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
EFFECTIVE SEPTEMBER 10, 2012
This policy information can be viewed/downloaded as an Adobe PDF here.
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.
| Checked Item Limit: |
A maximum of four checked items are allowed per passenger. - The first two items are free. - The third and fourth items will be assessed a charge of $20.00 per item - Any additional items over the four item limit may be accepted as Amtrak Express. - Children (ages 2-15) and unaccompanied minors are entitled to the same baggage allowances. |
| Weight & Size: | Checked baggage must not exceed 50 lbs (23 kg) or outside linear dimensions (Length + Width + Height) of 75 inches (190 cm). Items between 76-100 linear inches (193-254 cm) will be accepted at $20.00 per bag. |
| Suitable Container: | Checked baggage must be transported in a suitable container that can withstand handling and exposure to weather. Note: Storage tubs and plastic bags are prohibited. |
| Baggage Identification: | All checked items must be visibly tagged with the name, address, phone number and email address of the person traveling with the item. |
| Check-in Time: | Baggage must be delivered to the check-in area no earlier than 24 hours or no later than 45 minutes prior to scheduled train/Thruway service departure. Baggage accepted past the 45 minute requirement is subject to delay. |
| Special Checked Items: | Medical devices do not count towards the checked items limit. Amtrak allows special items, such as baby items, musical instruments and sporting equipment, to be checked in lieu of a piece of baggage, Special item fees may apply, and oversize items will also incur fees. Note: Skis, snowboards, surfboards/ wakeboards, scuba tanks, and golf clubs may be checked for a $10 per piece fee. Kayaks and tandem bicycles are prohibited. Visit Amtrak.com for a complete list of special items. |
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.
