Can you vape on Amtrak trains?

No. Vaping is completely banned on all Amtrak trains under federal law (49 USC 24323). This includes all train cars, private sleeper rooms, roomettes, and bedrooms. There are no exceptions for any class of service.

What happens if you get caught vaping on Amtrak?

Penalties include fines up to $2,500, immediate removal from the train at the next station, forfeiture of your ticket with no refund, and potential ban from future Amtrak service. In serious cases, law enforcement may be involved.

Are there smoke breaks on Amtrak?

Yes, on long-distance routes. Trains stop every 3-6 hours for 10-15 minute smoke/stretch breaks where you can step onto the platform and vape. Some stops (like crew changes) can be 30-50 minutes. Listen for announcements - breaks may be shortened if the train runs late.

Can you bring a vape on Amtrak?

Yes, you can bring your vape device and e-liquids for personal use, but you cannot use them on the train or inside stations. Keep devices in your carry-on and wait for designated smoke stops on long-distance routes.

Does the vaping ban apply to Amtrak sleeper cars?

Yes. The federal ban applies to all areas of Amtrak trains, including private sleeper rooms, roomettes, bedrooms, and family bedrooms. There are absolutely no exceptions for any accommodation type.

Can You Vape on Amtrak? 2026 Train Rules & Traveler's Guide

Q: Can you vape at Amtrak stations?

No, all Amtrak stations are non-smoking inside. During announced smoke breaks, you can smoke/vape on the platform in designated areas. Outside stations may have smoking areas, but policies vary by location.

Can You Vape on Amtrak? The Short Answer

No, you cannot vape on Amtrak trains. This is federal law, not just company policy:

Complete ban on all Amtrak trains
Federal law (49 USC § 24323) since November 2021
All train cars including private sleeper rooms
All Amtrak Thruway buses
All Amtrak stations
Fines up to $2,500 for violations

The good news: Long-distance trains have smoke breaks at designated stations where you can step off and vape on the platform.

What Is Amtrak's Vaping Policy?

Official Policy

Amtrak's policy states:

"All Amtrak trains, Amtrak Thruway buses and stations are entirely non-smoking. No one may smoke anything in any area on trains, on Thruway services, in stations or in any other location where smoking is prohibited. This includes electronic smoking devices, such as electronic cigarettes."

Federal Law Backing

The ban became federal law on November 15, 2021 under 49 USC § 24323 (part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act):

"Amtrak shall prohibit smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, onboard all Amtrak trains."

Electronic cigarettes are defined as any device that "delivers nicotine or other substances to a user... in the form of a vapor that is inhaled to simulate the experience of smoking."

What's Prohibited

All vape devices (pods, mods, pens)
E-cigarettes
Heat-not-burn devices (IQOS, glo)
Traditional cigarettes, cigars, pipes
Marijuana (even in legal states)

Where the Ban Applies

All train cars - Coach, business, first class
Sleeper accommodations - Roomettes, bedrooms, family rooms
Cafe/lounge cars
Amtrak Thruway buses
Stations - Inside all Amtrak stations

What Happens If You Vape on an Amtrak Train?

Amtrak takes violations seriously.

Penalty Structure

Violation	Consequence
First offense	Warning, fine up to $2,500
Continued violation	Removal from train at next station
Ticket status	Forfeited with no refund
Future travel	Potential ban from Amtrak
Serious cases	Law enforcement involvement

How Enforcement Works

Conductors patrol and enforce the policy
Other passengers report violations
Smoke detectors in restrooms trigger alerts
Immediate warning followed by escalation
Removal at next station if you continue

If You're Removed from a Train

No refund for unused ticket portion
You're responsible for your own transportation from wherever you're removed
May be in remote location - Amtrak stops aren't always near airports or cities
Potential ban from future Amtrak travel
Criminal referral possible for egregious cases

Don't Vape in the Bathroom

Some passengers think train bathrooms are undetectable. They're not:

Amtrak restrooms have smoke detectors
Enclosed space concentrates vapor
Conductors know to check bathrooms
Getting caught means removal at next stop - which could be rural Montana at 3 AM

Do Amtrak Trains Have Smoke Breaks?

Yes. This is the key information for vapers taking long-distance Amtrak routes.

