Passengers are allowed to bring a small amount of food and drink on Amtrak trains, including their own meals, snacks, and non-alcoholic drinks. Bringing food on an Amtrak train must be meant for personal consumption and should not be used for onboard storage.
However, the Amtrak Carry-On Food Rule prohibits seafood (as fresh fish or frozen fish). Also, tail riders are not allowed to carry seafood as checked luggage.
Since many Amtrak routes last several hours or even a full day, planning and bringing food becomes essential. Doing so not only helps save money but also allows users to enjoy quality meals during the trip.
Amtrak Food Policy Explained
Amtrak allows food, beverages, alcohol, and medications to ensure safe and comfortable travel. Train users can bring food to their seat or to private Sleeping Car accommodation. In addition:
- Smoking on Amtrak Trains is not permitted.
- Food purchased from Amtrak Dining, Café, or Lounge Cars must be consumed within those cars.
- Personal food is allowed on Amtrak trains in the upper level of Superliner Sightseer Lounges.
- Due to federal health regulations, the Amtrak staff is not supposed to heat, handle, or store passenger-bought food.
Planning for last-minute delays – Train delay may sometimes cause limited food availability on board. In that case:
- Riders with dietary restrictions or medical conditions such as diabetes must carry their own food to meet their needs due to unexpected delays.
Class restrictions – Coach class tickets do not include meals. Food is included in the Sleeper Cars and those class who tickets are significantly more expensive.
Medication: Always keep medication in the carry-on baggage for easier access. Add to that:
- Do not pack medication and essential toiletries in the checked baggage.
- Travelers should not leave the medication in the Auto Trains, as these can be inaccessible during the journey.
Ice and dry ice for medical needs: Amtrak offers ice for medical purposes. Dry ice is permitted in both carry-on and checked baggage, provided it meets the safety requirements.
Cooler on Amtrak: Amtrak allows a small soft-sided cooler with ice packs that fits underneath the seats.
Special diet options: Amtrak offers a special menu based on lifestyle and religious requirements, but requires:
- Advance notice for 72 hours for overnight trains and at least 24 hours for Acela First Class.
- Kosher meals are available on request.
- Vegan options are limited and must be notified 248-24 hours before departure.
Pro-tip: Meals served on board Amtrak trains are served reheated and are not freshly prepared.
Can You Bring Drinks on Amtrak?
Train riders are allowed to bring alcohol for personal consumption onboard, provided:
- Consumption is only permitted inside private Sleeping Car accommodations with a valid ticket.
- Drinking alcohol in public areas of the train is strictly prohibited.
- Coach riders are not allowed to bring or consume their own alcohol.
- Users can request free cups of ice or hot water from the Cafe car.
- Alcoholic beverages are available for purchase in most Dining, Lounge, and Café Cars. Options include beer at 7.50-9.50 USD and spirits at 8.50-9.50 USD.
In addition, riders can bring non-alcoholic beverages like juice or milk, water, tea, or soda without any limitation on quantity. Travelers who bring tea, coffees or cold beverages can also request a cup of ice or hot water.
Food Rules by Amtrak Train Type
Amtrak dining rules serve differently for long-distance trains and short-distance trains.
Long-distance (double-decker) trains: Long-distance Amtrak trains cover over 750 miles and are designed for overnight and multi-day journeys. Examples include California Zephyr, Empire Builder, and Coast Starlight. On these trains:
- The cafe car is combined with the observation car.
- Sleeper Car users have access to full-service dining and related cars.
- Coach commuters can purchase food items only from cafes.
- Observation cars are open to all travelers and is a best place to relax and eat.
These trains include:
- Auto Train
- California Zephyr
- Coast Starlight
- Empire Builder
- Floridian
- Silver Meteor
- Southwest Chief
- Sunset Limited
- Texas Eagle
The menu on long-distance trains includes pan-roasted chicken breast, Atlantic salmon, and pasta primavera, which ranges between 20 and 25 USD.
Short-distance (single-level) trains: These routes are mostly under 750 miles and do not feature sleeping accommodations. These trains are mainly regional and corridor services. On these trains:
- No observation cars are available.
- The cafe car is located in the middle of the train.
- Food choices are limited, but the menu is quite similar to the long-distance café menus.
