Amtrak introduces lighter lunch meals on long-distance Flex Dining routes

Amtrak has updated its Flex Dining offering for sleeping car passengers on long-distance services, introducing a broader lunchtime menu aimed at improving the onboard experience.

Previously, passengers shared the same menu for both lunch and dinner, limiting choice during the day. The revised approach adds a range of lighter lunchtime meals alongside the existing, more substantial evening entrées, effectively doubling the number of options available to guests.

The new lunch selections draw on well-known items from Amtrak’s National Cafe menu and are served in the Dining Car with a side of chips or a dinner roll. Passengers can now choose from options such as a Turkey & Cheddar Sub on a multigrain roll, a Ham & Swiss Sandwich on a pretzel roll with honey mustard, and a Fresh Greek Salad with feta cheese and balsamic vinaigrette. More traditional favourites, including an Angus Cheeseburger and an All-Beef Hot Dog, have also been added.

Flex Dining is offered on five long-distance routes across Amtrak’s national network:

• Cardinal, traveling between New York and Chicago
• City of New Orleans, traveling between Chicago and New Orleans
• Crescent, traveling between New York and New Orleans
• Lake Shore Limited, between New York/Boston and Chicago
• Texas Eagle, only for service between Chicago and San Antonio

Amtrak says Flex Dining is designed to give sleeping car guests greater freedom over when and how they eat, with meals available in the dining car or delivered directly to their room by an attendant.

Image: Amtrak