Last updated: October 2025
A cozy Amtrak roomette with comfortable seating that converts to sleeping berths
Planning an overnight train journey across America? An Amtrak roomette offers the perfect blend of privacy, comfort, and convenience for long-distance rail travel. This private sleeping compartment transforms train travel from simply getting from point A to B into a genuine experience.
Key Takeaways
- Amtrak roomettes are private sleeping cabins designed for 1-2 passengers on overnight routes
- Price ranges from $200-$800+ per night depending on route and season (includes meals)
- Rooms include two seats that convert to beds, electrical outlets, storage, and climate control
- All meals in the dining car are included in your roomette fare
- Available on long-distance trains like the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, and Empire Builder
- Book 3-6 months early for best prices and availability
What Exactly Is an Amtrak Roomette?
An Amtrak roomette is a compact, private sleeping compartment in a Superliner or Viewliner sleeping car. Think of it as your own personal cabin on wheels—about the size of a small bathroom but cleverly designed to maximize every inch.
During the day, you’ll have two comfortable seats facing each other next to a large window. At night, these seats convert into beds: one lower berth and one upper berth that folds down from the wall. It’s cozy, sure, but having your own space beats sitting upright in coach for 20+ hours any day.
The roomette isn’t spacious, but it’s functional. You get privacy, a door that locks, and all the essentials for overnight travel without sharing space with strangers.
What’s Included in Your Roomette?
Amenities and Features
Every Amtrak roomette comes standard with:
- Two convertible seats/beds – comfortable seating by day, sleeping berths by night
- Large panoramic window – perfect for watching America’s landscapes roll by
- Climate control – adjust temperature to your preference
- Reading lights – individual lights for each bed
- Electrical outlets – charge your devices (110V outlets)
- Fold-down table – work or dine in your private space
- Storage space – overhead compartments and under-seat storage
- Complimentary bottled water – replenished daily
- Fresh towels and linens – provided by your attendant
What About Bathrooms?
Here’s something to know upfront: most roomettes don’t have private bathrooms. You’ll share clean, well-maintained restrooms and shower facilities down the hall with other sleeping car passengers. The showers are surprisingly roomy, and you’ll have plenty of towels.
Exception: Some Viewliner roomettes (found on eastern routes) do include a small toilet and sink in the room, though you’ll still use the shared shower down the hall.
Upper and lower berth sleeping arrangement in an Amtrak roomette
Amtrak Roomette Prices: What You’ll Pay
Roomette pricing isn’t straightforward—it fluctuates based on demand, just like airfare. Here’s what to expect:
| Route | Approximate Price Range | Journey Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago to San Francisco (California Zephyr) | $500 – $1,200 | 51 hours |
| Chicago to Seattle (Empire Builder) | $450 – $950 | 46 hours |
| Los Angeles to Seattle (Coast Starlight) | $400 – $900 | 35 hours |
| New York to Miami (Silver Meteor) | $350 – $700 | 28 hours |
| Chicago to Los Angeles (Southwest Chief) | $480 – $1,100 | 43 hours |
Important: These prices are per roomette, not per person. Two people traveling together split the cost, making it more economical.
What Affects Roomette Pricing?
Several factors influence how much you’ll pay:
- Season – Summer and holidays cost more; winter is typically cheaper
- Booking timing – Early birds get better rates (book 3-6 months ahead)
- Day of week – Midweek departures often cost less
- Route popularity – Scenic routes like the California Zephyr command premium prices
- Demand – Last-minute bookings during peak times get expensive fast
Meals Are Included: Here’s What That Means
One of the best perks of booking a roomette? All your meals in the dining car are included in your fare. This isn’t an afterthought—Amtrak’s dining car meals are sit-down, freshly prepared experiences.
You get:
- Full breakfast (think eggs, pancakes, or French toast)
- Lunch (sandwiches, salads, burgers, or daily specials)
- Dinner (steak, fish, pasta, or vegetarian options)
- Soft drinks, coffee, tea, and juice
- Afternoon snacks and bottled water
The dining car operates like a restaurant. You’ll either sit at your own table or be seated with other passengers—a great way to meet fellow travelers. If you prefer privacy, you can have meals delivered to your roomette at no extra charge.
Roomette vs. Bedroom: Which Should You Choose?
Confused about the difference? Here’s a straightforward comparison:
| Feature | Roomette | Bedroom |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Compact | About twice as large |
| Sleeping capacity | 2 people (tight for 2 adults) | 2-3 people comfortably |
| Bathroom | Shared down hall | Private toilet and shower |
| Price | $200-$800+/night | $400-$1,500+/night |
| Best for | Solo travelers or couples comfortable with cozy spaces | Couples wanting more space, longer trips, anyone who values private facilities |
| Seating | 2 seats facing each other | Sofa and chair plus private facilities |
Bottom line: If you’re traveling solo or as a couple on a budget, the roomette makes perfect sense. If you’re traveling with kids, prefer extra space, or really want that private bathroom, spring for a bedroom.
Best Amtrak Routes for Roomette Travel
Not all routes offer sleeping accommodations. Roomettes are available exclusively on Amtrak’s long-distance trains. Here are the most popular:
Cross-Country Routes
California Zephyr (Chicago to San Francisco) This legendary route crosses the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada, offering jaw-dropping views through Colorado’s mountains and California’s wine country. Many travelers call this America’s most scenic train ride.
