Travelers checking Amtrak menu prices should note that Acela service offers different dining options compared to standard routes. Understanding what you’ll pay for food onboard can help you plan your trip better and avoid surprises. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about Amtrak menu prices across all service classes.
Amtrak’s food and beverage options vary by route, train type, and travel class. Whether you’re riding the Northeast Corridor or taking a cross-country journey, knowing the costs upfront makes your experience smoother. Let’s look at the details.
Amtrak Menu Prices By Service Class
Your ticket class determines what food is available and how much you pay. Amtrak divides its dining into three main categories: Acela, Northeast Regional, and long-distance trains. Each has its own pricing structure.
Acela Express Menu Prices
Acela is Amtrak’s high-speed service between Washington D.C., New York, and Boston. It offers a café car with a focused menu. Prices here tend to be slightly higher than on standard trains due to the premium service.
Here are typical Acela menu prices:
- Hot breakfast sandwich (egg, cheese, meat): $8.50
- Yogurt parfait: $4.75
- Quinoa salad bowl: $10.25
- Turkey and cheese sandwich: $9.50
- Cheese and cracker plate: $6.00
- Beer (domestic): $7.50
- Wine (glass): $9.00
- Coffee (regular): $2.75
- Bottled water: $2.50
- Snack mix: $3.25
Acela First Class passengers get complimentary meals included in their ticket. This includes hot entrees, salads, and beverages. If you’re in Acela Business Class, you pay standard café car prices.
Northeast Regional Menu Prices
Northeast Regional trains have a café car with a similar but slightly cheaper menu than Acela. These trains serve the same corridor but at lower speeds and lower ticket prices.
Common Northeast Regional menu prices include:
- Hot breakfast sandwich: $7.50
- Yogurt parfait: $4.25
- Turkey sandwich: $8.75
- Caesar salad with chicken: $9.50
- Cheese plate: $5.50
- Domestic beer: $6.50
- Wine glass: $8.00
- Coffee: $2.50
- Bottled water: $2.25
- Chips: $2.00
Northeast Regional does not have a first class option, so all passengers pay the same prices. The café car is open to everyone.
Long-Distance Train Menu Prices
Long-distance routes like the California Zephyr, Empire Builder, and Southwest Chief offer full dining cars and café cars. These trains have more extensive menus and different pricing for sleeping car passengers versus coach passengers.
For coach passengers in the café car, prices are similar to Northeast Regional:
- Hot dog: $4.50
- Pizza (personal size): $7.00
- Burger: $8.50
- Chicken wrap: $9.00
- Salad: $8.00
- Beer: $6.50
- Wine: $8.00
- Coffee: $2.50
- Water: $2.25
Sleeping car passengers on long-distance trains get meals included in their ticket. This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the dining car. The dining car menu offers rotating entrees like steak, salmon, pasta, and vegetarian options. These meals are complimentary for sleeper passengers.
Amtrak Menu Prices For Breakfast Items
Breakfast is served on most trains with a café car or dining car. Prices vary by route and time of day. Here’s what you can expect to pay for breakfast on Amtrak.
Café Car Breakfast Options
Most café cars offer a limited breakfast menu available until about 10:30 AM. Typical items and prices include:
- Egg and cheese sandwich: $6.50
- Sausage biscuit: $7.00
- Oatmeal: $4.00
- Fruit cup: $3.50
- Yogurt: $3.75
- Muffin: $2.50
- Orange juice: $3.00
- Milk: $2.00
These prices are standard across most routes. Some trains may have slight variations based on regional suppliers.
Dining Car Breakfast For Sleeper Passengers
If you’re in a sleeping car on a long-distance train, breakfast is included. The menu changes daily but typically includes:
- Scrambled eggs with bacon or sausage
- Pancakes with syrup
- French toast
- Oatmeal with toppings
- Fresh fruit plate
- Assorted pastries
- Juice, coffee, tea
Coach passengers cannot access the dining car for breakfast unless they pay a separate fee, which is rarely offered. Stick to the café car if you’re in coach.
