I've traveled in 4 types of Amtrak train cars, from business class to a private bedroom. Here's what each is like, and which offers the best deal.

Joey HaddenJul 3, 2022, 16:31 IST

Insider's reporter has traveled across the east coast on several different Amtrak trains in upgraded cabins.Joey Hadden/Insider

Amtrak has many different cabin options other than coach, from business class to private rooms.
I've traveled in four Amtrak premium cabins, including roomette, bedroom, business, and first class.

I've spent around 75 hours collectively on four different types of East Coast Amtrak trains in upgraded premium cabins. Of all the rides I've taken, I think one offers the best value.

The author sits in four different Amtrak accommodations.Joey Hadden/Insider

I've spent around 75 hours collectively on four different types of East Coast Amtrak trains in upgraded premium cabins. Of all the rides I've taken, I think one offers the best value.

At about $120 for a two-and-a-half-hour ride, Acela's business-class ticket came with one plush seat, a tray table, footrest, and access to a nearby cafe car.

A business-class car on an Amtrak train.Joey Hadden/Insider

At about $270 for a 2.5-hour ride, Acela's first-class ticket included a meal, access to station lounges, and a larger chair, but it still lacked the privacy and double occupancy of a roomette accommodation.

A first-class car on an Amtrak train.Joey Hadden/Insider

At about $270 for a 2.5-hour ride, Acela's first-class ticket included a meal, access to station lounges, and a larger chair, but it still lacked the privacy and double occupancy of a roomette accommodation.

At $500 for a 30-hour ride, Amtrak's roomette was an approximately 20-square-foot private cabin that included two beds, a table, two chairs, a sink, and a toilet — if you're lucky.

A roomette accommodation on an Amtrak train.Joey Hadden/Insider

At $500 for a 30-hour ride, Amtrak's roomette was an approximately 20-square-foot private cabin that included two beds, a table, two chairs, a sink, and a toilet — if you're lucky.

At $1,000 for a 30-hour ride, a bedroom is similar to a roomette, but is more than double the size — and price.

The author's bedroom accommodation.Joey Hadden/Insider

While I'd splurge on a bedroom for long-haul trips if budget allowed, I think the roomette is the best deal Amtrak has to offer.

The author sits in a roomette.Joey Hadden/Insider

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I've traveled in 4 types of Amtrak train cars, from business class to a private bedroom. Here's what each is like, and which offers the best deal.

I've spent around 75 hours collectively on four different types of East Coast Amtrak trains in upgraded premium cabins. Of all the rides I've taken, I think one offers the best value.

At about $120 for a two-and-a-half-hour ride, Acela's business-class ticket came with one plush seat, a tray table, footrest, and access to a nearby cafe car.

At about $270 for a 2.5-hour ride, Acela's first-class ticket included a meal, access to station lounges, and a larger chair, but it still lacked the privacy and double occupancy of a roomette accommodation.

At $500 for a 30-hour ride, Amtrak's roomette was an approximately 20-square-foot private cabin that included two beds, a table, two chairs, a sink, and a toilet — if you're lucky.

At $1,000 for a 30-hour ride, a bedroom is similar to a roomette, but is more than double the size — and price.

While I'd splurge on a bedroom for long-haul trips if budget allowed, I think the roomette is the best deal Amtrak has to offer.