Can you use your phone on the Amtrak train?

Question

Are passengers allowed to use their cell phones during the train ride? If not during the train ride, then are we allowed to use them when are about an hour before arriving at the station because I need to call my relatives to pick me up (because I can't give them the exact time since Amtrak trains are famous for being late)

Answer 1

Let me pull together all of the previous responses (which were correct), adding in my own experience.

Amtrak has no policy against using personal cell phones on their trains.  The very limited exception are a few trains, I believe only running in the Northeast Corridor, that have "quiet" cars in which you're not supposed to make calls or otherwise make noise.  Even on those trains, you can just go to another car in order to make your call.

The number of bars on your phone will vary radically based on where you are.  If your train is going through a city, you can expect good coverage.  If your train is going through a desert, you'll likely find no coverage.

The metal sides of the train do reduce the signal going to and from your phone.  So, try to sit near a window, at least when making the call.

Also be aware that, depending upon your route, you may shift repeatedly between areas serviced by various phone companies.  If your phone will only work with one company, that could be a problem.

A bit of history: The first cell phone service was developed and tested on the old Metroliner trains between New York and Washington.  Until fairly recently you could still find Amtrak "Railphones" on several of their routes.  The service helped to prove that cell phone technology would work, which led to the explosion of cell phones in the 1980s.

Hope that the above information helps!  I was just on Amtrak a couple of days ago and make a couple of calls.

Answer 2

Yes you can... the only place you cannot use your cellphone is public transport is on airplanes (weather private or airline)...

On a train you can use cellphones at will

Answer 3

yes you can, your coverage may be diminshed somewhat because of the steel around you but it is perfectly ok.

Answer 4

Of course you can use your cell phone on the train. I mean I do.

Answer 5

Yes, you are allowed to use cell phones on Amtrak trains.

Answer 6

My husband works for Amtrak--- and I travel all the time. You can use your phone in all the trains except for specially designated cars called "quiet cars" which a car where they want you to be quiet, lol obviously. So feel free to use your phone just be respectful of everyone around you and avoid the quiet cars.