Every state in the country allows concealed carry in one capacity or another. In some states, firearm owners who aren’t legally prohibited from carrying a gun may do so without a license. However, other states require would-be carriers to qualify and maintain a concealed handgun license (CHL) or similar license. Still, even with state laws supporting it, a concealed carry handgun could get you kicked off a train. 

Your concealed carry handgun might land you in serious trouble on a train like an Amtrak or the Long Island Rail Road

Amtrak operates trains across the country covering over 21,000 miles of routes in 46 states. Still, while many of the states on Amtrak train travel routes allow permitless concealed carry, the organization has a strict policy regarding firearms. Specifically, all firearms must be declared, unloaded, and locked in a hard-sided container. Falling to do so might you kicked off a train. 

Moreover, the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) is the “busiest commuter railroad in North America.” The LIRR caters to an average of 300,000 or more passengers every weekday. However, your concealed carry firearm is strictly prohibited unless you have law enforcement or similar credentials allowing it. 

Still, it’s up to you to know the laws and regulations of your state and transportation choice before you depart. After all, telling a police officer “you had no idea” won’t protect you from a weapons charge. 

What about light rail options and city trains like the New York City Subway?

Not every light rail or city train option prohibits concealed carry. For instance, the Austin CapMetro Rail service prohibits “illegal weapons” and “other hazardous items.” However, as of 2021, the state of Texas allows “people who qualify under the law” to “carry a handgun in a public place in Texas without a license to carry.” As a result, legally carried firearms aren’t expressly prohibited aboard CapMetro Rail services.

However, the New York City Subway system has stricter verbiage regarding carrying firearms. For instance, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) prohibits any “weapon, dangerous instrument, or any other item intended for use as a weapon may be carried in or on any facility or conveyance.” The only exception to the rule is licensed personnel, more often than not law enforcement.