Tips on Traveling in an Amtrak Roomette.
Rookie train travelers always have the same reaction when they first board an Amtrak sleeping car and poke their heads into a roomette: “We’re going to spend two days and two nights in this?”
Yes, it’s small. But it’s well designed and, after you spend a night or two in one, you’ll figure out how to get along very well. Here are a few tips:
* Stow large suitcases on the luggage rack at the end of the Viewliner cars and on the lower level of the Superliners. In a tote bag, take just what you need for that night and the next morning into the roomette (clean shirt and underwear, toiletry kit, books and games).
* If you’re smart and are traveling light, bring your small carry-on-size bag into the room. It will fit on a small shelf next to one of the seats (visible in photo above).
* Lavatory facilities are “down the hall” if you’ve booked a roomette in a Superliner sleeping car, so I sleep in a T-shirt and a pair of comfortable gym shorts. When I have to use the lavatory in the wee hours (no pun intended), there’s no need to fumble around getting dressed in my daytime clothes. I just slip my feet into a pair of rubber slippers and off I go.
* When two people are traveling together, the upper berth in a roomette can be claustrophobic – especially in a Superliner where there is no second window up there. But, rather than switch to one of the large bedrooms, consider reserving two roomettes. Each of you will have privacy, neither will have to deal with an upper berth, and most of the time it will be the less expensive way to go.
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Auto correct is a pain — roomette NOT roulette I am considering taking a train and roomette from Seattle to Pittsburgh. I’ve taken trains in Europe and Japan but never in US. Are the meals served on throw away containers or ceramic plates etc.?
Most of your trip–Seattle to Chicago–will be on the Empire Builder and you will enjoy the service and the food. Chicago to Pittsburgh will have food and beverage service in a Cafe car. Not great, but acceptable. Bon Voyage!
I am considering taking a train and roulette from Seattle to Pittsburgh. I’ve taken trains in Europe and Japan but never in US. Are the meals served on throw away containers or ceramic plates etc.?
Forgive my confusion, but I can’ remember if I answered your question. If Idid not, please email me at jploomis@maui.net
Thanks for your excell advice. I’d like to travel w my niece, neither of us are very large, st paul,mn to Memphis, tn. Not sure of the time of trip and wondered if you suggest the roomette?
I have responded by email.
My friend and I are traveling from on the California Zephyr Chicago to San Francisco in a week and our rooms are car 530 #013 and #010 and was just wondering if these are close to the lavatories and if they are going to be comfortable. I have checked all the tips on packing lightly and what to expect but this is my 1st time and the nerves are starting to set in.
Can u drink wine on the train while traveling
Wine is sold by the half bottle in the dining car. Liquor of choice may be brought on board and consumed within your sleeping car accommodations; beer, wine and hard liquor may be purchased in the snack bar and much be consumed in the lounge car or your coach seat. That said, Amtrak has an exceedingly low tolerance for trouble that could be caused by too much booze. One warning is given and if the problem continues, the troublemakers are put off the train.
Hubby and I traveled from Chicago to DC in a Roomette. Both of us are rather short (5’3″ and 5’8″) and neither of us is overly large. I took the upper berth on the eastbound trip. I did not sleep well at all because I was always rolling around and feeling like I was going to fall out, despite the guard strap. On the return trip we both slept in the lower berth head-to-toe. While it was snug, we both slept SO MUCH BETTER. Don’t expect it to be a hotel bed. Think of it more like camping. Even sharing the single berth, it was far batter than doing an overnight in a coach seat (which I’ve done many times). I’d do the roomette again, though I might spring for the regular bedroom if I can afford it, just for the private toilet! Also, we managed to get 2 full-size roll-on suitcases, 2 carry-ons, and my purse/tote bag into the roomette with us. We just parked them in the berth above us. During the day, it is raised at a diagonal, keeping items from falling out. The night I slept there, we tucked the bags under the bottom berth. The night we shared the bottom berth, we put things both places.
