Amtrak’s Red Cap service is one of the best kept secrets in travel, and trust me, you need to know about this!

At first glance the Red Cap Service may seem like just a baggage handling and disability assistance service. But the Red Cap Service so much more than that.

It allows you to board early and get settled in— and just about anyone has access to it!

Whether you’re a solo traveler who is navigating the train system at a busy station like Penn Station for the first time, a person who has too much luggage, a family who needs to get settled in before the rush, or you have a disability that may impact your ability to get on board, the Red Cap Service will happily help you get settled in

Although an airplane seat is my second home, I still love train travel. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been taking Amtrak. Growing up in upstate New York, the best way to get to the city (and by the city, of course I mean New York City) was always the train.

I’d take the train often to go shopping in the city or go to Broadway shows. The train allows you to skip traffic, sit back and relax.

However, these days, I’m using the train to get from NYC to Saratoga to visit my family — often lugging heavy luggage with a pretty bad lower back. Getting on and off the train can be fast paced, and stressful— and I’ve found Amtrak’s Red Cap Service to be a lifer saver.

For years I have been taking the train, and it wasn’t until an Amtrak agent at Moynihan poked fun at how much luggage I had on one trip, that I was informed about Amtrak’s Red Cap Service. I’ve been using it ever since, when I have too much luggage to manage.

What Is Red Cap Service?

Red Cap Service is a service to help you manage your baggage and any other difficulties you may have getting to your train or on it!

Who can Use Redcap Service?

Anyone is welcome to use Red Cap Service. Even though it’s free of charge and open to anyone, you get to board earlier than everyone else and get settled in— this is why I refer to it as a VIP Service. The Red Cap agents will assist with getting your luggage onto the the train platform, onto the train, and even help you find a great space to place it.

The Red Cap agent is also able to ping your reservation for Red Cap Service when you get off the train (you can also confirm this with the conductor when he or she checks your ticket).

The agent on the other end will help you get off the train (which is the hardest part for me when I have luggage). Of course, you will want to be sure the Red Cap service is available at your destination station before relying on it.

Luggage Tip: When I have more than a backpack, I prefer to sit in Business Class on Amtrak because there is a space fo my luggage to go on the ground in the back on the cabin.

If you’re the type off person who has a little anxiety when finding your train or boarding, you’re traveling alone for the first time, a large family, a senior citizen, someone with a disability, or someone with a ton of luggage— you can use the Amtrak Red Cap Service!

How Much is Red Cap Service?

Red Cap Service is free of charge, however tips are certainly welcome (and I would encourage you to tip— the Red Cap’s work really hard).

How Much Should I tip Red Cap Service?

I recommend $10-20 per person using the service. A general rule of thumb for baggage services is $3-6 per bag, so if you have a ton of luggage be sure to take that into consideration.

I’ve always found the Red Cap employees to be extraordinarily nice and helpful. I generally tip a minimum of $10, sometimes $20— especially in NYC where the walk is a bit longer. You could tip closer to $7 for a smaller train station with less hassle (like, Albany).

Where is Red Cap Service?

According to the Amtrak website, the following stations have Red Cap Service:

Baltimore, MD
Boston, MA (South Station)
Chicago, IL
Los Angeles, CA
New Haven, CT
New York, NY
Newark, NJ
Philadelphia, PA
Portland, OR
Seattle, WA
Washington, DC
Wilmington, DE

However, I know for a fact Albany-Rensselaer also has Red Cap Service, so this likely isn’t complete list.

How Do I Sign Up for Red Cap Service?

Be sure to arrive to the train station early. When you arrive to the train station, look for uniformed Red Cap employees. They are easy to spot, they will be in a red shirt and cap. If you have any problems locating them, just ask the ticketing agents or information desk where you can find the Red Cap service.

There is a beautiful new seating area for anyone using the Red Cap Service at the recently opened Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station in New York City.

Have any more questions about Amtrak’s Red Cap Service? Drop them in the comment section below!