Taking the Amtrak auto train to Florida from the northeast is an option for traveling to the Sunshine State. But is it worth it? What are the pros and cons? Is it really cheaper to take the train? This post explores these questions and shares the author’s experience traveling on the Amtrak auto train from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida.
Table of Contents
Why take the Amtrak auto train to Florida?
The main reason travelers take the Amtrak auto train to Florida is because they prefer not to drive. We go back and forth from New York to Miami every once in a while and the driving can be exhausting. Traffic on the I-95 can be daunting and just sitting in a car for hours on end is exhausting. Friends had taken the auto train and recommended it. “Let’s check out the auto train,” we said. So we began our research and explored options on the auto train.
Auto train cost, tickets and reservations
I have to admit I had a bit of trouble nailing down the price of my ticket. I first identified what I thought was a pretty good price of $89 for coach. A coach seat is one which reclines a bit but not totally flat. You can doze on it but it will be like sleeping on a plane, not very restful. I thought the price seemed reasonable but when I plugged in the date on the Amtrak site, the price shot up. After trying several different dates, I did find a $89.00 coach fare but that was waaaaay in the future. The lesson here is, a good way to save money is to book as far in the future as possible. The $89.00 does not include the price of transporting the car which is an additional $200.00.
The prices for other accommodations also depends on how far in advance you book. The closer the date, the more expensive the fare, similar to what some airlines do.
You can buy your tickets online or at the station.
From a cost perspective, it is not necessarily cheaper to take the train, although it could be. There are many factors to consider. Will you go coach or sleeper accommodation? If you drive, will you linger and take a leisurely, several-day road trip from the northeast to Florida or try to make it in one non-stop drive?
For stark comparison purposes, we were two people in a “roomette” on the auto train. We paid $742.00 for 2 people to go from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida. That’s $542.00 plus $200.00 for the car. We also had a bicycle attached to the back of the car. We were originally coming from New York so we had to drive to Lorton to get on the train. That cost needs to be factored in if you are coming from somewhere other than Lorton. For this comparison, however, we’re just starting from Lorton.
Had we driven from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida, the cost for two people would have been about $350.00 including gas and tolls, one hotel night and food. That’s a $392.00 difference compared to the auto train. Of course there’s the wear and tear of the car and of the passengers. For us it was worth it for the experience but we wouldn’t do it every time we take that route.
Amtrak auto train route.
The train travels non-stop from Lorton, Virginia in the Washington DC area to the city of Sanford, in Central Florida just outside of Orlando, a major tourist destination since that is where Disney World is located. The return route is in the opposite direction, Sanford, FL to Lorton, VA.
How long does the journey take?
The trip takes 17 hours and 29 minutes. That’s just the travel time and does not include the time involved in loading the car into the train at the departure point or unloading it at the destination.
Cars begin loading at 11:30 and loading closes at 2:30. Once you get to the loading area you leave everything in your car except your valuables and a bag or two for what you will need on the train. Then you check-in in the waiting area and are given your ticket to board, dinner menu and dinner time. You wait in the waiting room until boarding. The train actually leaves at 4: pm.
On the other end, it takes another good chunk of time to unload all the cars. Once we arrived in Sanford, it took us an hour and a half before our car was unloaded.
As can be expected, the first cars to load will be the last to unload. For that reason, it makes sense to load your car closer to the loading deadline of 2:30. Just to be on the safe side, being on line at 1:30 to load your car, would mean you won’t have to wait so long to receive it on the other end.
Accommodations on the Amtrak auto train.
Amtrak provides several options for the Lorton, Virginal to Sanford, Florida route. The first is “coach.” This is the most economical option and doable for the almost 18 hour ride but you are still sitting all this time so, if you can afford it, upgrade.
The next option is basically two coach seats in a tiny compartment that pull out to form a bed. The shelf above it pulls down to create a bunk bed so there are two beds in this compartment euphemistically called a “roomette.” This is suitable for two people (two people who really like each other because it’s very small) or one person who wants to sleep in a bed vs a reclining seat. The bathroom is in the hall and shared with other passengers.