We are going to the Grand Canyon from Kansas City and we will be in a roulette. Will we be able to leave the roulette and go to the observation car?
Roomette . . . of course!
Is there a weight limit for either bunk in the roommates?
Not that I know of.
I can’t find anywhere what size an “overnight bag” is. I called Amtrak and they assured me that two 28x22x14 suitcases would fit in a roomette. LOL I seriously doubt that. Would a 21x14x10 backpack and a 14.5x15x8.5 case fit on the shelves?
Best advice is still to set aside just what you will need in an “overnight bag”–whatever that means–and store the rest of your luggage in the rack on the lower level.
Hi…
If purchasing tickets at the station, you can get them at the counter or from a QuikTrak kiosk. Other options include having Amtrak tickets mailed to you for a fee or ordering them over the phone. You can do this yourself or have someone else call, then pick up the Amtrak tickets at the station, provided it’s staffed.
We are taking the California Zephyr from Emeryville to Denver. We have two bedrooms on the superliner that will be adjoining to that the family of four can spread out and minimize socializing. How are the mattresses on the upper and lower bunks? Describe thickness and firmness?
Well, the truth is, I cannot remember ever sleeping in the upper berth in a Superliner bedroom. I will guess that the mattress pad is perhaps four inches thick, but, as I recall, it sits on a pad of some kind that’s built into that portion of the berth that is lowered to horizontal at bedtime.The mattress pad for the lower berth is about the same thickness and is laid across the seat cushions.
You say you have booked two bedrooms and will have the partition separating the two rooms removed to “minimize” socializing. Opening up the two bedrooms will “maximize” socializing. At any rate, check your tickets to be sure you have bedrooms B and C or bedrooms D and E. There is a solid wall between bedrooms C and D.
For a view of Donner Lake, make sure to be on the left side of the train after leaving Colfax, California.
Are you able to bring meals back to your roomette?
You should ask your car attendant to do that for you.
First time train rider. Booking Sac to Denver one way, 2 ladies will we be fine in a superliner roomette? Also what is dress attire in meal cars!? And what is situation during day? Do we have to stay in our rooms or can we move to upper observation area? It’s all so much and new!!! HELP
(To expedite response, this comment answered by email.)
Im traveling from los angeles to Spokane washinton on the superliner. Im also clausterphobic and my husband has a bad back. Will he be able to get to the top bunk and sleep comfortably and will the superliner have wondows?
First of all, you have a great trip in store. That said, here’s my recommendation: There is no way your husband should try to get in and out of the upper berth in either a roomette or a big bedroom. If your budget can afford it, my first suggestion would be that you book a Family Bedroom, which is a large room with two adult sized berths, both at “ground level”. Second option would be two roomettes across the hall from each other. Neither of you will have to use an upper berth, both will have privacy when you want it, and you can see out of both sides of the train. If you feel the need for help in booking this, contact Train Travel Consulting in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and speak to Sylvia or Ted Blishak. Do tell them I referred you.
I will be taking the Empire Builder and am looking for some clarification. When you reserve 1 superliner roomette ticket, you won’t be sharing it with another traveler will you? A second question, if I reserve a superliner roomette and my wife reserves coach, will she be able to sleep in my roomette if I have it to myself?
I am a very frugal traveler and what I am shooting for is buying 1 coach ticket, 1 roomette ticket just for the hours we would like to sleep, and then coach for the rest of the trip. This would save us a ton of money, and is exactly what we need, since all but the 6 sleeping hours of our trip we will probably spend in the viewing car! Thanks!
First, you should know that when two people travel in a roomette, they each pay a basic rail fair, plus there is one charge for the roomette itself. And–this is what makes the difference– that fare includes all dining car meals for both passengers. Check it out ad add it up. I thunk you’ll find you’ll be better off with the both of you in a roomette, than you would be splitting the tickets and bimcinmg back and forth.
Your not frugal your cheap.
