Enjoy a scenic cross-country trip without other passengers nearby.
Want to get away but keep your distance? Amtrak’s private roomettes and bedrooms may be just the ticket to a safer vacation. The private spaces are available on more than a dozen routes that traverse all corners of the country.
There are several types of sleeper cars available. The most popular are roomettes and bedrooms.
Roomette
A roomette has a private landscape window, two reclining seats that convert to a single bed and an upper bunk that folds down, fresh towels and bed linens, reading lights, climate control, garment rack, water/juice/coffee/tea service, outlets, and a fold-down table. Meals and Wifi are also included. You can carry on two bags plus check two bags for free; the former ride in your room and the latter are locked in the luggage car.
You have access to bathrooms and showers shared by other roomette passengers. The 3 1/2-foot by 6 1/2-foot space makes things cozy for two adults. (Note: the upper bunk is difficult to access, and its low ceiling and narrow width may not be good for a person of size or someone who’s claustrophobic.) Prior to the pandemic, an attendant was available to provide turn-down and coffee service, and to make up the beds.
Bedroom with double bed made up and third bunk opened
A bedroom is bigger (7 1/2 feet by 6 1/2 feet) and has everything a roomette does, plus a larger private landscape window, an in-room bathroom (toilet, sink, and shower), a sofa that converts to a bed, and an extra armchair. Up to three adults can book a bedroom, with everyone having their own sleeping space. There are even larger bedroom suites and family bedrooms available, too.
Tickets for both roomettes and bedrooms include meals. While dining car service is currently closed because of the pandemic, you can order food and bring it back to your room. Or you can bring your own picnic, including alcoholic beverages.
Amtrak trains pass through several national parks, meaning you could be treated to a crowd-free view of mountain goats and grizzlies if you ride the Empire Builder line from Chicago to Portland through Glacier National Park.
You also can marvel at the Grand Canyon while traveling between Chicago and Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief line, take in coastal views from Los Angeles to Vancouver on the Coast Starlighter, zip across the Old West from Kansas City to Santa Fe on the Super Chief, or enjoy fall foliage while riding from the East Coast through the Potomac Valley toward Chicago on the Capitol Limited line.
Bear in mind it takes time to cross the country, or even just parts of it. What you fly over in four can take 45 hours to traverse by train, so be prepared with your favorite books, movies, TV shows, and video/board/card games.
Since the start of the pandemic, Amtrak has increased its cleaning protocols, including spraying high-touch surfaces with disinfectant and limiting ticket sales. Both employees and customers are required to wear face masks. Moving between train cars is contactless, thanks to foot-activated door-openers.
Prices vary depending on the route and accommodation selected. As an example, roomettes on the Empire Builder line from Chicago to Portland are around $500 for one person and $700 for two people. (Note: you can book side-by-side roomettes for less cost than a bedroom.)
Once or twice a year Amtrak runs 2-for-1 specials, so get on the email list if that’s something you’re interested in. When booking, you can choose a roomette or bedroom on either the upper or lower decks. Tickets can be purchased online here.
Twist’s Take: While not the cheapest or fastest way to cross the country, hearken back to an older style of travel via Amtrak’s sleepers and enjoy a train journey with amazing views that limits your exposure to other passengers.