Another option is a “family room” suitable for 2 adults and 2 kids. It has private bathroom and shower.
The final option is a “bedroom” which is twice the size of a roomette with in-room bathroom, sink and shower. This is for people who want ample space.
It’s difficult to get a good photo of the compartments because they are so small. The dimensions of the roomette is 3’6″ X 6’6″. We chose the roomette and although yes, it’s cramped, we were fine for the length of the trip.
All sleeper accommodation options come with towels, linens, turndown service, meals, access to the lounge and dining car. There is free wi-fi throughout.
Our cabin attendant, Keith, was very pleasant asking when would be a good time for our turn-down service and answering general questions about the journey.
It is a pleasant ride to Florida as you sit by the window and see the marshes, rivers, farms and towns go by. This was certainly more pleasant than driving and constantly focusing on the road and traffic.
Auto train menu, dining car and lounge.
When you check in you are given a choice of different times to have dinner in the dining car. We chose 7PM. I wanted to check out the lounge so I went there and had a pre-dinner cocktail. The price was a reasonable $8.00. The lounge was inviting with good music – Motown -piped in.
At dinner the menu was certainly adequate with options of steak, fish, chicken, and pasta. All meals come with wine, non-alcoholic beverages and dessert. There is also a children’s menu. All meals are included in the price of a ticket if you choose a sleeper accommodation. If you chose coach, the meal must be paid for separately and you eat in your seat although we were told that in future, holders of coach tickets could eat in the dining car.
Breakfast was a “grab and go” affair of coffee, cereal, milk and juice with a little pound cake eaten in the lounge or at your seat. Again perfunctory and fit for purpose.
Tips for enjoying your Amtrak auto train journey,
- Bring your own pillow or blanket, the beds are a bit hard.
- Download movies and/or a book. Remember the journey is over 17 hours.
- Bring snacks. The meal selection is not large so you might want a snack after the food car closes.
- Bring comfy slip on shoes or flip flops to make bathroom runs.
- Needless to say, if you are in a roomette where the seats turn into bunk beds, the person who uses the bathroom the most at night should be in bottom bunk.
Arriving the night before
If you are arriving at Lorton from a different destination and don’t want to be rushed in order to make the loading time, you may want to consider spending the night in Lorton. There is plenty of accommodation in Lorton, Virginia. We stayed at the Lorton Holiday Inn Express which was 7 minutes away from the train station.
There are also tons of attractions in the area. We visited the old Lorton reformatory which has now be transformed into artist studios called The Workhouse Arts Center which you can visit to see the artists at work and performing. The complex also houses the Lucy Burns Suffragist Museum that tells the story of how women fought for the right to vote. The museum is very well curated and interesting. Behind the museum are the cells where the suffragists were imprisoned and tortured for demonstrating in front of the White House. The museum is free but the prison cells have a $5.00 entrance fee.
We visited attractions in the Lorton area because we didn’t want to travel too far from the Amtrak auto train station, but the area around Lorton is packed with things to do. Visit Fredericksburg, Virginia, an hour away if you love Civil War history. Washington DC is only 30 minutes away. DC is a city you could spend a lifetime in and not get bored.
If you ae going further south beyond central Florida to Miami with its trendy and eclectic Miami neighborhoods or South Beach, that’s an additional 3 and a half hours. Of course there are also tons of cool things to do in the national parks and cities near Miami and the beaches in the area.
What are YOUR thoughts on the Amtrak auto train to Florida? Have you been? Was it a good option for you? Let us know in the comments.
BTW, if you are getting ready for your trip, make sure to take advantage of these useful,money-saving linksto book your trip:
- Research andbook your flightwithSkyscanner. I have found them to be the best because they list all airlines including the budget ones. You are always sure of having researched all options. You can also book your car rental through Skycanner.
- Forcar rental in Europethat has flexible pickup and drop-off options, I recommendAuto Europe.
