Colin Snow
Amtrak sleeper cars have been around since the 1970s, with the Superliner I cars built between 1975 and 1981. These were rebuilt in the late 2000s and renamed Superliner II. The Superliner is a type of bilevel intercity rail car used by Amtrak, with two levels of private rooms. The newer Viewliner cars, on the other hand, feature a single level of accommodations. While some passengers appreciate the improvements in Amtrak's new sleeper cars, such as LED lights and additional electrical outlets, others lament the removal of private restrooms in each cabin.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Types of sleeper cars | Superliner and Viewliner |
| Difference between Superliner and Viewliner | Superliner has two levels of private rooms per car and Viewliner has a single level of accommodations |
| Location | Viewliner cars are mostly found on the East Coast, while Superliner cars are used in the Western part of the United States |
| Height | Viewliner rooms are taller than Superliner rooms |
| Storage space | Viewliner cars have more storage space than Superliner cars |
| Shower room location | One end of the Viewliner car and downstairs in the Superliner |
| Amenities | Bar of soap, washcloths, hand and bath towels, blankets, small pillows, bottled water, linens, and access to a coffee station |
| Dining styles | Traditional and Flexible |
| Checked bags allowed | 2 |
| Carry-on bags allowed | 2 |
| Sleeper car types | Roomette and Bedroom |
| Roomette accommodation | 1 or 2 travelers |
| Bedroom accommodation | 2 to 3 travelers |
| Family room accommodation | 2 adults and 2 children (ages 2-12) |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeper car amenities
The Amtrak system offers two types of sleeper cars: Superliner and Viewliner. The cars differ in size and amenities, so it is important to know which type of car you’ll be travelling in. Viewliner cars are mostly found on the East Coast, while Superliner cars are used in the Western part of the United States. Viewliners are single-level, while Superliners are double-deckers with stairs leading to the upper level. As a result, Viewliner rooms are taller, and Superliner cars provide more storage space.
All rooms have access to restrooms and showers. However, some passengers have complained about the removal of private restrooms in each cabin. Passengers in an upstairs compartment (Superliner trains) might not want to drag a big suitcase up the narrow stairway, so it is recommended to take advantage of the two free checked bags allowed.
There are two dining styles in Amtrak dining cars: Traditional and Flexible. Traditional Dining offers chef-prepared meals, while Flexible Dining has a smaller menu of hot and cold prepackaged food.
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Sleeper car types
The Amtrak Sleeping Car fleet consists of two types of cars: Superliner and Viewliner. The primary difference is that a Superliner features two levels of private rooms per car, while a Viewliner features a single level of accommodations. Viewliner cars are mostly found on the East Coast, while Superliner cars are used in the Western part of the United States. Viewliners are single-level, while Superliners are double-deckers with stairs leading to the upper level. Therefore, Viewliner rooms are much taller, as the Superliner cars need to accommodate two levels. For the same reason, you’ll find more storage space in a Viewliner car. If you want to freshen up, a shower room is located at one end of your car in the Viewliner, or downstairs in the Superliner.
The big difference between a Roomette and a Bedroom on Amtrak is space and price. The Roomette can accommodate one or two travellers, while the Bedroom has more space and a private toilet/shower area and can accommodate two to three travellers. Sleeper car amenities include blankets, small pillows, bottled water, linens, and access to a coffee station.
Family Rooms are available for customers travelling with children in First Class. These rooms span the width of the car with ample space for two adults and two children (aged 2-12). Each room features seating for four by day, which is transformed into two upper and two lower beds by night, plus two big picture windows, upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens. Accessible Bedrooms are located on the entry level of the train and offer ample space for a wheelchair. Each room features seating by day, which is transformed into upper and lower beds by night, plus a big picture window, upgraded bedding, pillows, towels, linens and an accessible in-room sink.
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Sleeper car routes
The Amtrak system offers two types of sleeper cars: the Superliner and the Viewliner. The Superliner features two levels of private rooms per car, whereas the Viewliner features a single level of accommodations. The type of car will depend on the route and destination. Viewliner cars are mostly found on the East Coast, while Superliner cars are used in the Western part of the country.
California Zephyr
This route travels between Northern California and Chicago, via the Colorado Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada. This two-level train has sleeping accommodations on two levels and the option to book a family bedroom on the lower level. The Zephyr is said to be the most famous and loved route, offering beautiful scenery all year round.
