost $400-$900 per night. Prices depend on your route, travel dates, and how far in advance you book. The price covers all passengers in the room plus meals.
Yes, solo travelers can book any private room. You pay the room rate regardless of whether one or two people use it. Roomettes are the most economical choice for single travelers.
All sleeping car passengers receive complimentary meals in the dining car, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You also get coffee, tea, and non-alcoholic beverages at no extra charge. One glass of wine or beer is included with dinner.
No. The room price includes up to the maximum occupancy (2 for roomettes, 2-3 for bedrooms). Everyone in the room gets the same amenities and meals at no additional cost.
Yes, all Amtrak private rooms have locks. You’ll receive a key or card from your sleeping car attendant when you board.
Book 6-11 months ahead for popular scenic routes and summer travel. For less popular routes or off-season travel, 2-3 months is usually sufficient. Early booking means better prices and room selection.
Roomettes are smaller (3.5′ × 6.5′) with no private bathroom, sleeping 1-2 people. Bedrooms are larger (6.5′ × 7.5′) with a private bathroom and shower, sleeping 2-3 people. Bedrooms cost roughly double but offer significantly more space and privacy.
Absolutely. A bedroom or bedroom suite works well for families. Children under 2 travel free, and kids 2-12 receive discounted fares. The bedroom suite (two connected bedrooms) comfortably accommodates four people.
Roomettes don’t have private bathrooms. Clean, well-maintained restrooms are located at the end of each sleeping car, shared by all roomette passengers. Bedrooms include private bathrooms with toilets, sinks, and showers.
Yes, if you book a bedroom or accessible bedroom. Each comes with a private shower. Roomette passengers can use the shared shower facility at the end of the car (one shower per sleeping car).
Amtrak offers accessible bedrooms on most long-distance routes. These feature wider doors, more space for wheelchairs, accessible bathrooms with grab bars, and lower berths. Book early and mention your needs when reserving.
Yes. Roomettes have at least one outlet, while bedrooms typically have two. You can charge phones, laptops, and other devices. Bring a power strip if you have multiple devices.
Tips for Your Amtrak Private Room Experience
Maximize Comfort
- Bring layers – train temperatures vary
- Pack light snacks – supplement dining car meals
- Download entertainment – Wi-Fi can be spotty
- Bring a sleep mask – sunrises come early through those big windows
- Request turndown service – your attendant will convert seats to beds
Make the Most of Amenities
- Arrive early for meals – dining car seating is limited
- Chat with your attendant – they know the route and can point out scenic highlights
- Visit the observation car – panoramic windows, great for photos
- Explore at station stops – longer stops let you stretch your legs
Photography Tips
The observation car offers the best photo opportunities with wrap-around windows. Bring a camera or smartphone and capture:
- Mountain vistas on the California Zephyr
- Coastal views on the Coast Starlight
- Desert sunsets on the Southwest Chief
Is an Amtrak Private Room Worth It?
When It Makes Sense
For overnight trips: Sleeping in a bed beats sitting upright in coach for 12+ hours.
For scenic routes: Picture windows in private rooms give you front-row seats to America’s best landscapes.
For special occasions: Birthdays, anniversaries, or bucket-list trips feel extra special in a bedroom.
For families: Privacy and space make traveling with kids much easier.
When to Skip It
Short daytime trips: Private rooms aren’t necessary for journeys under 6 hours.
Extremely tight budgets: Coach tickets cost significantly less and work fine for some travelers.
Solo travelers on a budget: Roomettes make sense, but coach plus a hotel might be cheaper for some routes.
Watch: Inside Amtrak’s Private Rooms
Roomette vs Bedroom vs Family Room: What’s the Best Amtrak Sleeper?
Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Amtrak Private Room
Amtrak’s private rooms transform overnight train travel from an endurance test into a genuine adventure. Whether you choose a cozy roomette or a spacious bedroom, you’re getting a unique way to see America that combines comfort, scenery, and a touch of nostalgic charm.
Remember:
- Book early (6-11 months ahead for popular routes)
- Consider the room type based on your budget and bathroom preferences
- Factor in the value of included meals and amenities
- Choose scenic routes for the best experience
Ready to book? Visit Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL to reserve your private room today.
About MtrakRoutes.com: We’re passionate about train travel and help thousands of passengers plan unforgettable Amtrak journeys every year. Our guides are based on real travel experience and updated regularly.