Are there luggage restrictions on amtrak

Carry-on allowance usually permits two items that must fit in the overhead rack or under the seat plus one personal item such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. Measure each bag and test stowage at home: if a bag cannot be secured on the rack or under-seat, expect staff to request checking it at the gate or station.

Checked handling on many long-distance trains supports two complimentary pieces per reserved passenger. Standard dimensional limit equals length + width + height = 75 linear inches (190 cm) and a weight cap near 50 lb (23 kg) per piece. If planning extra items, inspect the service-specific page for allowed quantities and any per-piece fees before booking.

Oversize and overweight items commonly incur surcharges or require advance booking; sample surcharges range from modest station fees to higher specialty-item charges for bikes, surfboards, or skis. Specialty items frequently demand a reservation slot and specific packing or case requirements to qualify for checked handling.

Hazardous materials, high-value articles, and fragile goods need special attention: hazardous goods (compressed gas, flammables) are prohibited from checked and carry-on compartments; valuable items such as jewelry, passports, and medication should travel in a personal item. Firearms follow strict declaration and locking rules and may only be accepted in checked service when federal and state laws and carrier procedures are satisfied.

Practical steps before departure: weigh and measure every piece; use soft-sided bags to maximize rack space; attach clear identification and a contact number; arrive 45–60 minutes early if checking items; buy baggage service online or by phone where offered to avoid lines. For ambiguity on limits, excess fees, or station hours, consult the national passenger rail provider’s official site or call the station baggage desk for the most current, route-specific guidance.

Baggage policy for the U.S. national passenger rail carrier

Pack one small personal item plus one carry-on sized bag for onboard storage; use station-checked service for larger trunks when available – many major stations permit up to two checked pieces per traveler.

Typical checked-piece limits used by the carrier: 50 lb (23 kg) maximum per bag and 62 linear inches (length + width + height) or about 157 cm. Carry-on items must fit in overhead racks or under seats; common maximum single-item dimensions approximate 28 × 22 × 14 in (71 × 56 × 36 cm).

Special items handling: mobility aids, assistive devices and medical supplies do not count toward normal piece allowances. Bicycles need advance reservation and may require a cover or fee. Musical instruments qualify as carry-on if they fit in the passenger area; otherwise check-in or a purchased seat with extra space is required. Firearms demand declaration, locked cases and compliance with federal and state statutes.

Practical recommendations: label every bag with name and phone, photograph contents before departure, lock zippers, arrive 45–60 minutes early when checking bags, buy a private sleeping accommodation when transporting bulky or fragile goods, and confirm specific station policies and fees online or by phone before travel.

Carry-on size and weight limits for the U.S. national passenger rail operator

Exact size and count

Each passenger is allowed two carry-on bags plus two personal items. Carry-on outer dimensions must not exceed 28 × 22 × 14 inches (71 × 56 × 36 cm) so they fit in the overhead rack; personal items should fit under the seat in front of you (typical personal-item examples: purse, briefcase, laptop bag).

Weight guidance and overflow handling

No formal single-piece weight cap is published for hand-carried pieces, but every item must be liftable by one person and stowable in overhead or under-seat space. Practical planning: keep individual carry-ons under ~25 lb for easy lifting and placement; avoid single heavy bags above ~50 lb – items exceeding allowed dimensions or too heavy for overhead stowage must be checked. Checked-bag limits are 50 lb (23 kg) and 75 linear inches (length + width + height), and oversized or overweight pieces may incur handling requirements or fees.

Pack soft-sided bags for flexible stowage, use visible tags, place fragile electronics in your personal item, and test lifting your fully packed bag before travel. For camera gear comparisons and choosing a travel-friendly kit, see best digital camera compare site.

How many carry-on items may each passenger bring?

Bring no more than two carry-on pieces plus one personal item per ticketed passenger.

Counting rules

A carry-on piece covers roll-aboard suitcases, duffels and large backpacks; a personal item covers a purse, briefcase or laptop bag. Each ticketed passenger may have up to two carry-on pieces and one personal item; combine smaller items into the personal item when possible. Carry-ons must fit in overhead racks or under the seat; items that cannot be stowed may be gate-checked or declined for onboard storage.

