Are There Sleeper Trains in the USA? Here’s What You Can Actually Ride
- Dec, 26 2025
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- Aaron Blackwood
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When you think of sleeper trains, you probably picture cozy cabins gliding through the Swiss Alps or ornate wooden rooms rolling across the Indian countryside. But what about the United States? If you’ve ever wondered whether you can hop on a train in New York and wake up in Chicago with a bed, a shower, and a view of the stars, the answer isn’t as simple as yes or no.
Yes, sleeper trains still exist in the USA - but they’re not what you might expect
The only sleeper trains operating in the United States today are run by Amtrak the national passenger railroad service that has operated since 1971, offering long-distance routes across the country with sleeping accommodations. Unlike European or Asian counterparts, Amtrak’s sleeper cars aren’t flashy luxury liners. They’re functional, no-frills, and surprisingly affordable - especially if you compare them to flying or driving long distances.
There are three types of sleeping accommodations on Amtrak: Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Family Bedrooms. Each comes with a bed that folds down at night, a sink, and access to shared restrooms and showers. Some larger rooms even include private toilets. Meals are included in the price, served in the dining car, and staffed by attendants who help you turn your seat into a bed and keep your space tidy.
These aren’t five-star hotels on rails. But for travelers who want to save money, avoid airport hassle, or simply enjoy the rhythm of the journey, they’re a rare and underrated option.
Which routes have sleeper cars?
Not every Amtrak route offers sleeping accommodations. Only the long-distance trains - those that run overnight and cover more than 750 miles - have sleeper cars. As of 2025, here are the six routes where you can book a sleeper:
- California Zephyr: Chicago to Emeryville (San Francisco Bay Area) - 51 hours, through the Rockies and Sierra Nevada
- Coast Starlight: Seattle to Los Angeles - 35 hours, with views of Mount Shasta and the Pacific Coast
- City of New Orleans: Chicago to New Orleans - 19 hours, rolling through the Mississippi Delta
- Southwest Chief: Chicago to Los Angeles - 41 hours, crossing the Great Plains and the Mojave Desert
- Empire Builder: Chicago to Seattle/Portland - 46 hours, passing through Glacier National Park
- Texas Eagle: Chicago to San Antonio (with a connection to Los Angeles) - 38 hours to San Antonio
These routes cover some of the most scenic landscapes in America. The Coast Starlight, for example, is famous for its panoramic windows and the way sunlight hits the snow-capped Cascades in the morning. The Empire Builder slices through the remote beauty of Montana, where you might spot bison grazing near the tracks.
What’s included in a sleeper ticket?
When you buy a sleeper ticket on Amtrak, you’re not just paying for a bed. You’re paying for a full travel experience:
- Private room: Roomettes hold two people and convert from seats to beds at night. Bedrooms are larger, with a sofa and private toilet.
- Complimentary meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served in the dining car. No extra charge. You can eat whenever you want - no fixed seating times.
- Attendant service: Each car has a dedicated attendant who helps you with your bed, brings towels, and answers questions.
- Free Wi-Fi: It’s slow, but it works. Good enough for checking emails or reading.
- Power outlets and climate control: Every room has USB and standard outlets. Temperature is adjustable.
What’s not included? No minibar, no TV, no in-room coffee machine. You won’t find champagne or turndown service. But you also won’t pay $1,500 for a ticket. A Roomette from Chicago to New Orleans costs around $250-$350, depending on the season. That’s less than a round-trip flight - and you get a bed and meals included.
How does booking a sleeper car work?
Booking is straightforward, but you need to plan ahead. Sleeper cars are limited - each train has only 10 to 20 rooms total. They sell out weeks in advance, especially during fall and spring.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to amtrak.com and select your route and date.
- Under "Accommodations," choose "Sleeper Service."
- Select Roomette, Bedroom, or Family Bedroom.
- Book early - prices rise as rooms fill up.
- Check in at least 30 minutes before departure. Your attendant will meet you at the platform.
Pro tip: Book during off-season (January-March, excluding holidays) for the best deals. You can find Roomettes for as low as $180 on the City of New Orleans route if you’re flexible.
What’s it really like to sleep on a train?
If you’ve never done it, the experience is oddly calming. The gentle rocking, the occasional clack of the wheels, the soft hum of the train - it’s like being tucked into a moving blanket. The lights dim at night, and the windows show nothing but darkness or the occasional distant town.
But it’s not perfect. The train can get noisy when it stops or switches tracks. The bathrooms are shared and get busy. The temperature can swing - sometimes too warm, sometimes too cool. And if you’re tall, the bed in a Roomette might feel tight.
