I spent $1,000 for a 30-hour Amtrak ride in a private bedroom. Check out the 45-square-foot space with a full bathroom.

I booked an overnight train in an Amtrak bedroom, a private cabin with a full bathroom, and thought it didn't feel cramped for my 30-hour journey.

Apr 4, 2025 - 19:40
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I spent $1,000 for a 30-hour Amtrak ride in a private bedroom. Check out the 45-square-foot space with a full bathroom.
Insider's reporter spent 30 hours in an Amtrak bedroom while traveling from Miami to New York.
Business Insider's reporter spent 30 hours in an Amtrak bedroom while traveling from Miami to New York.
  • I spent 30 hours on an overnight Amtrak train traveling from Miami to New York City in 2021.
  • For $1,000, I booked a bedroom, which is about the size of a king-size bed with a full bathroom.
  • At around 45 square feet, my cabin made impressive use of a tiny space without feeling cramped.

In October 2021, I tucked myself into a train bunk during a 30-hour trip from Miami to NYC.

I was on an overnight Amtrak train in the 45-square-foot accommodation I booked for $1,000 — a bedroom.

I thought it made great use of a small space by packing in amenities without sacrificing room to stretch out and move my body for the long ride.

Follow me into the overnight train accommodation for a peek at every detail of this tiny, moving hotel room.

For 45 square feet, the Amtrak bedroom felt spacious.
The author is seen laying down in a train sleeper car
The author relaxes during a 30-hour train ride home.

My Amtrak bedroom had a sofa that folded out into a bed, a bunk that pulled down from the ceiling, and a chair that folded up out of the way.

Two wide windows and a full-length wall mirror made the space feel bigger. And even with all the furniture and amenities, there was enough floor space to stand up and stretch my limbs between hours of sitting.

Between seats, a table with folded leaves pulled out from the wall.
An aerial view of a laptop on the bedroom's pullout table
The author's laptop rests on the table.

Since I was working on my laptop sporadically throughout my trip, it was ideal to have a table that could be folded back into the wall for more space.

To the left of the sofa, there was a sink and vanity with a handful of small towels next to it.
The mirror and bathroom sink
Beneath the sink was storage for tissues and trash.

There was a cabinet to store toiletries and other personal items, too.

There was also a private bathroom inside the bedroom with a door, shower, and toilet.
Side by side photos show the bathroom door opened and closed
The bathroom door is open (R) and closed (L).

Only bedroom accommodations on Amtrak trains have private, full bathrooms inside, according to the train line's website. 

Next to the seating area, a small closet held three hangers.
Side by side photos show the bathroom closet opened and closed
The closet is open (R) and closed (L).

This may be especially handy for those traveling with jackets or formal clothing.

I noticed other details, like temperature controls and a button to call an attendant, who was always prompt and nice.
A close up of the thermometer, air conditioning, and attendant call button
Controls for bedroom guests.

Another thing that surprised me was the variety of lighting options — more than I've seen in an economy seat on a flight.

When it was time to sleep, the sofa folded out into a bed on the bottom level, and another bunk-style bed came down from the ceiling.
The author lies on the bed looking up with the table on the left in the foreground. The curtains are closed.
The author lies on the bottom bunk when it's time for bed.

On the top bunk, I saw more controls for air conditioning and lights and a small storage pouch.

My ticket came with meals ordered from a separate menu for passengers staying in a bedroom.
The author sits in the dining car with her meal
The author and her favorite meal.

I liked the braised short ribs meal with mashed potatoes and a roll that I had for dinner. To make it taste even better, I made a little sandwich out of the ingredients.

The bedroom is ideal for overnight travelers since it packs many amenities into a small space while providing enough room to stretch out.
The author sits on the train and plays her Nintendo with the sun peering through the window on the left
The author plays video games on the train home to New York.

I recommend the Amtrak roomette for those looking for a more affordable overnight accommodation. It's half the size of a bedroom but still includes two bunks with a daytime seating arrangement. And, in my experience, it costs half the price.

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