Thank you for your great article! This summer will be my first time on an overnight train. I and a friend are taking the Empire Builder to Glacier National Park and stay for three days. Then take the train all the way to Seattle. I just upgraded from coach to roomette based on your good advice. Thanks for the tips.
Is there a plug for CPAP machine to be plugged in? Is it wise to bring your own toilet paper?
Well, you got me with the first question, but I will do my best to find out and I will email the answer. I can tell you this much: there are only standard 110 v. power receptacles in the roomettes and bedrooms. What I do not know is if there might be a special one in the accessible bedroom to accommodate medical equipment. There is no need to bring your own toilet paper.
I have ridden several times with a CPAP. They will work well with the 110 outlet in the rooms. However, there is only one plug so a power strip is a good thing to bring with you to charge more than one device at a time and to use the CPAP. Also I make sure the machine has an extra long power cord or have an extension cord. This is also helpful for hotels when you are not on the train. There is a convient shelf in a superliner roometts, or even putting it on the floor in a deluxe room. In the view liner, the toilet will hold the machine, and the room attendant can make up the bed to put your head near the shelf, but you have to ask. The power cord will also help protect the machine when the power goes out such as when the Empire Builder adds or subtracts cars. Enjoy your trip and sleep well.
YES! It’s only tight when the bed is set up and the door is closed. and don’t forget to mention Jim that meals in the dining car are included with roomettes too.
I am taking the California Zephyr this summer (alone) and really appreciate the information for the roomette and the facilities. I think it will be quite an adventure :)
My pleasure. Have a great trip.
Janis, I have traveled on the zephyr with my grandson. Plenty of room for two. See Jim’s articles for suggestions. If you are alone and don’t mind climbing up and sleeping in the upper bunk, there would be more room for changing, etc. it is a fantastic trip. Enjoy!
I just upgraded our coach seats to Roomette for our trip to Colorado in the spring. We are a family of 6, so staying in 3 roomettes. In the past, the kids each have a back pack plus one roll-on per kid for emergency clothes, cleaning supplies, blankets, etc. Sounds like their roll-ons will need to stay in the hall/luggage rack and just let them bring their backpacks into the roomette? I sleep the worst of the 6 of us, so I’m very excited to have a place to lay flat during the train ride.
How much would it cost a family of 4? With a family bedroom. We will be traveling from Seattle to New York.
It depends when you’re traveling. Go to Amtrak website, put your dates in. Remember, meals included for whole family.
Hi Jim, How do you know ahead of time if it is a veiwliner or superliner? I’m traveling the crescent line. Also I’ve heard of “distressed inventory roomettes” that Amtrak negotiates cheap at window or onboard, still doing that or no longer? Thanks
Viewliners are on the two Florida trains, the Lake Shore Limited, the Crescent and the Csrdinal. All the other long-distance trains have Superliner sleepers.
Travelling on the California Zephyr. Brother has been allocated Roomette 002. Car 0631. Appears to be at the top of the stairs, near toilet. Can he request a different Roomette, as this one will probably be quite noisy? My Husband and I will be in the Accessible Room H downstairs. Also, I have noted that quite a lot of you got a Roomette to yourselves. How do you manage that?
tia
Marilyn
Personally, I’m fine with roomette 2. I always have to use the facilities in the wee hours and it’s nice and close. It’s close to the coffee urn, too. But if you want to change, call Amtrak reservations at 1-800-USA-RAIL and say “Agent” when automated Julie answers. You get a roomette to yourself by booking it for one passenger. I don’t know how else to explain it.
Thank you to Jim Loomis for a speedy and (as always) helpful response.
Sounds very tight – especially once the outer door is closed.
Is it really better than travelling with strangers with more open space, enjoying the view lounge for retreat?
AB-SO-FRICKEN-LUTELY! (One man’s opinion.)
wife and I are staying in a auto train superliner roomette for the first time.
she will take the bottom and i will take the top. I am 225 short with very bad knees how much trouble am i going to have to get in and out the top bunk using the ladder ?