- Book your accommodationwithBooking.com. I find they have a wide selection and a nice, user-friendly, transparent website.
- Protect your tripand, more importantly, protect yourself with travel insurance. I useWorld Nomadsand have been very happy with them.
- Looking for asmall group tourto unforgettable destinations with top professionals?Intrepid Travel is your choice.
- For moregeneral toursto any destination or attraction,book withViator. Check them out.
- Need a visa?Get your visafor all countries withiVisa.
I personally use, and can recommend, all the companies listed here and elsewhere on my blog. By booking through these sites, the small commission we earn – at no cost to you – helps us maintain this site so we can continue to offer our readers valuable travel tips and advice.
FAQs
What do you need to bring to Amtrak? ›
Valid Photo ID Required
Purchasing documents with a stored eVoucher or Transportation Credit. Traveling as a Pass Rider (active or retired) Storing baggage at stations. Checking baggage (including firearms)
If you're traveling by train and a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent asks to search your bags, you have the right to refuse.
How does Amtrak Auto Train work? ›Simply pack your car with everything you need for your trip between Lorton, Virginia (near Washington DC) and Sanford, Florida (near Orlando) and leave the driving behind. Once you're onboard you can break out the cards, enjoy a meal and binge-watch your favorite series.
Can you bring food and water on Amtrak? ›You may bring your own food and beverages onboard for consumption at your seat or private Sleeping Car accommodations. However, you can only consume food and beverages purchased in Dining and Lounge Cars in those cars. Personal food and beverages are allowed in the upper level of Superliner Sightseer Lounges.
Can you use your cell phone on Amtrak? ›A great way to travel and really get to see the country, while it is fun, there are some Amtrak travel tips to be aware of. Two common questions asked are can you bring food on Amtrak and can you talk on the phone on Amtrak. Yes and yes!
How long does it take to unload cars from Auto Train? ›Waits of more than 2 hours sometimes occur, but are relatively rare. The first autos usually start coming off the carriers about 20 min. after you get off the train. If it takes 2 hours to get them all off, the median time is a little over an hour.
How early should I arrive for the Amtrak Auto Train? ›Arriving at the Station
Plan to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart (Auto Train passengers should arrive at the station at least two hours prior to departure).
There are some things you need to know when riding the rails, where the rules are a little different from air travel. Amtrak advises passengers to arrive at the station 45 minutes before departure. Unlike commercial air travel, rail passengers do not undergo intensive security screenings.
Does a purse count as a carry-on Amtrak? ›personal items do not count toward the carry-on baggage limit. Each passenger on board the train; each item should not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) and 28 x 22 x 14 inches.
What should I wear on Amtrak? ›Wear Comfortable Clothing
For the most enjoyable experience, especially during a long-distance journey, you'll want to wear clothing that is super comfortable, along with warm socks. Oftentimes, the train cars can get cold, even if you're not seated by the doors that connect the cars together.
What are coach seats like on Auto Train? ›
Coach class is offered on every Amtrak train and features wide, reclining seats with ample legroom, no middle seat option and at-seat trays, reading lights and electric outlets. Restrooms are located in each car. Amtrak Guest Rewards customers traveling in Coach earn 2 points per dollar spent.
How many cars fit on the Amtrak Auto Train? ›At maximum capacity, the Auto Train holds 330 vehicles, so if you're pressed for time, you'll want to seriously consider the $65 fee or arriving very early for departure.
What can you not bring on a train? ›The following items are prohibited onboard the train: non-service animals, firearms and ammunition, hover boards, corrosive or dangerous chemicals and materials, incendiaries, martial arts and self-defense items, archery equipment, devices containing propellants, sharp objects, and similar items.
Does Amtrak search your bags? ›They've targeted carry-on baggage such as backpacks as well as typical checked baggage items. Passengers tell stories of being awakened on a stop and being searched right there at their seats.
