Last week, I settled into what I thought was a regular coach seat on the Northeast Regional, ready to catch up on phone calls. Within minutes, a conductor politely reminded me I was in the Quiet Car. Oops.
That slightly embarrassing moment taught me something valuable: Amtrak’s Quiet Car isn’t just another coach seat with a different name. It’s a genuinely peaceful travel experience—if you know the rules.
What Is an Amtrak Quiet Car?
The Quiet Car is a designated coach car where passengers agree to minimize noise and distractions. Think of it as the library of train travel. No phone conversations, no loud music, and definitely no conference calls on speakerphone.
Amtrak introduced Quiet Cars back in 2001 after feedback from business travelers and commuters who wanted a peaceful space to work or rest during their journey. It’s become one of the most popular features on long-distance routes.
Which Amtrak Trains Have Quiet Cars?
Not every Amtrak train offers a Quiet Car. Here’s where you’ll find them:
Trains with Quiet Car Service:
| Train Service | Routes | Quiet Car Location |
| Acela | Boston – New York – Washington DC | Car 2 (Business Class) |
| Northeast Regional | Boston – Washington DC | Varies by train |
| Keystone Service | New York – Harrisburg | One designated coach |
| Hiawatha Service | Chicago – Milwaukee | One designated coach |
| Pacific Surfliner | San Diego – Los Angeles – San Luis Obispo | One designated coach |
The Northeast Corridor trains (Acela and Northeast Regional) have the most consistent Quiet Car service since they cater to daily commuters and business travelers who value the peace.
The Official Quiet Car Rules (And What They Actually Mean)
Here’s what Amtrak officially requires in the Quiet Car:
1. No Phone Conversations—Period
This is the big one. Your phone should be on silent or vibrate. If you absolutely must take a call, step into the vestibule (the area between cars) or move to a regular coach car.
I’ve seen people try to have “quiet” phone conversations. Trust me, everyone can still hear you, and it defeats the entire purpose.
2. Keep Noise to a Minimum
- Conversations: Brief, quiet exchanges with your travel companion are okay. Lengthy discussions belong elsewhere.
- Music and videos: Headphones are required. Make sure they don’t leak sound—those tinny beats are surprisingly annoying.
- Typing: Laptop work is fine, but don’t slam those keys like you’re angry at your keyboard.
3. Silence Notifications and Alerts
Put your devices on silent. Not vibrate with the sound on. Actual silent. That includes:
- Text message alerts
- Email notifications
- Game sounds
- Keyboard clicks
4. Keep Kids Entertained Quietly
Traveling with children in the Quiet Car is allowed, but it comes with extra responsibility. Bring activities that don’t make noise—coloring books, tablets with headphones, quiet toys. If your little one starts getting fussy, it’s time to relocate.
5. No Speakerphone, Ever
This should go without saying, but I’ve witnessed it: no speakerphone calls, no FaceTime sessions, no watching TikTok videos at full volume. Just don’t.
What Happens If You Break the Rules?
Amtrak conductors take Quiet Car rules seriously. Here’s the typical progression:
- First offense: A polite but firm reminder about the rules
- Second offense: You’ll be asked to move to a different car
- Persistent violations: Possible removal from the train at the next station (though this is rare)
I’ve watched conductors enforce these rules consistently. They’re not trying to be strict—they’re protecting the experience for everyone who specifically chose that car for peace and quiet.
How to Book a Seat in the Quiet Car
Quick Answer: You can’t guarantee a Quiet Car seat when booking online, but you can request one and choose it during seat selection when available.
Here’s how to increase your chances:
Booking on Amtrak.com or the App
- Select your train and fare type (Coach or Business Class)
- During checkout, look for the seat selection option
- Check the seat map—the Quiet Car is usually labeled
- Choose your specific seat in the Quiet Car if available
Pro tip: On the Northeast Regional, the Quiet Car is often the first or last coach car. On Acela, it’s always Car 2 in Business Class.
Booking by Phone
Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL and specifically request a Quiet Car seat. The agent can note your preference and help you select the right car.
At the Station
If you didn’t reserve ahead, ask the conductor when boarding. They can direct you to the Quiet Car if seats are available. During peak travel times (weekday mornings and evenings on Northeast Corridor routes), Quiet Cars fill up fast.
Is There an Extra Fee for the Quiet Car?
