The Most Comfortable Amtrak Train, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the train you think is the most comfortable!

Updated on May 3, 2024 06:21

Many travelers choose trains for their journey, valuing not just speed and efficiency but comfort during transit. Determining which Amtrak train offers the most agreeable experience can significantly enhance planning for those exploring or commuting across the U.S. The comfort of a train could be pivotal in determining how enjoyable a trip will be. On this website, users have the opportunity to cast their votes for the Amtrak trains they find to be the most comfortable. The gathered votes contribute to a live ranking, reflecting current public opinion and experiences. This dynamic resource aims to aid potential passengers in making informed decisions about their travel options.

What Is the Most Comfortable Amtrak Train?

1

34
votes
Amtrak Acela Express

Considered the most comfortable Amtrak train due to its high-speed service and luxurious seating accommodations. Features include spacious seats, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a café car offering gourmet food and beverages.
The Amtrak Acela Express is a high-speed passenger train service that operates in the Northeast Corridor of the United States. It is known for its luxurious and comfortable travel experience.

Maximum Speed: 150 mph (240 km/h)

Seating Capacity: up to 304 passengers

First Class Service: offered

Business Class Service: offered

Onboard WiFi: available
2

44
votes
Steve Wilson · CC BY 2.0

Amtrak Coast Starlight

Amtrak

Known for its stunning scenery along the Pacific coast, the Coast Starlight offers spacious seating, private sleeping accommodations, and an observation car with floor-to-ceiling windows.
The Amtrak Coast Starlight is a long-distance passenger train operated by Amtrak. It offers a scenic route along the West Coast of the United States, running between Seattle, Washington, and Los Angeles, California. With its beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, Cascade Mountains, and the Central Valley, it is considered one of the most scenic train journeys in North America.

Route: Seattle, WA - Los Angeles, CA

Distance: 1,377 miles

Duration: 34 hours and 30 minutes

Seating: Reserved Coach Class, Business Class, and First Class options

Dining: Full-service dining car and cafe lounge car
3

25
votes
Kabelleger / David Gubler (http://www.bahnbilder.ch) · CC BY-SA 3.0

Amtrak California Zephyr

Amtrak

The California Zephyr travels through the Rocky Mountains and offers comfortable seating, panoramic views, and private sleeping accommodations.
The Amtrak California Zephyr is a luxurious and comfortable long-distance passenger train operating in the western United States. This scenic route connects Chicago, Illinois, with Emeryville, California, passing through several stunning landscapes such as the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada.

Train type: Superliner

Seating: Reclining seats with ample legroom

Sleeping accommodations: Private Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Family Bedrooms

Dining options: Full-service dining car with gourmet meals

Lounge car: Observation car with panoramic windows and comfortable seating
4

4
votes
NateBeal · CC BY 2.0

Amtrak Empire Builder

Amtrak

The Empire Builder travels through the Pacific Northwest and offers comfortable seating, private sleeping accommodations, and scenic views of the Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park.
The Amtrak Empire Builder is a popular, long-distance passenger train operated by Amtrak in the United States. It travels between Chicago, Illinois, and Seattle/Portland, Washington, offering a scenic journey through the northern states. The Empire Builder is renowned for its comfortable accommodations and stunning views of the Cascade Range, the Rocky Mountains, and the Mississippi River Valley.

Train type: Superliner

Maximum speed: 79 mph (127 km/h)

Total distance: 2,206 miles (3,549 km)

Number of cars: 10-11

Seating capacity: 300-400 passengers
5

19
votes
Christopher Quinlan · CC BY-SA 4.0

Amtrak Southwest Chief

Amtrak

The Southwest Chief travels through the Great Plains and offers comfortable seating, private sleeping accommodations, and scenic views of the Colorado Rockies and Grand Canyon.
The Amtrak Southwest Chief is a long-distance passenger train service operated by Amtrak, serving the route between Chicago and Los Angeles. It is known for providing a comfortable and enjoyable journey for its passengers, offering a unique experience with breathtaking views of the American Southwest.

Speed: Maximum speed of around 79 mph

Capacity: Multiple cars accommodating up to 344 passengers

Seating: Reclining seats with ample legroom and footrests

Sleeping accommodations: Superliner Sleeping Cars with private bedrooms, roomettes, and family bedrooms

Dining options: Full-service dining car providing delicious meals, lounge car with snacks and beverages
6

11
votes
Ebyabe · CC BY-SA 3.0

Amtrak Auto Train

Amtrak

The Auto Train allows passengers to travel with their cars, making it a convenient option for those who want to avoid driving long distances. The train offers comfortable seating, private sleeping accommodations, and a dining car with freshly-prepared meals.
The Amtrak Auto Train is a unique long-distance train service in the United States that allows passengers to travel with their cars. It is designed to provide a convenient and comfortable experience for both passengers and their vehicles.

