All about the Autotrain

[MaxsDad]

Taking the train for the first time next week. I got a lot of helpful hints from this thread so thanks for that. We are traveling with a 2.5 year old so it is important for us to get the early dinner seating since she usually eats around 5.

I only live about 15 minutes from the train station so my original plan was to go down and check in early when they first open, then come back and get my family, that way my daughter isn't hanging around the station longer than she needs to be. I realized the other day though this may not work because I am not sure if everyone needs to be with me or not. Any thoughts or experiences on if I can go early by myself and check in?

 

[Henlady]

Taking the train for the first time next week. I got a lot of helpful hints from this thread so thanks for that. We are traveling with a 2.5 year old so it is important for us to get the early dinner seating since she usually eats around 5.

I only live about 15 minutes from the train station so my original plan was to go down and check in early when they first open, then come back and get my family, that way my daughter isn't hanging around the station longer than she needs to be. I realized the other day though this may not work because I am not sure if everyone needs to be with me or not. Any thoughts or experiences on if I can go early by myself and check in?

I believe all adults need to be there at check in with their ID's. You all could go check in at 11:00/11:30am, then go back home till about 2 then head on over to the station to drop off the car. Just remember you MUST be there before 3:00 in order to hand off you vehicle. I believe that after 3, they can refuse you boarding.

 

[BeastsFlower]

We were told to be there at 2.

 

[MaxsDad]

I believe all adults need to be there at check in with their ID's. You all could go check in at 11:00/11:30am, then go back home till about 2 then head on over to the station to drop off the car. Just remember you MUST be there before 3:00 in order to hand off you vehicle. I believe that after 3, they can refuse you boarding.

My wife was going to work half a day then pick up our daughter on the way home, I figured I could get there early and check us in, but then I remembered the ID thing and realized that might not work. Wasn't planning on returning later than 2. Might have to call AMTRAK on this one.

Although, if she is still furloughed it may not matter.

Thanks.

 

[BeastsFlower]

Do the kids need to show passports or any ID?

 

[vacationer1954]

There was what appeared to be a "newer" lounge car on that train. It had larger windows that went from about a foot above the floor to the upper curve of the car.

I was told that occasionally that kind of lounge car is used when the regular lounge car is being serviced. That kind of lounge car is usually used on the cross-country routes. I was told that we shouldn't expect to see it on the Auto Train often.

 

[bdcp]

I was told that occasionally that kind of lounge car is used when the regular lounge car is being serviced. That kind of lounge car is usually used on the cross-country routes. I was told that we shouldn't expect to see it on the Auto Train often.

Yeah, every once in a while someone posts info or pic about that observation/lounge car. I've never seen one on the AT. It's pretty random. It doesn't make much sense for it to be the norm on the AT as it travels mostly in the dark, so not that much to see.

 

[Marshay]

Oh, that skylight windowed lounge car is great!! We took AT last July and also in Jan this year and had it both times. So beautiful with all the light and extra seating room! In Jan we didn't see too much since it gets dark early but in July it was great, esp when going over water and through towns.

 

[BeastsFlower]

Are there locks on the bedroom doors? And is there wifi? Thanks. We leave Friday!!!

 

[Marshay]

Are there locks on the bedroom doors? And is there wifi? Thanks. We leave Friday!!!

Internal locks only for when you are inside the room. When you leave the room, it is unlocked. Never leave valuables in unattended room ... however, in general, people will leave stuff alone. We've gone many time and never had an issue.

Wifi in stations only...not while moving on the train.

Good luck and report back!

 

[chartle]

1. Are there locks on the bedroom doors?

2. And is there wifi? Thanks. We leave Friday!!!

1. only from the inside

2. No

 

[bdcp]

Internal locks only for when you are inside the room. When you leave the room, it is unlocked. Never leave valuables in unattended room ... however, in general, people will leave stuff alone. We've gone many time and never had an issue.

Wifi in stations only...not while moving on the train.

Good luck and report back!

I thought it had been reported that there is wifi in the lounge for part of the trip, like until evening sometime. I wish they'd add it like the NE corridor has. It's not perfect, but it's nice to have. We go to NYC about once per year, either on Acela or the Regional and use the wifi, although it does tend to drop off in tunnels.

I like having the lock, if for nothing else, it keeps the door shut when the train is moving.

We carry all real valuables (passports, jewelry, cameras, cell phones, cash). I keep them with me at all times. As for laptops and other larger items, we leave them either out of sight or locked up in a larger bag. We have never had anything stolen in either coach or sleeper. It's safe to leave pillows, blankets, books, magazines, etc on the seats. Just be smart and don't give someone the opportunity.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

We did the Auto Train in September and there is Wifi in the lounge car, but it can be sporadic in the areas where cell towers are infrequent as it works by cellphone connection. We went south the end of August and returned September 14th. The were early by an hour or more both times.

 

[chartle]

We did the Auto Train in September and there is Wifi in the lounge car, but it can be sporadic in the areas where cell towers are infrequent as it works by cellphone connection. We went south the end of August and returned September 14th. The were early by an hour or more both times.

I'm surprised this hasn't been posted before. I just read that it's been there since April.

 

[Marshay]

I'm surprised this hasn't been posted before. I just read that it's been there since April.

Awesome! I never heard anything on this!!

We last went in Jan and they didn't have it.

Going again on Thanksgiving day!

 

[CynJ]

How is Verizon cell phone coverage on the Autotrain?

 

[bdcp]

How is Verizon cell phone coverage on the Autotrain?

Very good in almost all areas, but there are random "dead" zones along the route just like there would be if you were driving. There are very rural spots along the way. I use my phone's gps to see where we are.

 

[kiki02]

Very good in almost all areas, but there are random "dead" zones along the route just like there would be if you were driving. There are very rural spots along the way. I use my phone's gps to see where we are.

JUST GOT OFF. It was pretty great. A bit expensive and could have been a bit cleaner.... imho.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

Very good in almost all areas, but there are random "dead" zones along the route just like there would be if you were driving. There are very rural spots along the way. I use my phone's gps to see where we are.

Agreed, I have a Verizon Note II and was able to use internet almost the entire time I was awake. There are a few spots in the middle of nowhere where coverage drops for a little.

 

[Marshay]

JUST GOT OFF. It was pretty great. A bit expensive and could have been a bit cleaner.... imho.

Glad you had a good time.

Booking at 11 months out and then checking periodically prior to your trip are the only ways to find the cheapest rates. But I agree, it isn't cheap, even at 11 months out.

I put a higher value on things like having bathrooms close by (with kids this is a must), just being able to drink some wine and relax, stretch out and of course, not worrying about the traffic and weather. So when we think of it that way, we keep going back.

Anything special foodwise? What was the movie?