Meals on Amtrak Auto Train: Everything You Need to Know

Introduction to Amtrak Dining Policies

Amy politics on meal provisions can vary significantly based on the specific route and ticket class. Amtrak's policies aren't one-size-fits-all; they are tailored to the nature of the journey and the features of the reserved compartments. In particular, passengers on certain long-distance trains, such as sleeping cars, often find that their meals are included in the fare. However, for shorter journeys or economy class tickets, purchasing meals on the train or bringing one's own is the norm. Therefore, it is crucial to check the details of your specific trip beforehand to get a clear idea of what's included in your ticket.

Meal Inclusion with Sleeper/First Class Tickets

With sleeper and first class tickets, passengers often find their meals already included in the price. However, this is more like a bundle deal, where the cost of the meal is part of the overall fare, which includes accommodation. The same can be said for Acela first class seats, where meal offerings are included in the ticket, essentially making it "free" within the price range.

On the other hand, passengers on flights typically have meal provisions included in the ticket, whether they desire it or not. This is a common practice in the aviation industry, as is the case with Amtrak's long-distance trains, where dining cars are available and meals are included for those in specific classes of service.

Meals on Amtrak Corridor Trains

Corridor trains, which tend to operate on shorter routes, generally do not include dining cars or have them in operation. For example, the NYC-Albany route from New York City lacks a dining facility, where passengers must pay for their meals as they go. The only notable exception is the Acela First Class, which includes free meals and drinks, including alcohol, with a fairly decent selection.

Meals on Long-Distance Trains

For long-distance trains, which often offer overnight journeys, the situation is different. These trains typically have a dining car where meals are served, and they are included in the price of the sleeping car ticket. For passengers in coach cars, meal options are often available for purchase, though availability might vary depending on the train.

Recently, Amtrak has been making changes to their meal plans, particularly for new Viewliner diners in the east coast region. Sleeping car passengers still benefit from included meals, but for coach passengers, the situation is less clear. On some trains, like the Lake Shore Limited (LSL), meal services were temporarily suspended but have since been reinstated.

Conclusion

The state of meal provision on Amtrak's Auto Train largely depends on your ticket class and the nature of your journey. Whether you are traveling on a short corridor train or an extensive overnight sleeper, it is always a good idea to double-check the specific policies for your trip to ensure that you're prepared for your dining needs on board.