Amtrak Baggage Rules: Carry-On, Checked, and Special Items

Amtrak's baggage policy is by far the most generous of any U.S. common carrier. Each ticketed passenger is permitted two personal items (small handbag, briefcase, laptop bag) and two carry-on bags weighing up to 50 pounds each and measuring up to 28 × 22 × 14 inches. Children traveling at child fare are entitled to one carry-on. There is no fee, no measurement at the gate, and no boarding pass scan.

Checked baggage

Free checked baggage is available at checked baggage stations — typically the larger stations on long-distance and corridor routes. Each ticketed passenger is permitted four checked bags (two free plus two for $20 each), with each piece up to 50 pounds and 75 linear inches. Stations not equipped with checked baggage do not offer the service; check Amtrak's station list before assuming. Among the largest stations with checked baggage: Chicago Union, Moynihan Train Hall, Washington Union, Los Angeles Union, 30th Street, Boston South, Seattle King Street, Portland Union, and New Orleans Union Passenger Terminal.

Special items

Bicycles in their original or Amtrak-sold bike box are accepted as checked baggage at any checked-baggage station ($10 fee). Surfboards, ski equipment, golf bags, and musical instruments fall under standard baggage allowance with no special fee. Firearms in TSA-compliant locked hard cases may be checked at most checked-baggage stations with 24 hours' advance notice; not all stations accept firearms — call to confirm.

Lost or delayed baggage

Report missing baggage to the destination station baggage agent or, if the agent is unstaffed, by calling Amtrak Baggage Services. Amtrak will deliver mishandled bags to your local address or hold them for pickup at no charge. Liability is capped at $250 per ticketed passenger for carry-on items and $500 per piece for checked items, with declared-value-excess insurance available at booking.

What you cannot bring

Hazardous materials, lithium-ion batteries over 100 watt-hours, fuel, gasoline-powered tools, and exhaust-producing devices are prohibited. Weapons (other than properly cased firearms in checked baggage as above) are prohibited. Marijuana, even in states where legal, is prohibited as Amtrak operates under federal jurisdiction. The most current allowance summary appears in the Amtrak Passenger Reference Manual.