Why Amtrak Sleepers Is Luxury and Expensive?

Why would I spend lots of money to travel in one of the Amtrak’s sleeper cars called Bedroom that cost thousands of dollars and what it does benefit riders like you?

The answer is simple because it is luxury.

It is a luxury to be able to travel in a private room with a bed, bathroom and shower and have your own attendant who will take care of all your needs. You can order room service and enjoy dining while traveling through beautiful scenery. What else could you ask for?

If you are one of those who love to travel in luxury, then this post is for you. In this post, I am going to tell you about the benefits of traveling in Amtrak Bedroom on long distance routes.

As you know, I am a huge fan of train travel, especially Amtrak trains and I always try to take my family with me while traveling by train. So, whenever I plan to visit my hometown or any other place, I prefer to choose Amtrak routes.

I have been using Amtrak for 20+ years and now it has become my favorite mode of transportation for long distance journeys. The main reason behind it is the comfort and luxury that it provides to its passengers.

I have tried many diverse types of trains like Acela Express and Superliner II coaches, but nothing can beat Bedroom cars in terms of comfort and luxury.

So here are few reasons why I would spend lot of money to travel in the one of the Amtrak’s sleeper cars called Bedroom that cost thousands of dollars and what it does benefit for me?

The Bedroom is a luxury sleeper car, which is the most expensive car on Amtrak since it has two beds, a private bathroom with shower/toilet and a chair you can sit with a big window to look out.

The Bedroom is not for everyone, but if you want to travel in style and comfort, it is hard to beat this ride.

The Bedroom costs average $2,000 per person for a one-way trip from New York City to Los Angeles. The ticket price includes bed linens and pillows and other amenities such as water and soft drinks, all unlimited.

Amtrak has double-level Superliner rail cars with up to three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and shower. The accommodations are not for everyone, but for some travelers, they provide an affordable way to travel in luxury. As example diagram floor plan for the Sleeper cars:

The bedroom is available on all long-distance routes. The Amtrak website lists which routes have this option and how much it costs. The price varies based on the route and whether you want a lower or upper bunk. You can also choose between double occupancy or single occupancy.

In addition to the bedroom accommodation, there is a lounge car with sofas, tables, and chairs where you can relax and unwind after a long day of travel. There is also a dining car that provides complimentary food and beverage service throughout your trip, although some meals require reservations.

Sleeper cars are not cheap — far from it — but if you are looking for an alternative way to travel across the country or even just from New York City to Los Angeles, it could be worth considering.

Lastly, here are the five top reasons why you should consider trying the Amtrak Sleeper Bedroom trip:

1. Comfort and Privacy: Amtrak bedroom cars provide a comfortable and private space for your journey. Each room typically includes a cozy bed, a small sitting area, and amenities like electrical outlets, reading lights, and a fold-down table. You will have a peaceful retreat to relax, read, or simply enjoy the scenic views along the way.
2. Scenic Beauty: Train travel allows you to witness breathtaking landscapes and vistas that you might miss when traveling by other means. Amtrak routes often pass through stunning natural wonders, picturesque countryside, and charming towns. From the comfort of your bedroom car, you can enjoy panoramic views and capture memorable photos.
3. Convenience and Flexibility: Amtrak’s bedroom cars provide the convenience of onboard amenities, including private restrooms and showers nearby. You will have access to fresh linens, towels, and complimentary toiletries. Plus, many long-distance Amtrak trains have dining cars or offer meal service directly to your room, ensuring you have delicious meals during your journey.
4. Socializing and Networking: Train travel provides an opportunity to meet fellow travelers from various backgrounds and cultures. You can engage in conversations, share stories, and make new friends while enjoying meals or in the observation lounges. This social aspect of train travel can add a touch of adventure and enrich your overall experience.
5. Eco-Friendly Option: Opting for train travel, like Amtrak, is an environmentally friendly choice. Trains produce less greenhouse gas emissions compared to airplanes or cars per passenger mile. By choosing the bedroom car on an Amtrak train, you are contributing to sustainable travel and reducing your carbon footprint.

These reasons highlight some of the advantages of traveling on an Amtrak bedroom car. It offers comfort, privacy, beautiful scenery, convenience, and an opportunity to connect with others, all while being mindful of the environment.

Otherwise, the Amtrak sleeper cars have various kinds such as Roomette, Bedroom, Accessible Car but what are the differences in between?