Cardinal
The Cardinal travels between New York City and Chicago, via West Virginia's New River Gorge. This train is only one level tall to fit in tunnels. The route is said to be especially nice in the fall, as it goes through the mountains of West Virginia.
Coast Starlight
This is a scenic West Coast route with Los Angeles and Seattle as the end-of-the-line stations. Passengers will see the Pacific Ocean and Cascade Mountains if they ride the entire route. Sleeping accommodations are on two levels, with the option to book a family bedroom on the lower level.
Texas Eagle
The Texas Eagle travels between Chicago and Los Angeles via Texas, and is combined with the Sunset Limited between San Antonio and LA. Popular destinations along the route include Austin, Dallas, Tucson, and Palm Springs.
Silver Meteor, Crescent, Southwest Chief, Empire Builder
These routes are also mentioned as offering sleeper cars, but no additional information is provided.
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Sleeper car vs coach
The Amtrak Sleeping Car fleet consists of two types of cars: Superliner and Viewliner. The primary difference between the two is that Superliner features two levels of private rooms per car, while Viewliner features a single level of accommodations. Viewliner rooms are much taller as the Superliner cars need to accommodate two levels. For this reason, you’ll find more storage space in a Viewliner car. Viewliner cars are mostly found on the East Coast, while Superliner cars are used in the Western part of the US.
Coach Class seats are available on all trains except Acela. They are ideal for daytime trips, shorter overnight journeys, or for budget-conscious travellers. Coach passengers can upgrade to a private room by changing their reservation on Amtrak.com or the Amtrak app. All rooms have access to restrooms and showers.
Sleeper cars are dedicated to private accommodations, offering a level of comfort and service akin to a hotel room on rails. Meals are included when travelling in a private room, and passengers receive complimentary lounge access at major stations, priority boarding, and complimentary meals onboard. Sleeper car amenities include blankets, small pillows, bottled water, linens, and access to a coffee station.
While Coach Class is the economical choice for getting from one place to another, sleeper cars elevate the journey itself, turning travel time into a relaxing, all-inclusive experience.
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Sleeper car history
Sleeper cars, or sleeping cars, were first introduced in the 1860s by the Pullman Palace Car Company. The company perfected the design, which included berths that could be laid out into beds. The term "Pullman" became synonymous with the sleeper car design, even when cars were not built by the company.
Prior to the founding of the Pullman Palace Car Company in 1867, there were already several manufacturers of sleeper cars. These included T.T. Woodruff & Company (1857), Indianapolis & St. Louis Sleeping Car Company (1862), and John B. Anderson & Company (1864). The Pullman Palace Car Company built on the success of earlier sleeper cars, such as the Chambersburg, which was constructed around 1842-1843, and the Carlisle, which was built shortly after.
Sleeper cars on famous trains like the 20th Century Limited, Super Chief, and Empire Builder offered passengers the choice of a berth, a roomette, or a full bedroom. A roomette provided more privacy than a berth, while a full bedroom included a private bath. After World War II, onboard services were taken over by the railroads, although the Pullman company continued to manufacture cars.
Today, Amtrak offers two types of sleeper cars: Superliner and Viewliner. Superliners are double-decker cars with two levels of private rooms, while Viewliners have a single level of accommodations. Viewliners are typically found on the East Coast, while Superliners are used in the Western United States. Sleeper car passengers on Amtrak have access to various amenities and extras, including meals, lounges, and complimentary lounge access at major stations.
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Frequently asked questions
The age of Amtrak sleeper cars varies. The last car of the Superliner order, a sleeper, was delivered in July 1981. Superliner I cars were built from 1975 to 1981, while Superliner II cars were built from 1991 to 1996. Amtrak sleeper cars have been updated and replaced over the years, with some users reporting experiences in newer and older sleeper cars.
The two main types of Amtrak sleeper cars are Superliner and Viewliner. Superliner cars have two levels of private rooms, while Viewliner cars have a single level of accommodations.
Amtrak sleeper cars offer a range of amenities, including meals, coffee, water, private lounges at major stations, priority boarding, bedding, pillows, towels, and linens. Some cars also have electrical outlets, air vents, and individual restrooms.
You can book an Amtrak sleeper car through the Amtrak website or the Amtrak app. You can also upgrade your reservation from Coach to a private room until the moment of departure.
The main differences between a Roomette and a Bedroom on Amtrak are space and price. A Roomette accommodates 1-2 travelers, while a Bedroom has more space and can accommodate 2-3 travelers. The Bedroom also has a private toilet and shower area.
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