Luggage goes in the overhead racks above your seat, under your seat, or in the dedicated luggage racks at the end of each car
On most Amtrak trains, you have three places to put your bags. The overhead racks run along the top of the cabin and hold soft bags and small to medium suitcases. Underneath your seat fits smaller items — a backpack, a personal bag, or a rolling carry-on that slides flat. At the end of each passenger car, near the doors, Amtrak provides luggage racks designed for larger suitcases and bags that won't fit overhead or under a seat.
The space available depends on the train route and car type. Northeast Regional and Northeast Direct trains have less overhead space than long-distance routes like the Lake Shore Limited or the Southwest Chief. If you are traveling on a crowded route during peak season, arriving early to board gives you better choice of where to stow your bags.
Amtrak does not charge extra for luggage stored in these spaces. You are allowed two carry-on bags and one personal item per ticket. Bags should not block aisles, emergency exits, or other passengers' access to their seats.
Key Takeaways
- Overhead racks, under-seat storage, and end-of-car luggage racks are all free and included with your ticket.
- Soft bags and backpacks fit overhead; rolling carry-ons fit under seats; large hard-sided suitcases belong on the end-of-car racks.
- Arriving early to board means you have more choice of storage spots, especially on busy routes.
- Bags blocking aisles or emergency exits create a safety hazard and may be moved by crew members.
Overhead Racks and What Fits
The overhead racks are the first place most passengers look. They run the length of the cabin above the windows and seats. Soft luggage — duffel bags, soft-sided rolling bags, and backpacks — fit well here. A standard carry-on suitcase (22 by 14 by 9 inches) will fit in most overhead racks on Amtrak trains, though on older regional trains the racks are shallower and may not accommodate a full-size hard-sided suitcase.
Do not force a bag into an overhead rack. If it does not slide in easily, it belongs on the end-of-car rack or checked with the conductor. Forcing a bag can damage it and can cause it to fall when the train brakes or goes around a curve. Amtrak crew members will ask you to move a bag if it is jammed or if it blocks the aisle or emergency lighting.
Under-Seat Storage for Small Bags
The space under your seat holds a personal item — a small backpack, a laptop bag, a purse, or a rolling carry-on that is compact enough to slide underneath. This is the safest place for items you want to keep close and within sight. Many passengers use this spot for a day bag or a bag they plan to access during the trip.
On Amtrak, the under-seat clearance varies by car type. Coach seats have more room than business class or first class seats, which have a footrest that takes up space. If you have a large rolling bag, test whether it fits before you stow it; if it does not, move it to the overhead rack or the end-of-car luggage area.
End-of-Car Luggage Racks for Large Suitcases
Every passenger car has a luggage rack near the entrance, usually between the doors or in the vestibule area. These racks are designed for large hard-sided suitcases, oversized duffel bags, and anything that will not fit overhead or under a seat. The racks are sturdy and can hold multiple bags.
The trade-off is that your bag is farther from your seat. If you need to access it during the trip, you will have to walk to the end of the car. On long-distance trains, some passengers use the end-of-car rack for a large suitcase and keep a smaller bag overhead or under their seat for items they use during the journey.
Bags on the end-of-car rack should be labeled with your name or a distinctive tag. On a crowded train, it is straightforward to grab the wrong bag by mistake. Amtrak does not monitor luggage racks, so you are responsible for keeping track of your own bags.
Luggage in Sleeping Cars
If you have a sleeping car reservation, luggage storage is different. Sleeping car rooms are small, and overhead racks are not available. You can store one large suitcase under the bed or in a closet, depending on the room type. A second bag can go on the upper bunk if you are not using it for sleeping, or in the corridor outside your room if space is tight.
Amtrak sleeping car attendants can help you find space for your bags when you board. If you are traveling with more luggage than fits in the room, ask the attendant about luggage storage in a nearby coach car or in the baggage car (available on some long-distance routes).
Checked Baggage and the Baggage Car
Amtrak offers checked baggage service on most long-distance routes — trains like the Coast Starlight, the Empire Builder, and the Crescent. You can check one bag per passenger for a fee, usually between $15 and $30 depending on the route. Checked bags go in the baggage car and are loaded and unloaded by Amtrak staff.
Checked baggage is useful if you have more luggage than you can carry on board. You drop your bag at the station before boarding, and it is waiting for you when you arrive at your destination. Checked baggage is not available on regional trains or on some shorter routes; check your ticket or the Amtrak website to see if your train offers this service.
Checked bags must be checked at least 30 minutes before departure. If you arrive at the station late, you may not have time to check a bag, so plan accordingly.
Tips for Keeping Your Luggage Safe
Amtrak trains are generally safe, but luggage can go missing or be accidentally taken by another passenger. Label all your bags with your name and phone number. Use a distinctive color, pattern, or tag so you can spot your bag quickly on a crowded platform or in a luggage rack.
Keep valuables — money, documents, electronics, medications — in a bag you keep with you at all times, not in a checked bag or in a luggage rack at the end of the car. If you are traveling overnight, lock your sleeping car door. If you are in coach, keep your personal bag close and do not leave valuables unattended on your seat.
On long trips, take a photo of your luggage and note where you stowed it. If a bag goes missing, you can describe it to the conductor and provide a photo. Amtrak has a lost and found system, and bags are sometimes recovered and held at stations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a large suitcase on Amtrak?
Yes. If it does not fit in the overhead rack, it goes on the end-of-car luggage rack. Amtrak does not have a size limit for carry-on bags, but bags must fit in one of the three storage areas and must not block aisles or exits. Hard-sided suitcases larger than 22 by 14 by 9 inches usually go on the end-of-car rack.
What if all the overhead racks are full?
Use the under-seat storage for a smaller bag, or place your bag on the end-of-car luggage rack. If that is also full, ask a crew member. On very crowded trains, the conductor may direct passengers to use checked baggage or to rearrange bags to make room. Arriving early to board helps you avoid this problem.
Is my luggage safe on an Amtrak train?
Luggage in overhead racks and under seats is generally find because it is in view. Bags on end-of-car racks are less supervised. Label all bags, keep valuables with you, and take a photo of your luggage. Amtrak is not responsible for lost or damaged bags, so travel insurance is an option for expensive items.
Can I store luggage in the dining car or observation car?
No. Luggage is not allowed in the dining car, observation car, or lounge car. These are public spaces, and bags would block seating and emergency exits. Store all luggage in your assigned car or in the baggage car if you are checking it.
What happens to my luggage if I get off the train between stations?
Amtrak trains only stop at designated stations. If you leave the train at a station, you are responsible for removing your luggage before the train departs. If you forget a bag, contact Amtrak's lost and found at the station where you left it. Bags are held for a limited time, so call as soon as you realize you left something behind.