Auto train from sanford, fl to lorton, va
 

[B]AUTO TRAIN
Has anyone taken the auto train from Sanford. Have reservations. This is our first trip on the auto train. What do we need to know? Who puts your car on the train? Who takes it off? Any hints or suggestions welcome. Is dining on the train recommended or should we bring our own food? Thanks for any help you can offer. LindaAUTO

We've taken the AutoTrain several times and you do need to have reservations. Amtrak staff puts your vehicle on the train. Dining is available and if you're in a room, the meal is provided at no additional cost. I'll leave the what you should know to others as I'm sure you'll get plenty of advice. Here are a few links of interest that include travelogues on the AutoTrain.

http://www.on-track-on-line.com/autotrain-tips.shtml

http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/inde...he-auto-train/

http://discuss.amtraktrains.com/inde...&fromMainBar=1

Check out some of the links on this Amtrak site - should be of some help to you:

Ship Your Car by Train - Auto Train Takes You & Your Vehicles | Amtrak

Bill :)

Meals are provided free of charge to all auto train passengers. If you don't have a roomette, you may want to bring your pillow on board for sleeping. Lots of people do that. You won't have access to your car, so bring anything you need like reading material, etc. And I wouldn't leave valuables in the car either.

We've taken Amtrak's Auto Train in both directions several times. It can be painful because 18 hours is a long time to sit, and the padding on the seats is wearing thin. If at all possible, bring a cushion to sit on. Earphones also help to drown out the noise during the night when people are moving about. I've described the trip as like an MRI. You know you get through it. It eliminates 855 miles of driving and the cost of gas and a motel. The meals are edible, and include table wine.

George

Thanks, George. How does our car get onto the train? Do we drive it on ourselves or is it like valet parking. Same question for getting it off the train.

Linda

See post #2, it pays to read all responses...............

Linda, in case you missed post #2, and that's ok if you did, your vehicle is loaded & unloaded by staff at the station. It is a great way to travel. Do take a tote bag with things you will want...toothbrush, meds, etc. You will have access to a community rest room which you can semi freshen up. I believe ear plugs will come in very handy. Enjoy the ride.

About what is the cost for 2 & a car?

it is fine, they put the car on the train and take it off. You can chose to purchase a little cabin if you want, that entitles you to a cheese and wine gathering before departure. Food on board is part of the fare, 2 or 3 choices and 2 seating and cheap wine, breakfast is continental..they also offer a movie in the lounge if you wish. it is very convenient

The cost is all over the map. You will get the best rate by booking six months in advance. And as you might expect the winter months cost more. My sister has taken the Auto Train North in early June (2 people + auto for around $300. In April, that same trip might cost $600. These are your basic coach seating. We have no experience with the rooms.

Auto Train Cost
 

I hate to say it depends; but the costs run according to supply and demand. A return trip for me in late Nov./early Dec. is running from $270 to $371. The car itself costs about $175 and the per pax costs from from about $100 to almost $200. Go on Amtrak.com, plug in autotrain and it allows you to put in different dates to see the costs.

This will be my 4th trip using the Autotrain and it has been a great experience. I bring my pillow and a throw and always get a good night's sleep in one of the recliners. The dinner food is tasty, the breakfast is just enough to get you started and the staff has always been friendly & helpful.

You drop your car outside the station and the staff puts it on the train. Same thing for pickup, you stand outside the station and they call your number when your car is coming off the train, hop in and drive away. I am very fussy with my car and they seem to take good care with it.

You can ask for a window or aisle seat. The bathrooms are not any worse than most restaurants.

In my earlier post (#2) I forgot that back in April I made a detailed post about the AutoTrain that went into a little more detail than is usually given. Click the following link to read my comments:

https://www.talkofthevillages.com/fo...28-post11.html

Here is a YouTube video posted just about a week ago that gives you a pretty good tour of the Sanford platform and inside the train:

Tour Amtrak Auto Train 2012 - YouTube

My sumary is the ride on the AutoTrain is a Convience...not a comfort or luxury. You will be tired in the morning upon arrival at your destination and it does not matter if you reserve a seat or a roomette.

Problem with the roomettes are ...you go to dinner either 5 or 7pm. when you are done you return to your room and you find the upper and lower bunks all made up...no place to sit and you must lie down say at 6 30 (if you had the 5 dinner seating). When lying down as someone said its like getting a MRI there is not much clearance betwwen you and the upper bunk or ceiling.

With the reserverd seats, it may be somewhat better if you can spread out over 2 seats but the center between both seats is very hard. You will be tired upon arrival regardless..

Best part of the trip you did not have to drive 840plus miles or stay in a hotel. Each will have their own opinion as to the merits of the Autotrain...for me im a 50-50 person for it has its good and bad points.

Very well put. The Auto Train is not a perfect solution but it works and with the current price of gas, it's a good deal!