Amtrak: checking bags before the station opens

I have a 4:32am train from a station that opens at 4am. I wish to check my bags, and the train and station ostensibly support this; however, Amtrak's stated policy is that bags must be checked at least 45 minutes before the train is scheduled to depart.

I can't get a clear answer from Amtrak how checking bags is supposed to work when the station isn't available at the required time.

Should I expect Amtrak to check my bags when the station opens? Is there anything I can do to ensure I don't have any trouble getting my luggage checked so I don't have to bring it aboard myself?

luggage amtrak

Best Answer

Call Amtrak and ask. You aren't the first person to be in this situation.
If that doesn't yield an answer, show up at the station at 3.45am. It's likely there is someone at the station before it officially opens. Ask them. Try to check the bags as soon as you can. I doubt the station is extremely busy at 4am, and they will probably let you check them "late".
If that fails, take the bags on the train with you. It's no worse than an inconvenience.

If practical you might consider asking if you can check the bags the night before.

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How early can you check bags on Amtrak?

You may check your checked baggage in anytime the day of departure and there are storage lockers in the chair-car lounge at Union Station for your carry-ons. However, they are not cheap and have a 2 hour time limit so you'd be running back and forth to repay. You have to have your Amtrak ticket to use them.

Does Amtrak check your bags before boarding?

Checked baggage service is available at a number of our stations and on many trains and Thruway Services. Not all trains or locations are equipped to handle checked baggage. Before you travel, make sure to check and see if your train and origin and destination stations accept checked baggage.

How does checking a bag on Amtrak work?

If checked baggage is available, each passenger can check two bags free of charge to their final destination. Checked baggage is not offered on all trains and stations, so please check with Amtrak to see if checked baggage is available throughout your journey. The complete baggage policy is available on Amtrak.com.

Can you check baggage Amtrak?

Checked BaggageEach traveler can check up to 4 bags (2 free and 2 at $20 per bag). Size/weight limitations apply.

Checking in at the station with Amtrak

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Images: Andrea Piacquadio, Artem Podrez, Ketut Subiyanto, Ketut Subiyanto