Is the food good on Amtrak? ›Don't expect Michelin star quality; this is a moving train, after all. But the meals and service are miles (of train tracks) past what you're used to eating on airplanes or in food courts. Amtrak's signature dishes like its thick-cut Texas French toast and 8 oz. flat iron steak never miss the mark.
Are there phone chargers on Amtrak? ›There are two outlets at every seat pair. It's located near the window. Aisle seat lovers, if you need some juice for your device, kindly tell your seatmate before you reach over to use it. Also, don't be that person that hogs both outlets.
How many bags can you take on an Amtrak? ›Each traveler can check up to 4 bags (2 free and 2 at $20 per bag). Size/weight limitations apply.
What do you do with your luggage on Amtrak? ›At the baggage car, hand your luggage to the Amtrak crew member and you'll receive a claim check to retrieve your luggage at the destination station.
How does Amtrak boarding work? ›1) How do you board a train? In general, once one knows on which track a train will arrive, one goes to the adjacent platform and waits. When the train arrives, the doors will open and people who need to disembark will get off. Then you go through the open door and hop on the train.
How early should I get to the train station? ›As a general rule, it's a good idea to arrive 20-30 minutes before your train's scheduled departure time so you can get familiar with the station, find the information monitors as well as find your platform without being in a rush.
Is there WiFi on Amtrak? ›
To ensure you stay connected while traveling, we offer free basic WiFi service in select trains and stations throughout the country. Stay productive, or simply sit back and have some fun while en route to your destination.
Are there TVs on Amtrak trains? ›In short, only the Viewliner Sleeper cars – private rooms that are only available on some trains – have a TV. The screen is very tiny, and it is not connected to any kind of cable or satellite service. Instead, Amtrak preloads these TVs with a small selection of three or four movies from which you can choose.
Can I sleep in my car on the Auto Train? ›On the Auto Train you can sleep in coach class seats or in a sleeper car, but Auto Train passengers cannot sleep in their car while on the train. Vehicles are put in a special car which cannot be accessed by passengers during the trip. The best way to sleep on the Auto Train is to get a roomette or bedroom.
How do they load cars onto the Auto Train? ›Vehicles are loaded onto and off of auto racks by portable ramps, which allow vehicles to be driven onto or off the rail car. Keeping safety in mind, cars are loaded at a very slow speed to ensure they remain damage free.
What time does the Auto Train arrive in Florida? ›The train arrives at about 9:00 a.m. Shortly after arrival, you'll head into the station to claim your car. This can be an extremely long process – like an hour or two. Yep, more waiting. That is if you haven't purchased priority unloading, which I'll discuss more below.
How long is Auto Train to Florida? ›The nonstop trip takes just over 17 hours, slightly longer than the time it would take to drive the 850 miles without stopping (and without traffic). The train departs daily.
Are there bathrooms on Amtrak trains? ›If you want to get up and stretch your legs, there's plenty of room to walk around, with restrooms conveniently located in every car. On shorter train journeys, Amtrak's Coach Class seats provide a comfortable place to relax and enjoy the view.
Does Amtrak XRAY your bags? ›No metal detectors, x ray machines, or the like with Amtrak. You can come and go at Chicago or any other Amtrak station as you please. None of the TSA activity you see at airports. As for baggage, once you hand your bags to the agent, you do not have to handle them until you reach Kansas City.
Does Amtrak make you go through a metal detector? ›Unlike airlines, passengers who travel by rail don't have to go through metal detectors before they board. News 4 Tucson wanted to find out why.
What kind of security checks does Amtrak have? ›Amtrak protects rail infrastructure with traditional solutions such as high security fencing, lighting, access control and video surveillance systems, it is also exploring and evaluating emerging technologies to improve security levels.
How many bags are free on Amtrak? ›
You + Two Bags = No Extra Charge
Unlike many transportation options, traveling with Amtrak is twice as nice with our generous baggage policy. When you travel with us, you can carry-on two free pieces of luggage. Each item should not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) and needs to be 28 x 22 x 14 inches in size.
