Amtrak Sleeper Rooms: Which One Should You Book 

When my grandmother was alive and still able to travel on her own to visit us, she loved travelling round-trip between central Texas and northern Illinois in a roomette. It was still fairly new at the time, and quite expensive (third step-grandpa left her a fairly well-off widow). She went on and on about having her own bed, and "room service," and "maid service," and made it sound like a swanky hotel suite. I remember finally learning what a roomette really was thanks to a friend's photos, and I laughed myself silly! It really was a great way for A Woman of A Certain Age to travel alone over a long distance, but I guess you had to know Grandma; the Queen would queen, no mater what! 😂😂

I agree 100% with the statement that the pictures of bedrooms/roomettes appear larger than what they really are. I was surprised how compact the roomettes REALLY are. I’m not at all complaining. I’m happy I had a roomette vs. being in coach. I’d book a roomette again.

Another great video,I’m traveling in September and this was so helpful,I booked a room for my 92 year old Mom and myself and because of your recommendations we are so excited!My Grandfather retired from the railroad,he was in charge of the Dining Car and I recently came across his book of menus and recipes,I can still remember him in his uniform and hat!!

When we went to SanDiego via Southwest Chief, and the Surfliner we got two adjoining bedrooms and had them retract the connecting wall. Was a once in a lifetime trip and opening the two rooms was just fantastic. Room to walk. Two bottom beds, no bathroom waits (really important).

I'm taking the California Zephyr next week from Sacramento to Chicago in a roomette, I have one before and its plenty big for just me. Last week the price dropped to $593.00 so I refunded my ticket and repurchased it for the lower price. The next day it went up to $850.00.

I just got back from Amtrak and a roomette is PERFECT for ONE person.

I think being in a roomette is basically like being in a 4-door car. So if you're unsure, get in your car and lay the seats down and see it that's big enough for you.

I'm on the West Coast, so it's Superliners for me. I've travelled several times each on the Coast Srarlight and the California Zephyr. I'm traveling alone, so upper bunks are not a concern. Once I've settled in, the Rommette is quite comfortable. The seat is way larger and more comfortable than coach, the room is private, the view out the window is great, the bed is comfortable. However, the toilet and sink are down the hall, and the shower is downstairs. Since I don't travel often, it is worth the cost to me for the Bedroom. I appreciate the convenience of the toilet whenever at night, and the shower and sink and dressing space in my room.

My husband and I were able to share the bottom bunk in a family bedroom with plenty of room.

Although we loved our 6 week tour of the US, if I had the chance to rewind and do it again I'd have gone for a bedroom instead of a roomette. Despite watching your videos for six months before the trip I didn't fully appreciate just how small the roomettes are especially if there are two of you!

I've been riding Amtrak since they've taken over in '71. Whenever I've booked long distance train trips that included my wife, I've found it necessary to book pricey adjacent bedrooms on Superliners, Viewliners, or back then, Heritage sleeper cars. All rooms (except Accessible Bedrooms) become incredibly cramped once the beds are turned down which freaks out folks as my wife who suffer from claustrophobia. If we don't have adjacent bedrooms, we're forced to sleep in 1 room sitting up, & Coach is not an option. Strong drugs are required for flying which isn't a good thing. I've also learned to pack cleaning supplies to clean the lavatory upon boarding. Once the toilet is cleaned in an Amtrak Bedroom, we know who we're coming behind. Community lavatories can get messy fast. Before Amtrak, there were his & hers lavatories with attendants/porters when travelers seemed more respectful. Thanks for the info.

Great video. I would do a bedroom for space and having my own bathroom. Planning on taking the Autotrain next year then driving up to coast back home. Visiting family and a few areas.

Thank you so much for this video I am planning a trip later this year and am thinking about getting a roomette to have a little privacy. Thank you again for the helpful advice. Blessings to you both. Peace

I'm traveling in October on City of New Orleans, Empire Builder, Coast Starlight, and California Zephyr all in roommettes and I can't wait. I'll be traveling alone so the rommette is not a problem. Next year my wife and I will be traveling East to D.C. and might use my points to upgrade to a bedroom.

The movie "Silver Streak" showed a good representation of a Double Bedroom with the wall partition retracted.

We had a bedroom for one night, and we slept next to each other in the lower bunk. It wasn't comfortable, and we barely fit. I will definitely sleep in the upper bunk if we ever do this again. Although my wife has all but sworn off of overnight trains.

