While taking a long Amtrak trip, particularly overnight or for more than 6 to 7 hours, passengers must know what they have to pack in their bag to stay comfortable. It is important to take all essentials, including documents, food, toiletries, and entertainment. Amtrak has certain restrictions on some items that should be reviewed before traveling.
Amtrak Journey Essentials
- Government-issued photo ID and the e-ticket or confirmation, either physical or digital.
- A small day bag for anything needed within reach, since overhead space isn’t always convenient mid-ride.
- Cash and a card, for onboard cafe car payments.
- A printed itinerary with connection times, especially for trips involving a transfer.
- A reusable water bottle, since most stations and some trains have refill stations.
- A pen, useful for any paperwork at a connecting station or for filling out a customs form on routes crossing into Canada.
Comfort Items
- A travel pillow and light blanket.
- Extra clothes for the night.
- Compression socks, useful for long stretches of sitting.
- An eye mask and earplugs.
- Layers, including a jacket or hoodie, since the temperature can drop during the night.
- Slip-on shoes, easier to move around.
- A neck pillow with back support, since coach seats recline.
- A pair of thick socks, useful for taking shoes off for the ride.
Technology
- A phone charger and a portable power bank.
- Headphones, ideally noise-canceling, since train noise is more constant.
- Since Wifi on Amtrak is inconsistent and can drop in rural stretches, keep offline content downloaded.
- A lightweight laptop or tablet, useful for working or as a backup entertainment option.
- A multi-port charging cable or small power strip.
- Offline maps of the destination city, downloaded in advance in case the signal drops near arrival.
NOTE: Amtrak Power Outlets exist at most seats, but they’re not guaranteed to work on every car.
Food and Drink
- Snacks that travel well, such as trail mix, crackers, or dried fruit.
- A refillable coffee mug or tumbler, handy for both hot and cold drinks.
- Bring your own food on Amtrak, especially on night routes.
- Gum or mints.
- Disposable utensils and napkins.
- A few sealed, non-messy items, easier to eat at a seat.
Toiletries and Personal Care
- A basic toiletry kit, including toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, and any skincare essentials.
- Hand sanitizer and wipes.
- A small towel, especially useful on sleeper trains with shared shower facilities.
- Travel-size versions of anything liquid, which aren’t restricted on Amtrak but are easier to pack light.
- A change of clothes in the carry-on, not just checked luggage, in case of a delay or overnight stretch.
- Flip-flops or shower sandals, packing specifically for anyone booked in a sleeper car.
Health and Medications
- Any prescription medication, packed in a carry-on with enough supply for delays.
- A basic first-aid kit, including pain relievers, bandages, and motion sickness remedies if needed.
- A copy of any relevant medical information, useful in case of an emergency.
- Hand and foot warmers, when traveling through colder regions.
- A list of any allergies, especially if eating in the dining car.
Entertainment
- Books, Kindle, and Magazines.
- Download movies, songs, series, podcasts, and audiobooks in advance.
- Puzzles, Cards, or board games, especially when traveling in groups.
Luggage Tips
- Amtrak generally allows two carry-on bags plus two personal items, so pack smart.
- A soft-sided bag is easier to store in overhead racks and under-seat space than a rigid suitcase.
- Label every bag, including checked luggage where available, since trains make multiple stops and mix-ups happen.
- Keep valuables and essentials in a bag that stays within reach, instead of in checked or overhead storage.
- Check the specific train’s checked baggage policy in advance, since not every station offers this service.
Money and Documents for Connections
- A backup payment method.
- Printed or saved confirmation for hotels or connections at the destination, in case a phone loses signal.
- Small bills, useful for tipping sleeper car attendants or paying at smaller station vendors that don’t take cards.
- A copy of the return ticket, especially for round-trip travel booked separately from the outbound leg.
What Not to Bring on Amtrak
- Batteries with acid that can spill or leak.
- Devices containing Propellants, including canisters and tanks.
- Corrosive and dangerous chemicals, including liquid bleach, tear gas, radioactive and harmful bacteriological items.
- Illegal substances.
- Dumbells and hand weights.
- Gas-powered motor vehicles.
- Antique items, artwork, furniture, machinery, and car parts.
- Hoverboards.
- Kayaks and Canoes.
- Onewheel skateboards and self-balancing scooters.
- Perishable food and beverages.
- Overweight Items.
- Seafood.
- Sharp objects, including picks, knives, spears, and swords.
These are the essentials that passengers must pack before taking a long-distance train on Amtrak. Keep all documents, food items, one pair of clothes, comfortable slippers, and medicines within reach. Check all security guidelines on prohibited items and Amtrak’s smoking policy before packing.
FAQs
Most routes allow two carry-on bags plus two personal items per passenger, with checked baggage available for an additional two bags at stations that offer that service.
Yes, outside food and non-alcoholic drinks are allowed on board, and bringing meals is common on longer routes where cafe car hours don’t always align with mealtimes.
Passengers can bring a limited amount of alcohol to consume on board, though rules vary slightly by route, and drinking only what’s brought on board, rather than purchased elsewhere, is generally expected.
Most long-distance trains have outlets at or near most seats, but availability isn’t guaranteed on every car, so packing a portable charger is doing regardless.
Not consistently. Wifi tends to drop in rural or mountainous stretches, which is why downloaded entertainment is more reliable than anything requiring a live connection.
Sleeper passengers should add a towel and shower sandals, since some sleeper cars use shared shower facilities, while coach passengers benefit more from a travel pillow and layers for long stretches in a seat.
Amtrak’s standard pet policy generally applies to trips of seven hours or less, so longer routes may not allow pets other than a service animal.
You must bring the necessary things to keep yourself comfortable during an Amtrak journey, including extra clothes, chargers, food items, and travel documents.
