Amtrak Business Class is a premium cabin option available on its trains with multiple complimentary amenities on board, including extra legroom, wide seats, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, enhancing the overall experience.
The availability of this cabin is on most United States routes, while a few selected routes provide seat selection. Through enrolling in the Amtrak Guest Rewards program, it is possible to receive 25% bonus points. Tickets are on sale at discounted prices on some special occasions. While comparing with the Coaches and First Class, it has been determined that the Business Class cabin is both affordable and full of amenities.
It is also possible to book business class tickets at discounted prices. However, its comparison with First Class cabin and Coaches is stable, making business class tickets stand out in terms of price and amenities.
Amtrak Business Class Perks
Amtrak is the largest passenger rail company in the United States, and its Business Class cabin offers several perks to all traveling passengers, including comfortable and enhanced seats, lounge access, complimentary snacks, wifi, and connectivity. These perks make the journey more comfortable through quieter spaces with extra legroom and individual charging outlets.
- Seat Comfort: Large and more comfortable seats as compared to economy coaches. Most of the time, the seats are reclined, providing the option to shift them into a backrest for lounging.
- Quiet Atmosphere: Amtrak Business Class cabins are located on the quieter part of the train, which makes them perfect for relaxation and working. Moreover, they are less crowded, which significantly reduces the disturbing noises.
- Priority Boarding Service: Business class passengers get to board the train early at priority, then economy travelers, accessing the train faster than others and getting ample time to find and settle.
- Wifi Connectivity: There is an availability of free WiFi on all Amtrak trains on almost every route, but due to being a public network, the speed is not guaranteed.
- Amtrak Charging Outlets: Business Class cabins often have charging ports, depending on the number of seats. It will be equivalent to the number of passengers on one combination of seats, which is generally two.
- Complimentary Snacks and Beverages: Amtrak offers light snacks and non-alcoholic beverages on board, like tea, coffee. There are also options for upgrades for alcoholic drinks and additional snacks.
- Access to Lounges: Business Class travelers can access exclusive Amtrak lounges at major stations within the United States to relax before the journey.
- More Personalized Service: There are dedicated attendants for Amtrak business class passengers, who spend time solving their inconveniences or troubles.
NOTE: Amtrak Senior Discount can be accessed in business class while on Acela trains; shared fares can be used when traveling in a group.
Amtrak Business Class Availability and Routes
The Business Class cabin is available on the Northeast Corridor, Selected Midwest, and West Coast Corridor routes. It includes Northeast Regional, Acela, Amtrak Mardi Gras Services, Empire Service, and more. The offered destinations reach many regional and main cities, making them convenient for traveling and selection.
- Northeast Regional: Spring Field, Hartford, New York, Washington, Richmond, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach.
- Acela: Boston, New Haven, New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington, Washington, DC.
- Amtrak Mardi Gras Services: New Orleans, Gulfport, and Mobile.
- Amtrak Cascades: Vancouver, Seattle-Tacoma, Portland, Salem, Eugene.
- Downeaster: Brunswick, Portland, and Boston.
- Empire Services: New York, Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo-Niagara Falls.
- Ethan Allen Express: Burlington, Rutland, Albany, and New York.
- Illinois Service: Chicago, Quincy/ St. Louis/ Carbondale.
- Maple Leaf: Toronto, Niagara Falls, Syracuse, Albany, New York.
- Michigan Services: Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City.
- Missouri River Runner: St. Louis, Jefferson City, and Kansas City.
- Pacific Surfliner: San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, and San Diego.
- Palmetto: New York, Washington, Charleston, Savannah, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa/ Miami.
- Pennsylvanian: New York, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Pittsburgh.
- Vermonter: St. Albans, Burlington, Springfield, New York, and Washington.
The bookings can be made through the official website or app of Amtrak by selecting the Business Class fare and adding it to the cart to move further. However, the price will be slightly higher than Economy coaches, but extra amenities will be provided. The fare difference generally ranges between $20 and $90, significantly higher or lower depending on the booking season and seat availability.