I've had a roomette several times and never had a problem until my last trip. My arthritis has gotten very bad and I need more room to dress than one has in a roomette with the bed in place. So in future, I'll likely spring for a bedroom.

This is a great tip video! My experience with Amtrak sleeper service is with the roomettes on Superliners. If there is a suitable height difference between the couple, and you can sleep like sardines, then you can squeeze into the lower level of the roomette and save the upper bunk for clothes. The upper bunk requires good flexibility to be able to climb up and down in the night, and it's not comfortable for those over 6 feet tall. The dome car seats are just not comfortable enough to trade off between each other getting a better night's sleep. It does also help if you are exhausted when you board, like taking the California Zephyr from Omaha to Denver, so that it's a short night and you can plan to check into a hotel early to catch up on sleep.

We live in Hawaii but were visiting CA this past summer 2023. This summer I planned a train trip with just myself, my 2 teens (14 and 16) and my 12yo nephew. We got to take a train from LA to Vancouver WA and because of the timing of our trip we got pushed back after the derailment on the route. It ended up benefiting us because originally we had booked a roomette and a bedroom on opposite end of the car, but ended up being able with the new trip to have 2 bedrooms next to each other and thankfully the Amtrak staff member at the Metropolitan Lounge asked for us to get the door opened as mentioned at 10:44! What a fabulous way for us to be together and not feel too crowded. It was a great first experience and I agree that it was worth the splurge and so thankful that it worked out that I was able to get 2 bedrooms where I wasn't able to with the original trip. That trip was successful because of the time we (the kids too!) took to watch your videos! Thank you for what you do and for all your details that really REALLY helped make our trip great! Mahalo🌺 🤙🏼

Hey you two!!! I just got back from my big Amtrak cross-country trip from Hollywood, FL to San Diego, CA…and it was AWESOME. I took Silver Meteor (coach) to DC and had about 9hrs layover in DC. Fantastic. Took some getting use to sleeping in the coach seat but it wasn’t bad. Cafe car was decent and the staff onboard were great. Second leg was Capitol Limited (coach) from DC to Chicago. Since my next leg was 43hrs and I’d upgraded to a roomette for that, I had access to the lounge and showers in Chicago Union Station. Fantastic. The longest leg of my journey was Southwest Chief (roomette) from Chicago to Los Angeles. AMAZING time on there. Fantastic crew. Food in the dining car was REALLY good. I had a flat iron steak that was perfectly cooked. Had your favorite cheeseburger and it didn’t disappoint. My roomette was in the very back of the last car so I did feel the rocking a bit more but slept like a baby after a little adjustment. Bed was really comfortable. Last leg was Los Angeles to San Diego (business) on the Pacific Surfliner. Comfortable, clean, and even a bit scenic. Since I’d spent 4 nights on trains I had about 3.5 days in San Diego. Awesome city and I crammed as much as I could do into those days: Day 1: Collective Soul concert Day 2: Harbor tour / San Diego Zoo Day 3: La Jolla (sea lions, big waves, and gorgeous homes) / San Diego Padres game (Petco Park was awesome) Had dinner in Little Italy and in Gaslamp quarters. Lots of city walking. Weather was in mid 70’s. Was an absolute dream of a vacation. Definitely followed a LOT of your advice. Thanks so much.

Thank you for the excellent suggestions and critique!! 😊

Hi Ali and Rob I love your videos and i took my first and only train trip on Amtrak (so far) thanks to your videos and i really enjoy the experience it was only for a 7 hour trip but i love it i did it with my two kiddos and it was great. They said that next time they want to go in a roomette so thank you so much for this video.

Thank you both so much! Such wonderful information!!!

I took zephyr from Emeryville to chicago and can attest that sleeping in the disabled room on superliners are right over the wheels and, therefore, extremely uncomfortable for sleeping. I must take my own 2" memory foam topper for next trip. Day configuration is comfortable.

I got to see in a window at a roomette and decided right then and there that my plus-sized body would not do well in there so I’ll be booking a bedroom for any sleeper need

The biggest difference in the room and roomette is the ensuite toilet and shower. For some of us older folk who get up a few times during the night, the room is the best choice, unless you like marching up and down the hall in your pj's.