Where Can You Eat Your Own Food on Amtrak?
Long-distance (overnight train) comes with roomettes (for two passengers) and bedrooms (for three to four passengers). These accommodation allows riders to eat and drink in their space.
Private rooms: Sleeper car users must consume alcohol in the private rooms.
Acela Train dining experience: On Acela routes, travelers will receive at-seal meal service. These passengers will receive premium entrées such as Korean BBQ short rib, along with complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Amtrak Business and Coach class travelers on Acela can use the Cafe car and bring their own meals.
Best Food to Bring on Amtrak Trains
Bringing your own food on Amtrak can make a journey comfortable and affordable, especially on longer routes. The main idea is to bring food items that sustain long and easy to manage on board, such as:
- Does not require refirgiration.
- Which can be pre-heated on the seat. Amtrak trains offer power outletsand support light pre-heating.
- Food that stays fresh for several hours
- Create minimal mess and odor.
Here are some practical and most famous food options among Amtrak riders:
| Category | Examples | Reason | Shelf Life |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold Meals | Sandwiches, wraps, pasta salad, grain-based salads | No heating required | 1–2 days |
| Snacks | Granola bars, protein bars, nuts, crackers | Easy to carry | Several weeks |
| Packaged Snacks | Chips, packaged snacks, beef jerky, shelf-stable cured meats | Long-lasting and does not require refrigeration | Weeks to months |
| Fruits | Apples, bananas, oranges | Fresh and healthy | 1–3 days |
| Drinks | Bottled water, juices, non-carbonated beverages | For hydration on longer routes | Indefinite |
What Food Items Are Not Allowed on Amtrak?
There are certain foods not allowed on Amtrak trains for the safety and comfort of other travelers onboard. These items must be avoided:
- Strong-smelling foods, such as fish or garlic-heavy dishes
- Food that is stale quickly without refrigeration.
- Alcohol for Coach riders
- Any food in large quantity intended for sharing.
Amtrak Dining Car Rules
Amtrak dining rules differ with ticket type. Sleeper Car users receive priority access, while Coach Car passengers can use the Cafe Car.
For sleeper cars, meals are included with the ticket price for Sleeper Car. In addition:
- Lunch and dinner separate reservations
- Breakfast is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Meal times: Meal times are 6:30 am – 9:30 am for Breakfast, 11:30 am – 2:30 pm for Lunch and 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm for dinner. Final call for meals must be made 15-30 minutes before closing time.
Common seating: Dining Car has common seating, and travelers may share tables with other riders.
Outside food: Outside food and drinks are not allowed in the Dining Car. Only food and drinks offered by the Amtrak staff can be consumed here.
Amtrak Dining Car Rules for Cafe Car: Coach users do not have access to the Dining Car and must use the Cafe Car.
- Besides, Cafe Car is open for all passengers, including Coach, Business, and Sleeper Car travelers.
- Cafe Car allows personal food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Amtrak Food Service for Travelers with disability
Amtrak’s food policy empowers passengers to customize their travel plans by bringing their own meals, snacks, and alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for consumption at their seats. This approach is helpful for passengers with dietary needs but also help mange coists on longer routes where full-serviuce meaks starts 20-25 USD.
Train riders must be aware of important food restrictions, such as no strong-smelling or seafood items, no outside food in the Dining Car, and alcohol consumption limited to private rooms. Amtrak allows coolers as carry-on and offers ice for medications.
ZadRails publishes detailed onboard experience guides covering seating classes, amenities, Wi-Fi availability, baggage rules, and travel policies on U.S. passenger rail routes. Each guide focuses on practical details travelers often overlook before departure.
FAQs
Yes. The newly proposed FOOD Act allows Ciach car users to access Dining Cars. As of now, no changes have been implemented, and it is likely to pass by the ned of 2026.
Yes. On the Lake Shore route nopw plated meals with liners will be offered to the sleeper passengers. Coach passengers can access fixed-price dining, which is available on selected routes.
Trains like City of New Orleans have adopted a full Flex Dining menu offering ready-to-serve plated meals for Sleeper Car passengers. However, Coach Car users will still rely on cafe purchases or their own items.
Apart from traditional dining, the route will add chef-prepared meals, which reduces passengers’ reliance oin personal food.
