Amtrak Reviews 

I had two different train tickets booked that were advertised as fully refundable before departure. They then cancelled the train and automatically booked me on a bus to a different city hours away instead of canceling me and sending a refund. They made me jump through hoops to cancel and when I finally did they sent me an email that I will have the full amount refunded to my card. A month later when I checked on my credit card statement they had only refunded less than half of the amount. I will never spend a penny on Amtrak again. I hopey you go bankrupt.

I RECENTLY BECAME A CUSTOMER OF AMTRAK TRAINS AND HAD REPORTED TO PEOPLE AT WORK AS WELL AS TO FAMILY MEMBERS HOW I ENJOYED RIDING FROM FAYETTEVILLE, NC TO WASHINGTON, DC TO VISIT A SISTER WHO LIVES IN DC. MY RECENT TRIP WAS ON PALMETTO 90 ON 03/13/2026 DEPARTED AT 12:46 PM. I DID NOT HAVE A PROBLEM WHEN THEY BOARDED A LADY WITH 8 TEENAGERS FIRST SO THEY CAN BE TOGETHER BUT UPON BOARDING AND SEEING SEVERAL OPEN SEATS, I PROCEEDED TOWARD AN OPEN WINDOW SEAT BEFORE AN AGENT GAVE ME A PIECE OF PAPER WITH #14 ON IT. I WENT AND SAT DOWN TO THE WINDOW SEAT AND THE AGENT CAME AND TOLD ME THAT I COULD NOT SIT THERE BECAUSE THOSE SEATS WERE RESERVED FOR COUPLES OR PAIRS AND I HAD TO GO TO THE NUMBERED SEAT ON THAT PIECE OF PAPER HE HAD GIVEN ME WHICH HAD A LADY ASLEEP AT THE WINDOW SEAT SO I WAS PLACED IN AN AISLE SEAT; I AM 73 YEARS OLD AND I AM NOT EXAGGERATING WHEN I SAY THAT I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED BECAUSE I WAS UNABLE TO SLEEP
DUE TO PEOPLE WALKING BACK AND FORTH TO BATHROOM OR CAFE AS WELL AS BOARDING OR GETTING OFF TRAIN AT THEIR DESTINATIONS, WITH CARRY ON BAGS EITHER RUBBING AGAINST MY ARM OR SHOULDER. I ALSO BECAME NAUSEATED FROM BEING SO UNCOMFORTABLE AND SLEEPINESS. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW BEFORE MY NEXT TRIP TO WASHINGTON WHETHER PASSENGERS WILL BE ASSIGNED SEATS FROM NOW ON SO I CAN MAKE OTHER ARRANGEMENTS. I HAVE TO BOOK A RESERVATION BEFORE APRIL 3, 2026.

I rarely leave reviews, but this experience with Amtrak needs to be documented—especially from an accessibility standpoint.

My fiancé and I both have mobility impairments and specifically booked an accessible bedroom for a round trip between Waterloo, IN and Chicago, IL. I also travel with a service dog. These accommodations are not optional for us—they are necessary for safe travel.

On our trip to Chicago, the car attendant required us to completely vacate our accessible room approximately 15 minutes before arrival simply because the upper bunk was in use. This forced us into an unsafe situation where we were expected to stand and balance while the train was still moving. For anyone without mobility issues this might sound minor, but for us it was not only difficult—it was unsafe. Managing balance on a moving train while handling a service dog is not reasonable.

The return trip was significantly worse. The condition of the train and surrounding environment raised serious safety concerns. At one point, a train car door was open while the train was moving. Additionally, there was an obstacle left in the middle of the car that blocked safe passage toward the dining area. For passengers with mobility limitations, clear and stable pathways are essential, and this was simply not maintained.

The accessible bedroom itself did not feel like a properly maintained or reliably safe space given the circumstances. Between being forced out early on one leg of the trip and dealing with safety hazards on the return, the overall experience fell far below what should be expected—especially for passengers paying specifically for accessible accommodations.

Customer Relations ultimately issued two vouchers totaling $214. While I appreciate that acknowledgment, it does not fully reflect the extent of the issues experienced across both legs of the trip. This was not just a matter of inconvenience—it involved accessibility and safety concerns that should not occur in the first place.

Amtrak has the framework to provide accessible travel, but in this case, execution fell short in ways that directly impacted passenger safety and confidence. I hope this feedback is taken seriously and leads to meaningful improvements.

Both the train and the service leave lots of room for improvement. When there was an almost two hour delay because of another late train and an onboard power failure the staff were not willing to provide drinks while passengers waited for their dinner, citing policies preventing them from opening the fridge. Also as a grandfather of 10 I had to go back to my room to get an ID to show I was over 21. Reasonable service is just not a priority for them.

Not impressed..first they canceled my train...no warning or anything or even an explanation. Totally disrupted my work schedule..did they care no! So once I was able to get another train booked it was late...some genius decided to put a freight train in front of the passenger train. Now this trip is doubling in time and messing up more schedules. No employees around to tell little jerk kids to stop slamming seats etc around because their loser parents are pathetic at best. This has been a horrible experience that I will never do again.

