Train travel in the USA holds a niche position. It’s more about the experience than getting to the destination quickly, especially beyond the major cities in the East. For instance, a journey from Seattle to San Francisco (Emeryville) with Amtrak takes almost 24 hours, and from Chicago to New York, it’s a two-day affair.
Currently, there’s a great deal for those who want to indulge in a private cabin for a long ride. When two people travel together in a Roomette, the price for one person is charged. The Roomette is a private (albeit quite compact) sleeping compartment, and it offers complimentary drinks and meals on board for all passengers.
With this deal, you get a discount of approx. 35% (not 50%, as the second person in the same cabin usually pays less than the first). It’s applicable for travel from January 29 to April 17. The discount should be applied directly when you search through the following landing page:
On the Amtrak homepage, higher prices are displayed. If you use the app, you need to use the coupon code C104.
Here are some examples of the prices you’ll get with this deal:
- Emeryville → Los Angeles: 13-hour ride for US$281 (~€240) instead of US$390 (~€333)
- Memphis → Chicago: 11-hour ride for US$269 (~€229) instead of US$438 (~€374)
- Salt Lake City → Denver: 15h-hour ride for US$287 (~€245) instead of US$413 (~€352)
- Seattle → Emeryville: 23-hour ride for US$408 (~€348) instead of US$592 (~€505)
- Chicago → Dallas: 22-hour ride for US$373 (~€318) instead of US$579 (~€494)
- New York → Miami: 28-hour ride for US$551 (~€470) instead of US$882 (~€752)
- Chicago → Seattle: 47-hour ride for US$604 (~€515) instead of US$926 (~€790)
With this deal, e.g. two people travelling in a Roomette from Chicago to Seattle pay only US$604 (~€515) instead of the normal US$926 (~€790).
The Amtrak website is poorly programmed and often gives error messages. In this case, simply try reloading the page. Prices can vary, based on travel date and availability.
Terms & Conditions
The promotion comes with the following conditions:
- Booking period: Until February 6, 2025.
- Travel period: Until April 17, 2025.
- The offer is valid only for 2 people travelling on one ticket
- Not valid on the Auto Train (car train to Florida)
- Other types of private cabins are not discounted; the sale is only for the Roomette
- The price for 2 people is the same as for 1 person (approximately 30% discount).
- Valid for trips on most long-distance trains of Amtrak, including California Zephyr, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Coast Starlight, Crescent, Empire Builder, Lake Shore Limited, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle
What’s Included?
The Amtrak Roomette is not quite comparable to sleeper cars in Europe. It’s a small single compartment separated from the aisle by a door. During the day, it has two seats (and a small sink), and at night, two beds. These beds are arranged facing the direction of travel.
You have access to a shower and toilet in the car, but these are shared with other guests. At the station, you can visit the lounge where available.
All private rooms, including the Roomette, also include complimentary meals. In most long-distance trains in the western USA, there is Traditional Dining, which is actually freshly cooked on board. Depending on the travel time, it includes:
- Breakfast (e.g., omelette, quesadilla)
- Lunch (e.g., burger, sandwich, or salad)
- Dinner (3-course meal with e.g. salad, steak, and dessert)
Drinks are also included: One alcoholic beverage + unlimited soft drinks with each meal. Just remember that you’re expected to tip.
Proper meals are available only on selected routes in the western USA. These are as follows:
Amtrak-Routes with “Traditional Dining”:
California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, Silver Meteor, Silver Star, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited und Texas Eagle (between San Antonio und Los Angeles)
On the remaining routes, there is no real dining car, only microwave meals and salad. This is called Flexible Dining.
For more information on the Roomette, check Amtrak’s website here. You can also get an impression from the following YouTube video.
Amtrak’s Network
Amtrak’s website not only shows you all possible train lines, you can also track them live. Here is the company’s 2025 network map:
Translated by Ditmar
Cover Picture: © Marc Glucksman / Amtrak