I did it!!! took my first sleeper ride because of you too!! I tried the Roomette since it was just me. I'm looking forward to trying the Bedroom this summer with my husband and son. Thanks for everything - love watching your videos!

Really grateful for all the nuances you guys explained about the train sleeper types. So proud of you, you really deserve your recent RU-vid recognition! Much appreciation❣️Still praying for Rob's brother....I hope he's getting his miracle! 🙏🏼

Thank you for sharing your trips.

Being older all I care about is a nice window and in room toilet.

As a railfan I love looking out the window at night seeing the stations and scenery. This time I booked the Accessible Room and love that it has two windows for photography. I have low vision so this room helps me.

Thank you for this video. I haven't yet had my train journey, but from watching your content, I would prefer a roommette, because the toilet is down the hall. My husband and I are happily married for 30 years, but we are not in the habit of rellieving ourselves in front of one another.

All right! I am finally taking the plunge at the end of this month! I'll be traveling Amtrak cross country for the first time by coach on the Southwest Chief from CA to Michigan to visit family. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this channel, it has been so enjoyable watching your travels throughout the country and abroad!

My husband and I both slept in the bottom bunk on a Superliner bedroom with no problem. I realize everybody is different but for us is was plenty of space.

This past April me and my wife went on our first Amtrak Trip - We went Big - New Orleans to Chicago to Seattle to LA and back to New Orleans - with hotel stops in those cities along the way. Sleeper room the whole trip. It took a little getting used too at first but we adapted pretty quick. I slept on the top bed at first - had a slight fall breaking the wrist which made it a challenge to climb up the ladder - wife did the top bunk once but didnt like it. I /we adapted. We took your advice on packing clothes in a "carry on bag" keeping the big bags in the storage area. We had a great trip ...went to places I'd never been to. The food menu gets boring since its the same on all the trains. Bring snacks and adult beverages if you do that and just.....relax!!

Great info. Although I seen your room videos before, I greatly appreciate you doing this video.

Another great video! We were on the Lake Shore Ltd on 8/3/23. I 100% agree with how nice the Viewliner 2 accessible room is. Due to an issue with our Roomette, we were upgraded to the accessible room. Wow was all I could say 😊

FYI. In June 2022 I booked a may 2023 trip on the empire builder and I kid you not, the family bedroom was cheaper than the roomette. I had that big room all to myself from Chicago to Portland Oregon.

The roomette may be a tad small but it's great if you like privacy.

Thanx. Your videos are always a trip. They will have to do for me since Amtrak sleepers have gotten way too expensive for me. BTW, you might be interested in comparing Amtrak roomettes to the captain's quarters on a submarine. There are videos for those, too.

Sempre assisto a apresentação dessa dupla nas viagens de Trem Amtrak Parabéns pelo trabalho 😂

Great. Thank you so much.

Nice video! TFS it give as infos ☺️

Wife and I are not small people and yet we have slept together on the lower bed of the bedroom. Note: bedroom "A" bathroom configuration to be avoided!

For the roomettes, I’d say a good way to describe them is this, there is like zero STANDING room, but it has more space than you would think. The windows do make the lower area seem less cramped, but I’m 6’4 240 lbs and travel with an 80 lbs English Labrador, and it was fine before I ever figured out home to lower the top bunk ( learned that on my 3rd train ride

One of the perks of the viewliner is the window for the upper bunk.

We actually took a tape measure and chalk and drew the size of the roomettes and the bed size. Quickly realized too small for us lol

As someone who had ridden trains a lot in 78 years (and some 20,000 miles during two rail "marathons" recently) I generally agree with your evaluations. I did one stint in roomette #14 and then in the family bedroom and was not aware of the sound problems, but it was mostly the overnight leg when most everyone was asleep. I have ridden bedrooms and roomettes on both Viewliner and Superliner equipment. Had a roomette on a Viewliner II sleeper-baggage combo, a family bedroom on a Superliner and even the handicapped bedroom on a Viewliner (long story). I have also ridden a "cabin for two" on Via Rail's Renaissance equipment and also a roomette (aka "Cabin for one") on the Canadian. Never mind riding older equipment earlier in my like (like sections on old heavyweight Pullmans). My "bottom line" is no accommodation will be absolutely perfect but most of the Amtrak equipment is good travelling as long as you do your research and are prepared for the differences. You all do a good job of highlighting the differences -- which some will find a pro and others a con.

