Amtrak Sleeper Car Cost Calculator
Calculate your sleeper car cost based on route, season, and number of travelers. See how it compares to flying or driving.
Estimated Cost
What's included: Private cabin, all meals, baggage, attendants
What's not included: Alcohol ($8-$12), shower in Roomette (shared)
Want to sleep on a train across America? It’s not just a nostalgic dream-it’s a real, affordable way to see the country. But how much does it actually cost to ride in an Amtrak sleeper car? The price isn’t fixed. It changes based on route, season, how far in advance you book, and whether you pick a roomette or a bedroom. Forget the idea that luxury train travel means breaking the bank. With smart planning, you can sleep in a private cabin with meals included for less than a hotel night in many cities.
What You Get in an Amtrak Sleeper Car
When you book a sleeper car on Amtrak, you’re not just buying a bed. You’re getting a private space, meals, and service included. There are two main types of sleeping accommodations: Roomette and Bedroom. Both have private toilets and sinks. The Bedroom is larger, has a sofa that converts to a bed, and a separate seat. The Roomette is smaller but still private, with two seats that turn into an upper and lower bunk.
Every sleeper ticket includes three meals a day in the dining car, access to the lounge car, and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. Staff-called attendants-help you with your luggage, make up your bed at night, and serve your meals. You don’t need to tip them, but many travelers do because the service is personal and attentive.
Unlike airlines, Amtrak doesn’t charge extra for checked bags. You can check two bags for free, and you can store carry-ons in your room. There’s no security line, no boarding rush, and no middle seat. You just walk on, settle in, and watch the landscape roll by.
Roomette vs Bedroom: Price Differences
The biggest factor in cost is whether you choose a Roomette or a Bedroom. For a one-way trip from Chicago to Seattle (2,055 miles), here’s what you’ll pay in late 2025:
| Accommodation | Base Fare (per person) | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Roomette | $650-$850 | Private cabin, two beds, meals, drinks, no baggage fees |
| Bedroom | $1,100-$1,400 | Spacious cabin, full-size bed, sofa, private toilet/shower, meals, drinks |
These prices are for one person. If two people share a Roomette, the second person pays about 50% of the first. That makes it cheaper per person than flying coach and booking a budget hotel. A Bedroom is meant for one or two people, but the price doesn’t drop for two-it’s just a bigger space.
On longer routes like New York to Los Angeles (2,800 miles), a Roomette can cost between $1,000 and $1,300 per person. A Bedroom runs $1,700-$2,200. That sounds steep, but remember: you’re not paying for a hotel, meals, or baggage fees on top of that. You’re paying for the experience.
When Prices Drop: Booking Tips
Amtrak’s pricing works like airlines: the earlier you book, the lower the fare. The cheapest sleeper fares appear 11 to 14 months in advance. If you’re flexible, booking during the off-season-November to February, excluding holidays-can save you 30% or more.
Amtrak also runs promotions. Look for “Sleeper Car Specials” on their website. In 2024, they offered $299 Roomettes on select routes during winter months. In 2025, similar deals returned for the Pacific Surfliner and California Zephyr routes. Signing up for their email list is the best way to catch these.
Another trick: book a one-way trip instead of round-trip. Sometimes, buying two one-way tickets separately is cheaper than a round-trip sleeper fare. It’s not always true, but it’s worth checking.
What’s Not Included
While meals, drinks, and baggage are included, some things cost extra. Alcoholic drinks cost $8-$12 each. If you want to use the shower in the Bedroom, it’s free. But if you’re in a Roomette, you’ll need to use the shared showers in the car. There’s no extra charge for that.
Wi-Fi is available on most long-distance trains, but it’s slow and not reliable. Don’t count on streaming or video calls. Many travelers use this time to read, nap, or stare out the window.
There’s no TV, no power outlets in every seat, and no entertainment system. That’s part of the charm. You’re not supposed to be distracted. You’re supposed to be on a journey.
