Amtrak's luggage allowance: what you get to carry
Amtrak lets you bring two pieces of luggage free on any train route, plus two additional items that count as personal items — a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. A piece of luggage can weigh up to 50 pounds and measure up to 28 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 14 inches tall. Anything larger or heavier costs $20 per extra bag.
The two free bags are yours to use however you split them. You could pack one large suitcase and one medium bag, or two medium bags, or one large and one small — as long as each stays within the 50-pound and size limits. Personal items don't count against this limit and have no stated size restriction, though they need to fit in the overhead rack or under your seat without blocking aisles or exits.
These limits explore the same way on all Amtrak routes, whether you're taking a short regional train or a 30-hour cross-country journey. The policy doesn't change by ticket class or how far you're traveling.
Key Takeaways
- You can bring two free checked bags of up to 50 pounds each on any Amtrak train, plus two personal items at no charge.
- Each bag can measure no more than 28 by 22 by 14 inches; anything larger or heavier costs $20 per extra bag.
- Personal items like purses and laptop bags don't count toward your two free bags and have no weight limit.
- Bicycles, skis, and sports equipment count as checked luggage and follow the same 50-pound, two-bag-free rule.
What counts as a checked bag versus a personal item
A checked bag is anything you plan to store in the luggage rack or baggage car during your trip — a suitcase, duffel bag, or large backpack. You hand it to an attendant at the station, and it travels separately from you. Amtrak gives you two of these free.
A personal item stays with you the whole trip. It goes in the overhead rack above your seat, under your seat, or on your lap. A purse, small backpack, laptop bag, or camera bag all count as personal items. You get two of these free and they don't count toward your two checked bags.
The distinction matters because if you show up with three large suitcases, you'll pay $20 for the third one. But if you show up with two large suitcases and a backpack you keep with you, the backpack is free.
Extra bags and special items that cost money
Any bag beyond your two free checked bags costs $20 each. If you're traveling with a family and everyone has their own suitcase, you'll pay for the extras. A third bag, fourth bag, and so on each cost $20 at the station when you check in.
Bicycles, skis, golf bags, and musical instruments (larger than a violin) count as checked luggage and follow the same rules. A bicycle costs $20 if it's your third bag. A ski bag is treated like any other checked bag. A full-size cello or upright bass counts as a checked item and costs $20 if you already have two bags.
Sporting equipment like surfboards, kayaks, or large camping gear may not be allowed at all, depending on the route and train type. Call Amtrak at 1-800-872-7245 before you book if you're bringing anything unusual.
How to pack within the size and weight limits
The 28-by-22-by-14-inch limit is roughly the size of a standard rolling carry-on suitcase. Most soft-sided luggage compresses slightly, so a bag that's close to the limit can usually fit. The 50-pound weight limit is generous for most travelers — a fully packed large suitcase usually weighs 40 to 45 pounds.
If you're unsure whether your bag will fit, measure it at home before you leave for the station. Bring a scale if you own one, or weigh your bag at a grocery store or post office. Amtrak staff will measure and weigh bags at check-in, and if a bag exceeds the limits, you'll pay the $20 fee on the spot.
Soft-sided duffel bags and expandable suitcases are easier to fit into tight spaces than rigid hard-shell luggage. If you're traveling light, a duffel bag can compress to fit under a seat or in an overhead rack more easily than a hard suitcase.
Baggage handling at the station and on the train
When you arrive at the station, you check your bags at the ticket counter or baggage window. An attendant will weigh and measure them, confirm they're within limits, and tag them with your destination. On most routes, your bags travel in a baggage car attached to the train. On some shorter regional routes, bags may travel in a compartment under the passenger cars.
You don't have access to checked bags during the trip. If you need something from a checked bag, you'll have to wait until you reach your destination. This is different from flying, where some airlines let you retrieve bags during long layovers — Amtrak doesn't offer that option.
When you arrive at your destination station, you pick up your checked bags from the baggage area. Attendants will call out destinations, or you can ask at the baggage window. Keep your baggage claim tag so you can identify your bags if there's any confusion.
Traveling with children and extra supplies
Strollers, car seats, and wheelchairs don't count toward your luggage limit. You can bring a stroller and two checked bags without paying extra. A folded wheelchair or mobility device travels free. Diaper bags and small backpacks for children count as personal items, not checked bags.
If you're traveling with an infant, you can bring a car seat as a checked item at no charge. Some passengers check a car seat and then bring a second one as a personal item so they have one at each end of the trip. Amtrak staff can help you store a car seat in the overhead rack or under a seat.
Medications, baby formula, and food don't count as luggage. You can bring as much as you need for your trip in a small bag or backpack without it affecting your luggage allowance.
What happens if you exceed the limit
If a bag is overweight or oversized, you'll pay $20 at the station when you check in. There's no advance notice or way to pay online — the fee is assessed on the spot. If you realize your bag is too heavy after you've left home, you can repack at the station using a trash can or recycling bin, though this isn't ideal.
If you arrive at the station with more bags than you expected to pay for, you can leave items behind, mail them to your destination, or pay the $20 fee per extra bag. There's no limit to how many extra bags you can bring if you're willing to pay, but each one costs $20.
Amtrak staff are generally flexible about bags that are slightly over the size limit, especially soft-sided luggage that compresses. A bag that's an inch or two over the stated dimensions usually won't trigger a fee. Weight limits are stricter — a bag that's 51 or 52 pounds will likely be charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a carry-on bag that I keep with me the whole trip?
Yes. A personal item like a backpack or small rolling bag stays with you and doesn't count toward your two free checked bags. You can bring two personal items plus two checked bags at no charge.
Do I have to check my bags, or can I keep them in my seat?
You can keep a personal item with you, but larger luggage should be checked. Amtrak trains have limited overhead space and aisles need to stay clear. If you try to keep a large suitcase in your seat area, staff will ask you to check it.
What if my bag is 51 pounds instead of 50?
A bag that's one or two pounds over the limit may be charged as an extra bag at $20. Amtrak staff have some discretion, but the official limit is 50 pounds. If your bag is close, ask the attendant — they may let it through, or they may charge you.
Can I bring a large suitcase as a personal item instead of checking it?
Not really. A large suitcase won't fit in the overhead rack or under a seat, and it will block the aisle. Amtrak staff will ask you to check it. Personal items need to be small enough to fit in those spaces without blocking other passengers.
Do I pay the $20 fee for extra bags when I book my ticket, or at the station?
You pay at the station when you check in. There's no way to pre-pay for extra bags online. If you know you'll have more than two checked bags, arrive early so staff have time to process the fee.