Amtrak offers two types of private accommodations: Roomettes and Bedrooms. Here are the key differences between the two:

1. Size and Capacity:
   1. Roomette: Roomettes are smaller in size and are designed for one or two passengers. They have a seating area that converts into an upper and lower berth at night. Roomettes are ideal for solo travelers or couples who value cost-effective and compact accommodations.
   1. Bedroom: Bedrooms are larger and offer more space compared to Roomettes. They can accommodate up to three passengers comfortably. Bedrooms usually feature a sofa or extra seating during the day, which converts into a lower berth at night. Some Bedrooms may also have an upper berth.
2. Bathroom Facilities:
   1. Roomette: Roomettes on Amtrak typically do not have an en-suite bathroom. Instead, there are shared restrooms and showers available nearby in the same sleeping car.
   1. Bedroom: Bedrooms often include a private bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower within the room. Having an en-suite bathroom provides more convenience and privacy during your journey.
3. Amenities:
   1. Roomette: While Roomettes are more compact, they still offer essential amenities for a comfortable journey. These may include a fold-down table, electrical outlets, reading lights, climate controls, and access to shared amenities like a lounge car, dining car, and observation car.
   1. Bedroom: Bedrooms offer additional amenities compared to Roomettes. Along with the features mentioned above, Bedrooms often provide extra benefits such as a larger seating area, more storage space, a larger window, and enhanced privacy.
4. Price:
   1. Roomette: Roomettes are priced lower compared to Bedrooms, making them a more budget-friendly option for travelers. They are an excellent choice for those who want a private space but are conscious of the costs.
   1. Bedroom: Bedrooms are typically priced higher due to the additional space and amenities they offer. They are suitable for travelers seeking a more spacious and luxurious experience.

The choice between a Roomette and a Bedroom depends on your preferences, budget, and the level of comfort you desire during your Amtrak journey. Both options provide private accommodations, but Bedrooms offer more space, en-suite bathrooms, and additional amenities at a higher cost.

Roomette Room

As said, this is the most popular bedroom where passengers can stretch their wallets because most of the time, it is affordable and a great start to experience the sleeper journey.

An Amtrak Roomette is a type of private accommodation offered on Amtrak trains. It is designed for one or two passengers and provides a comfortable and compact space for overnight journeys. Here are some key features of an Amtrak Roomette:

1. Size and Capacity: Amtrak Roomettes are small but optimized for efficiency and comfort. They typically measure around 3.5 feet wide by 6.5 feet long. Roomettes are designed to accommodate one or two passengers, with the seating area converting into sleeping accommodations at night.
2. Seating and Sleeping Arrangements: During the day, the Roomette’s seating area features two seats facing each other, with a small table in between. The seats are spacious and comfortable, offering a cozy space to relax, read, or enjoy the passing scenery. At night, the seats convert into upper and lower berths to provide sleeping accommodations. Roomettes are equipped with bedding, including pillows, sheets, and blankets, to ensure a restful sleep.
3. Amenities: Despite their compact size, Amtrak Roomettes come with several amenities to enhance your journey. These amenities may include:
   1. Electrical outlets: Roomettes have electrical outlets to charge your devices or use personal electronics.
   1. Reading lights: Individual reading lights are provided for each passenger.
   1. Climate controls: Roomettes have climate controls, allowing you to adjust the temperature to your preference.
   1. Fold-down table: A fold-down table is available for dining, working, or other activities.
   1. Storage: Roomettes feature storage options, such as overhead compartments and under-seat storage, to keep your belongings organized.
4. Shared Facilities: Amtrak Roomettes do not have en-suite bathrooms. Instead, passengers have access to shared restrooms and showers located nearby within the same sleeping car. These shared facilities are typically well-maintained and easily accessible.
5. Additional Benefits: Traveling in a Roomette provides additional benefits, such as priority boarding, access to exclusive lounges, complimentary meals in the dining car, and other onboard services.

Amtrak Roomettes offer a private and comfortable space for individuals or couples during their journey. They provide essential amenities, sleeping accommodations, and access to shared facilities on the train.

Bedroom

Hence, Amtrak has a bigger room called “Bedroom” and what is the difference this time?

An Amtrak Bedroom is a private accommodation option offered on some of Amtrak’s long-distance trains. It is designed to provide a comfortable and private space for passengers during their journey.

Amtrak Bedrooms are larger than Roomettes and can accommodate up to three passengers comfortably. They typically feature a seating area during the day, which may include a sofa or additional seating. At night, the seating area converts into a lower berth for sleeping, while some Bedrooms may also have an upper berth for the third passenger.

