Auto train?

[angel222]

I've checked the past posts and none seem very recent commenting on the auto train from FL to VA. Has anyone made this trip recently? I have to get my car to NY and transport company has quoted me $900...looking for an less expensive way to get it there. Would really like to know about the auto train experiences good or bad and any tips to make the trip more enjoyable...thanks!

[KathieI]

I've checked the past posts and none seem very recent commenting on the auto train from FL to VA. Has anyone made this trip recently? I have to get my car to NY and transport company has quoted me $900...looking for an less expensive way to get it there. Would really like to know about the auto train experiences good or bad and any tips to make the trip more enjoyable...thanks!

Trudy does it everytime she comes down here. Call me and I'll give you her #. She loves it.

[janmcn]

I just checked their website and found that one person and one car on a week-day in June was under $350. This was before taxes and any fees.

[Paulz]

Right now the prices north to south are inexpensive. However traveling north can be expensive.

[Philip Winkler]

We were very pleased with our trip on the Auto train from Va in March of 2011; that was how we moved to TV with our 2 cars.

[skyguy79]

I just checked their website and found that one person and one car on a week-day in June was under $350. This was before taxes and any fees.Prices are dependent on when you travel (it's called a bucket pricing system) and how many accommodations are left in the category selected, and the differences can be considerable. I priced one person for early October and got the following prices:

Coach Seat Minimum: $288 (no meals)
Sleeping from low of: $714 (meals included)
Sleeping to high of: $1033 (meals included)
All include vehicle cost

BTW, the scheduled travel time is 17 hours and 30 minutes. They do a good job of keeping to schedule since it's a non-stop trip with little commercial traffic to slow them down.

Also, if a second person is added, one needs to be able to climb to an upper bunk or birth, with the possible exception of a Family Room.

Here is a virtual tour of sleeping accommodations: Amtrak - Traveling With Amtrak - Onboard - Sleeping Accommodations - Superliner Sleeping Car Virtual Tour (http://www.amtrak.com/media/train_tour/superliner/superlinerSLEEPER_CONTROLLER.html)

[luvmagic2]

The major factor in cost is when snow birds are traveling..... Considerable price difference during off season. I've done it 6 times, always with a sleeping compartment, and think its a wonderful, relaxing way yo go.

[villagetinker]

I have used the autotrain several times, I like it, am wife does not, she cannot sleep on the reclining chairs, we will try a sleeper compartment next time.

[Burnerboy]

I've used the auto train 10 or 12 times. If I buy tickets for northbound first week of June..southbound early September.. I always buy the small sleeper room and vehicle In Feb.. Price is around $500 each way. This includes meals. If I want to and an extra person later it just the passenger ticket price around $80 each way. If I were to wait till a month b4 trip same deal would be $700+ each way.

It saves about 900 miles a hotel and dinner and breakfast from the drive option. My wife can't take the sleeping on the less than smooth Amtrak ride so she flies.

[John_W]

We took the Autotrain in April 2011 on our LSV. For 2 adults and one large car was $904 each way. That was for a seat, which you can recline for sleeping and dinner and breakfast.

Last year we took the train again but in August 2013. The entire trip with two adults and one compact car was $750 round-trip. We had dinner and breakfast and seats that recline for sleeping. A small pillow and blanket is $15, so we brought our own.

There was one big negative on the return to Florida trip last August. We had breakfast at 6am and when returning to our seats they announced the train was ahead of schedule and would arrive in Sanford about 8am, it's normally 9:30 arrival on both ends. Just a few minutes later the train stopped and local police cars came swarming along side the train. Apparently the local dope hangout in Palatka is the railroad tracks, and they like to lay on the tracks when they get high. Our train ran over two people, one was alive and one was dead. They had to bring in a reserve crew to drive the train. CSX had to send inspectors to inspect the tracks, The local and state police had to file reports. An ambulance and medivac was needed for the survivor who went to Gainesville and a coroner for the deceased. By the time everything was completed, the new crew got us to Sanford at 1pm, five hours later than we had anticipated.

