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Train travel offers a refreshing alternative to flying, and one major advantage is Amtrak’s remarkably generous baggage allowances compared to airlines. The Amtrak baggage policy provides passengers with considerably more freedom to bring belongings without facing excessive fees or restrictions. Understanding what you can carry on, check for free, and how different services handle luggage helps you pack confidently and board smoothly for your journey across America.
Amtrak Free Baggage Policy: What’s Included
The Amtrak free baggage policy stands as one of the most passenger-friendly in U.S. transportation. Every traveler receives:
Two Personal Items:
- Maximum size: 14 x 11 x 7 inches each
- Maximum weight: 25 lbs per item
- Must fit under the seat
- Examples: purses, laptop bags, small backpacks
Two Carry-On Bags:
- Maximum size: 28 x 22 x 14 inches each
- Maximum weight: 50 lbs per item
- Storage: overhead racks or luggage towers
- Must be able to lift overhead without assistance
Two Checked Bags (where available):
- Maximum size: 75 linear inches (length + width + height)
- Maximum weight: 50 lbs per bag
- Completely free of charge
- Available at staffed stations offering checked service
This generous allowance totals four bags onboard plus two checked bags, six pieces per passenger without any fees.
Amtrak Carry On Size and Weight Limits
The Amtrak carry on size of 28 x 22 x 14 inches accommodates substantial luggage. Standard carry-on bags weighing up to 50 lbs each provide a 100 lbs capacity across your two allowed items, significantly more generous than airline restrictions.
However, you must lift bags overhead yourself. Passengers unable to safely lift carry-on items over their heads onto the luggage shelf should consider checking bags instead or requesting assistance at stations offering Red Cap service.
Amtrak Baggage Size Requirements
Understanding Amtrak baggage size limits prevents issues during boarding:
| Item Type | Maximum Dimensions | Maximum Weight | Storage Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Item | 14 x 11 x 7 inches | 25 lbs | Under seat |
| Carry-On Bag | 28 x 22 x 14 inches | 50 lbs | Overhead rack |
| Checked Bag | 75 linear inches | 50 lbs | Baggage car |
Bags must fit in the sizer at the station, so measure at home before traveling to avoid surprises.
Amtrak Baggage Rules: What’s Allowed and Prohibited
The Amtrak baggage rules maintain safety while accommodating diverse passenger needs.
Allowed Items:
- Medications (carry in personal items)
- Food and non-alcoholic beverages
- Strollers for infants under two (doesn’t count toward limits)
- Car seats (free, doesn’t count)
- Bicycles (with reservation and fee)
- Small musical instruments
- Folding mobility aids
Prohibited Items:
- Incendiaries and flammable materials
- Large sharp objects (axes, swords)
- Corrosive chemicals
- Weapons and ammunition (with limited exceptions)
- Hoverboards
- Live animals except service animals and small pets (pet policy applies)
How Strict Is Amtrak Baggage Policy?
Many travelers ask how strict is Amtrak baggage policy enforcement. Staff reserve the right to weigh and measure bags, especially if they appear oversized or overly heavy, to ensure safety and space compliance, though this happens rarely compared to airline enforcement.
Amtrak’s approach prioritizes passenger convenience over strict enforcement, but exceeding limits can result in:
- $20 excess baggage fee for each carry-on and personal item above quantity and size limits
- Maximum of two excess bags permitted per passenger
- Potential refusal to board with extremely oversized items
Most passengers traveling within reasonable limits experience no issues, making Amtrak significantly more relaxed than air travel.
Amtrak Baggage Policy Weight Limit: Overweight Charges
The Amtrak baggage policy weight limit of 50 lbs per bag applies to both carry-on and checked luggage. Bags exceeding 50 lbs face an overweight fee of $20, while bags over 100 lbs generally aren’t accepted at all.
For long trips or relocations requiring heavier items, checked bags must be presented to an agent at least 45 minutes before departure time to ensure proper processing.
Checked Baggage Service Availability
Not all Amtrak routes offer checked baggage service. Checked baggage is not offered on all trains and stations, so verify availability before your journey.
