Quote:
Originally Posted by villagetinker
I would like to hear from anyone that has taken the autotrain in the last year or so. We used it several times between 10 and 12 years ago, and as I understand some things have changed.
Specifically:
Do they still supply pillows and blankets?
Do they still have a breakfast?
What is the procedure for getting seats, are they assigned when you arrive at the station?
Any other items we should know about?
Thank you, VT
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Hi! We were just on the Autotrain in April. Here's what to expect. You will be assigned seats/room at check in. If traveling coach: Bring your own pillows, blankets. You can visit the cafe car for snacks, light meals that you will pay for. You'll have access to free grab and go breakfast: cereal and milk, crumb cake, OJ, banana, coffee or tea. If traveling room or roomette, your meals are included, served in the dining car. Your room/roomette will be transformed by your steward at night into sleeping quarters with blanket and pillows. We usually travel coach, bring airline blankets (lightweight and easy to carry), those neck pillow things and a couple of small pillows. I also bring our dinner. I prefer my own food to the steamed/microwave offerings. We bring a few sodas and a small bottle of wine. Ice and plastic cups available in the cafe car. Good to know: The free wifi is dependent on the area you are traveling through, so you might want to preload movies or books onto you device. The morning coffee is efficiently poured and ready to grab, which means it may be lukewarm or cold by the time you get to it. Staff will pour you a hot cup on request. Pay attention to boarding time instructions so that you and your car are at the station in time for loading. That means a wait in the waiting area, but there are shuttles to Sanford and at least when we were there a food truck. Seats in coach are comfortable--two across with plenty of leg room. If you want to see more about seats and rooms, there are YouTube videos to watch.