amtrak

Question

Planning a trip this summer to include Boston, Providence, New Haven, and NYC. Was planning to use Amtrak to travel between cities, however I THINK I just learned that apparently none of the amtrak stations in these cities provide checked baggage service. Am I getting that right? You can have two carry on sized bags, but that's a pain to lug two smaller bags around rather than one larger one. We are there for 2 weeks total, so need some capacity or need to do laundry at some point, not really wanting to take the time to do that when I could be sight seeing. Suggestions?

Answer

It’s great that you’re planning to explore some fantastic cities along the East Coast! Amtrak is a convenient option for traveling between Boston, Providence, New Haven, and NYC, but you’re right in that none of the Amtrak stations in these cities offer checked baggage service. This can be a bit of a challenge, especially for longer trips with a lot of luggage. However, there are a few solutions that could help you make your trip smoother:

Carry-On Luggage:
- As you mentioned, Amtrak allows two carry-on bags per person, each with a maximum weight of 50 lbs and size restrictions (28" x 22" x 14"). While it’s not ideal to carry multiple smaller bags, you could consider investing in soft, lightweight luggage with multiple compartments to make it easier to carry two bags. There are some travel backpacks and duffle bags that can be compressed and fit well within Amtrak's guidelines.
- To maximize your packing capacity, consider packing smarter by using compression bags or packing cubes. This will allow you to reduce the size of your clothing and organize your bags more efficiently.
Luggage Shipping Services:
- If you're concerned about carrying two bags around, you could explore using a luggage shipping service, such as LugLess or Send My Bag. These services allow you to ship your larger luggage to your destination ahead of time, so you won’t need to carry it around during your travels. It’s a good option if you're traveling for two weeks and want to avoid the hassle of managing multiple bags.
Amtrak’s Baggage Alternatives:
- If you’re really set on traveling light, you could also consider using Amtrak's "Red Cap" service at certain stations (though this may not be available in every city). This service can help you carry your bags from the station to the train, but it won’t help with checked luggage. It might be useful if you need a little assistance navigating stations or getting to your seat with your carry-on bags.
Short-Term Luggage Storage:
- If you’re staying in one of the cities for a few days and need a break from carrying your luggage, consider using luggage storage services. Some cities (like NYC) offer luggage storage options at stations or through services like LuggageHero and Vertoe, which allow you to store bags while you explore. This could give you the flexibility of carrying less while sightseeing in the interim.
Consider Other Modes of Transportation for Larger Luggage:
- If the luggage situation feels too limiting for Amtrak, you could consider using a different mode of transport for certain legs of the trip. For example, you might want to take a bus or flight between some of the cities, where checked baggage is typically allowed. Alternatively, using a rental car for a portion of the trip could offer more flexibility with luggage.

While it’s definitely a bit inconvenient that Amtrak stations in these cities don’t offer checked baggage, with a little planning, you should be able to manage your luggage effectively. Whether it’s shipping ahead, packing lighter, or using luggage storage, there are ways to avoid the hassle of carrying everything yourself while still enjoying your trip.

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