I paid $500 for a private room on a 30-hour Amtrak ride that came with 2 beds and a toilet. Take a look inside.

Joey HaddenMay 30, 2024, 00:09 IST

Business Insider's reporter traveled by train down the East Coast from New York to Miami in an Amtrak roomette.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I spent 30 hours in a sleeper car on an Amtrak train traveling from New York City to Miami in 2021.
For $500, I stayed in a roomette, a private cabin with two beds, a toilet, and basic amenities.

In October 2021, I took my first overnight train journey from New York City to Miami. For the 30 hour-ride, I booked the cheapest private cabin I could — an Amtrak roomette for $500.

The 22.75-square-foot cabin had two beds, a toilet, and basic amenities. With clever storage hacks, I thought it felt like a tiny hotel room with no unused space.

Take a look around the most affordable Amtrak ride in a private cabin.

To get to my private room, I walked along a narrow corridor that could only be used single file and crossed three sleeper cars.

A view of an empty roomette across the way.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

My roomette had a door and blinds to cover up the windows.

A view from the author's seat.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The room came with clever storage features that reminded me of a tiny home, like a pullout table between the chairs.

The table is seen pulled out.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

In some roomettes — mine included — a side table swings open to reveal a hidden toilet. Above it, I had a folding sink and mirror.

The bathroom is shown opened and closed.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Due to the availability when I booked my ticket, I had to switch partway through my trip to another roomette, which didn't have a toilet.

The author in the restroom on the left and in her roomette on the right.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I was surprised by the roomette's variety of lighting options, which seemed to be more than what I'd get in economy on a flight.

The author turns on the reading light on her chair.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

My ticket came with dinner, which I ate in the dining car.

The author dines on the train.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

After dinner, I was ready to rest for the night. The roomette seats folded into a bed on the bottom level, and another bed came down from the ceiling that was suspended in the air.

The author gets ready for bed.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

After dinner, I was ready to rest for the night. The roomette seats folded into a bed on the bottom level, and another bed came down from the ceiling that was suspended in the air.

Even though I didn't sleep my best, I'm glad I went with the top bunk because of the blue light and the views I had in the morning.

The author wakes up in the morning.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Though the roomette started to feel small as I neared the full 30 hours in it, I thought it made impressive use of roughly 20 square feet.

The author sits in her roomette accommodation.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I flew on Delta's Airbus A220 from New York to Dallas in economy. I enjoyed the smaller jet and its unique lavatory window.

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I paid $500 for a private room on a 30-hour Amtrak ride that came with 2 beds and a toilet. Take a look inside.

To get to my private room, I walked along a narrow corridor that could only be used single file and crossed three sleeper cars.

My roomette had a door and blinds to cover up the windows.

The room came with clever storage features that reminded me of a tiny home, like a pullout table between the chairs.

In some roomettes — mine included — a side table swings open to reveal a hidden toilet. Above it, I had a folding sink and mirror.

Due to the availability when I booked my ticket, I had to switch partway through my trip to another roomette, which didn't have a toilet.

I was surprised by the roomette's variety of lighting options, which seemed to be more than what I'd get in economy on a flight.

My ticket came with dinner, which I ate in the dining car.

After dinner, I was ready to rest for the night. The roomette seats folded into a bed on the bottom level, and another bed came down from the ceiling that was suspended in the air.

Even though I didn't sleep my best, I'm glad I went with the top bunk because of the blue light and the views I had in the morning.

Though the roomette started to feel small as I neared the full 30 hours in it, I thought it made impressive use of roughly 20 square feet.