Possession on Auto Train – Bearing Arms

It’s been recently reported that Amtrak has proposed some sweeping changes to its carry-on firearm policy on its trains. One underreported change slipped in last month involving its Auto Train.

On Nov. 6 it was reported that Amtrak union members were unhappy about a forthcoming policy change concerning firearms. The change would allow passengers to bring firearms in carry-on luggage provided there’s no checked bag service; however, strict storage protocols must be followed. Previously Bearing Arms reported firearms were prohibited on the Auto Train. We reviewed those rules and they’ve since changed. The Auto Train firearm policy change is good news for gun owners wishing to take advantage of this mode of transportation.

There’s a heavy rail line that connects Lorton, Va. to Sanford, Fla. and Amtrak runs its Auto Train on it. The train allows passengers to check their vehicle in for carriage in a train car. This service is popular for some northeastern residents who want to bring their car with them to the Gunshine State, but also get some rest.

There are a number of options for passengers as far as ticket tier. The train has different compartments available which have bunks for sleeping. And, there are standard seats, similar to what you’d expect on a coach bus, other trains, or an airplane.

Prior to the policy change, firearms were a no-go on this unique 17-and-a-half-hour trip along the Lorton-Sanford line.

The 2022 firearm rules did not address the Auto Train in any manner. When contacted for clarification, Amtrak said that “Firearms can only be accept (sic) on trains that offer checked baggage.” The representative further noted, “As the Auto Train does not offer checked baggage services, firearms cannot be transported on our Auto Train.”

At the time, many commenters online noted they would outright refuse to use the service because of the policy. Others said there’s no way for Amtrak to really know if someone stowed a gun in their car.

Tom Knighton pointed out in his coverage, “Amtrak only stays afloat because it’s taxpayer funded,” so these prohibitions are fair game to be questioned. It’s alleged that the Trump administration put pressure on Amtrak to ease these restrictions that the Transport Workers Union is opposed to.

According to the Wayback Machine, sometime between Aug. 7 and Oct. 4, 2026, the rules were updated. In the post-Oct. 4 rules, Amtrak added a whole section addressing firearm carriage on its Auto Train.

“Amtrak accepts reservations for the transportation of firearms and ammunition on Auto Train,” the rules state. “Firearms transported on Auto Train must remain secured in the customer’s vehicle or motorcycle and may not be transported in Coach or sleeper accommodations.”

There are additional requirements such as the passenger must be at least 18, travel reservations must be at least six hours in advance of the trip, passengers must be on the train their vehicle is on, firearms must be declared two and a half hours prior to departure (with a declaration form filled out), as well as other conditions that must be met.

The rules do note: “Amtrak employees will not request to inspect, handle or take possession of a customer’s firearm or ask the customer to demonstrate that the firearm is unloaded or properly packed.” And they state that the handling of firearms on Amtrak property is prohibited.

Since passengers’ cars will be left unattended while on the Auto Train, there are very specific guidelines on how guns must be stored.

The firearms must be stored unloaded and in a TSA-compliant case. Cases must have “at least two locking points.” There’s no explanation on why, but the rules stipulate that “Biometric-only or keypad-only firearm cases secured by only a single locking mechanism are not permitted.”

A litany of other storage and transport requirements are listed. To note, there are ammunition limitations, 11 pounds per person. Black powder? Forget about it; black powder, percussion caps, matchlock/flintlock ammunition and gunpowder are all prohibited.

Amtrak maintains these rules at its “Firearms in Checked Baggage” page online. The rules for firearm possession in carry-on luggage have yet to be updated and still indicate the practice is prohibited.

For gun owners leaving or headed to Florida/Virginia on the Auto Train, this is good news. People who wished to take advantage of the benefits of traveling via Auto Train previously had to do so disarmed at their destination. Now, with the updated firearm policy — which seemingly rolled out without any fanfare or protest — firearm owners may transport their legally possessed guns provided they follow the rules.

Editor’s Note: President Trump and Republicans across the country are doing everything they can to protect our Second Amendment rights and right to self-defense.

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