Exceptions and practical tips

Mobility aids and service animals do not count against the carry-on allowance. Bicycles, skis and oversized instruments typically require advance reservation and may be treated as checked or special items. Label all bags with name and contact details; keep medications, travel documents and valuables in the personal item. When planning trips with multiple segments or long-distance routes, consolidate or check extra bags to avoid limited onboard space and potential refusal by the carrier.

Checked baggage: rules, size and fees

Use station-checked service for long-distance routes: standard allowance is two checked pieces per passenger, each up to 50 lb (23 kg) and 75 linear inches (191 cm) (length + width + height). Check-in must occur at staffed stations at least 45 minutes before departure and a valid photo ID is required when handing over items.

Weight, size and special-item handling

Each checked piece should not exceed 50 lb (23 kg) or 75 linear inches (191 cm). Overweight items (51–100 lb / 23–45 kg) require advance approval and a handling surcharge; items over 100 lb are generally refused as checked freight. Bulky or irregularly shaped goods (bicycles boxed, surfboards, skis, musical instruments beyond standard dimensions) need prior notification and may count as one or more checked pieces depending on packaging.

Fees, excess charges and recommended steps

Standard checked pieces are commonly accepted without a per-piece fee on qualifying long-distance trains, but staffed-station services at some routes may charge for additional or oversized items. Typical surcharges:

Recommendations: label checked pieces with name and cell number, remove fragile items or pack them in a rigid case, buy insurance for high-value contents, and confirm fees with the departure station before travel. Pack a compact protective umbrella in carry or checked bags such as this example: best commercial outdoor umbrella.

Handling bulky or special items: bikes, skis, large instruments

Reserve space for bikes, skis and oversized musical cases well before departure; purchase a baggage-service reservation or an extra passenger seat when required.

• Bikes
  • Request bike space via the carrier website or station agent; availability varies by route and train type.
  • Prepare the bicycle: remove pedals, turn or remove handlebars, secure chain, slightly deflate tires and pack in a soft or hard bike bag or a cardboard box. Label with name and phone number.
  • E‑bikes: remove the battery. Most rail operators prohibit lithium battery installation in checked baggage; batteries often must travel with the passenger and meet watt‑hour limits. Verify battery rules with the carrier before travel.
  • Check‑in deadline for checked bike service commonly equals the station baggage cutoff (typically at least 45 minutes prior to departure); staff will tag and stow the bike in the baggage car or designated bike area.
  • Bring a basic toolkit and axle spacers when disassembling; photograph the bike before packing for claims or proof of condition.
• Skis and snowboards
  • Use a padded ski/snowboard bag and secure loose bindings. Group multiple skis or boards in a single bag if possible.
  • Declare sports equipment during reservation if the carrier offers special handling; if reserved space is unavailable, treat items as checked pieces at the station baggage desk.
  • Pack boots and poles separately inside the ski bag or as an additional small item; mark the bag as fragile if the case is rigid.
• Large musical instruments
  • If the case fits in an overhead rack or between seats, bring the instrument onboard as carry‑on. If dimensions exceed onboard storage, purchase a second seat and reserve a specific seat for the instrument to avoid refusal at boarding.
  • Hard cases offer the best protection for checked transportation; if the instrument must be checked, arrive at the station baggage counter early and request special handling and tagging.
  • Keep small, valuable components (bows, mouthpieces, electronics) with you in a personal bag.
  • Photograph the instrument and note serial numbers; obtain supplemental insurance for high‑value items and retain receipts for potential claims.
• Prohibited and sensitive items
  • Flammable liquids, pressurized gas canisters, and certain battery types typically cannot travel in checked storage. Confirm hazardous material rules with the carrier.
  • Medical oxygen and specialized equipment may require advance approval and paperwork from the carrier.
• Practical checklist before travel
  1. Call or check the carrier’s baggage/special‑items page to confirm service availability, fees and battery policies for your route.
  2. Measure and weigh packed items; photograph contents and exterior condition.
  3. Label every case, bring a small toolkit and extra padding, and arrive at the station at least 45 minutes before departure when using checked baggage service.
  4. Purchase additional insurance for items of high monetary or sentimental value.