Amtrak Menu Prices For Lunch And Dinner
Lunch and dinner menus are more extensive than breakfast. Prices are higher for hot entrees and combo meals. Let’s break down what you’ll pay.
Café Car Lunch And Dinner
The café car serves lunch and dinner items all day after breakfast ends. Common options and prices include:
- Grilled chicken sandwich: $9.00
- Veggie burger: $8.50
- Mac and cheese: $6.00
- Chicken tenders with fries: $10.00
- Caesar salad: $8.00
- Cheese pizza slice: $5.00
- Chili: $5.50
- Soup of the day: $4.50
- Cookie: $2.00
- Brownie: $2.50
Combo meals that include a drink and snack are often available for a slight discount. Ask the attendant about daily specials.
Dining Car Lunch And Dinner For Sleeper Passengers
Sleeping car passengers enjoy complimentary meals in the dining car. The menu rotates and includes options like:
- Grilled salmon with rice and vegetables
- Beef tenderloin with mashed potatoes
- Chicken marsala
- Vegetable lasagna
- Chef’s salad
- Soup and bread
- Dessert (cheesecake, chocolate cake, or ice cream)
Alcoholic beverages are not included in the sleeper fare. You pay separately for beer, wine, or cocktails in the dining car.
Amtrak Menu Prices For Beverages
Drinks are a significant part of the Amtrak menu. Prices vary by type and whether you’re in a café car or dining car. Here’s a detailed look.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Soft drinks, juices, and hot drinks are available on all trains. Typical prices include:
- Soda (Coke, Sprite, etc.): $2.50
- Bottled water: $2.25
- Orange juice: $3.00
- Apple juice: $2.75
- Coffee (regular): $2.50
- Tea (hot): $2.00
- Hot chocolate: $2.75
- Milk: $2.00
- Energy drink: $3.50
These prices are consistent across most routes. Some trains may offer specialty coffees like lattes or cappuccinos for $4.00 to $5.00.
Alcoholic Beverages
Beer, wine, and spirits are available on most Amtrak trains. Prices are comparable to airport bars. Common prices include:
- Domestic beer (bottle): $6.50
- Import beer (bottle): $7.50
- Craft beer (can): $8.00
- Wine (glass): $8.00 to $10.00
- Wine (bottle): $28.00 to $35.00
- Cocktails (mixed drinks): $9.00 to $12.00
- Champagne (glass): $10.00
Amtrak does not allow outside alcohol consumption onboard. You must purchase drinks from the café car or dining car. Bartenders may check ID for anyone appearing under 40.
Amtrak Menu Prices For Snacks And Sides
If you’re not hungry for a full meal, the café car offers plenty of snacks. These are great for munching during shorter trips. Prices are reasonable.
Common snack prices include:
- Chips (various brands): $2.00
- Pretzels: $2.00
- Trail mix: $3.00
- Granola bar: $2.50
- Fruit (apple or banana): $1.50
- Cheese stick: $2.00
- Hummus and pretzels: $4.00
- Popcorn: $2.50
- Beef jerky: $3.50
- Candy bar: $1.75
Some trains also offer fresh fruit cups or veggie packs for $3.50. These are healthier options if you want to avoid processed snacks.
Amtrak Menu Prices For Kids
Amtrak offers a kids’ menu on most trains. Portions are smaller and prices are lower. This is helpful for families traveling with children.
Typical kids’ menu prices include:
- Kids’ hot dog: $4.00
- Kids’ pizza: $5.00
- Kids’ chicken tenders: $6.00
- Kids’ mac and cheese: $4.50
- Kids’ yogurt: $3.00
- Kids’ juice box: $2.00
- Kids’ milk: $1.50
- Kids’ cookie: $1.50
Some long-distance trains offer a special kids’ meal in the dining car for sleeper passengers. Check with your attendant for availability.
How To Save Money On Amtrak Menu Prices
Food onboard Amtrak can add up quickly, especially on long trips. Here are practical tips to keep your costs down.
- Bring your own food. Amtrak allows passengers to bring their own snacks and meals. Pack sandwiches, fruit, and drinks to avoid café car prices.
