Amtrak Sets a New Standard of Travel

Amtrak is setting a new standard of travel with enhanced safety and cleaning measures. With a medical director, public health and safety team and partnership with the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health, we have studied, analyzed and made improvements to the Amtrak travel experience – from beginning to end – for the safety and health of our people and travelers. 

In an effort to simplify and safeguard the travel experience, several cleaning, contact-free and convenience measures have been implemented into every part of the customer journey — from time of booking to the moment of arrival.

What You Should Know

Face coverings are required.

Face Coverings

Amtrak requires all customers and employees wear a face mask or covering that fully covers the entire mouth and nose, fits snugly against the side of the face, and secures under the chin at all times while onboard and in stations unless actively eating or drinking. Passengers must also maintain appropriate physical distancing while onboard and in stations.

Based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and masks containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind do not qualify as acceptable face coverings. Face masks can be removed on board when customers are in their private room and the door is closed. If a customer has a medical condition or disability that makes the customer unable to wear such a standard face covering, a facial shield is an appropriate substitute. The face shield must cover the eyes, wrap around the sides of the wearer’s face and extend below the chin. Children under 2 years old are not required to wear a face covering. Amtrak reserves the right to remove a customer or ban them from future travel in the event of noncompliance with Amtrak’s face covering policy.

We support physical distancing in stations and onboard.

Physical Distancing

We are limiting bookings on reserved trains to allow for more physical distancing. Individuals traveling alone may use the seat next to them for personal belongings, while friends and family members will easily find seats together.

Signage indicates safe distances in high traffic areas In our busiest stations and onboard leading up to the café car counter, and protective plastic barriers have been installed at customer counters in stations and at countertops in café cars.

We've enhanced our cleaning procedures.

Enhanced Cleaning

Amtrak is following industry recommendations for deep cleaning and sanitizing of its trains prior to service, with additional en-route cleaning to disinfect restrooms and frequently touched surfaces along the journey. All of our trains are equipped with onboard filtration systems with a fresh air exchange rate every 4-5 minutes.

Follow Guidance on Safe Travel

Do not travel when you are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or when you meet public health criteria for quarantine.

Cashless Travel

Amtrak is temporarily accepting cashless payments only in stations and on trains.

Travel advisories: Before traveling on Amtrak, review state-specific travel advisories and restrictions that may be in place for travel to your destination.

Amtrak RideReserve for multi-ride tickets: To allow all customers to distance themselves from each other onboard, monthly, ten-ride and six-ride multi-ride ticket holders will need to confirm their travel on reserved services using Amtrak RideReserve prior to traveling.

Fee waivers: Amtrak is waiving all change fees for reservations made by March 31, 2021. The removal of some restrictions on Multi-Ride tickets on the Northeast Corridor is extended through March 31, 2021.

  • Trip flexibility: Amtrak is waiving all change fees for reservations made by March 31, 2021. This includes reservations booked with points. The removal of some restrictions on Multi-Ride tickets on the Northeast Corridor is extended through March 31, 2021. To modify a reservation, log in to your account, go to ‘Modify Trip’ on Amtrak.com, or find your reservation from your account on the home screen in the Amtrak app. A fare difference may apply to your new itinerary.
  • Capacity indicator: When searching for travel, customers will see a volume percentage next to each route. This will give customers the opportunity to book a route that is less crowded. These percentage numbers adjust dynamically in real time as more passengers make reservations.
  • Limiting bookings: We are limiting bookings on reserved trains to allow for more physical distancing. Individuals traveling alone may use the seat next to them for personal belongings, while friends and family members will easily find seats together.
  • Private rooms: Offered on many routes, private rooms offer the perfect option for customers seeking privacy and space on a short trip and added comfort and amenities when traveling overnight.
  • Amtrak RideReserve: To allow all customers to distance themselves from each other onboard, monthly, ten-ride and six-ride multi-ride ticket holders will need to confirm their travel on reserved services using Amtrak RideReserve prior to traveling.

