[skyguy79]

Originally Posted by OnTrack

Well said.

Any innovation and/or options toward making Amtrak more self-supporting...is a good thing in my opinion.


Out of curiosity, do you know what it costs to take the Auto Train.....and how that compares to driving?

I had heard that the least expensive round trip is around $800.

Even with a motel stay each way and a vehicle getting only 20 miles to the gallon, a person could drive the round trip for about 1/2 that cost.

Don't get me wrong though, as I love trains ().... and would much prefer taking it over driving.

My point is that the extra $50, doesn't sound like its "wasting" money at all.

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Since gryoung has pretty much answered your question, I'll pass on being redundant and trying to answer it again. However, here is a link that has pretty good information on the AutoTrain: Auto Train Transports You and Your Car - Lorton, VA - Sanford, FL | Amtrak

For those that may be interested, here is another link to an Amtrak forum where someone made a lengthily post describing their AutoTrain experience: Your experience on the Auto Train? - Travelogues / Trip Reports - Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum


Photo Shown Loading the Vehicles.

Here is a 22 minute YouTube video taken at the Sanford Station. Near the end of the video you'll see just how long the AutoTrain is. It shows a consist of over 40 train cars as it begins it's trip toward Lorton VA: Amtrak Auto Train Loading And Going - YouTube