Amtrak Baggage Policy 2026: Fees, Sizes & Allowances 

Amtrak’s baggage policy allows each passenger one personal item (14×11×7 in, 25 lbs), two carry-on bags (28×22×14 in, 50 lbs each), and up to two free checked bags (75 linear inches, 50 lbs) where service is available. Excess bags cost $20 each. Checked baggage is not available on all routes.

Flying with two suitcases typically costs $60–$100 in checked bag fees. On Amtrak, those same two bags ride for free. That contrast alone explains why millions of travelers opt for train travel when hauling gear, sports equipment, or luggage for extended trips.

But Amtrak’s baggage rules come with real nuances. Not every route offers checked baggage. Some items require advance reservations. Certain trains enforce different size limits. And if you show up with an oversized bag at an unstaffed station without knowing the policy, you could face unexpected charges or worse, get denied boarding.

What Are Amtrak Baggage Rules?

Amtrak baggage rules allow each passenger one personal item and two carry-on bags at no charge. Checked baggage is free at staffed stations that offer the service (two bags per person). Excess bags, oversized items, and special equipment may incur fees starting at $20. Rules vary slightly by route and train type.

Here’s the full allowance at a glance:

Note: Pacific Surfliner carry-on size limit is 28×22×11 inches.

What Is the Amtrak Carry-On Baggage Policy?

Amtrak’s carry-on baggage policy permits one personal item and two carry-on bags per passenger, all carried at no charge. Personal items must not exceed 14×11×7 inches and 25 lbs. Each carry-on bag must fit within 28×22×14 inches and weigh no more than 50 lbs. Passengers must be able to lift carry-ons overhead without assistance.

What is the Amtrak carry-on size limit?

The standard Amtrak carry-on size limit is 28×22×14 inches for each of your two allowed bags. The exception: on Pacific Surfliner trains, the limit is slightly smaller at 28×22×11 inches. Bags must pass through the sizer at staffed stations if they don’t fit, you’ll need to check them or repack.

What is the Amtrak carry-on weight limit?

Each carry-on bag has a 50 lb (23 kg) weight limit. Overweight bags cannot be accepted as-is you must repack them below 50 lbs before boarding. Repacking boxes are available for purchase at staffed stations. Personal items are capped at 25 lbs (12 kg).

Practical example: A family of four could bring 12 items total onboard (4 personal items + 8 carry-ons) without paying a single bag fee a significant advantage over air travel.

What is the Amtrak personal item size?

Amtrak personal items must not exceed 14×11×7 inches and must fit under the seat in front of you. Think laptop bags, purses, small backpacks, or a compact daypack. Unlike carry-on bags (which go in the overhead rack or luggage tower), your personal item must remain accessible under the seat during the journey.

What happens if I bring extra carry-on bags?

A $20 excess baggage fee applies for each carry-on or personal item above the standard limits. A maximum of two excess bags are permitted per passenger. If checked baggage service is available on your train, you can check two bags through to your final destination for free instead a smarter option for heavy packers.

At unstaffed stations, fees are collected onboard by the conductor.

What Is the Amtrak Checked Baggage Policy?

Amtrak’s checked baggage policy allows each passenger to check two bags for free, plus two additional bags at $20 each, at stations that offer checked baggage service. Bags must not exceed 50 lbs or 75 linear inches (length + width + height). Checked service is not available on all Amtrak routes or stations.

What is the Amtrak checked baggage weight limit?

The Amtrak checked baggage weight limit is 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag. Bags exceeding this must be repacked before check-in overweight bags are not accepted as-is. If you’re traveling with heavy gear, redistribute weight across multiple bags rather than trying to check one oversized, heavy item.

What is the Amtrak checked baggage size limit?

The standard Amtrak checked baggage size limit is 75 linear inches (calculated by adding length + width + height). Oversized bags between 76–100 linear inches are accepted for an additional $20 fee each. Items exceeding 100 linear inches are generally not accepted through standard checked baggage service.

Is Amtrak checked baggage free?

Yes Amtrak checked baggage is free for the first two bags at staffed stations offering the service. However, “free” comes with conditions: the service must be available at both your departure and arrival stations, and you must arrive at least 45 minutes before departure for proper processing. Not all Amtrak routes include checked baggage service, so verify availability before you travel.