Still, people return to it. Why? Because it’s the only way to travel across the country without renting a car, flying, or driving for 20 hours straight. You get to watch the seasons change outside your window. You meet fellow travelers - a retired couple from Minnesota, a photographer heading to Santa Fe, a student heading home for break. Conversations happen naturally in the dining car or the observation lounge.
Is it worth it compared to flying or driving?
Let’s compare a trip from Chicago to New Orleans - 900 miles, 19 hours.
| Option | Time | Cost (per person) | Comfort | Scenery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Sleeper (Roomette) | 19 hours | $250-$350 | Good - private bed, meals included | Excellent - river valleys, bayous, small towns |
| Flight | 3 hours (plus 4+ hours airport time) | $300-$600 | Low - cramped seats, no movement | None - clouds only |
| Driving | 14 hours | $120-$180 (gas + tolls) | Poor - fatigue, no rest | Good - but you’re focused on the road |
If you value time, flying wins. If you value cost and convenience, driving wins. But if you value the journey itself - the quiet, the views, the slow pace - Amtrak’s sleeper cars are unmatched.
Who are these trains for?
Sleeper trains aren’t for everyone. They’re perfect for:
- Travelers who hate airports and security lines
- Couples or solo travelers looking for a unique experience
- Photographers and nature lovers who want to capture landscapes without stopping
- People with mobility issues who need more space than a plane seat
- Anyone who wants to disconnect - no Wi-Fi pressure, no scrolling, just watching the world go by
They’re not ideal for:
- People who need to arrive at a specific time (trains can be delayed by freight traffic)
- Those who expect hotel-level luxury
- Families with young kids who can’t sit still for hours
What’s changing in 2025?
Amtrak is investing in its long-distance routes. New sleeper cars are being ordered, with better insulation, quieter interiors, and updated bathrooms. By 2026, some routes will get new dining cars with locally sourced meals. There’s also talk of adding Wi-Fi upgrades and more charging ports.
But the core experience won’t change. These trains aren’t meant to compete with airlines. They’re meant to offer something different: a slower, more thoughtful way to see America.
Final thoughts: Should you try it?
If you’ve never slept on a train, give it a shot. Book a Roomette on the Empire Builder in January. Pack a book, some snacks, and an open mind. You’ll wake up in Montana with snow on the windows and a new perspective on how you travel.
Sleeper trains in the USA aren’t glamorous. But they’re real. And in a world that’s always rushing, that’s worth something.
Are sleeper trains in the USA safe?
Yes. Amtrak sleeper cars are safe. Each car has a dedicated attendant who stays on duty overnight. The doors lock from the inside, and there’s a secure connection between cars. Theft is rare, but it’s still smart to keep valuables in your bag and use the lock on your roomette door. Most travelers report feeling secure and comfortable.
Can I bring my own food on Amtrak sleeper trains?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks. Many travelers bring snacks, coffee, or alcohol to enjoy in their room. But you can’t bring outside food into the dining car. Meals are included with your sleeper ticket, so you’re not required to bring anything - but having a snack on hand helps if you’re hungry between meals.
Do Amtrak sleeper cars have showers?
Yes, but only in the shared bathrooms on each car. Every sleeper car has at least one shower, and sometimes two. They’re clean and well-maintained, with towels provided. You’ll need to bring your own toiletries. Showers are available 24/7, but they’re busiest in the morning and evening.
How much does a sleeper car cost compared to a plane ticket?
It’s often cheaper. A Roomette from Chicago to Los Angeles on the Southwest Chief costs about $450-$600, depending on the season. A same-day flight might cost $500-$800, and that doesn’t include baggage fees or airport transfers. Plus, the train includes meals and a private bed. If you book early and travel off-season, you can find sleeper fares under $200.
Can I travel with a pet on Amtrak sleeper cars?
No. Only service animals are allowed in sleeper cars. Emotional support animals and pets are not permitted on long-distance Amtrak trains. If you’re traveling with a pet, you’ll need to make other arrangements - Amtrak’s pet policy only allows small pets in carry-on carriers on shorter routes.
Are sleeper trains better than flying for long trips?
It depends on what you want. If speed is your top priority, flying wins. But if you want to relax, see the country, and avoid the stress of airports, sleeper trains are far better. You don’t have to arrive hours early. You don’t have to sit in a cramped seat. You can walk around, read, or stare out the window. And you wake up closer to your destination - sometimes right in the city center.
What to do next
If you’re curious about sleeper trains, start small. Book a one-night trip - maybe Chicago to St. Louis on the Lincoln Service (though this doesn’t have sleepers) or plan a weekend on the Empire Builder. Use the time to read, write, or just listen to the train. You might find you don’t just want to travel - you want to slow down.
And when you do, you’ll understand why, despite everything, people still choose to ride the rails.