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If you’re traveling in coach on some of Amtrak’s long-distance train services, you’ll now have the opportunity to use the dining car onboard.
Coach passengers will now be able to enjoy full-fledged meals for an additional cost in the dining car, which was a beloved service removed during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here’s what you should know!
To provide context, Amtrak utilizes 2 dining options for its long-distance journeys, or trains that are 1 or more nights in length. Most trains utilize a to-go style dining service with pre-packaged meals, and these are traditionally served on most trains of only 1 night in length.
Then, on longer trains, a full dining car is used with actual sit-down meals. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, coach passengers could use the dining car on all trains and purchase meals à la carte.
Now, Amtrak is bringing back this luxury concept on the following trains:
With the exception of the Coast Starlight, which goes from Los Angeles to Seattle, all trains on this list are 2 or more nights in length.
Each train will have a limited number of coach passenger seatings for each meal period, no longer restricting you to just the café car.
Sleeping car passengers have their meals included, so these passengers will get first priority at meals and will always be able to be accommodated. However, leftover spaces will be released to coach passengers. Since sleeping car passengers usually reserve times for lunch and dinner, presumably, the coach times would be able to access remaining meal services.
Here’s the pricing for meals:
The dinner meal includes 1 complimentary alcoholic drink, and all meals include unlimited complimentary non-alcoholic drinks.
These prices are undoubtedly expensive — but on a train where limited amounts of food available, the rates are adjusted accordingly. Meals in the dining car are similar to restaurant service, and you’re paying for better-quality food that would be available in the to-go cafe.
Hot Tip: If you’re planning to explore the U.S. on the rails, read through our ultimate guide to Amtrak’s regional and long-distance routes!
It’s great to see dining car meals once again available for coach passengers at a per-meal cost. The latest move by Amtrak brings back a major service element that was removed during the COVID-19 pandemic, making the coach experience much more enjoyable for passengers on select long-distance trains.
![Updated Dining Options on Amtrak Long-Distance and Acela Trains [2024]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/amtrak-cafe-car.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=700)
