All about the Autotrain

[Jennifer S]

I just went on-line to check rates and my train is sold out so I couldnt check.

So how crowded does that make the train? Like every seat filled?

one week to go

 

[DJFan88]

I just went on-line to check rates and my train is sold out so I couldnt check.

So how crowded does that make the train? Like every seat filled?

one week to go

I just checked mine too and we are leaving on Sunday -- it is sold out. Also I noticed the prices for the return trip are almost double for what I'm paying for both fare and vehicle. So, I think the tip on checking for savings may work best when you are alot further out.

 

[denise5374]

Its probably just luck.....the trip I posted about saving money on is in 3 weeks, Sanford to Lorton on 8/25/12.

 

[DJFan88]

Its probably just luck.....the trip I posted about saving money on is in 3 weeks, Sanford to Lorton on 8/25/12.

Yeah, that and I think I booked at a good time. I had kept checking and I got in on a deal I think. There's definetly a "right" time to book. When I did book, I could've actually booked the week before for about 30 dollars cheaper. So, then I knew I better do it then because it seemed to be going up. That was back in I believe February.

 

[Jennifer S]

Its probably just luck.....the trip I posted about saving money on is in 3 weeks, Sanford to Lorton on 8/25/12.

I am coming home on the 25th train - from Sanford to Lorton.

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

A sold out train may have some available seats left but no vehicle spaces. The last few summers the auto train has been sold out.

We r leaving on the 14th and returning on the 23.

The 14th train already has over 400 passengers on board.

 

[labdogs42]

Does anyone recommend buying the insurance from Amtrak for your Auto train trip? I haven't gotten it before, but a friend asked me and I hadn't really considered it. Thoughts?

 

[Marshay]

Does anyone recommend buying the insurance from Amtrak for your Auto train trip? I haven't gotten it before, but a friend asked me and I hadn't really considered it. Thoughts?

Depends on your feelings about insurance. We do not buy travel insurance bc the odds of Amtrak canceling are just not that great. Yes it happens if extreme bad weather, but not worth the cost, IMHO.

But we also didnt buy refundable tickets when we flew, either. At least with AT you can actually cancel after booking if your plans change, subject to rules and some fees.

 

[Marshay]

AMTRAK NEW CANCELLATION POLICY!!!

A new refund and exchange policy will be in effect starting August 12, 2012. The key changes include:

Passenger travel in a reservation is grouped into “logical trips.” Refunds will be applied to a logical trip - a grouping of continuous travel. Example: A booking Wilmington - Washington - Chicago - Seattle with same-day connections is one logical trip.

Refund fee is 10 percent of logical trip with a $5 minimum, $100 maximum.

Refund rules are governed by the following types of travel, in the following order:

Sleeping Car Reservations: Refundable if the reservation is canceled at least 15 days prior to travel; refund fee applies.
First Class & non-Acela Business Class: Refundable; no refund fee applies if the reservation is canceled prior to scheduled departure.
Reserved Coach & Acela Express Business Class: Refundable; no refund fee applies if the reservation is canceled at least 24 hours prior to scheduled departure.
Unreserved Rail Fare: Refundable; refund fee applies.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


So for sleeping cars the cancel date is now 15 days, used to be 7 days, and you'll get charged a fee now of 10%, max $100.

 

[Mary Anne]

Could someone tell me what is the earliest you can check in the car and what time you can actually start to board the train yourself at the Va. station. Thank you.

 

[DJFan88]

Could someone tell me what is the earliest you can check in the car and what time you can actually start to board the train yourself at the Va. station. Thank you.

Looks like the earliest you can check in the car is 11:30. Don't know when the people start.

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

Boarding starts about 215-230. They board those that need assistance first than the rest of the passengers. If everyone is checked in and boarded they will depart early. Lately the AT has been leaving at 345 pm.

 

[chartle]

Looks like the earliest you can check in the car is 11:30. Don't know when the people start.

Around 2:30 to 3:00 I think 3 is latest you can check a car (earlier if oversize)

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

2pm is the latest for oversize vehicles

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

The 14th southbound train has just about 500 passengers. Big jump from a few days ago.

 

[Christymarie222]

How do you find out how many passengers are on the train...sorry if this has been posted already...I read through the posts quite a while ago! We will be leaving in a few days on the autotrain...we have a roomette, so it doesn't really matter much, I am just curious

 

[chartle]

How do you find out how many passengers are on the train...sorry if this has been posted already...I read through the posts quite a while ago! We will be leaving in a few days on the autotrain...we have a roomette, so it doesn't really matter much, I am just curious

We had an announcement or you can just ask your car attendant.

You will will get a little orientation once on the train and you can ask then.

 

[mikat]

The 14th southbound train has just about 500 passengers. Big jump from a few days ago.

Wow, that's a lot! What time do you think I should get there to assure the 5:00 or 7:00 dinner? Since I'm local, I can get there early. We've decided to not go to Potomac Yards on Tuesday, but just head to a local restaurant after checking in and then come back with the car closer to 1:30 (we have a minivan, so we're oversized).

Also, could you PM me your cell and I'll try to call you in the station so we can say hi? Jen S, are you interested in meeting up as well?

 

[Christymarie222]

We had an announcement or you can just ask your car attendant.

You will will get a little orientation once on the train and you can ask then.

Thank you!

 

[mykidslovesdisney]

DH works for Amtrak and can check passenger load. As previously posted they will make an announcement for # of vehicles and passengers.