Routes that do NOT offer checked baggage include:

• Northeast Regional (carry-on only)
• Capitol Corridor
• Most short-corridor state-supported services

Long-distance routes that DO offer checked baggage include:

• California Zephyr
• Southwest Chief
• Empire Builder
• City of New Orleans
• Coast Starlight
• Crescent, Cardinal, Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle

Can I take two suitcases on a train?

Yes, you can take two suitcases on an Amtrak train. Each counts as one carry-on bag (within 28×22×14 inches and 50 lbs). If your suitcases are larger or heavier, you may check them for free at staffed stations where checked baggage service is available. A third and fourth suitcase can be checked for $20 each.

Real-world scenario: Traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief for a two-week trip? You could pack two large checked suitcases (free), two carry-ons, and a personal item all without paying a single baggage fee.

What Are the Amtrak Baggage Fees?

Cost breakdown scenario: A solo traveler with two carry-ons, two checked bags, and a bicycle pays:

• 2 carry-ons: $0
• 2 checked bags: $0
• Bicycle (in container): $10
• Total: $10

Compare that to checking the same items on a major U.S. airline, where two checked bags alone can cost $70–$100 and a sports equipment fee adds another $150+.

What Items Are Prohibited on Amtrak?

Amtrak prohibits certain items from both carry-on and checked baggage. The prohibited items list includes:

• Hoverboards, OneWheel, unicycles, and self-balancing scooters
• Gas-powered motorized bicycles and scooters
• Rented or shared e-bikes (e.g., Citi Bike, Lyft bikes)
• Incendiaries and flammable materials
• Corrosive or dangerous chemicals
• Large sharp weapons (axes, swords)
• Live animals (except service animals and qualifying small pets)
• Firearms in carry-on baggage (checked only, with advance notice)

Conductors and Amtrak personnel reserve the right to inspect and deny transportation of any item at their discretion.

What Are the Rules for Special Items on Amtrak?

Can I bring a bicycle on Amtrak?

Bicycles are allowed on many Amtrak routes, but requirements vary by train. Folding bikes under 34×15×48 inches travel as a carry-on in lieu of one bag. Full-size bikes require a reservation on designated carry-on or trainside bike service routes. Checked bikes travel in a container for $10 (bicycle boxes are sold at most staffed stations for $15). Maximum weight: 50 lbs.

E-bikes and folding scooters are allowed on select routes (up to 50 lbs), provided they meet UL certification requirements and are powered off during transit. Batteries cannot be charged onboard.

Can I bring my pet on Amtrak?

Small dogs and cats are welcome on most Amtrak routes for trips up to 7 hours. Requirements:

• Combined weight of pet and carrier: 20 lbs maximum
• Carrier size: 19×14×10.5 inches maximum (hard or soft sided, leak-proof, ventilated)
• Pet carrier counts as one of your two allowed carry-on bags
• One pet per passenger; one pet per carrier
• Pets must be at least 8 weeks old
• Pet fee varies by route (shown at time of reservation)

Pets are not permitted on the Auto Train, Gold Runner, or Amtrak Connection services, and are not allowed in First Class, food service cars, or station lounges.

What are the rules for firearms on Amtrak?

Firearms are allowed only in checked baggage on routes that offer the service. Key requirements:

• Notify Amtrak at least 24 hours before departure by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL (online reservations not accepted)
• All firearms must be unloaded, in a locked hard-sided container no larger than 62×17×7 inches and no heavier than 50 lbs
• Ammunition must be separately packed in manufacturer’s containers; maximum weight: 11 lbs
• Passengers must complete a Declaration Form at check-in
• Failure to meet requirements results in denied boarding

Note: As of May 2026, Amtrak has been reported to be considering relaxing certain aspects of its firearms transport policy to increase accessibility for gun owners. No official policy change has been confirmed as of publication. Always verify current requirements directly with Amtrak before traveling with firearms.

Musical instruments, skis, and sporting equipment

Note on medical devices: Wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids travel free and do not count toward your baggage allowance.