AMAZING

DETRACTORS.......DELAYS.....

SERVICE SABOTAGE.

MANAGEMENT NON RESPONSIVE TO CONCERNS OF PASSENGERS. ACROSS THE BOARD

OTHERWISE......AMAZING ALWAYS

I was interested in taking the train from Palm Springs to Tacoma, WA and booked a suit for 2 for $2031 dollars, only to find out that the Palm Springs departure time was 2:00 AM to LA. The departure time from LA was 9:51 AM. This is really unacceptable scheduling. I purchased a refundable ticket and when I cancelled the agent notified me that there would be a $500 cancellation fee!
I WILL NEVER USE AMTRAK FOR ANYTHING!

1. Both trains from Chatsworth to Oxnard and back were late. The return trip is catastrophically late. The train should have left Oxnard at 5:42, it is 7:19,and we still have not arrived to Chatsworth. Right now we are stopped again for a long time. My poor sister has been at the station since 7.
2. This train is an Amtrak, but from Los Angeles Metro Link uses the same trains. Amtrak overcharged by $7 in my case, so I used the Metro Link app. However, Amtrak will not divulge any information about the trains to people using Metro Link.
2. These trains

The opportunity to see the country in this dated yet romantic mode of transportation is iconic. Yes the cars are older, and the roomettes are not like upscale hotels. But husband and I saw more of this country than we ever would otherwise. No fighting traffic. A dining car with quality food and staff who really want to see this mode of transportation meet the needs of passengers. We noticed staff vibes are different on each train.The vibe on the Zephyr was warmer with big friendly personalities. The South West Chief was more taciturn and the ride a bit more bumpy. It is an adventure to enter the Amtrak world. We felt we were traveling across the country and back in time with train travel. Nostolgic and restful.....make your next vacation a choo choo choice with Amtrak

Sad that I am now only rating the Amtrak a two star. It just goes to show that time truly has changed- you can’t rewrite history- Amtrak used to give guests so much at a reasonable price now you pay more get less and not only this the attendant tells you where to sit. Telling adults where to sit- I mean I booked an Amtrak ticket not a seat on a greyhound or flix bus- if I wanted to be told where to sit I would have just book a bus ticket. My neighbor passenger was sick and coughing the entire trip and she blocked the outlets with her legs- if Amtrak doesn’t upgrade and put outlets on both sides of the seating areas I mean this was supposed to be the only good thing about my long a@$ trip but couldn’t even do that for half the ride. Silly how they want to scan tickets and such but passenger’s phones go dead due to lack of outlet access. Had the cold air blasting all nights- and it was in the middle of winter in certain places the train stopped- I mean yes - nice that that’s a luxury that steam trains back in the 17 and 18 hundreds didn’t have, however, please don’t abuse it- if you as the attendant are walking around and you see majority of passengers wrapped up like they live in the middle of Antarctica then odds are your air conditioner is turned up far too high. Before I left the station they announced that the station had lost passengers of the previous train's bags- I mean you guys used to be so good at your overall care of passengers- what happened? That’s the kind of thing that you would expect from a greyhound bus ride- you’re changing buses, the instructions aren’t very clear, etc.: however from an Amtrak trip- I would not expect you guys to loose my bags. I can understand why so many people travel and have fun outside the USA- too expensive to get good, no I’m going to say great customer service and more “bang for their money!” Do better- because you did in the past- don’t let a government lie of false inflation change the way you take care of your guests- Disney world hasn’t - only change is the ticket prices, but the quality is still there- AMTRAK, go back to being the Amtrak I knew.

Absolutly terrible!! Rude brakeman and they kicked us off the train for having alcohol, when everyone else had alcohol! I HIGHLY DO NO RECOMMEND!!!!

Ur Amtrak is a the most awlful train line the experience is a complete nightmare from a to z people would do better driving their own vehicle the delays are the eorst the food friggin sucks the sleep areas are a prison camp now I know what austawitz felt like u need to do better an I know u can. I hate this train line it’s not real get the way all these people are treated

My first trip on Amtrak to New York City was a great experience. The personnel were friendly and helpful. The train was clean and comfortable. We were fortunate there were no delays and arrived on time at both destinations. I'm already planning our next trip. Price was reasonable.

Where do I begin? I am 73. I have been riding this train since I was a kid with my mother. I have never witnessed such rude and disrespectful behavior by the employees on this train. I take the Sunset Limited. I remember when this service was stellar. If you are disabled and sit in the lower level car you may be either jerked around like a whip in those old cars or no Attendant will come to see what you need. They get offensive when you talk to them about needing help. If you have severe mobility issues you are on your own with these people. It's so sad because I remember the days when customer service meant that. Now it's just a label.

