Should You Book A Roomette Or Bedroom For Your Long Train Journeys?

If you've ever contemplated train travel within the United States, chances are you quickly came to realize that Amtrak is your top option for long locomotive journeys. The smaller subset of people who then fall down an internet rabbit hole in search of more information on America's scarce railway offerings may further realize that Amtrak is the only cross-country passenger train provider. Knowing this, it starts to make sense why even one-way tickets for some of the company's most beloved routes can (depending on the time of year) cost multiple thousands of dollars. Still, with prices so high, even sightseers able to afford private accommodations may pause and wonder whether they should book a roomette or bedroom for their next lengthy train trip.

When budgeting is the main consideration in making this decision, the choice can be a simple one. Those with money to burn could opt for the bedroom (or perhaps the even cushier bedroom suite or family room), and travelers keeping expenses low could stick to a roomette (or kick back in coach for maximum savings). However, for those with funds falling somewhere in between these two ends of the spectrum, determining which ticket to book is a little more nuanced. If this sounds like your situation, here are some of the key details to know when weighing the pros and cons of Amtrak's roomettes and bedrooms for extended train journeys.

Seasoned travelers probably have a good idea of where they fall when weighing costs versus comfort. That said, the prospect of 51 hours and 20 minutes aboard the longest train route in America (the California Zephyr) has a way of making you rethink how much you value the potential solace provided by additional space and amenities. With this in mind, let's review the realities of staying in a roomette.

Like all private rooms available in Amtrak's sleeping cars, roomettes come as part of a package that includes three standard perks: exclusive lounge access at various stations, first-class attendant services, and complimentary meals. While roomettes and bedrooms share these perks, roomettes stand out as the more compact and cost-effective option. Each one measures 3.5 feet wide by 6.5 feet long, welcoming up to two passengers. Some past guests claim you can call about booking roomettes for larger groups, but be warned that even parties of one may feel constricted within this space.

If you think roughly 20 square feet are enough for you though, a roomette may prove perfectly fine for your trip — especially if you've never experienced a private room aboard a train. After all, the upgrade from a coach seat to a room of your own can feel substantial. Expect your roomette to come with two convertible seats (which turn into an upper and lower bed by night), a fold-down table, reading lights, outlets, and access to communal showers. A potential deal-breaker for passengers who've long outgrown their college dormitory days, that final detail is an important one. So, before committing to a lengthy roomette stay, consider how comfortable you'll be donning flip-flops to wash up in a small shower stall someone else may have just finished using. (Note that roomettes on Amtrak's Viewliner do feature an in-room toilet but still no shower.)

A step up from the roomette, Amtrak's bedrooms come with twice the amount of space. The dimensions for this room type sit at 6.5 feet wide by 7.5 feet long, accommodating groups of three with one lower bed and a smaller upper bed. During daylight hours, both beds fold up to reveal a sofa. These units also come with a separate seat parallel to the sofa, treating couples to a cozy relaxation area and small families to enough room for three. A landscape window larger than those in roomettes means you can enjoy upgraded views while unwinding, too.

Of course, one of the most prized perks of Amtrak's bedrooms may well be the in-room sink and restroom (shower included). While modestly sized and maybe a bit awkward to navigate at first, the private showers can lend passengers a much-needed refresh amid voyages along routes like the 35-hour Coast Starlight. For travelers who get antsy without some reliable and secluded creature comforts, these amenities can add up to make the bedroom's price tag feel like a worthwhile deal.

Beyond these bedrooms, your only other options for private rooms include accessible bedrooms (a similar layout but with room for mobility aids such as wheelchairs), bedroom suites (made up of two adjoining bedroom units), and family rooms (spacious quarters that can fit four but offer no private restroom or shower). Choose wisely to ensure the best trip possible for you and your companions, and while you're planning for the journey, consider reviewing these unexpected items travelers can't bring on Amtrak trains.