I spent 32 hours in a private roomette on an Amtrak train from Montana to Chicago. Take a look inside my 20-square-foot room.

Jordan Parker ErbFeb 25, 2023, 18:00 IST

The author before boarding the Amtrak train (left) and settled inside the roomette.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

I booked a roomette on Amtrak's Empire Builder, a 32-hour train from Montana to Chicago.
The roomette was an upgrade from coach seating, but a step down from Amtrak's larger bedrooms.

In January, I embarked on my first long-haul train ride, a three-day trip from Whitefish, Montana, to New York City.

The author boarding the Amtrak at Whitefish's train depot.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

My journey was split into two segments: 32 hours from Whitefish to Chicago on the Empire Builder, and 25 hours from Chicago to New York on the Lake Shore Limited.

Amtrak's Empire Builder train sits outside the train depot in Whitefish, Montana, where my journey started.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

I booked a roomette, Amtrak's mid-tier accommodation, which cost $800 for a one-way ticket. Here's what it was like inside the tiny roomette on the Empire Builder train from Montana to Chicago.

The author in the Amtrak dining car.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

I booked a roomette, Amtrak's mid-tier accommodation, which cost $800 for a one-way ticket. Here's what it was like inside the tiny roomette on the Empire Builder train from Montana to Chicago.

To get to my room, I walked down a narrow hallway lined with other roomettes, each of which was occupied by other passengers.

The hallway was lined with other roomettes, each of which was occupied.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

At 20 square feet, Amtrak roomettes are designed to fit two travelers, but since it was just me, I was pleased with how much space I had all to myself.

Since I was traveling solo, I got to take up space that was meant for two people.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

Once inside the room, I found two comfortable seats and a small table that pulled out between them

I used the small table to work, color, and write while on the train.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

There were outlets next to the headrests, as well as a knob to control the room's temperature.

I found there were plenty of outlets in the roomette.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

The seats folded down into a bed, which I thought was actually pretty comfortable.

With a lie-flat bed to sleep in at night, Amtrak's roomette provided a seamless way to stay rested while traveling.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

A second bunk pulled down from the ceiling, though I didn't end up using it.

The top bunk pulled down from the roomette's ceiling.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

Since I was traveling solo, I got to utilize the extra pillow and blankets that were laid out for people traveling in pairs.

I appreciated the extra bedding that came with the roomette.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

The roomette also had plenty of storage, as well as a mirror, which I found useful.

The roomette came with unexpected amenities, including ample storage and a small mirror.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

It also came with hooks and coat hangers for my winter jacket and other belongings.

I didn't use the hangers provided, but did find the coat hook useful.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

My luggage could fit on the seat I wasn't using, but I opted to put it on a rack in the hallway, along with other travelers' suitcases.

I stored my luggage in the hallway, where other passengers put their suitcases as well.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

My roomette didn't have a bathroom, but there was a tiny, airplane-reminiscent bathroom down the hall.

Brushing my teeth in the train's bathroom.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

Across the way was a small, clean-looking shower. While I didn't use it — personally, I'm not a fan of community showers — I appreciated having the option.

The shower appeared clean, although I didn't use it.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

In all, I felt like I was traveling in luxury — and it's the only way I'd travel on a long-distance train again.

My recent Amtrak journey felt like traveling in luxury.Jordan Parker Erb/Insider

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I spent 32 hours in a private roomette on an Amtrak train from Montana to Chicago. Take a look inside my 20-square-foot room.

In January, I embarked on my first long-haul train ride, a three-day trip from Whitefish, Montana, to New York City.

My journey was split into two segments: 32 hours from Whitefish to Chicago on the Empire Builder, and 25 hours from Chicago to New York on the Lake Shore Limited.

I booked a roomette, Amtrak's mid-tier accommodation, which cost $800 for a one-way ticket. Here's what it was like inside the tiny roomette on the Empire Builder train from Montana to Chicago.

To get to my room, I walked down a narrow hallway lined with other roomettes, each of which was occupied by other passengers.

At 20 square feet, Amtrak roomettes are designed to fit two travelers, but since it was just me, I was pleased with how much space I had all to myself.

Once inside the room, I found two comfortable seats and a small table that pulled out between them

There were outlets next to the headrests, as well as a knob to control the room's temperature.

The seats folded down into a bed, which I thought was actually pretty comfortable.

A second bunk pulled down from the ceiling, though I didn't end up using it.

Since I was traveling solo, I got to utilize the extra pillow and blankets that were laid out for people traveling in pairs.

The roomette also had plenty of storage, as well as a mirror, which I found useful.

It also came with hooks and coat hangers for my winter jacket and other belongings.

My luggage could fit on the seat I wasn't using, but I opted to put it on a rack in the hallway, along with other travelers' suitcases.

My roomette didn't have a bathroom, but there was a tiny, airplane-reminiscent bathroom down the hall.

Across the way was a small, clean-looking shower. While I didn't use it — personally, I'm not a fan of community showers — I appreciated having the option.

In all, I felt like I was traveling in luxury — and it's the only way I'd travel on a long-distance train again.