For passenger safety and comfort, we strictly enforce the baggage limits stated in the guidelines below. We encourage all passengers to read these guidelines when making travel plans.
| Number of Bags | Weight Limit | Size Limit | Check-in Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-On Baggage |
|
50 lbs. (23 kg) | 28" x 22" x 14" | n/a |
| Checked Baggage |
|
50 lbs. (23 kg) | 36" x 36" x 36" | 30 minutes prior to departure |
Please note:
Amtrak offers checked baggage service at many stations and on many trains and Amtrak Thruway motorcoaches throughout the country. Not all trains and stations offer checked baggage services.
On many Amtrak trains, it's easy to bring your bike along. See 'Bring Your Bicycle Onboard' for more information.
On select trains, passengers can bring golf bags as carry-on or checked baggage following the guidelines for 'special items' described above. Golf clubs must be carried in a bag or case with a cover that prevents the clubs from falling out.
Golf bags are accepted as carry-on baggage on select Midwest corridor trains for a $10 charge. Reservations are required. Golf bags are also accepted as checked baggage for a $5 charge. For details, view Golf Bags as Carry-on Baggage Update (PDF, 42 KB).
The prohibited items list is not an exhaustive list. Any item that is similar to the prohibited items below, even if not specifically mentioned, is also prohibited. Amtrak personnel may determine if an item not mentioned in this list is prohibited.
| Item Type | Carry On | Checked Bags |
|---|---|---|
| Archery equipment | No | No |
|
*Black powder, percussion caps or any ammunition used with a matchlock, flintlock, percussion-cap ignition system or similar type are never permitted; this includes self-loaded, gunpowder-based modern ammunition. |
No | Yes |
|
Canisters, tanks, or other devices containing propellants *Oxygen equipment for medical reasons is allowed onboard with restrictions. |
No | No |
|
Collapsible bicycles *Non-collapsible bicycles are allowed boxed in checked baggage or may be brought on any train that offers space for walk-on bicycles. (Reservation may be required.) |
Yes | Yes |
| Incendiaries, including flammable gases, liquids, fuels, fireworks or other explosive devices | No | No |
| Large sharp objects such as axes, ice picks and swords | No | No |
| Corrosive or dangerous chemicals or materials, such as liquid bleach, tear gas, electronic control devices (stun guns, TASER guns), radioactive and harmful bacteriological materials | No | No |
|
Batteries with acid that can spill or leak *Batteries used in motorized wheel chairs or similar devices for the mobility-impaired are allowed. |
No | No |
| Club like items, such as billy clubs and nightsticks | No | No |
|
Fragile and/or valuable items, including but not limited to electronic equipment *Laptop computers and other handheld devices are allowed onboard; however Amtrak accepts no liability for theft or damage. |
No | No |
|
Animals including comfort animals *Only service animals are allowed onboard. |
No | No |
|
Medication including prescription drugs *Medication left in checked baggage will be inaccessible en-route. |
Yes | No |
| Oversized and/or overweight items | No | No |
Baggage to or from Canada will only be accepted on the same train as the passenger. Customs regulations prevent unaccompanied baggage being handled across the border. All baggage must be unlocked for Customs inspection and bear an identification tag with passenger's name and address.
Amtrak disclaims liability for carry-on baggage, even if Amtrak personnel has handled or assisted in loading or unloading the baggage.
Claims for lost checked baggage must be submitted within 30 days of arrival at your destination station. For best results, submit the claim at your destination station; otherwise call Amtrak at 800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) and ask for Customer Relations.
Claims for damaged or delayed checked baggage or for a concealed loss (pilferage) within checked baggage must be submitted immediately at your destination station. Amtrak disclaims liability for pilferage for unsecured baggage, such as baggage that does not have a lock, seal or other device that protects the bag from unauthorized entry, and for articles placed in an unlocked or unsecured exterior baggage compartment.
Amtrak liability for checked baggage is limited to a maximum of $500 per ticketed passenger. Passengers may declare additional valuation up to $2,500 upon payment of the applicable charge.
If you have any questions regarding these guidelines, please call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).
