Riding an Amtrak train in the coming days? Before you zip up your backpack and head to the station, take a moment to check the Amtrak carry-on baggage policy.
Amtrak generally allows each passenger to bring one personal item and two carry-on bags for free within required size and weight limits. Need to bring more? You may have to pay an excess baggage fee. So, no matter whether you are carrying a backpack for a weekend getaway, a suitcase for a longer trip, or extra essentials for your little one, here’s what you need to know before boarding.
Know Amtrak Carry-On Baggage Policy: Size and Weight Limits
Amtrak gives you room to bring your everyday essentials on board. You can bring one personal item and two carry-on bags free of cost. However, each item must meet the specified dimensions and weight limits.
| Baggage Type | Maximum Weight | Maximum Dimensions | Allowance |
| Personal item | 25 lbs (12 kg) | 14 × 11 × 7 inches | 1 per passenger |
| Carry-on bag | 50 lbs (23 kg) | 28 × 22 × 14 inches | 2 per passenger |
| Pacific Surfliner carry-on | 50 lbs (23 kg) | 28 × 22 × 11 inches | 2 per passenger, subject to applicable rules |
These standard allowances let you bring a small backpack, handbag, laptop bag, or suitcase, as long as each item fits the relevant limits. You must attach a tag with your name and address to the outside of every bag. This makes it easier to identify your belongings, especially when several passengers have similar-looking luggage.
Traveling With Toddlers? Bring Infant Items for Free!
Traveling with a little one often means carrying more than just your own luggage. The good news is that Amtrak allows passengers traveling with infants under two years old to bring an additional infant item, such as a stroller or diaper bag, without counting it toward the regular personal item and carry-on limits.
This extra allowance can make family travel less stressful. Still, pack smartly and keep baby essentials easy to reach during the journey.
Amtrak Carry-On Fees: When Do You Pay Extra?
You can bring your standard personal item and two carry-on bags for free, but what happens when you need extra space?
Amtrak charges $20 for each excess personal item or carry-on bag that exceeds the permitted quantity or size limits. And passengers can bring a maximum of two excess bags, subject to applicable restrictions.
Where to Store Your Carry-On Bags on Amtrak?
Once you are on board, finding a place for your luggage is usually straightforward. The key is to keep your belongings secure without blocking anyone else’s space.
- Personal items:- Store small bags, purses, and backpacks under your seat.
- Carry-on suitcases:- Place them in overhead racks or designated luggage towers.
- Amtrak Thruway buses:- These services generally offer underfloor baggage compartments on equipped buses. The driver can help direct you to the appropriate storage area.
Avoid placing luggage in aisles, vestibules, empty seats, or other areas where it could obstruct passengers or create a safety hazard.
Important Amtrak Baggage Rules to Remember!
Before you leave home, keep these simple rules in mind about Amtrak Carry-On Baggage:-
- Overweight bags:- Repack any bag weighing more than 50 lbs so it meets the weight limit. The stations may have boxes available to help.
- Lifting your luggage:- You must be able to lift your carry-on safely onto the luggage shelf yourself.
- Size restrictions:- Your bags must fit the baggage sizer. If a bag doesn’t fit, ask an Amtrak agent about your options.
Wrap Up!
The Amtrak carry-on policy is fairly simple once you know the limits: one personal item and two carry-on bags per passenger, with specific size and weight restrictions for each. Pack within those limits, label your bags, and make sure you can store everything safely onboard.
Need help? Dial the Amtrak phone number (1-800-872-7245), and they will handle the rest.
Questionnaire!
Each passenger can generally bring one personal item weighing up to 25 lbs and measuring 14 × 11 × 7 inches, plus two carry-on bags weighing up to 50 lbs each and measuring 28 × 22 × 14 inches each.
Prohibited items include explosives, flammable materials, and other dangerous or restricted items.
Each standard carry-on bag can weigh up to 50 lbs (23 kg). Personal items have a lower limit of 25 lbs (12 kg).
Amtrak sets specific size, weight, and quantity limits. Bags that exceed these limits may require repacking or incur additional fees.
Yes. Passengers can generally bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks.
Amtrak accommodates strollers, but storage arrangements and applicable baggage rules can vary.
Yes, depending on its size, a small backpack can qualify as your personal item or carry-on bag.