[Posh 08]

Originally Posted by skyguy79

Want a virtual view of what the Amtrak's AutoTrain is like? Just click the following link and it will take you to YouTube.com where you'll have your choice of several clips with both inside and outside views:

autotrain - YouTube.

TY, I see the old RF&P mentioned there. That was a sweet piece of line.

[Mama C]

what is the autotrain? how do you find information on it?

[Posh 08]

Originally Posted by beckychilton

what is the autotrain? how do you find information on it?

Amtrak - Reservations - Auto Train - Fare Finder

Explore around this site and there are a couple of review sites if you Google Auto Train.

[MLBellis]

Auto train IS the way to go!!! Now that the gas prices are up!! No pets like they said, but you can if it is a service dog...met people with them..... Food is great, if you are handicap, you can stay on the lower level (what we do) they bring your food to you....there are plugs if you you have an O2 unit.... bring your own blanket & pillow!

[skyguy79]

Originally Posted by MLBellis

Auto train IS the way to go!!! Now that the gas prices are up!! No pets like they said, but you can if it is a service dog...met people with them..... Food is great, if you are handicap, you can stay on the lower level (what we do) they bring your food to you....there are plugs if you you have an O2 unit.... bring your own blanket & pillow!

Just a couple of notes to add to or repeat from my earlier post. If you need a handicapped room, make sure to plan as far in advance as you can. You can reserve up to 11 months in advance. The handicapped room, and the family room are the smallest number of room types available on any train. The availability can run out early and you will also pay more for the room as less rooms become available.

When we came down and purchased in January '11, we had reservations for an H Room to return north in one month. We wanted to make a change so we could stay longer. When I went to make the change the agent had to search about 17 different dates before he could find an opening. Also be ready to pay in full if there's the availability you want. On more than one occasion I had checked for availability (on other Amtrak routes) and hung up with them to discuss it with my spouse, then called back 10 minutes later and yikes... the price went up presumably because a room of the same category got reserved during the 10 minutes. I guess I was lucky because it could have also been the last room available! So as I said, plan and reserve early when possible.

Also, you don't necessarily need to be in the handicapped room to have your meals brought to you. If you're in a non handicapped room but feel that moving about the train to get to the dinning car can be difficult for you, you do have the option of also requesting that the attendant take your meal order and bring it back to you. Keep in mind though that the attendants first priority if they get too many requests is the occupants of the handicapped room! All'board!!!

[PJOHNS2654]

Originally Posted by angel222

I'm thinking of taking the auto train north...looking for good and bad experiences to help me decide. I'd be heading for NY so I'd still have a drive ahead of me. I will be traveling with my small dog if it's allowed. Any help would be appreciated....thanks!

In the process of having my car shipped from TV to Mass. $650. good priced but a nightmare. It was to ship on Wed. was finally picked up last night.(Sat.) We are waiting in Mass. who knows when we will see it.

I Just booked auto train for next Oct from Lorton Va. to Sanford, fl. Less than $300. for one passenger and one over sized veh.

[looneycat]

It only took 19 hours to drive from NJ so we didn't consider it at all since it would take about 6 hours longer by train...with loading unloading and the drive to Va.

[joycenemetz]

The last time we were on Auto Train was December 2008 when we came to The Villages for our Lifestyle Preview. Our ride down was not fun- I had taken auto Train when I was a girl & loved it - I wanted to do it again! We had a sleeper car - it was a lot smaller than I remember! LOL! We were up all night - small room - very cramped. When it was time to leave The Villages and get back on the train, my husband informed me there was no way he was getting back on the train - we drove straight home to PA.

[PJOHNS2654]

Originally Posted by gryoung

We've taken at least six trips on the Auto Train. As you might expect fares vary considerably with both the time of the year and particularly how far in advance you book your trip. If at all possible you want to book your trip at least 60 to 90 days in advance. Today, fares in Sept and Oct are half of what they're selling for currently in May. Not sure about refunds but if your travel plans change, Amtrak will give you a credit on another trip.

Taking Auto Train from Lorton to Sanford a week from tomorrow. Can some one give me an estimate of the time it takes to get your car when you arrive in Sanford?>

[kfierle]

It can take up to 2 hours to get you car once in Sanford. There is no rhyme or reason as to when your personal car will be unloaded from the car carriers. I have been one of the first 20 cars unloaded a couple of times and been one of about the last 40 unloaded too. I, personally, have not waited longer than 35 minutes to get my car and waited less than 10 minutes too. I take the Auto Train at least once a year since I travel alone and it makes the long trip from Rochester, NY, much more pleasant for me.

[Single Track]

I took the autotrain roundtrip in May/June 2012 and again 9/17/12 and each time I waited around 30 minutes to get my car. It is so worth it for me since I'd be driving from the Philadelphia area to TV alone. This way I feel safe, I can take whatever I can fit in my car, I have my car when I get here, the ride is not scenic but it'll get dark early soon and you won't see anything anyway. The recliners are very comfortable, dinner is very good and breakfast is just enough in the morning to get you started. All in all a very positive experience for me.