Most long-distance trains include a Dining car serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. All meals for First class passengers, passengers with sleeping accommodations, and all Auto Train passengers (no matter which class you're traveling) are included in the price of the train ticket. Coach class passengers may dine for an additional charge. Hours of operation of food service cars vary, so check when you get onboard. Credit cards (MasterCard, American Express, Visa and Discover) are accepted for payment in Dining cars on all trains that offer food service.
Reservations in the Dining Car
Passengers are asked to make reservations for lunch and dinner. Reservations are taken in 15-minute increments for a more pleasant dining experience, assuring passengers of receiving quality service from Amtrak staff and preventing the Dining cars from becoming overcrowded during peak meal times.
After boarding, a dining car staff member will go through the train asking passengers to select a preferred time for dining. Reservations are taken during each meal's service hours, except for breakfast. Passengers will be seated as they present themselves at the Dining car. If the Dining car is full, names will be taken, and passengers will be called in order from the lounge.
Below are the normal service and reservation hours. Exceptions apply to certain trains.
| Meal | Service & Reservation Hours | Latest Boarding Time to Receive Dining Service |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast | 6:30 am - 10 am (No Reservations) | 9:30 am |
| Lunch | 11:30 am - 3 pm | 2:30 pm |
| Dinner | 5 pm - 9:30 pm | 8:30 pm |
Cross Country Café
City of New Orleans and Texas Eagle trains feature a unique onboard dining experience in the Cross Country Café. This bi-level car combines higher technology food and beverage preparation and service with improved ambience and atmosphere. Enjoy friendly service and meals with regional menu items, while you relax in comfortable booth seating and watch ever-changing views go by.