Amtrak allows passengers to bring two carry-on items on board, and each of them cannot exceed 50 pounds in weight or 64 linear inches (such as 28-by-22-by-14-inches). Small personal items needed for the trip can be brought on the train without counting toward that limit. This includes pillows, blankets, purses, small coolers and small electronic devices. Passengers with infants under age 2 also can bring objects such as diaper bags and strollers on the train without those items counting toward the carry-on limit. Any items brought on board must be kept in the overhead racks, under seats, in designated baggage areas or in the passenger's custody.
What you don't want to carry on the train, you can check for free at some stations if you don't exceed 50 pounds per bag and 75 linear inches. You incur an extra charge for each bag over that size or quantity, with a limit of two extra bags. Not all trains and locations can handle checked baggage, so look up your stations to see if they do. You need to check your bags at least 45 minutes before your scheduled departure.
Exceptions to standard baggage rules are made for certain items, such as necessary medical devices. This category includes wheelchairs, walkers, scooters and oxygen equipment. None of these counts toward the baggage limit if brought on board by a passenger who has been issued a mobility-impaired ticket. The total weight of oxygen equipment is limited to 120 pounds, while the combined weight of the wheelchair and passenger cannot exceed 600 pounds.
Bicycles can be carried on certain trains and must be stored in designated spaces, which are limited: four on the Missouri River Runner and 10 on Amtrak Cascades, for example. You can purchases or bring your own bicycle box and check your ride for a fee. Medium-sized musical instruments can be transported as luggage with a small service fee, while oversize instruments require the purchase of an extra ticket. Small instruments should be packed in luggage. Most sporting equipment, including larger objects such as skis, can be brought on the train in lieu of other baggage. You generally have to pay a fee to carry on golf clubs.
