[homeball]

Originally Posted by 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.

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]

Originally Posted by John_W

.....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!

Originally Posted by Villageshooter

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

The 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

[bjcatz]

Originally Posted by 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!

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]

Originally Posted by homeball

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]

Originally Posted by shcisamax

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!

[Single Track]

Originally Posted by shcisamax

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!