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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We have taken the Auto Train in both directions for the last 7-8 years, except northbound 2 years ago when we knew in advance that the train would be departing 7 hours late due to issues several days prior and they were still trying to catch up to the original schedule. There are two basic types of accomodations, coach seats and one of three types of rooms. For coach seat passaengers, there are no longer pillows or blankets and no dinner available at all, just a snack bar car. A continental breakfast is included but you must carry your food to the snack bar car (if any seats are available which is rare) or back to your seat. Coach seats are assigned at the station, but when booking you can request upper or lower level seats. Lower level is much quieter (only 12 seats in the section and no through walkers) but the outside view is not as good as the upper level. For any of the rooms available, the room used to be assigned when the ticket is booked. We have not booked a room for the last three years due to the substantial increase in cost. One fairly new feature is vehicle priority off-loading for the first thirty cars. The cost last year was an additional $95. Not sure if it has increased. If the priority off-loading interests you, book it as early as you can. The 30 slots go quickly. We personally just decided this year that we will no longer take the train northbound. For the last 3 trips we have arrived in Lorton between 3 and 7 hours late. With the additional time to get our vehicle and a 5 hour drive to arrive at our home, it puts us on interstates in the dark and by that time we are usually quite tired and not up for driving. And, a change they made last year, which we were not happy with, was switching the departure and arrival times from 4 PM to 5 PM and 9 AM to 10 AM. This contributed to the driving in the dark issue. Hope this helps.