One of the main advantages of an Amtrak Bedroom is the inclusion of a private en-suite bathroom. The bathroom typically features a toilet, sink, and shower. Having a dedicated bathroom within the Bedroom provides convenience, privacy, and eliminates the need to use shared facilities.

In addition to the private bathroom, Amtrak Bedrooms may also offer amenities such as electrical outlets, individual climate controls, and ample storage space for luggage and belongings.

Passengers traveling in an Amtrak Bedroom may also receive additional benefits, such as priority boarding, access to exclusive lounges, complimentary meals in the dining car, and other onboard services.

Overall, Amtrak Bedrooms provide a spacious, comfortable, and private option for passengers during their long-distance journeys.

Family Bedroom

Therefore, it came to my mind: Why there is no Family Bedrooms on all Amtrak LD routes?

While Amtrak does not offer a specific “Family Bedroom” on all its long-distance (LD) routes, it does provide alternative accommodations suitable for families or larger groups. Here are few reasons why a dedicated Family Bedroom might not be available on all LD routes:

1. Train Car Configurations: The availability of several types of bedrooms depends on the specific train car configurations used on each LD route. Some train cars may not have the physical space or layout to accommodate a dedicated Family Bedroom.
2. Demand and Passenger Preferences: Amtrak continually assesses passenger demand and preferences to determine the types of accommodations to offer. They may prioritize the most popular accommodations based on historical data, customer feedback, and market research. If the demand for Family Bedrooms is low compared to other room types, Amtrak may not prioritize their inclusion on all LD routes.
3. Flexibility of Room Configurations: Amtrak aims to provide flexibility in room configurations to cater to different passenger needs. For families or larger groups, Amtrak offers options like booking multiple adjacent rooms or connecting rooms to accommodate everyone comfortably. This approach allows passengers to customize their accommodations based on their specific requirements.
4. Operational Considerations: Operating and maintaining diverse types of bedrooms require resources, including space, staffing, and maintenance. Offering a wide range of room types on all LD routes could present logistical challenges for Amtrak, including increased complexity in managing inventory, staffing, and maintenance needs.

While a dedicated Family Bedroom may not be available on all Amtrak LD routes, families and larger groups can still decide to travel together by booking multiple adjacent rooms or connecting rooms. Amtrak’s customer service representatives can assist in finding the best options for accommodating families or groups on specific routes.

Accessible Bedroom

An Amtrak Accessible Bedroom is a specific type of accommodation designed to meet the needs of passengers with disabilities or mobility impairments. It offers accessible features to ensure a comfortable and inclusive travel experience. Here are some key features of an Amtrak Accessible Bedroom:

1. Accessibility Features: Accessible Bedrooms are designed with various features to accommodate passengers with disabilities, including:
   1. Wider Entryway: The bedroom has a wider entryway to accommodate wheelchairs or mobility devices.
   1. Accessibility Controls: Bedrooms are equipped with accessible climate controls, lighting controls, and other amenities that can be easily reached and operated.
   1. Lowered Beds and Controls: The beds in the accessible bedrooms are lowered for easier transfer, and the controls for lights, climate, and call buttons are within reach.
   1. Wheelchair-Accessible Restroom: Accessible Bedrooms have a spacious, wheelchair-accessible restroom with grab bars, an accessible sink, and a roll-in shower.
2. Enhanced Accessibility Features: In addition to the standard accessibility features, some accessible bedrooms may have additional enhancements, such as:
   1. Transfer Seats: Some bedrooms may feature a transfer seat that facilitates transferring from a wheelchair to the bed.
   1. Communication Access: Accessible bedrooms may have visual alarms, visual doorbells, and other communication features to assist passengers with hearing impairments.
3. Assistance and Accommodations: Amtrak staff are available to provide assistance and accommodation as needed, including boarding and deboarding assistance, as well as help with luggage and other requirements.

It is important to note that accessible bedrooms are subject to availability and may vary depending on the specific train and route. To ensure availability and make any necessary arrangements, passengers are encouraged to contact Amtrak’s accessibility services or customer service in advance.

Amtrak’s commitment to accessibility aims to provide an inclusive travel experience for all passengers, and the accessible bedrooms are designed to cater to the needs of individuals with disabilities or mobility impairments.

So, this comes to an end. This is the reason they are so expensive because it comes down to one reason: Supply & Demand. They are limited and often sold out because they don’t have unlimited rooms like hotels do.

My advice: Plan your trip at least 6-9 months in advance and you might be lucky. Good luck!