What's the difference between coach and business on an Amtrak train?


What's the difference between coach and business on an Amtrak train? There is more room in the business class car along with free non-alcoholic drinks. Other perks include Amtrak points bonus and reserved seating on some routes (no reserved seating in coach cars). The train car layout is also slightly different in business class vs coach class.


What are coach seats like on Amtrak?

Coach class features wide, comfortable reclining seats with ample legroom. There is also a fold-down tray, individual reading light, and a 120v electric outlet at each seat. Other onboard amenities include restrooms in each coach, overhead baggage storage and complimentary WiFi.


Is Amtrak Business Class in front or back of train?

The Business Class car is the last car on the train and is configured with forward-facing seats and two conference tables with four seats each. All the seats are rotated by the train crew to face forward, except for the seats at the conference tables, which means you could end up sitting in a rear-facing seat.


Does coach on Amtrak get food?

Café service is available to both Coach and Sleeping Car customers along these routes, offering a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages for sale.


Can you walk around on an Amtrak?

If you want to get up and stretch your legs, there's plenty of room to walk around, with restrooms conveniently located in every car. On shorter train journeys, Amtrak's Coach Class seats provide a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the view.


Where is the best place to sit on the Amtrak?

It depends on what your main purpose is. For the smoothest ride, get a seat equidistant between the trucks (wheels). This way a hard bump will be only half as bad. If you want to watch the train ahead going through curves, get a window seat near the rear of the coach.


Do you get to pick your seat on Amtrak Business Class?

Seat selection is available on Acela and in Business Class on Northeast Regional, Carolinian, Palmetto and Vermonter. Your seat will be automatically assigned when you complete your reservation.


What are the downsides of Amtrak?

It's a very bumpy ride and many times the train must change tracks because freight trains take precedence. The freight train tracks are not smooth at all. Sleeping car rooms are expensive and very small. It's hard to fit one suitcase in your room.


Is business class the same as first class on Amtrak?

Amtrak Acela's business class tickets offer more plusher, wider seats than you'll experience in coach, but do not include a meal or in-seat service like first-class, roomette, and bedroom accommodations do.


Is it worth getting a room on Amtrak?

In October of 2021, I spent two nights on overnight Amtrak trains traveling between Miami and NYC. I stayed in a 20-square-foot roomette for $500 and a 40-square-foot bedroom for $1,000. The extra space in the bedroom was more comfortable for the long journey and worth the price.


Why is the Amtrak so expensive?

Many of the lines don't make any money or are operated at a loss. To accommodate the money-losing routes, Amtrak uses profits from its popular lines, such as the Northeast Corridor. Since this is one of the most popular routes, Amtrak can charge higher prices and send those profits to other, less profitable lines.


Can you bring luggage on Amtrak?

Unlike many transportation options, traveling with Amtrak is twice as nice with our generous baggage policy. When you travel with us, you can carry-on two free pieces of luggage. Each item should not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) and needs to be 28 x 22 x 14 inches in size.


Why did Amtrak get rid of business class?

An Amtrak revenue management specialist told Trains last year that Business Class on the Auto Train had the effect of raising coach fares to the point where the company was losing business, so reservations agents had to “manually” override the yield management system to lower the price points.


Are Amtrak rides worth it?

Trains consume less energy and produce less harmful pollutants than either car or air travel. Hopping on an Amtrak train will save you gas and daily wear and tear on your car. It also reduces the ever-increasing traffic congestion on the roads and in the skies.


Are Amtrak trains comfortable for long trips?

Trains serving the long-haul routes are extremely spacious. This allows the traveler to spend time sitting comfortably in their seat, and also to move freely around the train. As some journeys last more than 24 hours, it is possible to book a room in a sleeping car.


Are Amtrak coach seats comfortable for sleeping?

The average Amtrak Coach seat measures 23 inches in width (compared to around 17 inches for airplane equivalent seating) with exceptional legroom and the ability to recline for an even more comfortable sleeping position.


Can you sit anywhere on Amtrak?

In almost all cases, Amtrak seats are not assigned. The exception is Acela Express route seats and business class seating on the Northeast Regional, Carolinian, Palmetto, and Vermonter. Otherwise, Amtrak has a first-come, first-serve seating policy for coach seats.


Where do you put your luggage on Amtrak?

Storing Items Carry-on and personal items must be kept with you, stored in overhead racks, under seats or designated baggage areas. Most buses have baggage storage bins under the bus floor, and the bus driver will assist you.


Is Amtrak business class better than coach?

There is more room in the business class car along with free non-alcoholic drinks. Other perks include Amtrak points bonus and reserved seating on some routes (no reserved seating in coach cars). The train car layout is also slightly different in business class vs coach class.


Can I bring food on Amtrak?

You may bring your own food and beverages onboard for consumption at your seat or private Sleeping Car accommodations. However, you can only consume food and beverages purchased in Dining and Lounge Cars in those cars. Personal food and beverages are allowed in the upper level of Superliner Sightseer Lounges.