  • Face coverings: Amtrak requires all customers and employees wear a face mask or covering that fully covers the entire mouth and nose, fits snugly against the side of the face, and secures under the chin at all times while onboard and in stations unless actively eating or drinking. Passengers must also maintain appropriate physical distancing while onboard and in stations. Based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and masks containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind do not qualify as acceptable face coverings. Face masks can be removed on board when customers are in their private room and the door is closed. If a customer has a medical condition or disability that makes the customer unable to wear such a standard face covering, a facial shield is an appropriate substitute. The face shield must cover the eyes, wrap around the sides of the wearer’s face and extend below the chin. Children under 2 years old are not required to wear a face covering. Amtrak reserves the right to remove a customer or ban them from future travel in the event of noncompliance with Amtrak’s face covering policy.
  • Partnership with RB, the makers of Lysol®: Built on its commitment to the safety and wellbeing of travelers, Amtrak announced a partnership with RB, the makers of Lysol. As part of this partnership, germ-kill experts and microbiologists from RB will help Amtrak strengthen and reinforce Amtrak’s comprehensive disinfection protocols for trains, stations and Metropolitan Lounge.
  • Enhanced cleaning protocols: Amtrak has enhanced cleaning frequency and retrofitted protective plastic barriers where necessary. Commonly used surfaces in stations such as door handles, counter tops, seating areas and Quik-Trak kiosks are cleaned with EPA-registered disinfectants.
  • Physical distancing: Signage has been displayed at our busiest stations to indicate safe distances in high traffic areas. In addition, protective plastic barriers have been installed at customer counters at our busiest stations.
  • Station arrival: Except for the Auto Train, customers are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes before departure and 60 minutes if in need of ticketing and/or baggage assistance. Priority boarding has been discontinued, and boarding procedures will be adjusted at stations in Washington, DC, Chicago, Philadelphia and New York Penn Station.

  • Amtrak app: The Amtrak app makes contact-free travel easy. Customers can book, board, check train status and access information from the convenience and safety of a mobile device. Amtrak encourages boarding with eTickets, which conductors scan from the Amtrak app.
  • Seamless gate service: To reduce crowds at departure boards, Amtrak app users automatically receive boarding gate and track information via push notification at select stations.

  • Face coverings: Amtrak requires all customers and employees wear a face mask or covering that fully covers the entire mouth and nose, fits snugly against the side of the face, and secures under the chin at all times while onboard and in stations unless actively eating or drinking. Passengers must also maintain appropriate physical distancing while onboard and in stations. Based on guidance from health authorities, neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and masks containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind do not qualify as acceptable face coverings. Face masks can be removed on board when customers are in their private room and the door is closed. If a customer has a medical condition or disability that makes the customer unable to wear such a standard face covering, a facial shield is an appropriate substitute. The face shield must cover the eyes, wrap around the sides of the wearer’s face and extend below the chin. Children under 2 years old are not required to wear a face covering. Amtrak reserves the right to remove a customer or ban them from future travel in the event of noncompliance with Amtrak’s face covering policy.
  • Enhanced cleaning protocols: Amtrak is following industry recommendations for deep cleaning and sanitizing of its trains prior to service, with additional en-route cleaning to disinfect restrooms and frequently touched surfaces along the journey.
  • Limiting bookings: We are limiting bookings on reserved trains to allow for more physical distancing. Individuals traveling alone may use the seat next to them for personal belongings, while friends and family members will easily find seats together.
  • Air quality: All of our trains are equipped with onboard filtration systems with a fresh air exchange rate every 4-5 minutes.
  • Reducing exposure: All non-safety materials have been removed from seatback pockets.
  • Handwashing: Available in each car’s restroom, Amtrak strongly encourages washing hands thoroughly with soap and water.
  • Contactless movement onboard: To move between cars, customers can use an “automatic door open” button with their foot.
  • Upon arrival: When the train is approaching a destination, conductors will make announcements regarding where and when customers can disembark to minimize door crowding.

  • Café service: Café cars are temporarily operating as carryout only.
  • Physical distancing: For customers placing orders in the cafe, signage and markers promoting physical distancing leading up to the café counter have been added.
  • Protective barriers: For added protection, protective plastic barriers are being installed at café countertops.
  • Flexible dining: Amtrak is temporarily offering flexible dining service on all long-distance routes (except Auto Train) and encouraging customers in private rooms to opt for room service.
  • Dining and lounge seating: Dining and lounge seating will remain available on select long distance routes with physical distancing protocols in place.

Amtrak is leading the way by setting a new standard of travel with enhanced safety and cleaning measures. In an effort to simplify and safeguard the travel experience, several cleaning, contact-free and convenience measures have been implemented into every part of the customer journey — from time of booking to the moment of arrival.

With a full-time medical director and public health and safety team who have been on the front lines throughout the COVID-19 outbreak, we have studied, analyzed and made improvements to the Amtrak travel experience – from beginning to end – for the safety and health of our people and travelers.

Amtrak continues to evaluate current practices and launch new initiatives to support personal safety. For more information, follow Amtrak on social media, sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards and stay updated on the latest news and important information on our services.

Learn more about the important Amtrak Guest Rewards updates we have made in response to COVID-19.

Amtrak Partners With RB, the Makers of Lysol®

As part of the new Amtrak-RB  alliance, germ-kill experts and microbiologists from RB will help Amtrak strengthen and reinforce our comprehensive disinfection protocols for Amtrak trains, stations and Metropolitan Lounges.

In addition, RB will supply Amtrak with Lysol Disinfectant Wipes, which are proven to be effective against the SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The products are for use across high-touch and high-traffic areas, where germs are most prevalent. 

The partnership is expected to launch in stations served by Northeast Corridor and Pacific Surfliner trains, before expanding across the Amtrak network.