Baggage Guidelines
The moment you come on board Amtrak® the journey begins. With more ways to relax on your journey, including plenty of legroom, spectacular views, and a unique dining experience, your state of mind will transform just like the land you’re passing through.
Baggage Guidelines
Guidelines for Carry-On Baggage
Two-Piece Limit: Each passenger may bring aboard no more than two pieces of carry-on baggage. Not included in this limit are personal items such as purses, briefcases, laptop computers, baby items such as strollers, diaper bags and car seats, and equipment required for a passenger's medical condition such as breathing assistance devices and oxygen tanks.
| 50-Pound Limit: | Each carry-on bag may weigh no more than 50 lbs. |
| Size Limit: | Each carry-on bag may not exceed 28" x 22" x 14" in size. Carry-on baggage is limited to 28" x 22" x 11" on Pacific Surfliner trains. |
| Visible Tag Required: | All carry-on luggage must be visibly tagged with the name and address of the passenger. |
| Special Items: | Ski equipment, snowboards, golf clubs and bicycles may generally only be handled as checked baggage on Amtrak trains, and not as carry-ons. Items are permitted onboard when they can be safely stowed in the exterior lockers of Superliner equipment, or onboard equipment that is specifically designed to safely and securely accommodate the storage of the items. |
Guidelines for Checked Baggage
Amtrak offers checked baggage service at many stations and on many trains and Amtrak Thruway motorcoaches throughout the country. Not all trains and stations offer checked baggage services.
| Three-Piece Limit: | Each ticketed passenger may check up to three pieces of luggage at no charge. Up to three additional pieces may be checked upon payment of $10.00 per piece. |
| 50-Pound Limit: | Each checked bag may weigh no more than 50 lbs. We will not accept heavier pieces. |
| Size Limit: | Each checked bag may not exceed 36 x 36 x 36 inches in size. |
| Check-In Time: | Check all baggage at least 30 minutes prior to departure. Allow additional time at larger stations, during busy travel, if you have special items or also need to obtain tickets. Baggage checked less than 30 minutes prior to departure may be delayed. |
| Suitable Bags: | Pack your baggage using sturdy luggage or containers that are capable of withstanding expected handling. Please note that we do not accept plastic storage containers, lightweight suit bags and other similar items as checked baggage. |
| Baggage Tags: | Attach your name and address to each item. Free identification tags are available at stations or from crew members, or you may use your own. |
| Claiming Checked Baggage: | Checked Baggage will be available to claim generally within 30 minutes of arrival. However, some items may require additional handling and therefore may take up to 60 minutes. Be prepared to identify your baggage by the claim check numbers. Storage charges apply to baggage not claimed within two days of arrival. |
| ID Required: | To check baggage, you must have a valid photo ID. For more information about ID requirements, please see our Passenger Security and ID page. |
| Special Items: | Amtrak accepts a number of special items such as baby strollers, bicycles, golf bags, musical instruments, snowboards and skis (one board or set per bag/container). In most cases there is a handling charge of $5.00 per special item. |
Bicycles
We offer several options for transporting your bicycle with you on your Amtrak Vacations journey.
Bicycles stored onboard in bike racks. Bicycles as checked baggage in a box or other secure container. Bicycles as checked baggage secured by tie-down equipment (not in a box). Folding bicycles brought onboard as carry-on baggage. Availability varies.
What Trains Have Bicycle Service?
On some Amtrak trains you can roll your bike up to the train and secure it in a bike rack, unboxed. Onboard bike space is limited and is not available on all trains. On some trains you can check your bike as baggage. Not all stations or trains have checked baggage service.
Baggage to/from Canada
Baggage to or from Canada will only be accepted on the same train as the passenger. Customs regulations prevent unaccompanied baggage being handled across the border. All baggage must be unlocked for Customs inspection and bear an identification tag with passenger's name and address.
Damaged, Lost or Delayed Baggage and Limitation of Liability
Amtrak disclaims liability for carry-on baggage, even if Amtrak personnel has handled or assisted in loading or unloading the baggage.
Claims for lost checked baggage must be submitted within 30 days of arrival at your destination station. For best results, submit the claim at your destination station; otherwise call Amtrak at 800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) and ask for Customer Relations.
Claims for damaged or delayed checked baggage or for a concealed loss (pilferage) within checked baggage must be submitted immediately at your destination station. Amtrak disclaims liability for pilferage for unsecured baggage, such as baggage that does not have a lock, seal or other device that protects the bag from unauthorized entry, and for articles placed in an unlocked or unsecured exterior baggage compartment.
Amtrak liability for checked baggage is limited to a maximum of $500 per ticketed passenger. Passengers may declare additional valuation up to $2,500 upon payment of the applicable charge.