Prohibited items and required documentation

Do not transport explosives, compressed gases, flammable liquids or solids, corrosives, radioactive substances, toxic or infectious materials–these items are banned from both carry-on and checked baggage.

Explicitly forbidden hazardous goods

Explosives and fireworks; flares and signaling devices; fuel, gasoline, paint thinner, lighter fluid and other flammable liquids; chlorine, pool chemicals, bleach and strong oxidizers; toxic industrial chemicals and biological agents; radioactive isotopes and industrial radiography sources are not permitted under any circumstances.

Most compressed gas cylinders (including filled SCUBA tanks, oxygen cylinders, and propane bottles) are prohibited unless written prior approval from the carrier is obtained and tanks are prepared according to the carrier’s hazardous-goods handling procedures.

Items that require declaration, permits, or advance notice

Firearms: must be transported in checked baggage only, unloaded, secured inside a locked, hard-sided container, and declared at check-in. Present state or federal permits when required by law; follow the carrier’s declaration procedure before boarding.

Ammunition and firearm components: allowed only in checked baggage when packaged according to the carrier’s rules (original packaging or a secure container) and declared. Quantity limits and packaging rules apply–confirm specifics with the carrier before travel.

Lithium batteries and spare battery packs: carry spares in carry-on only; protect terminals (tape or original packaging) and follow watt-hour or cell limits printed on the battery. E-cigarettes and vape devices must not be stowed in checked baggage.

Household hazardous materials (paints, solvents, pesticides, pool chemicals): may be refused; some items can only travel with written approval and special packing–do not assume acceptance without prior confirmation.

Medical oxygen and portable oxygen concentrators: bring documentation from a medical provider and obtain advance authorization from the carrier; battery specifications and approved device lists are often required.

Live animals, service animals, and transported agricultural products: service animals travel without a fee but may need documentation; pets and agricultural items typically require reservations, health certificates, and, for international travel, customs and phytosanitary permits.

High-value items (cash over reporting thresholds, precious metals, negotiable securities): keep on person in carry-on; international movements may trigger customs reporting or declaration forms.

Action steps: declare firearms and hazardous goods at check-in, carry required permits and health certificates, place spare batteries in carry-on with terminals protected, and request written approval from the carrier for any compressed gas, medical oxygen, or questionable chemical before arrival at the station.

How to label, store and retrieve bags at stations and on board

Attach two durable tags per bag: one external with full name, mobile number, email, train number and destination station; one inside containing the same data plus an emergency contact and a brief contents list.

Use materials and fastenings that survive handling: waterproof, tear-resistant tags fixed with metal rivets or heavy-duty zip ties; remove any old carrier tags that might cause misrouting.

At staffed check-in for checked pieces: arrive at the station baggage counter at least 45 minutes before departure, present a government ID and reservation, collect and photograph the claim stub, keep the stub until retrieval at destination.

Onboard stowage for hand-carried items: place suitcases and rollers on overhead racks wheels-first and parallel to the car, heavier items near the vestibule rack; keep small bags and valuables under the seat in front with zippers closed and facing up; avoid blocking aisles, doors and emergency equipment.

Handling during stops and transfers: wait until the train is fully stopped and doors open before removing items; if moving a bulky case between cars ask a conductor to pause for safe transfer; allow staff to re-stow items when requested to meet safety rules.

Retrieval at arrival: for checked pieces go to the station baggage service office or the baggage car after the train is fully berthed, present the claim stub and ID; for onboard-stowed bags exit with your carry items immediately at platform while following staff direction.

If a bag is missing or misdirected: file a missing-item report at the station counter and online if available; provide tag number, photos of the bag and tags, reservation, contact details and a concise contents list; request a written report number and follow up by phone or email.

Security and identification best practices: keep valuables and medications in a personal item carried aboard; photograph both sides of external tags and the bag before boarding; add a covert internal ID (colored ribbon or tape) that matches the external tag to speed identification.

Special or oversized items dropped at counter: obtain an item-specific receipt showing handling instructions and destination, confirm estimated arrival at the receiving station and retain that receipt until the item is collected.