Does the US Have Any Sleeper Trains? Exploring Luxury Rail Options Across America

Looking for a cozy bed on a train while traveling across the US? This isn't Europe or Japan—you won't find sleeper trains on every corner. Actually, most Americans don't even realize sleeper trains still exist here. But, yes, you can still ride overnight in private rooms and wake up somewhere new. It's just not as easy or as cheap as you might think.

Amtrak is your main—and almost only—option if you want a real sleeper train in the US. Forget about tons of private rail lines or fancy commuter sleeping cars. Amtrak runs a handful of long-haul routes with sleeper cars, but these are for cross-country or deep-regional trips, not quick hops from city to city. The routes are famous: the California Zephyr from Chicago to San Francisco, the Empire Builder up to Seattle, and the classic Crescent to New Orleans. These are BIG trips, sometimes taking over a day to reach your stop.

• The State of Sleeper Trains in the US
• Where You Can Find Sleeper Service
• What to Expect Onboard
• A Look at Luxury Train Experiences
• Booking Tips & Tricks
• Is It Worth It For You?

The State of Sleeper Trains in the US

When people talk about sleeper trains in the US, they're really talking about Amtrak. That's pretty much the only name in the game right now for overnight journeys with actual beds. If you're hoping for a wide choice like you see in Europe or Asia, prepare for a reality check—luxury overnight rail service is rare here.

Amtrak’s long-distance trains, like the California Zephyr, Crescent, Empire Builder, and Lake Shore Limited, still run sleeper cars. Some routes are legendary among train fans and adventure seekers. The options are all about distance, since these routes span hundreds or even thousands of miles. For example, the Zephyr covers nearly 2,500 miles between Chicago and the Bay Area. These journeys aren’t just about getting from A to B—they’re a whole travel experience.

Here’s a quick look at some main US routes with sleeper service:

• California Zephyr (Chicago – San Francisco): Known for stunning mountain and desert views.
• Empire Builder (Chicago – Seattle/Portland): Crosses the northern states into the Pacific Northwest.
• Crescent (New York – New Orleans): Cuts through the Southeast and Deep South.
• Silver Service (New York – Miami): Two trains for East Coast sun chasers.
• Texas Eagle (Chicago – San Antonio, sometimes to Los Angeles): Big chunks of middle America.

Most overnight trains make money slowly. The country’s obsession with cars and planes means only a small slice of Americans take sleeper trains today. According to Amtrak’s published ridership numbers, less than 15% of their total passengers in 2023 booked sleeper accommodations. Part of the reason? Sleeper cars cost a lot more than regular coach seats, and only a handful of routes still offer them.

So while the idea of luxury train travel across the US isn’t dead, it’s definitely not a common way to cross the country. It’s niche, a little pricey, but for train lovers or people craving something different, it’s still out there—just don’t expect a sleeper train to your usual weekend getaway spot.

Where You Can Find Sleeper Service

If you're hunting for sleeper trains in the US, it's all about Amtrak. Private or regional lines just don't operate true sleeping cars for public routes these days. So, let’s get clear on where you can actually book a bed and not just a reclining seat.

Amtrak offers sleeper trains mainly on their cross-country and long-distance services. The best-known options are:

• California Zephyr: Chicago to San Francisco, famous for scenery and a two-night journey.
• Empire Builder: Chicago to Seattle/Portland, going right near Glacier National Park.
• Lake Shore Limited: New York/Boston to Chicago, connecting the east coast and Midwest overnight.
• Crescent: New York City to New Orleans, rolling through the South with sleeper rooms available.
• Texas Eagle: Chicago to Los Angeles via Dallas and San Antonio, and pretty wild in distance.
• Silver Service: New York to Miami split into Silver Star and Silver Meteor lines, both with overnight options.

Sleeper service is only found on the named long-haul trains—not on most regional, commuter, or corridor routes. Occasionally, there’s a special charter or themed luxury trip, but those are rare and pricey.

Here’s a quick comparison of some of Amtrak’s popular overnight routes:

To actually get a sleeper, you’ll need to book a "Roomette," "Bedroom," or "Family Bedroom" on these Amtrak trains. These aren’t available on their shorter or regional routes like Northeast Regional or Pacific Surfliner. Book early—these rooms can sell out fast, especially during travel seasons. If you’re craving real luxury, there are some special rail tours with historic or private railcars, but get ready to pay vacation-level prices if you go that route.

What to Expect Onboard

Boarding a sleeper train in the US often feels more like checking into a little rolling hotel room than just hopping on a regular train. Once your ticket is scanned, you’ll be shown to your room—no confusion, just a train attendant ready to help with your bags and show you the ropes.

There are a few main types of sleeper accommodations on Amtrak’s long-distance trains:

• Roomettes: Tiny private cabins designed for one or two. These have two seats facing each other that flip into bunk beds at night. There’s a small fold-out table, a big window, and access to shared bathrooms and showers in the same car.
• Bedrooms: Bigger than roomettes, with a sofa, chair, and a private bathroom with a shower right inside the room. These are good for people who want a bit more space or privacy.
• Family Bedrooms and Accessible Bedrooms: Even larger spaces meant for families or travelers with mobility needs.

Meals come with your ticket, so you can hit the dining car for a sit-down meal or, sometimes, order to your room. The food isn’t fine dining—think decent airline meals, but served on a real plate with silverware. You’ll get coffee in the morning and dessert at night. If you have dietary restrictions, let them know ahead of time.

