When I booked a sleeper car for my 16-hour Amtrak ride from Portland to Sacramento, I could choose a roomette, bedroom, bedroom suite, or accessible bedroom.
I went with the roomette, which was the smallest sleeping accommodation, so I assumed I wouldn't have much space for luggage.
With that in mind, I packed one rolling carry-on bag and a smaller piece of luggage that could fit under a typical plane seat.
Here's what I brought on my 16-hour Amtrak journey and what I wish I'd packed.
I brought two bags on the train.
I packed everything I wanted to keep with me in my roomette in a smaller bag, including snacks, entertainment devices, toiletries, and clothes to sleep in.
I put everything else I needed for Sacramento in a larger bag. I ended up having space to keep both bags in my room, but I was still glad to have everything organized and in one place.
I was thankful I packed plenty of snacks.
By booking a roomette, I had access to the dining car, which included complimentary meals.
I ate a salad for lunch and had dinner on the train. I thought the train food was decent, but I wasn't a huge fan of dinner, so I dug into the snacks I brought instead.
I didn't eat everything I brought on the train, but having my own variety of snacks was helpful because I didn't need to spend money at the café.
Having my water bottle was useful.
When I boarded the train, two small plastic water bottles were already in my room. Though I could've asked my car attendant for more water, I'd already brought my own reusable thermos with me.
Bottle-filling stations were also in the same car as my room, so it was easier to get my own water than repeatedly ask my busy attendant for a beverage.
It was helpful to bring makeup-remover wipes on the train.
I didn't have access to my own bathroom in the roomette. A shared bathroom was just a few doors down from my room on the same floor, and others, as well as showers, were downstairs on the first level of the sleeper car.
Still, I was thankful I brought easy-to-grab makeup-remover wipes to use at night. The shared bathrooms were quite small, so I thought washing my face in a public sink wouldn't have been a pleasant experience.
I liked cozying up with my own blanket.
Amtrak provided a blanket for each sleeper-car bed, but I chose to bring an additional one from home.
It was nice to have a piece of home with me on my trip. Plus, I could better adjust my temperature and comfort throughout the night with two blankets.
I was entertained the whole way with a book and downloaded TV shows.
Some Amtrak trains don't have WiFi, and in my experience, cell service can be spotty for much of the journey.
Although I spent a lot of time talking to other travelers, I was glad I had packed a book to read in my downtime. I also downloaded a few episodes of one of my favorite shows at home to watch before I went to sleep.
A few items helped with my travel anxiety.
This was my first Amtrak trip, so I didn't know what to expect. Since I sometimes get travel anxiety, I brought a few items that had helped me on other trips.
I packed CBD and essential oils, plus an aromatherapy mist to help create a calm space as needed.
On the other hand, I should've brought something to aid motion sickness.
The most important item I wish I had packed was something to help with motion sickness. Since I'd never experienced motion sickness before, I assumed I'd be just fine on a train.
I was OK throughout the entire ride, but when I arrived in Sacramento, I felt like I was still on the train and was nauseous for most of the day.
I think having something on the moving train, such as a travel wristband or some kind of medicine, would've helped to alleviate motion sickness.
Lightweight pajamas would've been more comfortable.
A temperature dial in the roomette could be used to control a ceiling air vent, but it didn't seem to do much. Even with the dial turned all the way to cool, I felt really warm in the middle of the night.
I'd brought heavier clothes to sleep in because I thought I'd be cold, but I later wished I'd packed lighter pajamas.
Next time, I'd consider bringing a small lock for my door.
There was a latch to lock the roomette door from the inside, which I appreciated at night, but I didn't see one on the outside of the space.
When I was roaming the train, I carried my phone and wallet with me so they wouldn't be left unattended. Still, I didn't love leaving all of my stuff behind in an unsecured space.
While walking around, I noticed that other travelers had used their own padlocks to lock their sleeper-car rooms. Next time, I might bring a padlock so I can lock my roomette and leave my belongings without worrying.
I also didn't know I could bring my favorite bottle of wine.
After I boarded my train, I learned that Amtrak passengers staying in a sleeper car are allowed to bring their own alcohol on board.
According to Amtrak's website, bringing private-stock alcoholic beverages is welcome as long as they're kept and consumed in your own room.
Next time, I'll definitely bring my favorite bottle of wine or hard cider to enjoy while watching the sunset out the window.
This story was originally published on October 2, 2022, and most recently updated on May 4, 2026.