I traveled on the Amtrac Auto train from Sanford ,Florida to Lorton , Va. The food was terrible.Poor quality and the staff was extremely rude. To compound the terrible trop Oi left my Mp-3 player in the Rommette on Jan 10th, 2026. When they cleaned the tiny roomette they would find it. I called every two days to constantly get voice-mail, then I went on line and filled out the lost/Found information. No one ever called me emailed me. My return trip 1 month later, I checked in and explained the terrible Lost/Found situation. No one cared and nothing was in the back room as they checked. They said maybe it was in Jacksonville after one month all items go there. We'll the two numbers they gave me was disconnected. I never spoke to anyone in L/F. Its a joke to think they would have a reliable system to help a customer who leaves personal items on the train. I would never take the auto train AGAIN, EVER! WASTED MY MONEY. MELVYN DAVIS

I am a Retired Soldier and 100% Disabled Veteran. I was on board the Coast Starlight train #11. I requested assistance and was deferred to the app. I requested specific assistance and was met with resistance, little assistance and a complete disregard for my status. As I paid for a veteran discounted ticket (as i have in the past) I expected some accommodation for my disability that is particularly common in combat veterans. I was left with little option but to explain for all to hear that I am diagnosed with PTSD and TBI. ZERO regard, empathy or consideration was given to this new and very relevant information.Personally I was dismayed,distraught and very saddened by this. Accepting that I was not getting anywhere I said 'F
....it.' I walked to my assigned seat and sat down.I was then approached by a employee and what appeared to be the conductor. I was told I was being kicked off at the next stop. I began recording audio and he became more rude, antagonistic and louder. I am very upset by this treatment. This is not anything I ever expected. I am sorry I swore. I admit its wrong. A simple warning would have sufficed. This feels extreme. I am requesting a response. Please treat this seriously!

As a sidenote. Upon departing the train I asked for a name and they began balking at me, " we told them what you did!"

I replied with " I asked for help ".

Seriously?

Subject: Customer Service Concerns and Training Opportunity

To Amtrak Customer Relations,

I have been using Amtrak for over 20 years. Recently, I have been traveling even more frequently. For the most part, I manage my expectations. I understand that employees have long days and that I may not know what someone is personally going through. I typically board, show my ticket, and keep it moving.

However, when I do have a question, that is where the issue begins.

In my experience, approximately 85 percent of the conductors and onboard staff I have encountered have been abrupt, dismissive, and unnecessarily rude. I am a New Yorker, so this is not about tone or directness. It is about professionalism and basic courtesy. There is a difference between efficiency and disrespect.

This past Sunday was particularly troubling. The train was late. I missed a connection and had to purchase another ticket at double the price. When the train finally arrived, there was no one clearly directing passengers. When I asked a question, the response I received was, “168, 168, just get on the train.” No greeting. No clarity. Just dismissal.

Once onboard, I briefly placed my belongings down so I could organize myself and find a proper seat. Another staff member approached and the first words out of his mouth were, “That’s a group seat, you can’t sit there.” No hello. No explanation. No courtesy.

I chose not to escalate the moment. I simply smiled and moved, wishing him a better day.

Customer service at Amtrak has noticeably declined. While I appreciate the infrastructure and the ability to travel by rail, the human interaction component is suffering. And that matters.

I am not saying every employee is this way. I have encountered a few over the years who were excellent. But they are the exception, not the rule.

This is a training and leadership issue. When employees feel valued and supported, that energy translates to customers. It starts at the top and flows downward. A simple greeting. Clear direction. Basic respect. These are not unreasonable expectations.

As more systems become automated, human interaction becomes even more important. I do not want a machine replacing what should be basic courtesy and professionalism. I prefer human interaction, and I expect it to reflect care and accountability.

Without customers, there is no service. I am offering this feedback because I believe it can be improved.

Please do better.

Sincerely,
Angelic K

Terrible with a capital T

The train was clean and the staff was friendly. They even sent a bus to pick us up when the was canceled due to weather.

Amtrak Coast Starlight – Disappointing Customer Service

I took the Amtrak Coast Starlight from Oxnard to Salinas, a trip of about seven hours. Overall, the ride itself was fine, but one experience really stood out—in a bad way.

Before boarding, I picked up a Starbucks coffee for the long trip. I prefer my coffee hot, but unsurprisingly it became lukewarm fairly quickly. I went to the café car and politely asked if either the attendant or I could heat my coffee in the microwave for 30 seconds.

I was told no, because the microwave was “only for food purchased on the train.”

That response honestly left me stunned. I wasn’t asking for free food, special treatment, or anything unreasonable—just a small courtesy. Heating a cup of coffee for half a minute costs Amtrak nothing. Instead, I was met with rigid rules and zero flexibility.

What happened to common courtesy and treating fellow humans with a bit of kindness? This felt like unnecessary gatekeeping rather than customer service. For a long-distance train marketed as a relaxed, comfortable experience, this interaction was anything but.

The scenery may be beautiful, but customer service like this leaves a sour taste. Amtrak could do much better by empowering staff to show basic consideration instead of hiding behind rules that don’t really matter.