Luggage should be stored in the overhead luggage racks, under the seats and in the luggage compartments throughout the train. On some longer distance trains, it may be possible to store luggage in a separate area of the train.
Can I bring full size shampoo on Amtrak? ›Toiletries - No need to deal with tiny 3-ounce containers when you pack your luggage for Amtrak - feel free to bring along your full-sized products if you have space.
What clothes will you carry If you will travel by a train? ›- Plastic slippers or thongs. If you're on a long train trip, you're going to need a pair of shoes you can easily slip on to wear in common areas and to the bathroom. ...
- Light cardigan or cotton scarf (summer) ...
- Warm socks and a comfortable sweater you can sleep in (winter)
- Whole or dried fruit.
- Freeze-dried vegetables.
- Nuts (pre-portioned into snack-size bags).
- Nut butters (travel packs are great for planes).
- Whole-grain pretzels, crackers and bread sticks.
- Trail mix.
- Snack bars.
Meals in the dining car on Amtrak are included for sleeper car passengers. You are provided with breakfast lunch and dinner, whichever apply to your journey as well as water, soft drinks, juice and coffee. Other meal and snack options are available in the cafe, prices range from $3 to about $10 per meal.
How do you prepare for a train? ›- ARRIVE EARLY. ...
- CHECK EXCESS BAGGAGE. ...
- BE COMFY. ...
- MOVE AROUND AND EXPLORE. ...
- GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP. ...
- KEEP YOUR CAMERA HANDY. ...
- BRING SNACKS. ...
- UNPLUG (BUT BRING A CHARGER)
The best place to sit in Amtrak Coach Class is on the upper level. It's all about the view on the upper level. This is the biggest advantage of sitting in the upper level. You can also move from car to car more freely as there is access from each car on the upper level.
Is the Auto Train comfortable? ›Amtrak seats are much larger and more comfortable than those in airliners or motor coaches (intercity buses), and they recline comfortably with full leg rests somewhat like home reclining chairs.
How do I know if my Amtrak train is full? ›When you book through the Amtrak site or mobile app, you can see a percentage-based look at how full the train is at the moment. That percentage is based on the already reduced capacity Amtrak sells.
What can I bring on Amtrak Auto Train? ›
...
Special Vehicles
- Small trailers, limousines, jet-skis, trikes and choppers may be accepted.
- Can-Am motorcycles, Rewaco trikes and Polaris Slingshots are not permitted.
- An additional fee may apply for special vehicles.
It normally takes one hour to unload all vehicles from a full train.
Do I have to travel with my car on Auto Train? ›Simply pack your car with everything you need for your trip between Lorton, Virginia (near Washington D.C.), and Sanford, Florida (near Orlando) and leave the driving behind. Once you're onboard you can break out the cards, enjoy a meal and binge-watch your favorite series.
Can I bring my own food on VIA Rail? ›You can bring your own food on the train (as meals are not included in Economy class), however there are also snacks, meals, and beverages available to purchase on board with cash or credit. If you're travelling with kids, ask an agent on board for the kids activity book.
What if my bag is too big on Amtrak? ›Checked Baggage
Again, the bags can't be heavier than 50 pounds or greater than 75 total inches (length + width + height). Oversized baggage (that means anything from 76 to 100 linear inches) is also $20 extra each. Amtrak requires that checked baggage be checked 45 minutes prior to departure.
There are some things you need to know when riding the rails, where the rules are a little different from air travel. Amtrak advises passengers to arrive at the station 45 minutes before departure. Unlike commercial air travel, rail passengers do not undergo intensive security screenings.
Can you bring your own beer on Amtrak? ›We serve alcoholic beverages onboard trains in most Dining, Lounge, and Café Cars. You may bring aboard your own private stock of alcoholic beverages subject to the following limitations: You may consume private stock alcoholic beverages only in Sleeping Car accommodations for which you have a valid ticket.
How much do you tip Amtrak? ›General Guidelines: Tipping is NOT required, but is considered correct for the service crew personnel on the train. Recommendations: Snack bar attendant: roughly 10%. Dining car: 15% of menu prices (sleeping car passengers may want to note this when ordering their meals).
