Do I Tip in Dining Cars on Amtrak?

When you’re enjoying a meal on an Amtrak dining car, you might find yourself wondering about tipping etiquette. It’s a valid question, especially since dining car service differs from your average restaurant experience. So, do you tip in dining cars on Amtrak? The short answer is yes.

While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s customary to tip your Amtrak dining car attendant for good service. Think of it as a way to show your appreciation for their hard work in making your journey more enjoyable.

How Much Should I Tip on the Amtrak Dining Car?

The general guideline for tipping your Amtrak dining car attendant is similar to what you’d tip at a restaurant. A gratuity of 15%-20% of the pre-tax bill is standard.

Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Good service: 15%
• Excellent service: 20%
• Exceptional service (going above and beyond): 25% or more

You can adjust the tip amount based on the quality of service you receive. For example, if your attendant is particularly attentive, friendly, or helpful, you might consider tipping on the higher end of the spectrum.

Factors to Consider When Tipping

While the 15%-20% guideline is a good starting point, there are a few other factors to consider:

• Group size: For larger groups (typically six or more), Amtrak automatically adds a gratuity to the bill. Be sure to check your bill before adding an additional tip.
• Complexity of the order: If you have a complicated order or special requests, you might consider tipping a bit extra to acknowledge the extra effort involved.
• Meal plan or vouchers: If you’re using a meal plan or vouchers, it’s still appropriate to tip based on the value of the meal.

Tipping Methods

You can tip your Amtrak dining car attendant using cash or a credit card. If you prefer to tip in cash, you can hand it directly to your attendant. For credit card tips, your attendant will provide you with a receipt where you can write in the tip amount.

Other Tipping Opportunities on Amtrak

While dining car attendants are the primary service staff you’ll encounter on Amtrak, there are other instances where tipping is appropriate.

• Sleeping car attendants: If you’re traveling in a sleeping car, it’s customary to tip your attendant $5-$10 per night of service. You can tip them at the end of your trip.
• Baggage handlers: When your bags are loaded or unloaded from the train, a tip of $1-$2 per bag is a nice gesture.

Making Your Amtrak Journey More Enjoyable

Tipping is a simple yet effective way to show your appreciation for the hard work of Amtrak staff and enhance your overall travel experience. By following these guidelines, you can navigate tipping etiquette with confidence and ensure a positive experience for both yourself and the dedicated individuals who make your journey possible.