Southwest Chief (Chicago to Los Angeles) Journey through the American Southwest, passing through Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and Arizona. You’ll see landscapes that inspired countless Western films.
Coastal Routes
Coast Starlight (Los Angeles to Seattle) Running along the Pacific Coast, this route showcases California beaches, Oregon forests, and Washington’s Cascade Mountains. The Pacific Parlour Car experience adds extra elegance.
Silver Meteor/Silver Star (New York to Miami) Experience the East Coast from a completely different perspective, traveling through historic cities and Southern charm.
Northern Routes
Empire Builder (Chicago to Seattle/Portland) Traverse the northern United States through Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, and Washington. Glacier National Park views are spectacular.
How to Book an Amtrak Roomette
Booking is straightforward, whether you prefer online or phone reservations.
Online Booking Steps
- Visit Amtrak.com or use the Amtrak app
- Enter your route and travel dates
- Select “Roomette” under accommodation types
- Review pricing for different dates if flexible
- Complete passenger information and payment
- Download your tickets or save confirmation email
Pro tip: Create an Amtrak Guest Rewards account before booking. You’ll earn points toward future travel, and members sometimes get exclusive discounts.
Call 1-800-USA-RAIL
Prefer talking to someone? Amtrak’s phone agents can help you:
- Compare prices across different dates
- Explain current promotions
- Book complex multi-city trips
- Answer specific questions about your route
Phone booking is especially helpful if you’re planning a complicated itinerary or traveling with special needs.
Insider Tips for Roomette Travel
After talking with frequent Amtrak travelers and conductors, here’s the advice everyone wishes they’d known:
Before You Go:
- Pack light – Storage is limited; one rolling suitcase plus a personal bag works best
- Bring layers – Temperatures can fluctuate; a light blanket or hoodie helps
- Download entertainment – Wi-Fi is spotty or absent on many routes
- Book lower-level roomettes if you have mobility concerns (easier access)
On the Train:
- Introduce yourself to your sleeping car attendant – they’re invaluable resources
- Explore the observation car – panoramic windows beat your roomette’s view
- Set up your room early – convert to bed mode whenever you want privacy or rest
- Keep valuables with you – the door locks, but use common sense
- Attend wine tastings (Coast Starlight) or other special activities offered
For Better Sleep:
- Request the lower berth if you’re uncomfortable with heights or ladder climbing
- Bring earplugs – trains make rhythmic noise; some people love it, others need silence
- Orient your head forward – most people sleep better not perpendicular to motion
- Use the call button if you need anything overnight
The observation car offers spectacular panoramic views on scenic routes
Frequently Asked Questions
A roomette measures approximately 3.5 feet wide by 6.5 feet long—about 23 square feet. It’s compact but efficiently designed. When the beds are down, there’s limited floor space for moving around.
Yes, though “comfortable” depends on your expectations. The lower berth is more spacious; the upper berth is snug. Couples who don’t mind close quarters do fine. If you need personal space, consider a bedroom instead.
Never. When you book a roomette, you’re reserving the entire private cabin. Amtrak doesn’t place strangers together in sleeping accommodations.
For overnight journeys, absolutely. You’re getting a bed instead of a seat, privacy, included meals worth $50-75 per person daily, and access to sleeping car amenities. For a 24+ hour journey, the comfort difference is significant.
Yes, every roomette has a lock for security and privacy. You’ll also receive instructions on how to secure your door from the inside while sleeping.
Solo travelers pay the same roomette price as couples, which can feel steep. Consider traveling during off-peak times or booking well in advance for better rates. Some travelers split costs with a companion even if they’re not traveling together romantically.
No, modern Amtrak windows are sealed. However, you can open the door to the corridor or visit vestibules between cars for fresh air when stopped at stations.
Yes, there’s a fold-down table and electrical outlets. However, Wi-Fi is unreliable on most long-distance routes. If you need consistent internet, bring a mobile hotspot or plan for offline work.
Is an Amtrak Roomette Right for You?
A roomette makes sense if you:
- Value privacy and comfortable sleeping on overnight journeys
- Appreciate included meals and sleeping car perks
- Travel solo or as a couple comfortable in compact spaces
- Want to experience America’s landscapes from a unique perspective
- Prefer slower, more experiential travel over flying
It might not be ideal if you:
- Need lots of personal space
- Require a private bathroom (consider a bedroom instead)
- Have mobility issues with climbing to an upper berth
- Travel with multiple children (family bedrooms are better)
- Have a very tight budget
Final Thoughts: The Roomette Experience
Train travel isn’t just about reaching your destination—it’s about the journey itself. An Amtrak roomette turns what could be an exhausting overnight trip into something memorable. You’ll watch sunrises over mountains, eat meals with interesting strangers, and arrive rested rather than exhausted.
Yes, roomettes are snug. Yes, they cost more than coach seats. But for the right traveler on the right route, they transform train travel from transportation into an experience worth savoring.
The clickety-clack of the rails, the ever-changing scenery outside your window, the gentle rocking that lulls you to sleep—this is travel as it used to be, before everything became about getting there as quickly as possible.
Ready to book your roomette adventure? Visit mtrakroutes.com for detailed route guides, current pricing, and insider tips for every major Amtrak journey across America.
Book early, pack light, and prepare for an unforgettable journey across America by rail.
All prices and amenities subject to change. Check Amtrak.com for current information.