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- I booked a roomette and a first-class seat on Amtrak trains. The cheaper ride was much more comfortable. (businessinsider.com)
Train Travel Showdown: Is a Private Roomette Cheaper Than First Class?
A recent Amtrak passenger was surprised to find that a 15-hour overnight journey in a private roomette cost less than a three-hour first-class seat.
A travel reporter, and self-proclaimed train enthusiast, recently embarked on two distinct Amtrak journeys, expecting a premium price tag for a private cabin, only to discover a surprising twist in the world of train travel pricing. The reporter booked a $400 roomette for a 15-hour trip across the Southwest and a $450 first-class ticket for a three-hour jaunt from Washington, D.C., to New York City.
The unexpected revelation? The private, overnight cabin was the more budget-friendly option.
The Roomette Experience: A Moving Hotel Room
The first journey, from Denver to Salt Lake City in January 2025, involved a roomette on an Amtrak Superliner. For $400, the reporter enjoyed a private, 23-square-foot enclosed space, complete with two chairs that converted into a lower bunk and a second bed that folded down from the ceiling. Perks included priority boarding, all meals, a dedicated attendant, and access to select station lounges.
The Superliner, a two-story train updated earlier this year, offered communal dining and observation cars, preventing any feelings of confinement during the extended trip. The meals – French toast, Caesar salad with chicken, and a three-course dinner featuring flat iron steak and cheesecake – were described as “tastier than expected for train food.” The bathroom, while standard, was clean and functional.
First-Class on the NextGen Acela: Speed and Modernity
For the second trip in September 2025, the reporter splurged on a $450 first-class ticket aboard Amtrak’s NextGen Acela train, a high-speed express service operating in the Northeast corridor. This three-hour ride from Washington, D.C., to New York City promised a comfortable, roomy seat, a meal, attendant service, priority boarding, and lounge access.
The NextGen Acela, boasting a top speed of 160 miles per hour, impressed with its modern, sleek design, reminiscent of a “spaceship.” The first-class seat offered ample legroom, a tray table, and a reading light.
While the café car was stylish, limited seating meant most of the journey was spent in the assigned seat. The single meal, a charred chicken thigh with roasted acorn squash and Key-lime pie, was deemed the “best meal I’ve had on an Amtrak train,” with elevated presentation including plates and glassware.
The first-class bathroom was also noted for its spaciousness, modern aesthetic, and touch-free amenities. Crucially, the Acela offered Wi-Fi, a feature absent on the Superliner.
The Verdict: Value vs. Modernity
Despite the Acela’s modern amenities, superior meal presentation, and the convenience of Wi-Fi, the reporter concluded that the roomette offered a significantly better value. The private cabin provided more space and privacy, covered a much greater distance (approximately 500 miles compared to the Acela’s 230 miles), and came at a lower price point.
An Amtrak representative explained that pricing is dynamically managed based on demand, regardless of train type. Ultimately, while the NextGen Acela provided a swift and comfortable experience, the overnight roomette offered a more comprehensive and private travel experience at a more attractive price, solidifying its status as a “sweeter deal” for the discerning train traveler.