Tickets usually do not specify a coach or seat number, just that you have a seat on the reserved bus. Pay special attention to the announcements and station attendants who will tell you where to wait and board the train. When you board the train, the attendant will need to see your ticket, ID and/or pass, and they will direct you to the carriage in which you are to be seated. In some cases, your ticket may have a seat reservation number and car number on it. In this case, the carriage numbers are displayed on the doors; Pay attention to this when the train arrives so that you are in the right place on the platform in time to board the carriage. Some stations have indicators on the platform showing where each carriage will stop.

If you have a specific seat number in your reservation, it is recommended that you take it. Otherwise, follow the directions of the conductor who checks your ticket, and once on the bus, you can choose your seat. Once you find your seat, you will want to stay there until the conductor comes to check your ticket after departure. The conductor will then place a check (a small piece of paper) over your seat to indicate that the seat is occupied. Take it with you if you decide to change seats, especially if you get off the train en route, because this piece of paper has a station code on it to help the conductor tell you when your stop is imminent and shows that you have given your train ticket. its/his already.

Luggage service on long-distance trains is comparable to transportation by air, but with far fewer restrictions and smaller checkpoints. Amtrak long-distance trains will have a special checked baggage car, which you check in at the station and receive at your destination; you are allowed up to four checked bags: the first two are free, and two more are $20 per bag, each not to exceed 50 pounds. Special items, such as bicycles, are subject to other restrictions. Passengers are allowed up to two pieces of carry-on luggage, except for small items needed for the trip. Passenger cars will have ceiling racks or special compartments at the entrance. More information about luggage rules can be found here.

Unfortunately, some stations do not offer checked luggage as a service, and it would be wise to check with Amtrak before boarding. A good indicator of whether your stop offers checked luggage is the arrival/departure time of your stop. Many stations, such as all stations operated by Amtrak’s Capitol Limited and Lake Shore Limited in Ohio, are only available for those trains that arrive in the wee hours of the morning; therefore, they are not staffed and do not offer checked baggage.