Quick Links

Amtrak has opened up a world of possibilities for the elite few with a taste for luxury travel. The railway company now offers private train car owners the opportunity to attach their own car to any Amtrak route they desire for approximately $4 per mile. The catch? A "deluxe" renovation of an old railcar can cost upwards of $1 million.

This option is not entirely new; private rail travel was once the ultimate luxurious transportation for families like the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers. Today, it remains a lesser-known but thriving industry. Northern Sky Rail Charters, for example, is a company that offers private railcar rentals, and their most popular route runs from Chicago to the West Coast, offering stunning views of the Rockies.

Private railcar owners must be prepared for paperwork and safety requirements, including annual inspections, insurance, and specific wiring to comply with Amtrak's power system. However, the rewards are plenty for those willing to pay the steep price. The experience of seeing North America from a private railcar attached to an Amtrak train is unique and unforgettable.

Does Amtrak Pull Private Train Cars?

 Acela Electric Train
Image Source: ID 61360111 © Lei Xu | Dreamstime.com
 Acela Electric Train
  • Amtrak does offer a private train pulling service.
  • The company requires private train car owners to pass rigorous safety testing.
  • Amtrak also provides 480v standby power, water, ice, septic, car wash, parking, and switching services.

Yes, Amtrak does offer to pull private train cars for select North American routes. The company has offered this type of service for many decades, although currently: most people do not know this. Owning a train car is by no means affordable, but it is certainly an exciting investment for people who love traveling. Because Amtrak pulls private train cars that meet its safety testing requirements, someone could technically refurbish an old car and request to have the train network pull it.

The United States is home to these ten most popular Amtrak routes.

A few companies offer to sell used train cars for around $200,000, not including the complete restoration it will need to qualify for Amtrak servicing. For Canadian riders, these ten routes may also be worth inquiring over.

Amtrak does offer private train car pulling services. However, to access these, people must spend money to buy, refurbish, and register their cars with the rail provider.

How Much Does It Cost To Have Amtrak Pull A Private Train Car?

Raleigh North Carolina Amtrak Carolinia
Image Source: ID 247674968 Frederick Cannady-Kelderman | Dreamstime.com
Raleigh North Carolina Amtrak Carolinia
  • Amtrak charges between $4 and $5 per mile to pull private train cars.

If someone wants to have Amtrak pull their private train car, expect to spend around $4 or $5 per mile. The company works on a registration fee and then a per-mile charge system, meaning there are a few hurdles to overcome before hitting the track. Generally, this is more of an "elite" choice for train enthusiasts, as the entire ordeal could set someone back $1 million.

Many people find joy in train travel, with these ten sleeper Amtrak routes being especially worthwhile.

It's also worth noting that when Amtrak pulls a private car, it is attached to a commercial service train. There will be other people in the cars pulling the private train: although they won't be able to come to say hello. Amtrak ensures customers of this private pull network that their travels will be luxurious and private.

The Empire Builder is often considered one of Amtrak's most scenic routes: this could be a nice one for attaching a private car to.

As of 2023, Amtrak charges between $4 and $5 per gallon to pull private train cars. Therefore, longer routes could end up costing thousands of dollars for customers of this elite service.

Related: Where Does The Adirondack Train Go? & 9 More Facts About This Amtrak

How Much Does A Train Car Cost? Can Anyone Buy Them?

Amtrak Ethan Allen Express Burlington, Vermont Station
Photo by Stephen Mease on Unsplash
Amtrak Ethan Allen Express Burlington, Vermont Station
  • Train cars typically cost between $100,000 and $200,000.
  • Renovating an old train car can set people back hundreds of thousands of dollars.

For those interested in purchasing and refurbishing an old train car, expect to pay six figures. In general, train cars are expensive to come by, often costing $100,000-$200,000. Therefore, many regular, middle-class people in North America aren't able to access this private car pull service via Amtrak or other train systems.

The idea of having a private train car has always been a luxury. Even during the time of the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers, riding in a private car away from the rest of the passengers was considered a choice only for America's 1%.

Related: Roomette Vs. Sleeper Bedroom: Knowing The Difference On An Amtrak

However, if enough people pooled together to buy and restore a train car, that could be a fun way to access this amenity. Companies like Rail Merchants International offer private train car sales, so that could be one to go through. Another company selling private train cars is Ozark Mountain Railcar, which sells cars ranging from 40 to 100 years old.

For those wanting to explore the US by rail, these are the ten best routes/trains for foodies.