Difference Between Amtrak Business Class and Coach
Although Amtrak Business Class is the premium cabin offered on most trains, Coaches are also available for a lower rate and come with certain basic amenities. Moreover, the Business class cabin is available even on those trains which doesn’t have coaches.
| Amtrak Business Class vs Coach | ||
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Amtrak Coach | Amtrak Business Class |
| Seat Size | Standard-size seats with movable armrests. On some routes, seating may be unreserved, | Wider seats with recline option. |
| Legroom | Decent legroom, but comparatively less. | Extra legroom in the business class cabin |
| Perks | Basic amenities like power outlets, a footrest, and a tray table. | Free beverages and snacks, sturdy tray table, footrest, reclining seats, priority boarding, lounge access, etc. |
| Seat Selection | Available but only on some trains and works on a first-come basis. | Available on almost all routes and provides reserved seats. |
| Fare Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Suitable For | Short Journeys and budget-friendly passenger. | Long-haul journeys and those who want comfort and privacy. |
Cons of Amtrak Business Class
It has some minor disadvantages, which are due to availability issues. While business class seats are generally wider with more legroom than coach, these advantages are not always guaranteed and can be offset by operational problems. Car seats are also somewhat restricted to an extent of putting them on the unused seat or putting them under the seat.
- Higher Cost: Business Class fares are generally higher than the Economy coaches, certainly not suitable for every passenger, especially on a short trip.
- Seat Orientation: Passengers are allowed to make changes to their seats, but it is subject to availability, which means they will not be granted seat changes if all seats are full and reserved.
- Car Seats: Passengers traveling with a baby in a car seat will have to put the seat on a vacant seat, only if it is not required by the reserved person. Otherwise, they will have to keep the baby on their lap and put the car seat under the seat after folding it.
NOTE: Amtrak requests travelers to use earphones or headphones for utilizing sound-emitting devices like a laptop, tablet, or mobile. The headsets will not be provided by Amtrak; they are required to carry their own.
Summing Up…
Yes, Amtrak Business Class is worth its price by analyzing all pros and cons. However, it is the traveler’s subjective decision whether they want to travel budget-friendly or with comfort. Business Class should be considered while purchasing a long-haul journey to access all the amenities and relax in the lounge before boarding the train.
They can also use their Amtak Guest Rewards earned points to buy the ticket and earn a 25% bonus, and utilize other discounts to reduce the overall cost and enhance the experience. But the availability must be checked before making any reservation.
FAQs
No, Business Class is not available on every Amtrak train. It’s offered on most Northeast Corridor, Midwest, and West Coast routes, including popular services like Acela, Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Pacific Surfliner, and Cascades.
Business Class cars are typically located at one end of the train, and the specific position can vary from the train type and routes.
The price difference between Amtrak Business Class and Coach typically ranges from $20 to $90, depending on the route, time of booking, and seat availability.
Yes, Amtrak Business Class travelers receive complimentary non-alcoholic beverages like coffee, tea, or soft drinks, along with light snacks. Alcoholic beverages and premium food items can be purchased separately from the cafe car.
Yes, seat selection is available for most Business Class routes, allowing travelers to choose their preferred window or aisle seat during booking. However, it’s subject to availability on specific trains.
Yes, Business Class travelers receive a 25% bonus on Amtrak Guest Rewards points, making it a great choice for frequent travelers who want to accumulate points faster for future trips or upgrades.
Yes, passengers with Business Class tickets can access Amtrak Lounges at select major stations in the U.S., such as New York Penn Station, Washington D.C., and Boston.
Yes, for longer trips, Business Class is worth it for the extra comfort, quieter cabins, and added perks like priority boarding and lounge access. However, for short-distance or budget travel, Coach Class might be a more practical choice.