How It Compares to Flying or Driving
Let’s say you fly from Chicago to Seattle. A round-trip economy ticket costs $400-$600. Add a hotel for two nights ($200-$300), airport transfers ($50), and meals ($100), and you’re at $750-$1,050. That’s without checking bags or any extras.
Now compare that to an Amtrak Roomette: $650-$850 one-way, with meals, baggage, and a private room. You’re spending the same amount, but you’re not stuck in an airport, you’re not tired from a flight, and you’re not paying extra for every meal or bag.
Driving? Gas, tolls, and hotels for two nights add up to $800-$1,200. You arrive exhausted. On Amtrak, you arrive rested, with stories to tell.
Who Should Book a Sleeper Car?
Sleeper cars aren’t for everyone. If you’re in a hurry, flying is faster. If you’re traveling solo and want to save money, a coach seat is cheaper. But if you want to slow down, enjoy the ride, and experience something different, a sleeper car is perfect.
It’s ideal for:
- Couples looking for a romantic, unique getaway
- Solo travelers who want privacy and safety
- Families with kids who need space to move
- Photographers and nature lovers who want to watch the landscape change
- Anyone tired of the airport grind
It’s not a budget trip. But it’s not a luxury trip either. It’s a middle ground-affordable luxury. You’re not paying for a five-star hotel. You’re paying for time, space, and a way to travel that feels human again.
Real Example: A 2,000-Mile Trip in a Roomette
In October 2025, a traveler booked a Roomette on the California Zephyr from Chicago to Emeryville (near San Francisco). The one-way fare was $712. That included:
- Private cabin with upper and lower beds
- Three meals a day in the dining car (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Unlimited coffee, tea, soda, and juice
- Two checked bags free
- Attendant service (bedmaking, meal service, luggage help)
- Access to the lounge car and observation car
The trip took 51 hours. The traveler slept well, ate fresh food, and watched the Rockies and Sierra Nevada pass by. They didn’t spend a single extra dollar on food or lodging. When they arrived, they had $300 saved compared to flying and staying in a hotel.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
Yes-if you value experience over speed. Amtrak sleeper cars aren’t about getting from point A to point B. They’re about how you get there. You’re not just riding a train. You’re part of a tradition. You’re sharing space with fellow travelers, eating meals with strangers who become friends, and waking up to a new landscape every morning.
The cost is fair for what you get. It’s not the cheapest option. But it’s one of the most memorable. If you’ve ever dreamed of crossing America by train, now’s the time. Book early. Pick a Roomette. Bring a book. And let the miles roll by.
Are Amtrak sleeper cars worth the cost?
Yes, if you care about the journey, not just the destination. You get a private room, all meals, no baggage fees, and service included. For a long trip, it often costs less than flying plus hotels. Plus, you arrive rested, not stressed.
Can two people fit in a Roomette?
Yes. A Roomette is designed for two people. The seats convert into a lower bunk, and an upper bunk folds down from the ceiling. The second person pays about half the first person’s fare. It’s one of the best deals in train travel.
Do Amtrak sleeper cars have showers?
Bedrooms have a private toilet and shower. Roomettes have a toilet and sink, but no shower. You’ll use shared showers in the same car, which are clean and available 24/7. There’s no extra charge.
Is Amtrak safer than flying?
Amtrak has a lower accident rate than cars and is statistically safer than flying in terms of passenger incidents. The sleeper cars are monitored by attendants, and there’s no TSA-style screening. You’re more likely to meet friendly people than deal with crowds or delays.
What’s the cheapest Amtrak sleeper route?
The cheapest sleeper fares are on shorter routes like Chicago to St. Louis (500 miles) or Portland to Seattle (200 miles). During off-season promotions, Roomettes can drop below $200. Always check Amtrak’s deals page-prices change daily.
If you’re ready to try it, book at least three months ahead. Pick a route with great scenery-California Zephyr, Empire Builder, or Crescent. Bring a jacket. The windows get cold at night. And don’t forget your camera. You’ll want to remember every mile.
