Amtrak Baggage Rules Explained
Simple breakdown of What to bring in and what isn’t.
Travel which is by train is an easy way to get around the U.S., also Amtrak has very simple baggage rules. For a short city trip or a long distance vacation it’s the same — We have updated which goes over all Amtrak baggage rules – from carry on limits, check in baggage fees, what is and isn’t allowed and important policies that each traveler should be aware of.
1. Amtrak Carry On Baggage Rules
Amtrak has the most liberal carry-on policy in U.S. transportation.
✔ Carry-On Bag Allowance
Each traveler is allowed to bring the following:
- Two personal items weighing a maximum of 25 lbs each
- Two carry-on bags no heavier than 50 lbs
Allowed bag sizes are:
- Personal item: 14 x 11 x 7 inches
- Carry-on bag: 28 x 22 x 14 inches
Carry-on bag examples:
- Small suitcases
- Backpacks
- Laptop bags
- Diaper bags
- Cameras
- Food/snacks
- Strollers (foldable)
Tips for travel: Place your medication, chargers, and valuables in your personal item rather than in your checked bag.
2. Amtrak Checked Baggage Rules
Some routes do not provide checked baggage service. Always check Amtrak Train Status Before Travel.
✔ FREE Checked Bag Allowance
- 2 checked bags FREE
- Each up to 50 lbs and 75 linear inches
✔ Extra Checked Bags (Paid)
- 3rd and 4th bags: $20 each
- Oversized or overweight bags: $20–$40 fee
✔ Checked Bags Are Not Allowed When:
- Certain regional trains
- Small stations without baggage service
Always check your station baggage service policy before booking your Amtrak Train.
3. Items which will not be accepted by Amtrak
To ensure the safety of our passengers Amtrak has banned some items.
✔ Prohibited Items
- Weapons or explosives
- Flammable liquids
- Hoverboards
- Large automotive parts
- Unboxed bicycles (unless using bike service)
- Marijuana (even where legal)
- Open alcohol (except private rooms)
✔ Limited or Restricted
- Lithium batteries
- Large musical instruments (require special handling)
- Surfboards, kayaks, and similar oversized items
4. Special Categories Amtrak baggage Rules
✔ Sports Gear
- Golf clubs: yes
- Skis/snowboards: yes
- Bicycles: yes, with a reservation, and may have a fee.
✔ Baby/Toddler Items
- Strollers: no charge
- Diaper bags: no charge
- Car seats: no charge
✔ Pets & Carriers
Small pets: yes, for many routes
- Pet carrier: yes, and counts as a carry on Pet + carrier
- weight: 20 lbs
- Pet fee: yes
5. Auto Train Amtrak Baggage Rules Policies
Baggage policies for the Auto Train Traveling (Virginia ↔ Florida) apply as follows:
- Personal automobile with luggage storage permitted
- Each passenger is allowed a single carry-on bag
- Passengers will not be allowed to access their vehicles for the duration of the trip
- No perishable items (heat-sensitive)
6. Checking Your Baggage Status
Amtrak does not track bags as airlines do, but you may verify policies, and track your luggage as follows:
- Amtrak train status is available for check for departure
- Review e-ticket to see available baggage icons
- Call Amtrak to speak with a customer service
- Visiting the station baggage counter
7. What to Do If Your Bag Is Missing
Even though it is rare, sometimes there are delays.
✔ Report it immediately
Go to the station baggage desk and file a report.
✔ Contact Amtrak Support
- Amtrak Customer Service : support@amtrakdeals.com
- Amtrak Phone Number: +1-888-929-3161
✔ Compensation
Amtrak may reimburse, depending on the policies and your circumstance, lost/damaged baggage.
8. Quick Tips to Make Baggage Travel Easy
- Clearly tag all bags with your complete name + phone number.
- Keep medications and valuables with you in your carry-on.
- If you are checking baggage, arrive 45-60 minutes early.
- For long-distance trips, it’s best to use hard-shell luggage.
- Make sure to confirm baggage service prior to booking your tickets.
Amtrak makes traveling easier than air travel by maintaining their customer-friendly baggage policies. For Amtrak travel you can enjoy a hassle free trip as long as you know the rules in order to plan your travel properly. Amtrak customer service is available to provide any assistance in regards to your travel itinerary or specific routes.