Major long-distance routes like California Zephyr, Southwest Chief, and Empire Builder provide checked baggage, while many regional services (Northeast Regional, Capitol Corridor, some state-supported routes) operate carry-on only.
Always check your specific route on Amtrak’s website or app when booking. Routes without checked service limit you to the four onboard items only.
Amtrak Bus Baggage Policy: Thruway Connections
The Amtrak bus baggage policy for Thruway connecting buses generally follows standard Amtrak rules with slight variations. Most buses have baggage storage bins under the bus floor, and the bus driver will assist you with stowing larger items.
Most passengers adhere to Amtrak’s standard policy of one personal item and two free carry-on bags, though it is essential to verify details at booking, as some contracted buses may impose different limits.
On Thruway buses, luggage typically goes in the undercarriage compartment rather than overhead storage, similar to intercity bus services. If your journey includes both train and bus segments with checked baggage service, Amtrak staff will transfer checked bags between vehicles.
Amtrak Luggage Storage and Baggage Storage
For passengers with layovers or early arrivals, Amtrak luggage storage options exist at many major stations. Storage is available for $10 per item for 24 hours at select locations.
The Amtrak baggage storage service operates at staffed stations, including Chicago Union Station, New York Penn Station, Washington Union Station, and Los Angeles Union Station. Check specific station pages for storage availability and hours.
For extended storage or locations without Amtrak facilities, consider using Radical Storage for secure, insured luggage storage throughout your trip.
Special Items and Equipment
Bicycles: Reservations are required with a cost of $5 for onboard bike racks, though availability and pricing vary by route. Some trains require boxed bikes as checked baggage.
Skis and Snowboards: Winter sports equipment typically counts as standard checked baggage if within size and weight limits, with specific handling procedures at check-in.
Musical Instruments: Small instruments meeting carry-on dimensions travel as standard bags. Larger instruments like cellos may require purchasing an additional seat.
Mobility Aids: Wheelchairs, walkers, and other assistive devices travel free and don’t count against baggage allowances.
Tips for Maximizing Your Allowance
Tag Everything All baggage, both carry-on and checked, must be visibly tagged with your name and address. Amtrak provides tags if needed.
Arrive Early for Checked Bags If checking baggage, arrive at the station 45 minutes early to ensure proper processing and avoid missing your train.
Pack Medications Accessibly Keep prescriptions and essential medications in personal items, never in checked bags, as you won’t have access during the journey.
Use Red Cap Service Free Red Cap service is available at major stations like Seattle and Portland to help with heavy bags.
Verify Station Services Before booking, confirm your origin and destination stations offer the baggage services you need, not all stations provide checked baggage.
Travel Hands-Free with Radical Storage
Whether you’re exploring a city during a long layover, arriving hours before hotel check-in, or departing after checkout, carrying luggage through stations and streets diminishes the travel experience. Radical Storage provides secure luggage storage near major Amtrak stations including New York Penn Station, Chicago Union Station, Los Angeles Union Station, and transportation hubs throughout the United States, letting you drop bags at verified partner locations for a flat daily rate with comprehensive insurance coverage and instant online booking.
FAQs
A maximum of two excess bags are permitted per passenger for a $20 fee each, totaling six onboard bags maximum.
Passengers traveling with infants under two may bring an additional infant item (stroller, diaper bag) that doesn’t count toward limits.
No, the Northeast Regional operates carry-on only with no checked baggage service available.
File a report at the baggage desk immediately; Amtrak may provide reimbursement depending on circumstances and policies.
Are there size restrictions for personal items like purses?
Yes, personal items must not exceed 14 x 11 x 7 inches to fit under the seat properly.
Conclusion
The Amtrak baggage policy provides exceptional value for travelers, offering generous free allowances that airlines can’t match. With four onboard items plus two checked bags at no charge, passengers enjoy the freedom to pack appropriately without worrying about excessive fees or complicated restrictions. Understanding size limits, weight requirements, and service availability ensures smooth boarding and comfortable journeys across America’s rail network.