Business Insider's reporter spent 30 hours in an Amtrak bedroom while traveling from Miami to New York.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I spent 30 hours on an overnight Amtrak train traveling from Miami to New York City in 2021.
For $1,000, I booked a bedroom, which is about the size of a king-size bed with a full bathroom.
At around 45 square feet, my cabin made impressive use of a tiny space without feeling cramped.
In October 2021, I tucked myself into a train bunk during a 30-hour trip from Miami to New York City.
I was on an overnight Amtrak train in the 45-square-foot accommodation I booked for $1,000 — a bedroom.
I thought the cabin made great use of a small space by packing in amenities without sacrificing room to stretch out and move my body for the long ride.
The Amtrak bedroom felt spacious for 45 square feet.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
My Amtrak bedroom had a sofa that folded out into a bed, a bunk that pulled down from the ceiling, and a chair that folded up out of the way.
Two wide windows and a full-length wall mirror made the space feel bigger. And even with all the furniture and amenities, there was enough floor space to stand up and stretch my limbs between hours of sitting.
Between seats, a table with folded leaves pulled out from the wall.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Since I was working on my laptop sporadically throughout my trip, it was ideal to have a table that could be folded back into the wall for more space.
Across from the sofa, there was a sink and vanity with a handful of small towels next to it.
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There was also a cabinet to store toiletries and other personal items.
There was a private bathroom behind a door with a shower and a toilet inside.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Only bedroom accommodations on Amtrak trains have private, full bathrooms inside, according to the train line's website.
Next to the seating area, a small closet held three hangers.A peak inside the room's closet
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The closet may be especially handy for those traveling with jackets or formal clothing.
I noticed other details, like temperature controls and a button to call an attendant, who was always prompt and pleasant.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Another thing that surprised me was the variety of lighting options — more than I've seen in an economy seat on a flight.
When it was time to sleep, the sofa folded out into a bed on the bottom level, and another bunk-style bed came down from the ceiling.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
On the top bunk, I saw more controls for air conditioning and lights, as well as a small storage pouch.
My ticket came with meals ordered from a separate menu for passengers staying in a bedroom.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I liked the braised short ribs meal with mashed potatoes and a roll that I had for dinner. To make it taste even better, I made a little sandwich out of the ingredients.
The bedroom is ideal for overnight travelers since it packs many amenities into a small space while providing enough room to stretch out.
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
I recommend the Amtrak roomette for those looking for a more affordable overnight accommodation. It's half the size of a bedroom but still includes two bunks with a daytime seating arrangement. And, in my experience, it costs half the price.