Are There Any Sleeper Trains in the USA? Here’s What’s Really Running in 2026

When you think of sleeper trains, you probably picture cozy cabins gliding through the Swiss Alps or the Orient Express cutting across Europe. But what about the United States? Are there any sleeper trains in the USA today? The short answer is yes - but not like you might imagine. Forget plush velvet curtains and white-glove service. The reality is simpler, quieter, and surprisingly authentic.

Amtrak Is the Only Game in Town

There’s only one company offering overnight sleeper train service across the continental U.S.: Amtrak is the national passenger railroad service of the United States, founded in 1971 and operated as a for-profit corporation with partial federal funding. No private luxury operators. No competing brands. Just Amtrak, running a handful of routes with sleeping accommodations.

These aren’t your grandfather’s trains. Amtrak’s sleeper cars were modernized in the last decade, with new bedding, improved insulation, and USB charging ports. But they still feel like a step back in time - in the best way. You’ll find no Wi-Fi streaming, no onboard spas, and no gourmet menus. What you get instead is a quiet ride under starlit skies, the rhythmic clack of wheels on tracks, and the chance to wake up in a different state without packing a single suitcase.

Which Routes Have Sleeper Cars?

As of 2026, Amtrak offers sleeper accommodations on five long-distance routes. Each one connects major cities across vast stretches of American landscape.

• The California Zephyr - Runs from Chicago to Emeryville (near San Francisco), passing through the Rocky Mountains and the Sierra Nevada. This is the most scenic route, with panoramic windows and a dedicated lounge car.
• The Coast Starlight - Goes from Seattle to Los Angeles, hugging the Pacific coastline. It’s the only route with a full dining car serving meals included with sleeper tickets.
• The Southwest Chief - Travels from Chicago to Los Angeles via Santa Fe and the American Southwest. Known for its historic ties to Route 66 and views of desert canyons.
• The Texas Eagle - Connects Chicago to San Antonio, with an optional extension to Los Angeles. Offers the most stops and a chance to see small-town America up close.
• The City of New Orleans - Runs from Chicago to New Orleans, slicing through the heart of the Midwest and Deep South. Famous for its blues music and Southern hospitality.

These are the only sleeper train routes available. No other U.S. rail operator offers overnight accommodations. If you want to ride a sleeper car, these are your only options.

What’s Inside a Sleeper Car?

Amtrak offers two types of sleeping accommodations: Roomettes and Bedrooms. Both include meals, linens, and access to shared bathrooms and showers.

Roomettes are the most popular choice. They’re compact - about 6.5 feet wide and 7 feet long - but cleverly designed. During the day, two seats face each other. At night, they fold down into an upper and lower bed. There’s a fold-out sink, a small closet, and a call button for the attendant. It’s tight, but perfectly functional. Most travelers say it feels like a first-class airline seat - if you could lie down and watch the stars go by.

Bedrooms are twice the size. They have a private toilet and shower, a sofa that converts to a bed, and enough space to walk around. These are ideal for couples or travelers who value privacy. The price is nearly double that of a Roomette, but for those who want a real rest, it’s worth it.

Both types come with complimentary meals in the dining car. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included with your ticket. No need to bring snacks - unless you want them. The food is solid: think grilled chicken, pasta, and fresh salads. It’s not fine dining, but it’s better than most airport meals.

Who Uses These Trains?

You might assume sleeper trains are for retirees or luxury seekers. But in reality, the ridership is surprisingly diverse. You’ll find:

• Remote workers who need a quiet, distraction-free environment to work while traveling.
• Backpackers saving money on hotels - a sleeper ticket can cost less than two nights in a budget motel.
• Families who want to avoid flying with young kids.
• Seniors who prefer trains over airports and rental cars.
• Train enthusiasts who travel for the experience, not just the destination.

There’s a quiet camaraderie on these trains. People talk. Strangers share stories. You’ll hear about someone’s trip to Alaska, a grandparent’s old railroad job, or why they quit their job to travel full-time. It’s the kind of connection you rarely find on a plane.

Why Don’t More People Take Them?

If sleeper trains are so great, why aren’t they packed? The answer is simple: time and perception.

These journeys take 20 to 48 hours. A flight from Chicago to San Francisco takes 4 hours. A car ride? 26 hours. The train is slower - but that’s the point. It’s not about speed. It’s about the journey.

Many Americans don’t even know these trains exist. A 2024 survey by the American Passenger Rail Association found that only 38% of U.S. adults knew Amtrak offered sleeper cars. Most assumed trains were only for short commutes or tourists in New York.

Another issue? Price. A Roomette from Chicago to Los Angeles costs around $800 one-way. That’s more than a plane ticket - but less than a hotel stay for two nights. When you factor in meals, luggage, and no baggage fees, the value becomes clear.

Is It Worth It?

Yes - if you’re looking for something different.

If you want efficiency, fly. If you want comfort, drive. But if you want to experience America slowly - to watch the sun rise over the Rockies, to fall asleep to the sound of the train, to wake up in a new city with no jet lag - then a sleeper train is unmatched.

It’s not a luxury experience. It’s not glamorous. But it’s real. And in a world of screens and speed, that’s rare.

How to Book

Booking is simple:

1. Go to amtrak.com (or use the Amtrak app).
2. Select your route and dates.
3. Choose "Sleeper Service" under accommodations.
4. Book early - sleeper cars sell out weeks ahead on popular routes.
5. Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Boarding is relaxed, but you’ll need your ID.

Pro tip: Book during off-season (January, early February, late September). You’ll often find discounts up to 25% off.

What to Pack

You don’t need much:

• Comfortable clothes for sleeping
• Slippers or socks (the floors can be chilly)
• A light blanket or shawl (temperature control varies)
• Headphones (for quiet hours after 10 p.m.)
• A small book or journal
• A refillable water bottle (there are water stations on every car)

Leave the suitcases. Amtrak allows two large bags and one carry-on per person. The staff will store them for you. No need to haul them to your room.

What’s Missing?

There’s no Wi-Fi on most sleeper cars. No power outlets in every seat. No entertainment screens. No in-room service. That’s intentional. Amtrak wants you to disconnect. To look out the window. To talk to the person beside you. To remember what it feels like to travel slowly.

Some travelers miss the convenience. But most who try it once come back. Because after a few nights on the train, you realize: you don’t need all that stuff. You just need the rhythm of the rails.

Final Thoughts

Sleeper trains in the USA aren’t about luxury. They’re about rediscovering travel. They’re about the quiet hours between dusk and dawn, the smell of coffee drifting from the dining car, the way the landscape changes outside your window. They’re not for everyone. But for those who’ve forgotten what it feels like to move slowly through a country - they’re perfect.