Amtrak Sleeper Accommodations: Roomette, Bedroom and Family Bedroom Compared

Amtrak operates two main types of sleeping cars on its long distance routes. Bilevel Superliner cars are mostly used on western routes like the California Zephyr and the Empire Builder. Single level Viewliner cars mostly operate on eastern routes like the Crescent and the Lake Shore Limited. Both types of trains offer private sleeper accommodations, but the layout of the rooms varies between the two car types. Every sleeper ticket includes meals in the dining car and the services of a dedicated attendant. The attendant will provide your bedding and towels, and they make up the beds in the evening. Room prices fluctuate based on demand, just like airline fares, and you pay a single room charge on top of the base rail fare.

What to expect in a Roomette

A Roomette is the most affordable private sleeper accommodation on Amtrak. It fits two adults and features two facing seats that convert into a lower and an upper berth at night. The facilities inside the room depend on the type of train. Viewliner Roomettes have a toilet and a sink located directly inside the room. Superliner Roomettes do not have these fixtures. Passengers in Superliner Roomettes use shared restrooms and a shower located nearby within the same train car. This makes the Roomette a practical choice for solo travelers or couples who want a flat bed and privacy without paying for a larger space. Your room attendant will convert the seats into beds when you are ready to sleep.

Upgrading to a Bedroom

A Bedroom offers roughly twice the space of a Roomette and provides additional comfort for two adults. Instead of two facing seats, the Bedroom features a sofa and a separate armchair. At night, these seating areas convert into upper and lower berths. The major advantage of a Bedroom is the private bathroom. Every Bedroom includes an enclosed private toilet and shower. This layout applies to both Superliner and Viewliner trains. The extra floor space and private facilities make the Bedroom ideal for passengers who want more room to move around during the day. Since room prices change with demand, the Bedroom is significantly more expensive than a Roomette. The cost is charged per room in addition to the individual rail fare for each passenger.

Space for groups in the Family Bedroom

The Family Bedroom is a unique room type found only on bilevel Superliner trains. It is located on the lower level of the train car and spans the entire width of the car. This room sleeps two adults and two children, making it the only private accommodation designed specifically for groups traveling together. The Family Bedroom does not have a private toilet or shower inside the room. Passengers use the shared restrooms and shower located nearby on the lower level of the Superliner car. Families traveling on eastern routes with Viewliner cars will need to book multiple Roomettes or Bedrooms, as the Family Bedroom is not available on those single level trains.

Accessible Bedrooms for wheelchair users

Accessible Bedrooms are available on both Superliner and Viewliner trains. On the bilevel Superliners, these rooms are located on the lower level to avoid stairs. The Accessible Bedroom provides ample space for a wheelchair. It also includes an accessible toilet inside the room. Like all sleeper accommodations, passengers in the Accessible Bedroom receive included meals in the dining car and assistance from the car attendant. The attendant provides all necessary bedding and towels. Booking this room ensures passengers with mobility requirements have the space and facilities they need for a comfortable journey.