[shcisamax]

Charming John W.

As for my experience, I went north in November and it was around $200 or less. If you go on the opposite schedule of the snowbirds, it is pennies. I thought the food was awful but most seem to find it fine. It was on time. For $200, I would do it again. If it cost me $700, probably not.

[bargee]

We have used the Auto Train for the past 10 trips up and back.We are leaving Sanford on May 27.The cost on that date is$ 368.00.That is for two adults(Reserved Coach Seats)and our Small SUV.Meals are included(Supper and Breakfast)I would suggest that you bring regular pillows and light blankets plus a small cooler with water and what ever other beverage of your choice.We also bring a change of clothes and toiletries in a small suitcase.There is no WIFI but there is a 110V outlet at each seat so download a couple of movies(earphones please) and you should have a nice trip.

[lovsthosebigdogs]

We took the Autotrain in April 2011 on our LSV. For 2 adults and one large car was $904 each way. That was for a seat, which you can recline for sleeping and dinner and breakfast.

Last year we took the train again but in August 2013. The entire trip with two adults and one compact car was $750 round-trip. We had dinner and breakfast and seats that recline for sleeping. A small pillow and blanket is $15, so we brought our own.

There was one big negative on the return to Florida trip last August. We had breakfast at 6am and when returning to our seats they announced the train was ahead of schedule and would arrive in Sanford about 8am, it's normally 9:30 arrival on both ends. Just a few minutes later the train stopped and local police cars came swarming along side the train. Apparently the local dope hangout in Palatka is the railroad tracks, and they like to lay on the tracks when they get high. Our train ran over two people, one was alive and one was dead. They had to bring in a reserve crew to drive the train. CSX had to send inspectors to inspect the tracks, The local and state police had to file reports. An ambulance and medivac was needed for the survivor who went to Gainesville and a coroner for the deceased. By the time everything was completed, the new crew got us to Sanford at 1pm, five hours later than we had anticipated.

OMG, quite a horrible story/experience.

[Single Track]

Angel222,
Kathie is correct in that I've taken the autotrain about 11 times now and as recently as 3 weeks ago. For me as a single woman traveling back & forth from the Philly area, it is the easiest and safest way for me. BTW everyone gets dinner and a continental breakfast at no additional charge. I have always enjoyed the food as have all of my tablemates. No it's not gourmet but for what it is, it's just fine. I have always managed to sleep in the comfortable reclining seats. I bring a pillow and lightweight blanket and wake refreshed. The cost for either direction has been from $250 to $350 each way. They no longer include wine with their meals but the lounge has wine and other cocktails for sale. There is a movie showing each night. ON my trip south in April it was "Gravity". If you have other questions, ask away. Also the price quoted on the Amtrak site is the only price you pay. It includes tax. I think they do a great job.

[Villageshooter]

where does this travel from an to? are there any other routes to get to Florida on car/train

[homeball]

We have used the Auto Train for the past 10 trips up and back.We are leaving Sanford on May 27.The cost on that date is$ 368.00.That is for two adults(Reserved Coach Seats)and our Small SUV.Meals are included(Supper and Breakfast)I would suggest that you bring regular pillows and light blankets plus a small cooler with water and what ever other beverage of your choice.We also bring a change of clothes and toiletries in a small suitcase.There is no WIFI but there is a 110V outlet at each seat so download a couple of movies(earphones please) and you should have a nice trip.


WIFI is available in the lounge car but not at your seat or in the bedroom compartment.

[homeball]

You get a 10 percent discount if you are a member of AAA, etc. That can be a savings of $20 to $30 a ticket. Also found out that when you travel north, it's worth paying the extra $50 for priority off load in VA. I was the first car off the train. Traveling south the priority fee is not much of advantage because of the way the train is off loaded in Sanford.