How Smoke Breaks Work

Frequency: Every 3-6 hours on long-distance routes
Duration: Typically 10-15 minutes
Longer stops: Crew changes can be 30-50 minutes
Location: Station platforms, designated areas
Requirement: Stay near the train, ready to reboard

Important Caveats

May be shortened if train is running late
May be canceled in emergencies
Not guaranteed - operational needs come first
Listen for announcements - crew will announce smoke stops
Stay close - trains don't wait

Smoke Breaks by Route

California Zephyr (Chicago to San Francisco, ~51 hours):

Sacramento, CA
Reno, NV
Winnemucca, NV
Salt Lake City, UT (longer stop)
Grand Junction, CO
Glenwood Springs, CO
Denver, CO (longer stop)
Omaha, NE
Ottumwa, IA
Galesburg, IL

Empire Builder (Chicago to Seattle/Portland, ~46 hours):

St. Paul/Minneapolis, MN
Minot, ND (often longest stop, 30-50 min crew change)
Williston, ND
Havre, MT
Whitefish, MT
Spokane, WA
Wenatchee, WA

Southwest Chief (Chicago to Los Angeles, ~43 hours):

Kansas City, MO
La Junta, CO
Raton, NM
Albuquerque, NM (longer stop)
Gallup, NM
Flagstaff, AZ
Kingman, AZ

Coast Starlight (Seattle to Los Angeles, ~35 hours):

Portland, OR (no platform smoking at this station)
Eugene, OR
Klamath Falls, OR
Sacramento, CA
San Jose, CA (no platform smoking)
Salinas, CA
San Luis Obispo, CA
Santa Barbara, CA

Silver Meteor/Star (New York to Miami, ~28 hours):

Washington, DC (longer stop, engine change)
Jacksonville, FL
Savannah, GA

Northeast Corridor and Regional Trains

Short-haul and regional trains (Acela, Northeast Regional, state-supported routes) generally do not have smoke breaks:

Trips typically under 6 hours
Limited station dwell time
Use nicotine alternatives for these routes

Can You Vape at Amtrak Stations?

Inside Stations

No. All Amtrak stations are non-smoking inside, which includes vaping.

Outside Stations

Policies vary:

Some stations have outdoor designated areas
Major cities (NYC, LA) may have strict outdoor smoking bans
Ask staff for permitted areas

During Announced Smoke Breaks

When crews announce smoke stops:

Wait for the announcement - Don't assume every stop is a smoke break
Exit designated doors - Crew will direct you
Stay on the platform - Near your train car
Listen for the horn - "All aboard" signal
Reboard immediately - Trains won't wait

Tips for Vapers Taking Amtrak

Before Your Trip

Know your route's stops - Research smoke break stations
Bring nicotine alternatives - Patches, pouches, gum as backup
Fully charge your device - Have it ready for breaks
Pack extra supplies - Pods, liquid in carry-on

Nicotine Alternatives for Train Travel

Product	Duration	Best For
Nicotine pouches (Zyn, Velo)	20-40 min	Discreet, no vapor, any time
Nicotine gum	20-30 min	Quick relief between stops
Nicotine patches	16-24 hours	Background nicotine, apply before boarding
Nicotine lozenges	20-30 min	Discreet, slow release

Pro tip: Wear a patch for baseline nicotine, use pouches for breakthrough cravings between smoke breaks.

During Your Trip

Sit near an exit - Easier to get off during short stops
Set phone alarms - Remind yourself before expected stops
Listen to announcements - Smoke breaks are announced
Don't cut it close - Get back on immediately when you hear the horn
Have a backup plan - Trains run late, breaks get canceled

What to Pack

Vape device (charged)
Extra pods/coils
E-liquid (in carry-on)
Nicotine pouches or gum
Portable charger
Timer/phone alarm

Amtrak vs. Other Train Services

Service	Vaping Policy	Smoke Breaks
Amtrak	Banned (federal law)	Yes, long-distance
NJ Transit	Banned	No
Metro-North	Banned	No
LIRR	Banned	No
Metra (Chicago)	Banned	No
Caltrain	Banned	No
MARC (Maryland)	Banned	No
VIA Rail (Canada)	Banned	Some long-distance stops

All US commuter rail systems ban vaping. Amtrak's long-distance smoke breaks are unique.

International Comparison

European trains (Eurostar, TGV, ICE) - Banned, no smoke breaks
UK trains - Banned onboard and most stations
Japanese Shinkansen - Smoking rooms on some trains (cigarettes only, not vapes)
VIA Rail Canada - Banned, some stops allow smoking

Vaping on Amtrak: Key Takeaways

Federal law bans vaping on all Amtrak trains - no exceptions
Includes sleeper rooms - Private accommodations aren't exempt
Penalties are serious - Up to $2,500, removal, ticket forfeiture
Long-distance routes have smoke breaks every 3-6 hours
Breaks aren't guaranteed - May be shortened/canceled if train runs late
Northeast Corridor has no breaks - Use nicotine alternatives
Stations are non-smoking - Inside only, platform during announced stops
Don't try the bathroom - Detectors will catch you
Bring nicotine alternatives - Pouches, gum, patches for between stops
Stay alert during stops - Listen for announcements, reboard immediately

References

Have questions about vaping laws in other destinations? Check our vaping laws guides for more locations.