Route: Lorton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida

Distance: 855 miles (1,376 kilometers)

Duration: Approximately 17 hours

Accommodation: Coach class and private sleeper cars available

Vehicle Capacity: Can transport up to 200 vehicles per trip
7

10
votes
jpmueller99 from Shenandoah Valley of VA, USA · CC BY 2.0

Amtrak Capitol Limited

Amtrak

The Capitol Limited travels between Chicago and Washington, D.C. and offers comfortable seating, private sleeping accommodations, and scenic views of the Appalachian Mountains.
The Amtrak Capitol Limited is a long-distance train service that operates between Chicago, Illinois, and Washington, D.C. It is known for its comfortable amenities and scenic views along the route.

Maximum Speed: 110 mph

Total Distance: 780 miles

Number of Stops: 14

Travel Time: 17 hours, 30 minutes

Seating Options: Coach, Business Class, Sleeping Cars
8

6
votes
Amtrak Lake Shore Limited

Amtrak

The Lake Shore Limited travels between Chicago and New York City and offers comfortable seating, private sleeping accommodations, and scenic views of the Great Lakes and the Adirondack Mountains.
The Amtrak Lake Shore Limited is a long-distance train service operated by Amtrak in the United States. It runs between Chicago, Illinois and New York City, with an additional branch to Boston, Massachusetts. The train offers a comfortable and scenic journey through the heartland of America, taking passengers on a picturesque route along the southern shores of the Great Lakes and through the picturesque Berkshire mountains in Massachusetts.

Route: Chicago, Illinois - New York City (with branch to Boston, Massachusetts)

Travel Time: 19-20 hours (Chicago to New York City)

Seating: Coach and Business class seating available

Amenities: Café car, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and spacious seating

Sleeping Accommodations: Superliner Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Family Bedrooms available
9

7
votes
Ryan Stavely · CC BY-SA 2.0

Amtrak Silver Meteor

Amtrak

The Silver Meteor travels between New York City and Miami and offers comfortable seating, private sleeping accommodations, and scenic views of the East Coast.
The Amtrak Silver Meteor is a premium long-distance train that operates on the East Coast of the United States. It offers a luxurious and comfortable travel experience for passengers.

Train type: Superliner/Viewliner

Route: New York City, NY - Miami, FL

Maximum speed: 79 mph (127 km/h)

Accommodation options: Roomette, Bedroom, Family Bedroom, Bedroom Suite

Amenities: Dining car, cafe/lounge, Wi-Fi (selected areas), power outlets
10

6
votes
Lars Plougmann · CC BY-SA 2.0

Amtrak Texas Eagle

Amtrak

The Texas Eagle travels between Chicago and San Antonio and offers comfortable seating, private sleeping accommodations, and scenic views of the Ozark Mountains and the Texas Hill Country.
The Amtrak Texas Eagle is a long-distance passenger train service that runs between Chicago, Illinois, and San Antonio, Texas, with connections to Los Angeles, California. It offers comfortable accommodations and scenic views as it traverses through the heart of America.

Route: Chicago, Illinois - San Antonio, Texas

Connections: Los Angeles, California

Duration: Approximately 32 hours

Train Type: Superliner

Sleeping Accommodations: Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Family Bedrooms

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Discussion

Ranking factors for comfortable train

Seat comfort and legroom

Evaluate the seating options available, including the type and padding of seats, the amount of legroom, and the availability of footrests and other amenities, such as power outlets and USB ports.
Sleeping accommodations

If the train offers sleeping accommodations, consider the comfort, privacy, and amenities offered by the different types of rooms, such as roomettes, bedrooms, and family rooms.
Onboard dining and food options

Look at the quality and variety of food offerings available at the café, dining car, or through room service, as well as the cleanliness and ambiance of the dining spaces.
Train cleanliness and maintenance

Assess the overall cleanliness and maintenance of the train, including the restrooms, common areas, and individual seating or sleeping areas.
Onboard entertainment and amenities

Evaluate the availability and quality of onboard entertainment options, such as Wi-Fi, movies, and informational displays, as well as other amenities like observation or lounge cars.
Customer service

Consider the quality of customer service provided by the train crew, including their friendliness, responsiveness, and helpfulness.
Timeliness and reliability

Take into account the train's track record for arriving and departing on time and the likelihood of delays or cancellations.
Route and scenery

Factor in the overall appeal and scenic beauty of the train's route, as this can significantly contribute to the enjoyment and comfort of the journey.
Accessibility

Assess the ease of access and accommodations for passengers with disabilities or mobility concerns.
Price and value

Weigh the overall comfort and amenities of the train against the ticket price, considering whether the experience is worth the cost.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most comfortable Amtrak train. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or train is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1770 views
165 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each train once every 24 hours. The rank of each train is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most comfortable amtrak train

Amtrak is a popular train service in the United States, offering passengers a comfortable and scenic way to travel. With multiple train options available, it can be difficult to determine which one is the most comfortable. Some factors to consider include the type of train, the seating options, and the amenities offered. Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, choosing the most comfortable Amtrak train can make all the difference in your overall experience. Let's take a closer look at the options available and what makes each one unique.