Amtrak's luggage allowance: two free bags plus a personal item
Amtrak lets you bring two free checked bags and one personal item (like a backpack or purse) on any train route. Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds and measure up to 28 inches long, 22 inches wide, and 14 inches high. Your personal item has no weight limit but should fit in the overhead rack or under your seat.
You can also carry one item in your hands — a coat, blanket, or small bag — without it counting toward your limit. If you need to bring more than two checked bags, Amtrak charges $20 per extra bag, with no limit on how many you can add.
Bicycles, skis, and sports equipment count as checked bags and follow the same 50-pound weight limit and size restrictions. If your bike or equipment is in a hard case, it still counts as one bag.
Key Takeaways
- You get two free checked bags up to 50 pounds each on any Amtrak route, plus one personal item at no charge.
- Extra checked bags cost $20 each with no upper limit, so you can bring as much as you want if you are willing to pay.
- Bicycles and sports equipment in cases count as checked bags and must meet the same weight and size limits.
- Oversized or overweight bags may be refused at the station, so weigh and measure before you arrive.
- Amtrak does not charge for coats, blankets, or items you carry by hand separate from your checked and personal bags.
What happens if your bag is too heavy or too large
Amtrak staff will weigh and measure your bags at the station before you board. If a bag exceeds 50 pounds or the size limit, you have a few options: remove items and redistribute them into your personal item, pay the $20 fee for an extra bag, or leave the bag behind.
There is no grace period for overweight bags — the 50-pound limit is firm. If you are close to the limit, pack lighter items on top so you can remove them quickly if needed.
Baggage storage on the train itself
On most Amtrak routes, you store checked bags in a dedicated baggage car, and staff will retrieve them when you reach your destination. You do not have access to checked bags during the trip, so pack anything you need during travel in your personal item.
On shorter regional routes (like Northeast Regional or Piedmont), baggage space may be limited. If the train is full, Amtrak may ask you to check a bag you planned to carry on, or they may refuse it entirely. Arriving early gives you a better chance of keeping your personal item with you.
Items you cannot bring as luggage
Amtrak prohibits certain items in checked or carry-on bags: firearms and ammunition, explosives, flammable liquids, and pressurized containers. You also cannot bring anything that smells strongly enough to bother other passengers — this includes some cleaning products and solvents.
Lithium batteries in excess of what is in your personal electronics are restricted. One spare battery for a phone or laptop is fine, but do not pack multiple backup batteries or battery packs in checked bags.
Pets must travel in a carrier and count as a personal item, not a checked bag. Service animals travel free and do not count toward your bag limit.
Baggage fees and extra charges
The two free checked bags are included in your ticket price on all Amtrak routes. Each additional checked bag costs $20, and you can add as many as you want at that rate. There is no charge for a personal item, a coat, or a blanket.
If you lose a bag or it arrives damaged, Amtrak's liability is limited to $500 per bag unless you purchased additional coverage at the time of booking. You can add baggage coverage when you buy your ticket online or at the station.
How to pack efficiently for an Amtrak trip
Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and reduce wrinkles. Pack heavier items at the bottom of your checked bag and lighter items on top. Use packing cubes or compression bags to organize by category and maximize space.
Keep medications, glasses, phone chargers, and anything you need when ready in your personal item. If your train is delayed or your checked bag is misplaced, you will still have what you need to get through the day.
Weigh your bags at home before you leave. Most grocery stores and shipping centers have scales you can use for free or a small fee. Knowing your weight ahead of time means no surprises at the station.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a suitcase as my personal item instead of a checked bag?
Yes, if it fits in the overhead rack or under your seat. Many travelers use a small rolling suitcase as their personal item and check a larger bag. Just make sure it is small enough that it does not block the aisle or take up space other passengers need.
What if I need my checked bag during a long train ride?
You cannot access checked bags during the trip. Pack a change of clothes, toiletries, and anything else you might need in your personal item. On overnight routes, many passengers bring a small bag with pajamas and a toothbrush as their personal item for this reason.
Do I have to pay the $20 fee for an extra bag when I book, or at the station?
You can pay at the station when you check in. Amtrak does not require you to declare extra bags in advance, but arriving early gives you time to arrange payment and get your bags weighed without rushing.
Can I bring a guitar or other musical instrument?
Yes, if it fits within the 50-pound weight and size limits for a checked bag. A standard guitar usually qualifies. A hard case counts as one checked bag. If your instrument is fragile, pack it carefully or consider traveling with it as your personal item if space allows.
What if my bag gets lost between stations?
Report it to Amtrak staff when ready at your destination or at the next station. Amtrak will search for it and attempt delivery to your address. Their liability is $500 per bag unless you purchased additional coverage when booking. Keep your ticket and baggage claim number for reference.