Amtrak Luggage Storage: Where to Put Your Bags

Keep smaller carry-on bags in the overhead rack or beneath your seat if they fit without crowding another passenger. Put larger carry-on suitcases in the designated luggage racks, often located near the ends of the car, rather than in an aisle or doorway.

Check the product’s listed specifications when evaluating where to put your luggage on an amtrak train.

Before you settle in, take out anything you’ll want during the ride, such as medication, a charger, or a layer of clothing. Then stow your larger bag securely so it cannot roll or tip, and keep valuables and essentials in a smaller bag that stays close to you.

Checked baggage is different from the luggage you bring into the passenger car: you hand it over at the station, and it travels separately. Amtrak offers checked baggage only on eligible routes and at stations with baggage service, so confirm that both your departure and arrival stations offer it before packing a bag you won’t be able to access during the ride.

If you plan to use an overhead rack, choose a bag you can lift safely; if you cannot lift it comfortably, look for a designated luggage rack instead. Our Train Travel Luggage Checklist can help you organize what to pack, while our team recommends keeping your ticket, identification, and trip essentials easy to reach.