All about the Autotrain

[jajomo0118]

No, you're not a lunatic. You will however be put into a car with other families with small children. Since you booked them all together it's entirely likely your parents will be in the same car with you. Normally they put people without small children in other cars (usually one for snowbirds, another for singles, couples with older children and couples without). I hope they like other small children. My DH and I travel without our grown children now and enjoy the train. When we walk through the family train on our way to eat dinner or whatever in the evening, there is usually a lot of activity, but the next morning, it's pretty quiet since the kids are usually still asleep. We just recently booked the end of Oct til Mid Nov for a cruise and WDW. We are going coach again and we got a great price ($689 rt with an SUV). That's the best price we've had.

Any idea what they consider "older" kids? TIA for any help

 

[PEANUT1]

do they ever have kids ride free in the winter? we are doing a trip January 3rd and are considering the train...if the kids are free, its a done deal. thanks.

 

[dalspot]

"Kids" ages range from 2-15.

There are not as many specials on the autotrain as there are on others.

Frommer's usually has a page with some codes - start here http://www.frommers.com/articles/4952.html and then do a search on their site.

 

[tinker-belle]

do they ever have kids ride free in the winter? we are doing a trip January 3rd and are considering the train...if the kids are free, its a done deal. thanks.

I've taken the auto train four out of the last five januaries and never saw a 'kids ride free' code.
BUT depending on how you travel- kids are pretty cheap. We always took coach, and have a regular car (mini vans & SUVs are more expensive). We booked about 6 months out (earlier you book the cheaper it is, and if you have them hold it at the 'will call window' til you get there it's 100% refundable until the day before departure.
We traveled with our car, 2 adults & 2 kids for about 800 in total round trip. The car was 300sh of it. Kids are half price of adults, and each child cost us about 80.00 at most for the round trip.
(Kids under two ride free).

 

[NOVATraveler]

Just returned yesterday on AutoTrain. It was my second trip. I love it. People are all very nice, very friendly, service great, dinner is very good. I'm booked to go again in October. I wish they'd find a better way to deliver autos on arrival. But, that's the ONLY small complaint I have.

 

[christinou]

if you have them hold it at the 'will call window' til you get there it's 100% refundable until the day before departure.
(Kids under two ride free).

Do you have to go inside to pick your tickets, or can you have your car checked in before you get your ticket, we have never done the will call window, and I have always had the tickets ahead of time, we go presidents week every year, when there is a always a huge line to check in the cars and I don't want to wait in line twice if I don't have to.

 

[bdcp]

Any idea what they consider "older" kids? TIA for any help

I think it's like 12 and older, but you'd have to ask Amtrak. We had a couple of families in our car with older kids, and I don't remember seeing anyone under around 10-12, but I'm not sure on the ages.

 

[maybegoofy]

christinou you get your tickets at the car booth when you first pull into the drive way. when they give you your vechile id number for the side of your car,then you pull up get your stuff out of your car they load it onto the train and you go in the the station and check in

 

[dalstitch45]

I have never done the AT, and am considering trying it in November. I have heard a lot of good things, and a lot of bad things. I am getting frustrated reading all the pages of this discussion. I thought I would ask the experts for some advice.

The drive for me to Lorton is about 3 1/2 to 4 hours from Jersey. I never considered the AT since before DS worked for the airlines. However, with all the cuts and such, things are tenuous to say the least.

I am not looking forward to the extra time the train will take. However, I would like to take my own vehicle, and pack the way I want to. The cost of rental cars is going up, up, up. My question on this section is: Does your vehicle get damaged in any way? I have heard stories about this one.

Also, can I book the AT one-way? It has been years since I have driven past SC, let alone FL. I checked the current gas prices, and it is right around the cost of a RT ticket and rental car combined. The only consideration is all those hours of driving. Of course, I keep thinking about all the extra stuff I can take and bring back.

My biggest dilemmas are the cost effectiveness of the AT for two (2), or possibly one (1) person, and will the vehicle be safe from damage. Help please!

 

[dalspot]

I have heard of damage to your car if they happen to tie it down too tight, but I don't think it's a common thing. They video tape your car when you pull in and would compare that to any damage (visible) that you would claim happened enroute. Your car is shipped on the very same railcars that new cars are shipped in via rail.

Yes, you can book one way. Car will run you probably more than the cost of the human fare, especially if you have a large SUV.

Don't expect to get a lot of quality sleep in coach. We could drive down for less, even figuring in gas, hotel nights and food. But for us, the wonderful ride on the train is worth the extra $200 or so it would cost us.

Be advised the train can and often DOES run late - sometimes as much as 6 hours, so don't plan much for your arrival day. If you wait to get your tickets when you check in, if some unforseen event causes you to cancel, you will get your money back. It's never cost us any time delay to do a pickup at the station the day of travel.

We've met some nice folks on the trips and the food is great!! It's nice to be able to get up and wander around and to have your own car already packed at the end of the drive. Much more relaxing if you ask me.

You just need to compare costs and decide what is the best option for your group. AAA will get you a good discount on the fares. And if you book as soon as the dates are available, the price is less. The longer you wait to book, the more the price increases.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I have never done the AT, and am considering trying it in November. I have heard a lot of good things, and a lot of bad things. I am getting frustrated reading all the pages of this discussion. I thought I would ask the experts for some advice.

The drive for me to Lorton is about 3 1/2 to 4 hours from Jersey. I never considered the AT since before DS worked for the airlines. However, with all the cuts and such, things are tenuous to say the least.