Please make a video for those who don't drive. Is it true that without a car you can't really see many things in US? A video about this topic and possible options would be nice 😊

Travel Enjoy Life Family Blessed 🎶 DETROIT 🗽 Southwest Chief and the Empire Builder is my Family Favorites in the USA 🇺🇸

Hi. You guys are really good @ this. I’d like your opinion. Would you pick the Lake Shore or Cardinal from Chicago~NY in a roomette in March or so of next year. I’ll be taking the Zephyr from CA~Chicago, also in a roomette. Thank you.

Why does Amtrak tickets/ roomettes unbelievably expensive? I can fly and spend a week on the beach for nearly same price. Love your informational shows and journeys

I travel single, and roomettes are great for a single.

Excellent Amtrak travel advice here! From my personal experience traveling on Superliners only, the Roomette is okay for a big guy like me, but there is no way I could share one with anybody larger than a garden gnome. The Bedroom would be much the best option for two traveling companions, as long as the other person was willing to sleep topside! I do want to travel by Viewliner, though, and since I have friends in NYC, I have a perfect excuse!

I like your flamingo!

Great. I am looking to book a trip from Whitefish Montana to New York next year. So Empire Builder and Lake Shore Limited. We want to take the scenic route to head back to England

Great video with wonderful tips! We just recently got the Amtrak CC and have coupons to use. This was so helpful! Have a wonderful weekend guys! Rob, how come the Tigers can win vs Twins but struggle vs the lowly White Sox? I mean 3rd place and 7 games out of 1st place, I will take it after the last few years of last place. Take care.

Last year Amtrak announced the start of rehabbing their superliner cars. Have any of these been entered into service yet?

I have been following you for a while. I enjoy all the info I use Amtrak for all my travelling. I use coach all the time. I use a mobility scooter and coach is a great foe using scooters. I was wondering which videos talk about access ability rooms both type of trains? I remember seeing them but can't remember where they are. Your videos are great. I always travail from Albany-Rensselaer station in NY.

Just got back on our trip from Michigan to New York, on the way down it was ok ( Lake shore view liner 48) but I did wack my head a couple of times on the to bunk ( ouch still sore) and on the Lake shore limited view liner 49 way back ( very uncomfortable)

My last 4 trips I booked about 2 months out. 2 of those purchases the price dropped (I had been watching) going AND coming. 1 of the trips, 1 leg the trip had dropped.

I love watching your videos! Like Allie, I am prone to motion sickness, and I’d like to know.which type of room is it easier for you to deal with? I know you use various methods to deal with the motion sickness, but in general, are those more effective with a roomette or a bedroom?

Congrats on reaching 100k subs, you'll have to do an unboxing video onboard a train somewhere once you get your plaque. :)

You all must get special attention on Amtrak. I recently took a cross country trip on Amtrak. The rooms were filthy. I’ll never travel Amtrak again.

I enjoyed my trip to Florida with my roomette. .

Hello, I just have 3 quick questions. First off, I loved the blankets on the Amtrak Empire, any idea where I could get one? Secondly, when do the Amtrak discounts happen? Thirdly, when do you think the new sleeper cars are going to be available for the California Zephyr? Thank you, great video!

Hi ur videos are very informative... My question is if i book a roomette does it cover cost of two people.... Thanks in advance

Can you guys give more detailed info into the choices and costs of hotels, shuttles, taxis and events at stops for chicago, flagstaff, Lo s angeles and Seattle . I know that's not your channel concentration but some of us are new passengers on long distance trains and traveling alone and retired. Thanks so much and love all your videos. I just found d you seems ago. 💟💟

Do the Assessible Rooms in the Superliner have more room? We are thinking of taking the Autotrain to visit our home state of Pennsylvania, leaving from Sanford, FL. I have limited walking and some mobility issues.

Going on my first ever Amtrak trip with my cousin to Boston. We are in a budget so we'll have to go for Roomette. If the experience is good, then, since our parents want to try it, we may try again next year and aim for a good trip with everyone (hopefully get a discount if there are deals). That said, I'm curious, are you guys from Chicago? Because you all seem to use Chicago a lot as as an example of travel from and to. Just curious.

