Amtrak provides the ability for rail/train car owners to have their privately-owned rail/train cars attached to our trains between specified locations to see North America in an extraordinary way. We also provide many services, including 480v standby power, water, ice, septic, car wash, parking, and switching.

The charges to the owner of the private car include an annual registration fee, concurrent with the annual PC-1 inspection, as well as a mileage rate based on the number of cars on that particular movement request and other charges based on the services requested. View our Private Car Tariff terms and conditions, and other information about private car movements.

• Rate increases effective May 1, 2018 pursuant to Private Car Rate Addendum No. 6 to Conditions for Movement Privately Owned Railroad Cars on Amtrak Effective June 1, 2007
• Rate increases effective October 1, 2017 pursuant to Private Car Rate Addendum No. 5
• Rate increases effective October 1, 2016 pursuant to Private Car Rate Addendum No. 4
• Additional Locomotive Guidelines: Private Car Locomotive Guide

For more information about scheduling a move, please call:

• 1-800-424-0217 and choose option “9” from the main menu
• Press "1" for Private Car Manager 
• Press "2" for Charter Manager

For emergencies, press "0" and you will be transferred to an open line (available 24/7).

• Review the mechanical bulletins for any operational requirements and restrictions.
• Consult the Service Alerts & Notices to see events that may affect your travel.

• Guidelines for Private Cars on Amtrak
• Los Angeles Private Car Guidelines Manual

These two documents must be completed by all private car owners prior to private car movement:

• Private Car Data Form
• Private Car Annual Inspection Report Form

These organizations can provide information on private car trips for the general public.

• AAPRCO (The American Association of Private Rail Car Owners)
• RPCA (Railroad Passenger Car Alliance)