Does Amtrak Have Wi-Fi? Availability, Cost, and How to Connect

Amtrak has various on-board services, including a free WiFi facility. Those present at the station can connect to the data and utilize it for general browsing and light work during the journey. It can be found under the name: Amtrak_WiFi, accessible to all. This connection is available on a few stations and selected trains within the United States. The network doesn’t have a usage limitation, but users should refrain from suspicious websites due to its non-encrypted nature. Adding personal details or transactions should not be done using this public network, as it doesn’t provide high-speed to download or heavy processing.  

Does Amtrak Have Wi-Fi? Availability, Cost, and How to Connect

Amtrak WiFi Key Highlights

Key highlights of Amtrak include both advantages and limitations of this wireless internet connection. 

  • Amtrak wifi can be utilized by every passenger or staff member present on the train or station. 
  • All trains ‘ Wi-Fi allows VPN usage. 
  • There are a few trains and stations where Amtrak wifi is not available. 
  • The connection available is not fast, but subtle enough to provide a decent usage time. 
  • Connection is not consistent in some areas while traveling, wifi will be lost. 

Amtrak Stations with Wifi Connection

These Amtrak stations provide travelers with free wifi connection within the United States. At some stations, Amtrak WiFi availability is only in specific areas, like lounges and gate areas.

  1. Penn Station, Baltimore, MD. 
  2. South Station, Boston. (Wifi available inside the lounge only).
  3. Union Station, Chicago. 
  4. Lorton, VA.
  5. Maynihan Station, New York.
  6. Penn Station, New York (Connection available in gate areas and inside the lounge).
  7. William H Gray III, 30th Street Station, Philadelphia. (Amtrak wifi availability is only boarding area and lounges.)
  8. Providence, RI.
  1. Sanford, FL.
  2.  Union Station, Washington.
  3.  Route 128, Westwood.
  4.   Wilmington Station, Wilmington. 

Do Amtrak trains have Wifi?

Yes, most of the Amtrak trains have wifi availability which are mentioned. Through connecting to this wifi on trains, travelers can get a decent range of internet on the journey. 

Passenger using free Wi-Fi on Amtrak train
  • Acela
  • Adirondack (not available in Canada)
  • Amtrak Cascades (not available in Canada)
  • Amtrak Hartford Line
  • Amtrak Mardi Gras Service
  • Auto Train
  • Berkshire Flyer
  • Blue Water
  • Capitol Corridor
  • Cardinal
  • Carolinian
  • Crescent
  • Downeaster
  • Empire Service
  • Ethan Allen Express
  • Floridian
  • Hiawatha Service
  • Illinois Zephyr/Carl Sandburg
  • Keystone
  • Lake Shore Limited
  • Lincoln Service
  • Maple Leaf (not available in Canada)
  • Missouri River Runner
  • Northeast Regional
  • Pacific Surfliner
  • Palmetto
  • Pennsylvanian
  • Pere Marquette
  • San Joaquins
  • Silver Meteor
  • Valley Flyer
  • Vermonter
  • Wolverine Service

How to connect to Amtrak wifi?

Passengers can follow these simple steps to get themselves connected to Amtrak wifi while traveling, especially if their devices didn’t automatically detect the network. 

Step 1. Find Network

Turn on wifi and find Amtrak_WiFi in the available networks. 

Instructions to connect to Amtrak Wi-Fi onboard

Step 2. Select and Proceed

Select the Amtrak authorized wifi connection and proceed further. It will navigate to the captive browser that mentions all terms and conditions.

Step 3. Agree and Connect

Read all the conditions carefully and agree to them. After which, the passengers’ devices will be connected to the internet. 

NOTE: Travelers on Capitol Corridor and San Joaquins trains will have to select the “YourTrainWifi” to get connected to Amtrak wifi. 

Safety Tips for Using Amtrak Wifi

Although using wifi at Amtrak is safe but travelers should stay conscious as troubles can happen due to an unencrypted network. These tips can help them be extra safe while utilizing the network. 

  1. Use VPN: All Amtrak trains allow the usage of VPN (Virtual Private Network), so switch it on for an additional layer of safety. 
  1. Read the Conditions: Before agreeing, make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully mentioned on the Amtrak Wifi browser.
  1. Use only authorized sites: Travelers should only use verified websites while connected to a public network. 
  1. Avoid entering confidential information: It is always beneficial to avoid adding any personal details. Also, making any bank transaction can be dangerous. 
  1. Better Speed: Search the areas that provide better speed for Amtrak wifi at the station, such as lounges, platforms, and gate areas. 
  1. Report the Technical Problems: If Amtrak wifi is not working due to technical issues, report them to the authorities. 

Wrapping Up

Amtrak’s Wi-Fi connection is available and free for everyone. There are some limitations, not with the usage but with being non-operational at some stations. The wifi does not provide high-speed internet. However, travelers can get decent speed in high-coverage areas, such as station lounges, boarding areas, etc. It is easy to connect as they just have to agree to the terms and conditions presented on the displayed browser. As it is an unencrypted network, users must consider switching on their VPN to stay safe while using it. 

Frequently Asked Questions
Does Amtrak have wifi?

Yes, Amtrak provides wifi connection, which is accessible for every passenger with no extra cost. 

What is the name of Amtrak Wi-Fi on trains?

The name of Amtrak internet connection is Amtrak_Wifi on all trains except Capitol Corridor and San Joaquins trains as the wifi available is “YourTrainWifi”.

What is the process of Amtrak wifi login?

The log in process for Amtrak wifi is simple, like connecting to any other Wi-Fi connection. However, when you connect to the wifi, it will redirect you to Amtrak’s official login portal to agree to the terms and conditions. 

Is Amtrak wifi safe to use?

Yes, generally it is safe use Amtrak wifi. However, it is advised to use VPN for secure usage, especially while making any bank transaction. 

Where can I access the Amtrak wifi at Penn Station in New York?

At Penn Station in New York, you can access the Amtrak Wifi inside the lounge and near the gate area. 

What can I do when Amtrak wifi doesn’t work?

In case of Amtak wifi not working, you can restart the device or try reconnecting it, and report if it seems to be a technical issue.

Aelric Novandar
THE AUTHOR

Aelric Novandar

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