Hi Rob, is Amtrak ever going to reconfigure their sleeper cars? Thanks

Going to SF on Zephr from Chicago after Christmas with my adult son. I got a family bedroom rather than a bedroom as I wanted view on both sides but I do have a couple of concerns about my comfort as (1) I get motion sick sometimes and (2) have problems with loud noises. Know lower level helps with motion sickness but how loud will it be and are views from lower level not as good? I still think the Family room is good for my son as he will have more space and stays up a lot later than me. I can sleep fine with lights but the potential noise worries me.

What would the auto train considered. I’m leaving next week for Florida now I am super nervous about that top bunk

In an Accessible room are there two windows by the chairs? I see the curtain but not sure how big the windows are . Also the Roomettes and bedrooms remind me of a VW camper my Grandparents used to have as well as a 5th wheel or interior cabin on a cruise. I had a great time in a Roomette last year until someone told me I qualify for the Accessible Bedroom as at night it's easier to have an in room toilet. I can climb stairs but not with luggage or my backpack.

The problem my wife and I found with the roomette is when I have to use the restroom at night, climbing down from the top bunk is difficult in the dark. And climbing back up too.

I personally feel like a roomette is best for a solo traveler. Once the its bedtime, there really is no space, so having 2 people makes it a challenge.

I am going to be traveling on the Silver Star in Oct 23 from Philadelphia to Tampa in a Roomette. Can you answer some questions.? 1. I have a room on 9111 4. Is that a I or II? and is this on left side? 2. How are they serving the meals? Microware or ? 3. What editor do you use? I watch almost all of your postings and since I am retired I like to watch RU-vid channels that show a lot of scenery. Thank You

can a solo rider use the top bunk for storage in a roomette ?

My daughter and I are taking a Superliner to Chicago this fall. We have the bedroom. I'm a little concerned because she is a larger woman and will be using the upper bunk. I'm older and don't think I can climb up there. She's confident that she will do just fine. I was thinking we'd be able to both use the bottom if we laid opposite ways and hope not to kick each other...if the top bunk didn't work out. It's a two day trip so I'm definitely praying it works.

Is there a thermostat to see how cold or hot it gets in those rooms?

Do you already have a penny pinching video? Some tricks I've heard are getting an Amtrak credit card because you can get a deal on your room or leaving on certain days versus other days. Comfort is important for us retired folks but screeching our dollars is important too.

I believe the handicapped accessible room should be booked like handicapped parking with the exception that if it does not fill with a qualified passenger it goes public.

In the Roomette, do you have a luggage compartment above the door over the hallway? Can you get access to your checked luggage at all during a cross-country trip?

I couldn't find a place to ask a question on your website, so I hope you don't mind if I ask one that's not quite on topic for this particular video: What do you recommend for someone who will be departing from or arriving at a station like Elkhart Indiana that does not have baggage service? Do you basically have to live out of an overnight bag at your destination? Is it at least safe to leave things in a roomette while you go to the dining room, or if you bring a set of dress clothes, will you be lugging around a garment bag every time you leave your room?

I'm planning a trip from Texas to Washington St. and I will be getting a roomette on the first part of the trip. I'm going to check a bag and will I have collect my checked bag and transfer it to the new train at every transfer

Do any of the rooms have beds long enough for someone 6’ 4”? That’s 76” long, so I’d want an 80” long surface. Have you ever measured the beds with a tape measure? P.S., great video!

I’d like to see what it would be to go coach overnight

Can you book a family room just for 2 people?

Which rooms have showers in the compartment or am I thinking of a European train?

I have a group for about 11 ppl going from Baltimore to Miami. Do they have rooms big enough for about 6 ppl? Or we all just should buy a Coach Seat

Ive booked a bedroom because Im traveling with my Service dog. Will it be big enough for us?

One the I don’t like is you show the view from the Canadian VIA Rail on your intro to all your podcasts

I am one person and will only be eating for one. Is a roomette still 1,400-2,000?

You should take a train from San Antonio to NY

Handicap rooms.

Think of a Viewliner 1 and 2 like an airplane model.

My daughter who 14, and has autism. Would a room work out for us? WE will be on the Zypher, and planning for mid 2024.

Too bad the House only approved 850million to run Amtrak for the next fiscal year when they asked for 3.5 billion to run it.

I am confused about roomettes. Do all roomettes have en-suite toilet or not?

Seems very rude to put your kids in coach when you are in sleeper. You get the experience of a sleeper, with proper meals, your kid gets coach maybe even next to a stranger and cafe car food.