Here’s a quick look at what rooms offer:

The best part? You get access to a dedicated attendant. Need your bed made? Want extra towels? Just ask. They’ll handle turndown service in the evening and set things back up when morning hits. You also get priority boarding at the station and access to Amtrak lounges in some cities—a solid perk.

Here’s the not-so-glamorous side: the trains rock and roll a bit, and sometimes there’s noise from passing freight trains or stops in the night. Showers are tight. Wi-Fi is spotty, especially in the middle of nowhere. But, for those who love a good train journey, the views and the chill vibe more than make up for it.

A Look at Luxury Train Experiences

If you’re dreaming about “old school” luxury train journeys with white tablecloths, dedicated attendants, or clawfoot bathtubs, America doesn’t have as many options as you’ll find in Europe or Asia. Most of what’s left falls under Amtrak’s premium services—think first-class sleeper rooms with extra perks. But, let’s be real: even the priciest Amtrak ride won’t get you the same glitz as the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express. The focus here is on privacy, big windows, and a private restroom, rather than velvet armchairs and champagne on arrival.

Anyone wanting something above the usual coach can book Amtrak’s “Roomette” or “Bedroom” categories on long-haul routes. Roomettes are pretty snug, with bunk-style beds and shared showers a few cars down. Bedrooms give you more space and your own private bathroom. By US standards, this is the closest you’ll come to luxury on an overnight sleeper train.

If you want to go all-in on the upscale experience, check out the private railcars that get attached to regular Amtrak trains. These are sometimes run by companies like American Rail Excursions or Railventures. You’re talking historic, wood-paneled cars, personal chefs, and custom trips—but you’ll pay thousands per person for one of these one-off tours. They’re rare, book up fast, and are usually aimed at big spenders or rail fanatics celebrating something special.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what luxury means on a US sleeper train versus other places:

You also get exclusive access to Amtrak lounges at big stations if you’re traveling sleeper class, plus priority boarding and better meal options—think actual hot meals in a dining car, not just a snack box. But if you crave a themed or historic luxury train journey, your best bet is to hunt for special event charters, like Pullman excursions, which pop up a few times a year.

Quick tip: whatever sleeper class you’re considering, book early—some luxury cabins sell out months ahead, especially on popular routes.

Booking Tips & Tricks

Scoring a spot on a sleeper train in the US isn't nearly as tricky as you might think—if you know the ropes. Here’s how to make sure you get the best deal and a decent room.

• Book Early: Amtrak opens reservations about 11 months ahead. Those roomettes and bedrooms definitely aren’t unlimited, and the good ones go first. Peak travel times (summer, holidays) see prices shoot up and rooms sell out early.
• Use Amtrak’s Fare Finder: Check several dates and watch for “Saver” fares. Sometimes shifting your schedule by a day can drop the ticket price by hundreds.
• Understand the Room Options: Roomettes cost less and offer what you need for a solo trip or a couple. Bedrooms get you more space and, in some cases, a private shower/toilet. On some trains, the Family Room or Accessible Room can work for specific needs.
• Check for Discounts: Amtrak offers several discounts: seniors (10% off), military (10%), kids (often 50%), and occasional flash sales. But you can't usually stack these.
• Join Amtrak Guest Rewards: It’s free. You earn points on every trip, even on luxury train journeys, and can use points toward upgrades or future tickets.
• Meal Perks Included: With sleeping car tickets, all onboard meals are included. This can actually make the price more reasonable when you compare it to flying and paying for hotels and food.
• Call for Special Requests: If you need something specific—like a lower bunk or an accessible room—call Amtrak directly. The website isn’t always clear about what’s available.

Here’s a real-world look at how prices can change based on when you book. This table’s from April 2025, for a roomette on the California Zephyr, Chicago to San Francisco:

Prices jump as rooms fill up, so acting early pays off. And always check the cancellation policy—sometimes a refundable fare is worth the extra bucks, especially if your plans aren’t 100% locked down.

Is It Worth It For You?

So, is a sleeper train trip in the US actually a smart move? Let’s be real—it’s not for everyone. Ticket prices are way above regular coach seats. For example, a one-way Amtrak roomette from Chicago to Seattle on the Empire Builder can run between $600 and over $1,200, depending on when you book and what’s included. Flying the same route is way cheaper (and way faster), even if you add in a hotel night.

But you’re not really paying for speed. You’re buying an experience: your own cozy space on a classic American route, with sleeper car perks that coach seats don’t have—think your own bed, included meals, and showers. Let’s break it down so you know what you’re getting into:

• Comfort: Way better than trying to sleep upright in coach. You get a private room with a bed or bunk.
• Scenery: Some of these routes roll through wild, remote places—mountains, deserts, and forests you’d never see if you flew over them.
• Food: Sleeper tickets come with meals. It’s not five-star dining, but it beats airplane snacks.
• Peace and Quiet: Your own space, with a door you can close. No fighting over armrests.

On the downside, these luxury train journeys can get delayed, sometimes by several hours. Amtrak isn’t known for its speed or punctuality. Wi-Fi can be weak or totally missing outside cities. Plus, you might find the cabin a bit cramped if you’re tall or need a ton of space.

Here’s a side-by-side snapshot for one of the most popular US train travel trips:

So, if you want the fastest or cheapest ride, skip the sleeper. But if you care more about the journey than the destination, and you’ve got the budget for it, nothing else in America is quite like a classic overnight train trip. Just know exactly what you’re paying for—and don’t expect European-style service or punctuality. For rail fans, romantic travelers, folks sick of airports, or anyone who wants to unplug and watch new landscapes roll by, sleeper trains deliver a unique kind of travel you won’t get anywhere else.