No. The Quiet Car is included with your regular Coach ticket on most routes. On Acela, the Quiet Car is in Business Class, which does cost more than regular Coach—but you’re paying for Business Class amenities, not specifically for the quiet designation.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Ride in the Quiet Car?
The Quiet Car Is Perfect For:
- Remote workers who need to focus on a laptop without distractions
- Students cramming for exams or working on papers
- Readers who want to get lost in a book
- Light sleepers hoping to nap during the journey
- Anyone seeking a calm environment to think, plan, or simply decompress
You Might Want a Regular Coach Car If:
- You need to make phone calls during your trip
- You’re traveling with energetic young kids
- You enjoy chatting with fellow passengers
- You tend to forget to mute your devices (we all know someone like this)
Quiet Car Etiquette: The Unwritten Rules
Beyond Amtrak’s official policies, regular Quiet Car riders follow some unspoken guidelines:
Be mindful of smells. Strong-smelling food can be just as disruptive as noise. Save that tuna sandwich for a regular car.
Don’t crowd the seats. If the car isn’t full, leave the seat next to you empty. Spread your stuff across two seats only when necessary.
Manage your luggage quietly. Dragging a suitcase, rattling bags, and rummaging loudly through your stuff all create unnecessary noise.
Respect the space. The Quiet Car isn’t the place to stretch across two seats, put your feet up on the furniture, or treat it like your living room.
Common Questions About Amtrak Quiet Cars
Yes, absolutely. Quiet typing is perfectly acceptable. Many business travelers specifically choose the Quiet Car for productive work time.
Alert the conductor rather than confronting the person yourself. Conductors walk through regularly and will address the issue.
Yes, with headphones. Just make sure no sound is leaking out. Good quality earbuds or over-ear headphones work best.
Yes, but be considerate. Crunchy snacks, crinkly bags, and aromatic foods can disturb others. Opt for quieter food options.
No need to whisper. Quiet, brief conversations at a normal speaking volume are fine. Just keep them short and infrequent.
On Acela, the Quiet Car is in Business Class (Car 2), so Business Class passengers have access. On other routes, Quiet Cars are typically in Coach seating.
Yes, if seats are available. Just ask the conductor. They’ll let you know if you can relocate.
My Personal Take: Is the Quiet Car Worth It?
After dozens of trips in both regular coach and Quiet Cars, I’m a convert. There’s something genuinely restorative about three hours without phone chatter, crying babies, or someone’s music bleeding through cheap earbuds.
On a recent New York to Boston run, I finished an entire novel, caught up on work emails, and even dozed off for 30 minutes. Try doing that in a regular coach car on a Friday evening.
But here’s the thing: the Quiet Car only works when everyone respects the rules. It takes one person on a speakerphone call to ruin the experience for an entire car.
Tips for a Great Quiet Car Experience
Board early. Overhead bin space fills up fast, and you don’t want to be that person loudly rearranging luggage after departure.
Bring the right supplies. Noise-canceling headphones add an extra layer of peace. A good book, fully charged devices, and snacks that don’t crunch help too.
Download content before boarding. Streaming uses battery and can be unreliable. Download movies, podcasts, or work files beforehand.
Set your phone to silent immediately. Don’t wait until after your phone rings once. That one ring is already one too many.
Use the bathroom before settling in. Getting up and down frequently disrupts other passengers who might be napping.
Final Thoughts: The Quiet Car Makes Train Travel Better
The Amtrak Quiet Car isn’t about being uptight or antisocial. It’s about giving passengers a choice. Some people want the social buzz of a regular coach car. Others need a peaceful environment to work, read, or simply think.
If you value quiet during travel, learning how to book and respect the Quiet Car rules opens up a much more pleasant train journey. And if you’re someone who needs to stay connected and chatty during the trip? That’s perfectly fine too—just choose a different car.
The beauty of Amtrak’s system is that everyone can find their ideal travel environment. The Quiet Car is there for those of us who occasionally need the train equivalent of a peaceful library.
Just remember: silence your phone, use headphones, and keep conversations brief. Do that, and you’ll fit right in with the Quiet Car regulars who’ve discovered one of Amtrak’s best-kept secrets.
Ready to book your peaceful journey? Visit Amtrak.com or call 1-800-USA-RAIL to reserve your seat. Look for the Quiet Car designation during seat selection, and prepare for one of the most relaxing train rides you’ll experience.