How to Reserve Meals on Amtrak Trains

Dining reservations may be made on-board for long-distance trips or ahead of time if you have special dietary needs.

For the traveler, whether a novice, an expert, or anything in-between, enjoying a meal while staring out the window of a rolling train is a special experience. Of course, the quality of that experience depends, in part, on the quality of the food and its availability. This is especially important if you have any dietary restrictions or disabilities. On Amtrak, however, you may only reserve meals for long-distance voyages or if you have specific dietary needs or a disability.

Instructions

1. Book your trip. Visit Amtrak's website at www.amtrak.com or call 1-800-872-7245 to book your ticket or tickets. You may also purchase tickets in person at the train station or through a travel agent. If you have any special dietary needs or disabilities, go to step 2. If not, go to your final step - step 3.

2. If you have any disabilities or special dietary needs, determine whether or not you will require special service. If so, most Amtrak trains offer kosher or vegan options with 72 hours notice. Vegetarian options are available on-board without notice. Passengers with disabilities, once they have boarded, may order from their seat using the menu provided, and will be served in-seat. Alternatively, they may be accommodated for seating in the lounge car. Once you've done all of this, go to step 4.

3. Board the train to make your dining reservation. Reservations are made in 15-minute increments and can only be made on board. Once you board the train an Amtrak staff member will visit you in your seat to take your reservation information. This is done to ensure that the dining car does not become too crowded. Lunch reservations can be made from 11:30 am to 3 pm while dinner reservations are from 5 pm - 9 pm.

4. Call Amtrak at least 72 hours prior to departure to reserve your meal. You can reach them by calling 1-800-872-7245. or through TTY service at 1-800-523-6590. This service applies to special meal requests only.

Tips & Warnings

• 1. Not all train services will offer the same meal options. To determine whether or not your train offers meal service and on-board reservations, call Amtrak or visit them online.

• 2. Special meal requests require a minimum 72-hour notice.

References

• Amtrak