How much is a hamburger on Amtrak? ›For anybody who's ever boarded a train hungry and been forced to cough up the better part of $20 for a burger and a beer, it's terribly frustrating to learn that that sad $9.50 hamburger actually costs taxpayers more than $16. The main reasons government auditors found for that: Theft, waste, and bad oversight.
Does Amtrak have drinking water? ›Just be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and you'll be sure to have a great time! Because Amtrak does not keep drinks in its refrigerators, you must bring your drink with you. Most Amtrak routes have a cafe where passengers can eat, snack, and buy a variety of beverages.
What can you not bring on a train? ›
The following items are prohibited onboard the train: non-service animals, firearms and ammunition, hover boards, corrosive or dangerous chemicals and materials, incendiaries, martial arts and self-defense items, archery equipment, devices containing propellants, sharp objects, and similar items.
Does Amtrak check your bags? ›Each traveler can check up to 4 bags (2 free and 2 at $20 per bag). Size/weight limitations apply.
Does a backpack count as a personal item Amtrak? ›Each passenger may bring onboard two pieces of carry-on luggage (this includes bicycles), plus two personal items, including small bags, backpacks, laptops, and purses.
How strict is Amtrak baggage policy? ›You + Two Bags = No Extra Charge
Unlike many transportation options, traveling with Amtrak is twice as nice with our generous baggage policy. When you travel with us, you can carry-on two free pieces of luggage. Each item should not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) and needs to be 28 x 22 x 14 inches in size.
There are some things you need to know when riding the rails, where the rules are a little different from air travel. Amtrak advises passengers to arrive at the station 45 minutes before departure. Unlike commercial air travel, rail passengers do not undergo intensive security screenings.
Where do you put your luggage on an Amtrak train? ›Carry-on and personal items must be kept with you, stored in overhead racks, under seats or designated baggage areas.
Where do you put your luggage on the train? ›Carry-on baggage must be stowed either overhead or under the seat in front of you (standard Amtrak trains usually have rather large overhead areas for storing luggage).
Does Amtrak XRAY your bags? ›No metal detectors, x ray machines, or the like with Amtrak. You can come and go at Chicago or any other Amtrak station as you please. None of the TSA activity you see at airports. As for baggage, once you hand your bags to the agent, you do not have to handle them until you reach Kansas City.
Does Amtrak have assigned seating? ›Your seat will be automatically assigned when you complete your reservation. You may change your assigned seat and choose a different seat at any time after your booking is complete by viewing your reservation in the Amtrak app or on Amtrak.com. There is no fee to change your seat.
Is shampoo allowed on Amtrak? ›Just like a hotel, Amtrak provides shampoo, soap and bottled water in all rooms.
Is there WiFi on Amtrak? ›
To ensure you stay connected while traveling, we offer free basic WiFi service in select trains and stations throughout the country. Stay productive, or simply sit back and have some fun while en route to your destination.
Can you carry alcohol on Amtrak? ›We serve alcoholic beverages onboard trains in most Dining, Lounge, and Café Cars. You may bring aboard your own private stock of alcoholic beverages subject to the following limitations: You may consume private stock alcoholic beverages only in Sleeping Car accommodations for which you have a valid ticket.
Does Amtrak weigh your carry-on? ›If you carry the bags on, they do not weigh them or size them at all! I'm always a little surprised they don't at least guess the weight of carry on bags...at least in the sleeper car the attendant has to move and place the bag, so if the 50 lb weight limit is to save the backs of the Amtrak workers...
Does Amtrak provide pillows and blankets? ›A soft, generously sized 48” x 60” fleece travel blanket tucked in a soft zipper pouch that doubles as a pillow cover for the included inflatable comfort neck pillow.
What is considered a carry-on bag? ›Your carry-on bag should fit in the overhead bin. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches (22 centimeters x 35 centimeters x 56 centimeters). This includes handles and wheels.