With two nights aboard the California Zephyr and two beds available, I decided to try each one.

In February 2026 I rode the complete Amtrak route from Chicago to Emeryville, California. The 53-hour trip featured a $2,200 bedroom equipped with a foldout couch and an upper berth. Traveling alone in a space meant for two, I alternated nights to determine which bed suited me best.

Both bunks delivered similar rest, yet several distinctions made the upper berth my favorite choice.

Most readers will likely disagree.

My Amtrak bedroom measured 50 square feet and included two beds.

The compartment contained a bathroom on the left side, a foldout couch on the right, and a small table with a chair positioned near the rear window. A lever above the couch allowed the upper berth to drop from the ceiling.

Although attendants provide turndown service, my prior experience with overnight trains totaling 193 hours prompted me to arrange the beds independently.

The first night was spent in the top bunk.

Lowering the upper berth revealed a ladder, ceiling straps, and linens. After securing the ladder and fastening the straps, I noticed wall pockets that held a water bottle and phone.

Train motion felt stronger in the top bunk, yet it did not disturb my rest.

First-time overnight passengers may find the upper berth unsettling because rail vibrations seem more noticeable there. With extensive train travel behind me, the movement now helps me fall asleep quickly. I rested for seven hours and awoke refreshed.

Sleeping above evoked childhood memories.

Sharing a bunk with my brother as a child made the arrangement ordinary at the time. As an adult in the Amtrak berth, however, strong nostalgia surfaced, offering a chance to value an experience overlooked during youth.

The top bunk created extra space in the compact room.

Keeping the couch in place while adding the upper berth introduced another furnishing without consuming additional floor area. Belongings stayed on the couch, and the loft served as a daytime perch.

The second night was spent in the bottom bunk.

Foot pedals labeled push for bed sat beneath each couch corner. Pressing them and drawing the cushion bar converted the seating into a bed with convenient access to outlets and a window cupholder.

The lower bunk offered more width but reduced room openness.

Although wider than the top berth, the lower bed occupied significant floor space and created a confined feeling. Standing room near the sink disappeared, requiring teeth brushing from bed, and belongings were stacked in a corner. Eight hours of sleep left me equally rested.

The bottom bunk provided a direct window view upon waking.

Only the lower position allowed a clear sightline to the window, so opening the curtains revealed the sunrise without rising.

Despite its smaller size and greater motion, the top bunk remains my preference.

Many travelers would select the bottom berth for its width and smoother ride, yet future solo Amtrak journeys will find me choosing the upper option. When traveling alone it enlarges the perceived space, and even with company I will offer the larger bed to my companion while enjoying the youthful sensation.