Amtrak Roomette: Your Quick Guide to a Cozy Rail Ride

If you’ve ever wondered how to travel across the US without spending a night in a hotel, the Amtrak roomette might be the answer. It’s a small private cabin that gives you a bed, a window, and a little space to store your bag – all for a price that’s usually lower than a standard hotel room.

What Exactly Is a Roomette?

A roomette sits inside Amtrak’s Superliner and Viewliner coaches. Inside, you’ll find two seats that turn into a lower berth, a fold‑down upper berth, a small writing desk, and a curtain for privacy. There’s an outlet, a reading light, and a fold‑out table for snacks or a laptop. Bathrooms are shared in the corridor, but they’re clean and usually close by.

How Much Does a Roomette Cost?

Prices vary by route, season, and how far in advance you book. For popular corridors like the Empire Builder or the Coast Starlight, a one‑night roomette can run between $120 and $180. On shorter routes like the Cardinal or the Pacific Surfliner, you’ll often find fares under $100. The best trick is to sign up for Amtrak’s email alerts and check the “Deal of the Day” page – you’ll catch flash sales that shave 20‑30% off the listed price.

Don’t forget to add the roomette surcharge to the base fare. It’s a flat fee (usually $30‑$45) that covers the private space. Adding a meals package or Wi‑Fi can push the total up, but many travelers find the basic roomette comfortable enough without extras.

If you’re traveling with a partner, the roomette still works – the upper berth is perfect for a child or a bag, while the lower berth fits two adults. For solo travelers, the space feels like a mini‑hotel room, and you avoid the noise of the main cabin.

When you book, look for the “Roomette” option under the “Accommodations” tab. Amtrak’s website shows a seat map that highlights available cabins. If the map looks empty, try a different date or a nearby station – sometimes shifting your departure by a day opens up cheaper rooms.

Finally, pack light. The roomette’s storage is limited to a small overhead bin and a couple of shelves. A soft‑sided suitcase or a large duffel bag fits best. Keep your essentials – a travel pillow, a charger, and a reusable water bottle – within reach, and you’ll have a smooth ride.

Whether you’re heading east to the historic cities of the Northeast or west to the sun‑kissed coasts, a roomette gives you both sleep and scenery. Use these tips, book early, and enjoy the rails without breaking the bank.