Amtrak is the biggest passenger train company in the United States, and helps travelers hit the rails to destinations throughout the country. Wanderu has the information you need for smooth travels with Amtrak!

Ready to book your ticket? Search away!

How much luggage can I bring on my Amtrak trip?

Amtrak allows 2 suitcases up to 50 pounds each and 2 small carry-on items up to 25 pounds each. Passengers can also check up to 4 additional bags (2 for free, 2 for $20 each) at some stations.

Bicycles may be carried on certain trains. See the Amtrak luggage policy for more details.

Does Amtrak have amenities on board?

Amtrak does offer WiFi, power outlets, bathrooms, and snacks for sale on board most of its trips. Please keep in mind that since these are complimentary it is within the carrier's rights to not offer them on specific routes or if there are technical issues outside of their control.

Does Amtrak have a discount for children or infants?

Amtrak offers a 50% discount for children between 2-12 years old. Only 1 discounted child ticket is available per adult ticket purchased. Child tickets must be purchased on www.amtrak.com with the adult ticket.

Infants are required to have a ticket, but there is no charge for an infant ticket. Infant tickets must be purchased on www.amtrak.com with an adult ticket.

Can minors travel alone on Amtrak?
Amtrak does allow unaccompanied minors ages 13 to 16 to travel, with restrictions. Children 16 and older may travel without restriction. See Amtrak's unaccompanied minors policy for details.

Reservations for unaccompanied minors must be made by calling Amtrak at 1-800-872-7245, and cannot be made online.

I didn't receive my confirmation email or ticket from Amtrak!

Remember to check your email inbox/promotions or spam folder for your ticket email from Amtrak.

You can resend your ticket to yourself by going directly to www.amtrak.com and clicking "Modify Trip" in the menu above the search form. Follow the prompts to load your ticket information, and click "Send Itinerary" in the upper right hand corner. You can then enter the email where you’d like the ticket to be resent.

Do I need to print my Amtrak ticket?

Amtrak does not require a printed ticket to board the train. An E-Ticket is sent to you by email that you can load on most electronic devices.

For more information about reading your Amtrak ticket, see our blog post here.

How early should I arrive at the station?

We recommend arriving at least 20-30 minutes before the departure time to prepare for the boarding process. If you are unfamiliar with the departure station, it's always good to leave extra time to find your way around!

Do I need an ID to board my train?

Yes, Amtrak requires you to present an ID to an agent to be allowed to board the train. Make sure you have identification issued by a government agency that meets the carrier’s requirements. Alternative IDs, like a college ID, won’t work.

Can I make changes to my ticket?

Amtrak does not charge a ticket change fee, but please note that other fees may apply. Ticket changes must be submitted before the trip has departed.

To change your Amtrak ticket please go to www.amtrak.com and click on the "Modify Trip" tab (upper right hand corner) and follow the prompts, or call Amtrak directly at 1 (800) 872-7245. 

Can I cancel my ticket and get a refund?

Amtrak's cancellation policies will vary depending on the type of ticket you've purchased. They will usually issue an eVoucher to apply as payment toward future trip purchases, or a refund to your original form of payment, depending on your ticket type. For more information please see here.

To cancel your Amtrak ticket please go to www.amtrak.com and click on the "Modify Trip" tab (upper right hand corner) and follow the prompts, or call Amtrak directly at 1 (800) 872-7245. 

Where is the train?

Amtrak offers an online tracker to see when your train will arrive!

I missed my train! What do I do?

Catching the next trip out or requesting a refund for the unused ticket would be completely up to Amtrak, since reservations and transactions are done directly with the carrier.

Usually, no refunds or credits will be given in instances where passengers miss the train, but you can always contact Amtrak to inquire at 1 (800) 872-7245.

If you purchased travel insurance, you may be able to file a claim for reimbursement with Allianz; you can see additional details here.

Note that Amtrak is partnered with the following carriers, and the information above may not apply to all of these partners: Amtrak Acela, Amtrak Thruway, and associated Amtrak train lines.

You can learn more about traveling on Amtrak here. If you have further questions, you are welcome to reach out to us at [email protected], or by chat using the chat bubble on the right-hand side of the screen.

Safe travels!