Everything You Need
Before You Board

Every fare sold through AmericaTrak is one of three types, shown before you pay and again on your confirmation. Flexible fares change and refund freely. Value fares change free up to 24 hours out and refund as travel credit. Saver fares are the cheapest and cannot be changed or refunded.

Your e-ticket arrives by email within minutes of payment. Show it on your phone — there is nothing to print and no check-in step. The name on the ticket must match the photo ID the traveller carries.

Arrive 30 minutes before departure for most services, or 45 minutes if you are checking baggage or leaving from a major terminal at a busy time. There is no security screening, so the process is considerably quicker than flying.

Platform assignments are often announced shortly before departure. Watch the departure board rather than heading to a platform early. On long-distance services with assigned seating, a station attendant will direct you to your car.

You may bring two carry-on bags plus two personal items at no charge. Carry-on bags go on the overhead rack or the luggage rack at the end of the car — you handle them yourself, and nothing is weighed at the gate.

Checked baggage is available at staffed stations on most long-distance routes, with two bags free and additional bags charged. Not every station accepts checked baggage, so confirm before you rely on it. Bicycles and oversized sporting equipment usually need a reservation and may have to be boxed.

Seats in Coach are wider than an airline seat, with substantial legroom, a tray table and power at every row. You are free to move around, and long-distance services have an observation or lounge car with large windows.

Café service runs on most routes. On long-distance services, Sleeper accommodation includes meals in the dining car. Wi-Fi is available on many routes but is not guaranteed and is not suitable for video calls — download anything you will need.

Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms and accessible bedrooms on overnight services can all be reserved. Tell us your requirements when you book — at least 48 hours before departure where possible — and we will record them on the reservation and pass them to the carrier.

Station staff can provide boarding and alighting assistance where it is available. Service animals travel free and do not need to be booked, though telling us helps the carrier seat you well.

If your train is cancelled, or delayed beyond the threshold in the carrier's conditions of carriage, you can take a full refund of the fare regardless of fare type — including a Saver ticket — or be rebooked onto the next available service at no extra cost.

Call us rather than emailing if you are already travelling. We will make the claim to the carrier on your behalf and refund the AmericaTrak service fee where the disruption was not your doing.