Does the Auto Train Have a Different Baggage Policy?

Yes. The Auto Train operates differently from all other Amtrak services. It does not offer checked baggage service at all. Each traveler is allowed two carry-on bags, and any additional belongings must be packed inside your vehicle before boarding. You cannot access your vehicle during the journey, so plan accordingly.

What Happens If My Baggage Is Lost or Damaged?

If you lose or misplace an item on the train or in a station, submit a lost item report through Amtrak’s portal at chargerback.com/reportLostItemCBEmbed.asp?CustomerID=16387. Have your travel dates, departure and arrival stations, and train number ready.

For checked baggage issues, report the problem at the baggage desk immediately upon arrival. Amtrak’s liability for checked baggage is limited refer to the Baggage Limitation of Liability policy on Amtrak.com for specific compensation details.

Practical Packing Tips to Avoid Fees

• Tag everything. All bags (carry-on and checked) must display a tag with your name and address. Free ID tags are available at all staffed stations.
• Arrive early for checked bags. Allow at least 45 minutes before departure at most stations; some larger stations require even more lead time.
• Measure before you leave. Use a tape measure at home. If your bag doesn’t pass the station sizer, you’ll face a $20 fee or be asked to repack.
• Keep medications in your personal item. You won’t have access to checked bags during the journey.
• Use Red Cap service. Free Red Cap baggage assistance is available at major stations including Seattle, Portland, New York Penn Station, and Chicago Union Station—helpful if you can’t lift bags overhead.
• Verify station services in advance. Not every station offers checked baggage, even on routes that generally do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a carry-on bag larger than 28×22×14 inches if I pay a fee?
No. Oversized carry-ons that exceed Amtrak’s size limits must be checked, not carried on. If checked baggage is unavailable on your route, oversized items may not be accepted at all. Always measure bags at home before your trip.

What linear inches does Amtrak use for checked baggage?
Amtrak calculates linear inches by adding length + width + height. The standard limit is 75 linear inches. For example, a bag measuring 30″×20″×25″ equals 75 linear inches right at the limit. Bags between 76–100 linear inches incur a $20 fee.

Can I check a bag on the Northeast Regional?
No. The Northeast Regional operates as a carry-on-only service with no checked baggage available. You are limited to one personal item and two carry-on bags. Plan accordingly, particularly for longer journeys on this corridor.

Do Amtrak Guest Rewards members get extra baggage allowance?
No. Amtrak’s standard baggage policy applies uniformly regardless of Guest Rewards membership tier. Unlike some airlines, elite status does not unlock additional free bags or weight exceptions.

Can children traveling on Amtrak get their own baggage allowance?
Yes. Each ticketed passenger including children with their own ticket receives the full standard allowance: one personal item and two carry-on bags. Infants under two may bring an additional item (stroller or diaper bag) that doesn’t count toward any passenger’s limit.

What if my departure station is unstaffed and I have excess bags?
Excess baggage fees are collected onboard by the conductor at unstaffed stations. You can still bring up to two excess bags, but payment is processed during the journey rather than at the station.

Can I check a firearm if only one station in my itinerary has checked baggage service?
No. Firearms require checked baggage service at every station in the itinerary, including transfer points. If any station along your route lacks the service, you cannot check firearms on that trip.

Can I bring dry ice in my checked baggage?
Yes, under strict conditions. Dry ice must be clearly labeled, display net weight (5 lbs or under), be properly vented, and not packed in Styrofoam. A visual inspection by Amtrak staff is required before boarding. Dry ice counts toward your onboard personal item allowance.

How early do I need to arrive for checked baggage at a major station?
Most stations require you to check bags at least 45 minutes before departure. Larger or busier stations may require more time. Always check the specific station’s detail page on Amtrak.com, particularly for major hubs like Chicago Union Station or New York Penn Station.

Does Amtrak offer baggage storage at stations for layovers?
Yes, at select staffed stations. Amtrak offers temporary baggage storage for approximately $10 per item for 24 hours at locations including Chicago Union Station, New York Penn Station, Washington Union Station, and Los Angeles Union Station. Hours and availability vary check the station’s detail page before your trip.