Tipping on Amtrak Trains

Who, How Much and Whn - - A Guide to Tipping on Trains

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Tipping on trains is far from compulsory, but if you want to tip, here's a guide to tipping on trains -- how much to tip the sleeping car attendant, dining car attendant and more.

(Before my first Amtrak trip, I asked some old train salts about train tipping -- there is a whole gang of guys in the US who are very, very into trains. In fact, you're likely to meet at least one of these folks on any Amtrak trip, as I always seem to do in the dining car. They're great sources of info, like on Amtrak history [and they probably have very cool miniature train sets at home].)

Tipping the Conductor

You don't. No need to tip the conductor.

Tipping the Attendant

If you're in a sleeping car, the sleeping car attendant can make your life more pleasant. Or not. I've met a Mr. Mean (no tip), as well as one of the nicest people I've ever encountered ($20 tip).

The Amtrak buffs say a tip is best given when you disembark; I've also tipped when boarding. Advice ranges from $5-$20 per trip. Attendants are not dependent on your tips for income.

If you don't know who your attendant was by the time you get off, you don't need to tip. Drop a buck per bag on anyone helping with bags.

Tipping Dining Car Attendants

Amtrak dining car attendants aren't professional waitpeople; you can tip according to whether they made your train travel experience more pleasant, not whether service was fast (it probably won't be -- but who cares?). Most Amtrak buffs say a buck per meal is average. Again, these folks aren't dependent on your tips to make a living; you'll just be showing appreciation for especially good service.

• Learn who's who on Amtrak trains

Go on to the next page to learn about watching the world go by on the train, or choose another page from the list below.

• Amtrak Routes
• Buying Amtrak Tickets and Student Discounts
• Choose an Amtrak Coach Seat or Superliner Sleeper
• Amtrak Viewliner Sleeper and Other Sleeper-Bedroom Options
• Amtrak Family Bedroom
• Carry On and Checked Baggage Amtrak Rules
• Finding and Boarding Your Train
• Conductor Checking Tickets
• Observation, Dining Cars and Other Services
• Amtrak Personnel and Who's Who
• View From the Window
• Denver Platform View
• Nebraska Platform View
• Winter Park Ski Train Platform View
• Glenwood Springs Platform View