Amtrak Starts Selling Day Passes to Metropolitan Lounges

Amtrak has pre-departure lounges — dubbed the Metropolitan Lounge — at select train stations nationwide. Until recently, these were restricted to those traveling in select premium cabins or those with Amtrak elite status. However, Amtrak travelers can now purchase day passes to all lounges.

Here’s what you need to know about purchasing a day pass to Amtrak’s Metropolitan Lounges and where to find them around the country.

Overview of Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges

Like airport lounges, Metropolitan Lounges are private pre-departure lounges for Amtrak train passengers. Inside the lounge, there are complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, Wi-Fi, and a quiet place to relax or work. Access is free to Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Executive and Select Plus members and those traveling in Acela First Class or a private room.

Metropolitan Lounges are located in the following train stations:

• Boston, MA – South Station
• Chicago, IL – Union Station
• Los Angeles, CA – Union Station
• New York, NY – Moynihan Train Hall (Penn Station)
• Philadelphia, PA – William H. Gray III 30th Street Station
• Portland, OR – Union Station
• Washington, DC – Union Station

The Metropolitan Lounge in New York’s Moynihan Train Hall is Amtrak’s flagship location. It offers upgraded amenities like a full-service bar and more substantial food offerings. Unfortunately, you’ll have to pay for alcoholic drinks and meals.

Buying a Metropolitan Lounge Day Pass

Starting today, Amtrak is selling day passes to all Metropolitan Lounges. Passengers can pay $35 or 1,500 points for a day pass to most of these lounges. The only exception is the flagship Metropolitan Lounge at New York’s Moynihan Train Hall, which costs $50 per visit or the same number of points.

You can purchase a day pass by speaking with an Amtrak representative at the lounge’s entrance. If you plan to redeem Amtrak points for your visit, you can redeem them for a pass online before your visit. The pass will expire 12 months after issuance. Regardless of how you pay, the pass is valid for a single visit.

Final Thoughts

You can now purchase or redeem points for a day pass to all Amtrak Metropolitan Lounges. These are found in major Amtrak train hubs like Boston, Chicago, New York, and other major cities around the country, and they provide a place to relax before your train journey.

It could be worth buying a pass if you have an hour or 2 before your train departure and want a quiet place to relax outside of the terminal. That said, amenities are sparse, so your money may be better spent at a restaurant nearby.