How to Make Reservations for a Sleeper Car on Amtrak

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There's nothing quite like seeing America's changing terrain from the comfort of your own private quarters on an Amtrak train. Amtrak provides sleeping accommodations in a variety of sizes and configurations in either the two-level Superliner or one-level Viewliner cars, and availability depends on the route. Some rooms have special amenities, such as private toilets, sinks and showers, while others allow passengers access to common facilities. Before you make your reservations, acquaint yourself with the bells and whistles of Amtrak's sleeper cars so you'll choose the right accommodations for your needs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Amtrak Passenger Room Reservations

Step 1

Conduct a head count. Amtrak's sleeper car rooms accommodate various numbers of fellow travelers. If you're traveling solo, your best bet is probably a roomette, Amtrak's smallest sleeping room, which has a seat that folds down into a bed. The roomette can comfortably house two travelers as well, as long as they don't mind bunking together at night. Bedrooms are also designed for two travelers, but can accommodate three who don't mind sharing close quarters--a single berth folds down from above. Families may opt for the family bedroom, which is available only on the Superliner car--this sleeping room accommodates two adults and two children. For four to six adult passengers, reserve a bedroom suite, which has two private toilets with shower facilities. Roomettes and bedrooms on the Viewliner car have toilet facilities, and bedrooms on the Viewliner also have private showers. Both the Viewliner and Superliner car have common shower and toilet areas for use by sleeper-car passengers whose rooms don't have private facilities.

Step 2

Take into consideration if you or a fellow traveler has special needs. Both the Superliner and Viewliner sleeper cars have lower-level, wheelchair-accessible bedrooms that comfortably accommodate two adults. Accessible bedrooms have their own toilet facilities; the accessible bedroom on the Viewliner car also has a shower.

Step 3

Expect to pay more for your privacy on Amtrak's sleeper cars. Overnight rooms are considered an upgrade, the charge of which is applied to the lowest fare. Each traveler will pay for his or her own rail fare; the cost of upgrading to a sleeper car will be one charge, no matter how many people share a room.

Step 4

Make reservations on an Amtrak sleeper car as early as possible--preferably as soon as you schedule your vacation, as the train routes that offer these are popular. You can secure a room on a sleeper car on the Amtrak website; simply click on the "upgrade" button when you make your online reservation. However, to reserve a Superliner or Viewliner bedroom suite, Amtrak's most deluxe accommodations, you must do so by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.

Tips & Warnings

Passenger services on a sleeper car on Amtrak are similar to those offered in hotels and include fresh towels and linens, all meals and a complimentary daily newspaper. If all overnight rooms are not booked, you might be able to upgrade your regular train fare to accommodations on a sleeper car once you get to the Amtrak station--simply speak to a conductor.

Passenger services on a sleeper car on Amtrak are similar to those offered in hotels and include fresh towels and linens, all meals and a complimentary daily newspaper.

If all overnight rooms are not booked, you might be able to upgrade your regular train fare to accommodations on a sleeper car once you get to the Amtrak station--simply speak to a conductor.

Resources

Amtrak Home Page

Article Written By Lisa Sefcik

Lisa Sefcik has been writing professionally since 1987. Her subject matter includes pet care, travel, consumer reviews, classical music and entertainment. She's worked as a policy analyst, news reporter and freelance writer/columnist for Cox Publications and numerous national print publications. Sefcik holds a paralegal certification as well as degrees in journalism and piano performance from the University of Texas at Austin.

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