I am not looking forward to the extra time the train will take. However, I would like to take my own vehicle, and pack the way I want to. The cost of rental cars is going up, up, up. My question on this section is: Does your vehicle get damaged in any way? I have heard stories about this one.

Also, can I book the AT one-way? It has been years since I have driven past SC, let alone FL. I checked the current gas prices, and it is right around the cost of a RT ticket and rental car combined. The only consideration is all those hours of driving. Of course, I keep thinking about all the extra stuff I can take and bring back.

My biggest dilemmas are the cost effectiveness of the AT for two (2), or possibly one (1) person, and will the vehicle be safe from damage. Help please!

Well, I am one of the rare unfortunate ones who did have my car damaged on the train. Back in January 2003 after a great Disney trip, I was taking the train home to NJ. When I got the car off in Lorton and headed out to I95, I kept hearing this thumping noise coming from the front of the car. I stopped at a gas station and looked, but didn't see any problem. So I drove home to NJ with the constant thumping noise, knowing something isn't right!

I got the car to the dealer a couple of days later, and they said I had a broken ball bearing on one of my front wheels. They said it was from being tied too tight on the train. It was about $350 to fix. Sigh. I know the car had no problems before the train, since I had new tires put on 2 weeks before my trip and everything was in good shape. The car was a 9 year old Honda Accord, so no spring chicken, but a decent reliable car.

I wrote & called Amtrak and did what they told me, which involved sending the estimate and some calls. To my happiness, Amtrak paid the whole bill! I was so pleased. The car was fixed, and I took it again on the train many times after that, with no problems whatsoever. I still have the car and never had any other problems with broken ball bearings (which is why I know it was from the train). Long story short, Amtrak took great care of fixing the car and I been a loyal happy customer for 25 plus trips.

So damage is VERY rare to a car, as I think I am the only one on the DIS to ever report a problem. But I don't worry too much about damage anymore - if it happens, it happens, we deal. I love the train and am booked for October - can't wait!

 

[dalstitch45]

Thanks guys for all the info. This seems like a viable option. I will be checking with AAA tomorrow.

 

[suzieqmomof4]

We board the Autotrain on Friday. This will be our first trip onn the train, Kids are excited, my DW is nervous, I look at it as an adventure. I will let you all know when we get back.

 

[JSweetman]

I hope they don't cancel on you. Amtrak canceled my train today and can't get s on anything again until Monday.

 

[Henlady]

When Wilma hit a couple of years ago, they cancelled the Friday deparature of the southern bound trip on the Auto train. They called us the day before we were to leave. We were going on a Disney cruise and couldn't wait till Saturday to leave, which was the soonest they could get us back on the AutoTrain so we just drove to Florida. Not the trip we had planned, but it worked out. They did reimburse us the cost of the southbound trip in about 2 weeks. Also, Wilma never hit Florida till Monday, so there was no hurricane for the AutoTrain to avoid on the Friday/Saturday that they cancelled.

 

[wall*e2008]

Does the auto train provide pillows and blankets to the coach passengers?

I am guessing that there is a rack above the seats to store backpacks etc. Am I correct?

At what time do they turn off the main lights and you would need to switch to the overhead light?

DH told me they have an electronic device you can rent that plays video games, shows movies etc. It is instead of bringing your portable DVD player, DS-lite etc. Has anybody done this? What was the cost? What is worth it?

Are there outlets to run a DVD player or does it need to run on batteries?

TIA

 

[Henlady]

There are VERY small pillows and a small throw type blanket available for your use on the Auto Train. We always take our own pillow and light weight blanket. Also a sheet to spread over the seat in coach for sleeping.

As of last fall, they no longer have the "DigE Player" for rent. You will need to bring your own if you want that type of entertainmnet. In the past, there were only a couple of seats in each car that had electrical outlets. I recently read on these boards that this may have changed. Evidently, some cars have outlets at each seat. Hopefully someone who has traveled recently can confirm this. If you do take your DVD player, i'd make sure your battery is charged just in case the outlet is not available. If there is an outlet nearby that someone isn't using, they may be willing to let you use it.

If I recall correctly, they turn off the main overhead lights at around 10/10:30.
There are still low level lights on to assist those who may be walking thru the coaches.

There is a "rack" for your belongings over the seats that runs the whole length of the train on each side (except where there is a door way leading to the lower level.

You can take whatever you feel you need to keep you comfortable for your Auto Train trip along with you. We usually take a small cooler for some beverages and some extra snacks.

 

[wall*e2008]

Thank you Henlady

There are VERY small pillows and a small throw type blanket available for your use on the Auto Train. We always take our own pillow and light weight blanket. Also a sheet to spread over the seat in coach for sleeping.

We will definitely bring our own pillows and blankets.


As of last fall, they no longer have the "DigE Player" for rent. You will need to bring your own if you want that type of entertainmnet. In the past, there were only a couple of seats in each car that had electrical outlets. I recently read on these boards that this may have changed. Evidently, some cars have outlets at each seat. Hopefully someone who has traveled recently can confirm this. If you do take your DVD player, i'd make sure your battery is charged just in case the outlet is not available. If there is an outlet nearby that someone isn't using, they may be willing to let you use it.

I believe that is what DH must have read. I will plan accordingly.


We are booked on a lower level. We hoped it would be less crowded (due to the wheels and cost) and we would experience less rocking.

We are really looking forward to the ride.

 

[NJBILL]

We will be taking the AT for the first time next Summer. How long of a drive (i.e.45 min) is it from the train station to Disney? Are the roads well marked?
Thanks.

 

[cherylp3]

It depends, usually i4 to disney is 45 min if you take 417 it can be a little longer. There are signs directing you to I4.