- Book a sleeping car. If you’re traveling overnight, the cost of a sleeper includes meals. This can save you money compared to buying each meal separately.
- Buy a café car pass. Some long-distance routes offer a café car pass for coach passengers. This gives you a discount on multiple purchases.
- Share meals. Portions in the café car are often large enough for two people. Split a sandwich or salad with a travel companion.
- Skip alcohol. Alcoholic drinks are expensive. Stick to water or coffee to save money.
- Check for promotions. Amtrak sometimes offers discounts on food for loyalty program members. Sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards.
- Eat before boarding. Have a meal at the station or bring a packed lunch. This reduces how much you need to buy onboard.
These strategies can cut your food costs by 50% or more on a typical trip.
Amtrak Menu Prices By Route Examples
Prices can vary slightly by route due to regional costs and supplier contracts. Here are examples from popular routes.
Northeast Corridor (Acela And Regional)
On the Northeast Corridor, prices are uniform across Acela and Regional trains. A turkey sandwich costs $9.50 on Acela and $8.75 on Regional. Coffee is $2.75 on Acela and $2.50 on Regional.
California Routes (Coast Starlight, Pacific Surfliner)
California routes have similar pricing to the Northeast. A breakfast sandwich is $7.50. A beer is $7.00. Some items like fresh fruit may be slightly cheaper due to local sourcing.
Western Routes (Empire Builder, California Zephyr)
Long-distance western routes have the same café car prices as other routes. However, the dining car for sleeper passengers offers more variety. Complimentary meals include steak, salmon, and pasta.
Southern Routes (Sunset Limited, Texas Eagle)
Southern routes follow the same pricing structure. A burger is $8.50. A salad is $8.00. Some regional items like BBQ sandwiches may be available for $9.00.
Amtrak Menu Prices For Special Diets
Amtrak accommodates some dietary restrictions. Options are limited but available. Here’s what to expect.
Vegetarian And Vegan Options
Most café cars offer at least one vegetarian option. Common items include:
- Veggie burger: $8.50
- Vegetable wrap: $9.00
- Hummus and pretzels: $4.00
- Salad (without meat): $8.00
- Fruit cup: $3.50
Vegan options are rare. You may find oatmeal (made with water) or a plain salad. Bring your own vegan snacks for longer trips.
Gluten-Free Options
Gluten-free items are limited. Some café cars carry gluten-free snacks like:
- Gluten-free crackers: $3.00
- Fruit: $1.50
- Yogurt: $3.75
- Cheese plate: $5.50
- Salad (no croutons): $8.00
Amtrak does not guarantee gluten-free preparation. If you have celiac disease, bring your own food to be safe.
Allergen Information
Amtrak provides allergen information upon request. Ask the café car attendant or dining car staff. Common allergens like nuts, dairy, and soy are present in many items.
Amtrak Menu Prices Compared To Airport And Train Station Food
How do Amtrak prices compare to other travel food options? Generally, Amtrak is slightly cheaper than airport food but more expensive than grocery store prices.
For example:
- Airport sandwich: $12.00 to $15.00
- Amtrak sandwich: $8.75 to $9.50
- Grocery store sandwich: $5.00 to $7.00
- Airport beer: $8.00 to $10.00
- Amtrak beer: $6.50 to $7.50
- Grocery store beer: $2.00 to $3.00
Amtrak is a middle ground. You pay a premium for convenience but less than you would at an airport. Bringing your own food is always the cheapest option.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amtrak Menu Prices
Here are common questions travelers have about Amtrak menu prices. These answers can help you plan better.
Can I bring my own food on Amtrak?
Yes, Amtrak allows passengers to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks. You can eat in your seat or in the café car. Alcoholic beverages must be purchased onboard.
Are meals included in Amtrak tickets?
Meals are included for sleeping car passengers on long-distance trains. Acela First Class also includes complimentary meals. Coach passengers on all trains pay for food separately.
Do Amtrak menu prices vary by train?
Yes, prices vary slightly