It’s hard to say, of course. You may have some trouble, although I’ve never done it myself. There is no ladder. Rather there is a step built into the wall. When my wife and I travel, we get two roomettes, which gives one of us privacy if we want it. No one has to climb up into the top berth. And we get to see out of both sides of the train. You might consider that.
My wife and I stayed in a roomette. They aren’t very big there is much close time spent. The upper berth can be hard to get into and not much room between the bed and the ceiling. At 225 it’s going to be a tight fit. I you can afford 2 roomette’s it wouldn’t be a bad idea.
We just traveled on the Sunset Limited and the Crescent and used Roomettes. DIRTY- look under the seats and see the dirt and debris buildup that’s never cleaned. Interior windows weren’t much better. My wife was on lower bunk on Limited and got bitten all over upper torso with bites from insects/bedbugs.
Damn! I really hate it when I get a report like this. By separate email, I have sent you the email address of an Amtrak executive who is in a position to take remedial action. Please send him a note with the specific info.
How long is the bed in the roomette? I’m six foot four. That’s 76 inches. My old arthritic legs don’t fit in most plane seats so I’m looking into train travel. Thanks.
You’ll make it with a couple of inches to spare. The lower berths in both Superliner and Viewliner roomettes are 6’6″ long.
Jim: I learned something from a follow passenger on my trip to California. It may not be allow but he pulled the upper bunk down store his luggage and other thing he needed. He is a train traveler like you. Food for thought!
I suppose . . . but assuming this was in a Superliner roomette, there would be very little headroom for the passenger with the upper berth lowered. I don’t know … doesn’t sound practical to me. I carry a small rolling suitcase and store it on the shelf/step and that works very nicely.
I’ve learned to take a small electric blanket and it’s a blessing as the room temperature controls never seem to work. Plus the ventilation systems seem unable to do anything but noisily blow cold air in. But my little electric blanket is a huge help.
Excellent idea!
Which do you prefer? The Superlunar Roomette or the Viewliner roomette?
Personally, I like the Viewliner roomettes. I ask the car attendant to make up the upper berth, which leaves moving-around space the lower area. It’s also high enough so that people on platforms can’t look in on me during the night. It’s the window up there that makes that work. And, of course, it’s more convenient not having to go down the hall to the lavatory facilities.
Any comment on the comfort of the Roomette? I am 82 yrs. old, taking my first train trip from Phila to Delray Beach, Fla and back. Any problems with Claustraphobia? or suggestions?
It’s not a big room, but there are large windows so you’ll be able to see outside and the door onto the corridor has glass panes. You’ll have a curtain over them at night, of course, but the ceiling is quite high in the Viewliners and that gives the roomette a more spacious feeling than, for example, the roomettes in a Superliner. An alternative would be to opt for the big bedroom, but it’s a lot more expensive. In my opinion, you should be fine in the roomette. Have a great trip!.
I am the Silver Meteorfr fom Phila to Delray Beach, Fla and back. I have a roomette. I am 82 yrs. old and have a small amt of Clautraphobia. suggestions for me. This is my first train trip usually flying, but have not been happy with flying…….thanks
Thank you for the tips! I have a trip coming up with my little girl and while we are excited, I was nervous about how to fit everything in the room.
My pleasure!
Great suggestion. I have heard that before, but haven’t yet had the chance to follow that advice. However, I have a trip coming up in March that will include an overnight on the Lake Shore Limited. That’s my chance!
Another tip. When traveling in a Viewliner roomette alone, sleep on the upper bunk. It has a window. That way you can use the facilities in the room easily and can change into your clothes under the bunk when you get up. It is also easier to just push up the top bunk when you are done sleeping than have to wait for the car attendant to put away the lower bed. I’m always disappointed when I board at night and the bottom bunk is already made up so I have no choice…
Does the lower bunk in the Roomette have a window, which I thought it did. It is easier for me to get into the lower bunk as with some Claustraphobia, I don’t want the top bunk down. My train is the Silver Meteor…thanks
Both the lower and upper berths in a Viewliner have windows.