Knowing which Amtrak stations allow checked baggage makes the journey easy, especially for long-distance or family travel. This service allows travellers to check in large suitcases, bikes, or special items and collect them at the final destination, similar to airline travel. However, not every station is equipped to handle checked luggage. Generally, checked baggage service is available at larger, staffed stations and on long-distance routes. It is necessary to check if both the departure and arrival stations offer this service, and take steps to check the service.
Do All Amtrak Stations Offer Checked Baggage?
No, not all Amtrak stations allow checked baggage. Many smaller stations, especially those served only by short-distance or regional trains, do not provide this service. The Amtrak stations that allow checked baggage are only available at large city stations and major hubs.
Common Amtrak Stations That Offer Checked Baggage Service
Major metropolitan hubs almost always provide full baggage services. Some of the most common Amtrak stations with luggage services include:
- Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station
- Newark Penn Station
- Philipedia, Pennsylvania
- Wilmington, Delaware
- Amtrak Train Station, Baltimore, Penn
- Washington Union Station
- Amtrak Station Alexandria, Virginia
- Amtrak Train Station Charlottesville, Virginia
- Lynchburg, Virginia Amtrak Station
- Greensboro, North Carolina Amtrak Station
- Charlotte, North Carolina, Amtrak Station
- Atlanta Station
- Amtrak Train Station Birmingham
- Tuscaloosa Station
- Meridian, Mississippi Union Station
- New Orleans, Louisiana Station
- Amtrak Train Station Albany-Rensselaer, NY
- Schenectady Station
- Utica Amtrak Station
- Syracuse Station
- Louise M. Slaughter Station
- Amtrak Train Station Buffalo-Depew Station
- Amtrak Chicago Union Station
- Los Angeles Union Station
- Sacramento Valley Station
- Emeryville Station
- Amtrak Train Station Bakersfield, CA
- Seattle King Street Station
- Portland Union Station
- Durham Station
- Raleigh Station
- Wilson Station
- Rocky Mount Station
How to See What Amtrak Stations Have Checked Baggage?
There are different ways to check the stations that offer checked baggage services.
Online through the official Amtrak website is the most convenient way to see the checked baggage services at a station.
- On the Amtrak website, go to the train route details page.
- Scroll down to the “Features and Amenities” section.
- Look for “Checked baggage service” listed under amenities.
If it is not shown, the route doesn’t offer checked baggage.
Other ways to find the station with checked baggage services include:
- Checking their ticket details
- Calling Amtrak customer service
- At the station ticket counter
Baggage Size and Weight Limits Allowed on Amtrak Checked Baggage Stations
How much luggage a passenger can carry depends on the size and weight of the luggage.
| Weight | Max 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag |
| Dimensions | 75 linear inches (length + width + height) |
| Quantity | Free: 2 bags2 additional bags: $20 each |
Note: Oversized or special items may require special handling or fees. Oversized bags between 76 and 100 linear inches can often be checked for a $20 fee.
What Items Can Be Checked at Amtrak Stations?
Not all items are accepted in checked baggage. Fragile goods, valuables, and electronics should be kept in carry-on bags.
Commonly accepted items at Amtrak checked baggage stations include:
- Large suitcases
- Travel bags
- Boxes
- Sports equipment (skis, snowboards, and golf bags)
- Bicycles (in boxes at select stations)
- Baby Items (strollers and car seats)
Items that Amtrak does not allow in checked baggage are:
- Hazardous materials
- Explosives or flammable items
- Perishable food
- Illegal substances
What If a Station Does Not Offer Checked Baggage?
All the Amtrak Stations do not offer checked baggage services. If a station does not allow checked baggage, then:
- Use carry-on luggage only
- Ship bags ahead using courier services
- Choose a nearby larger station that offers checked baggage
Final Words!
Not all Amtrak stations allow checked baggage, but many major stations and long-distance routes do offer this helpful service. Knowing which Amtrak stations allow checked baggage helps to plan a trip. Checked baggage can be added during digital reservation, at the station, or through customer services.
FAQs
Generally, larger, staffed stations and on long-distance routes offer checked baggage services.
No, there are only selected Amtrak stations that allow checked baggage.
Passengers can check Amtrak’s website, ticket details, or call customer service to find checked baggage services.
Most checked bags are free, but special items may have a fee.
Yes, passengers can usually add checked baggage at the station or through customer service, as long as the station and route support the service.
Hazardous materials, flammable items, and perishable food are not allowed.
Usually, up to two checked bags are allowed.