[skyguy79]

.....By the time everything was completed, the new crew got us to Sanford at 1pm, five hours later than we had anticipated.I've experienced being delayed about the same number of hours several years ago on the Texas Eagle. I was climbing the walls by the time we got from Chicago to Austin TX. You might find it interesting that the longest train ride in history dwarfed the five hours we've experienced. Train #1 of the Gulf & Interstate Railroad, which left Beaumont, Texas at 7:00 AM on September 8, 1900, to make the run to Port Bolivar, about 85 miles away by modern highway, takes the prize hands down for the record train ride in history. #1 arrived at Port Bolivar at 11:10 AM, September 24, 1903—three years, sixteen days, and ten minutes late. Some of the original passengers were still aboard when it finally arrived. Boy am I glad I wasn't on that train! :eek:
where does this travel from an to? are there any other routes to get to Florida on car/trainThe train runs between Lorton VA and Sanford FL and there are no other auto/train routes in the US. The reason that this train doesn't travel further north is because of head clearance issues for the rail equipment. You can read further about this at this website's discussion on the issue. Why doesn't Amtrak extend the Auto Train to NYC area? - Amtrak Rail Discussion - Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum (http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/index.php?/topic/55144-why-doesnt-amtrak-extend-the-auto-train-to-nyc-area/)

http://trainweb.org/usarail/autotrain_map.gif

[bjcatz]

I've checked the past posts and none seem very recent commenting on the auto train from FL to VA. Has anyone made this trip recently? I have to get my car to NY and transport company has quoted me $900...looking for an less expensive way to get it there. Would really like to know about the auto train experiences good or bad and any tips to make the trip more enjoyable...thanks! We have taken the auto train twice in the last two years. Buy months early for the best pricing. Sleeping berths an extra $200-$500. Always check the Amtrak web site for current info and pricing. We would go in the summer time to Buffalo, NY. Driving it was always in the $1200-$1500 range with 2 1/2 days on the road, and my wife doesn't drive. I always hated the traffic too. Very stressful trip on me. The train ran us around $1000 for 2 people and our GMC truck. The first trip was with a small double berth which was very small and not very comfortable, and because we booked ahead, and extra $225 or so. Trip 2 was just a coach seat, not much more uncomfortable, and cheaper. PS, prices are round trip. You get a nice supper and breakfast, get to move around, snacks and coffee and water, and a bar. Except for sleeping in a recliner coach chair, a much easier way to travel. They are working on internet service as well. We would go over to Sanford in the AM, and wait to board around 3-4 PM. Arrive in Lorton and have our car between 9-11 AM, and 8 hours later be in Buffalo. I hope this helps

[shcisamax]

Also found out that when you travel north, it's worth paying the extra $50 for priority off load in VA. I was the first car off the train. .

I figured there was a 50% chance of being in the first half of the cars getting off so didn't pay the $50 upcharge. My car was was the absolutely last car.

[skyguy79]

I figured there was a 50% chance of being in the first half of the cars getting off so didn't pay the $50 upcharge. My car was was the absolutely last car.
And the Fickled Finger of Fate Award goes to....
SHCISMAX!

https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ48s4E6cb83hvUjW08PtEgI11vEGBtq Soapxd3qRsF3t1rKrCRVJbPYQ

[Single Track]

I figured there was a 50% chance of being in the first half of the cars getting off so didn't pay the $50 upcharge. My car was was the absolutely last car.

After riding the train many times, I realize that when you arrive has no bearing on when your car is unloaded the next day. I always try to get to terminal around 2 and I have been the second car off (before they started with the outrageous fee of $50 for priority unloading) and also one of the last 20 cars. In time this translates to waiting 10 minutes or 50 minutes but not worth $50 to be one of the first 20 unloaded.

The Lorton VA terminal is just off of I95 about 15 minutes south of DC. Normally it takes about 3 hr 15 min via I95 to the Philadelphia area. If you can manage to be in the northern leg of the journey on a Sunday, the traffic in DC, Baltimore, Wilmington & Philadelphia is a lot lighter.

[angel222]

Thanks everyone!