All about the Autotrain

[poison ivy]

It's so cool to read all the details on this thread. I remember how helpful it was to us when we were planning our trip.

I did a trip report on the train this past May 2013. Linked to my signature
and here: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3125412

We loved it.

christine

 

[FigmentChick]

My experience has been the opposite, that the prices start low and then go up as fewer and fewer spots are left. Prices don't always go up but I think that is because sometimes people cancel and that leaves more spots left.

This has been my experience as well. I booked our round trip tickets at the 11 month mark and paid $1050. I've been checking since I booked (in case the fares went down somehow), and it has steadily climbed since that time. I believe now it's close to $1800.

 

[lindap1]

Ditto here! Amtrak told me to book at the 1 year window as soon as it opens it because as rooms sell...prices go up. Sometimes they'll throw out deals to try to fill the train up. I booked in November 2012 for our trip in November this year and only paid $247 for a family bedroom...now the bedrooms are $747

 

[shafke]

This has been my experience as well. I booked our round trip tickets at the 11 month mark and paid $1050. I've been checking since I booked (in case the fares went down somehow), and it has steadily climbed since that time. I believe now it's close to $1800.

The way I look at it is I determine the most I am willing to pay before I decide to drive. For 4 of us if the limit is the 1500-1600 range (rooms included). More than that and we will drive (or fly). This range is also the most I would be willing to pay for airfare and associated fees + rental car. Anything more than that and we are driving all the way.

 

[dalspot]

For us, as railfans, it's not always about the price, but about the experience. But nonetheless, I do have a price point that I decide it's not worth it. We've used the AT 4 times in the past, and always found it just a bit more than driving down over two-three days with meals and hotel. But then too, the last time we booked, our car fare cost half of what it costs now.

The way I look at it is I determine the most I am willing to pay before I decide to drive. For 4 of us if the limit is the 1500-1600 range (rooms included). More than that and we will drive (or fly). This range is also the most I would be willing to pay for airfare and associated fees + rental car. Anything more than that and we are driving all the way.

 

[Ngwira]

I love this board. Because of the heads up, I was able to book 2 roomettes for $138 each for our northbound train which was sold out. Our rail fare was rock bottom as I booked 8 months out. I paid $890 for 2 adults, 2 children round trip including our oversized vehicle. Roomettes added $281 to our trip so around $1150 for everything.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

I love this board. Because of the heads up, I was able to book 2 roomettes for $138 each for our northbound train which was sold out. Our rail fare was rock bottom as I booked 8 months out. I paid $890 for 2 adults, 2 children round trip including our oversized vehicle. Roomettes added $281 to our trip so around $1150 for everything.

Congrats! Glad you were able, I was too! When are you going?

I think the complexities of Amtrak pricing is that the basic ticket will increase in price over time, the automobile price does not change (except for permanent price increases), but the rooms prices are based on how full a car is so they will go up and down over time. Room prices can be absolutely ridiculous - many hundreds of dollars above the minimums of $138 and $313, and then drop. It is a weird pricing system. I feel sorry for those that pay a high price one day, and then someone gets a lower price the next day, but I keep a watch. This is true on other long distance trains with accomodations, too.

 

[Ngwira]

we are going on August 25 and headed back Sept 1. Now, I'm looking to see if I can score roomettes on our Southbound train! If we cannot, we will tough it out on Coach since we will be driving only 45 minutes to Orlando, then headed to the Grand Floridian!

The ride back is more important to have a roomette because it is sold out so no ability to stretch out and we have a 4 hour drive home so I don't want to be dead tired. I am HAPPY!

 

[erinch]

Off topic for autotrain, but perhaps this wise group knows this: I am pricing a trip out west for next summer. Going out the others route, Chicago to Albuquerque, and return Denver to Chi. At 11 months the southbound route is already in the sky, even for a roomette.

Does anyone know where to find the lowest price buckets for other Amtrak routes?

 

[pepe of ohio]

Off topic for autotrain, but perhaps this wise group knows this: I am pricing a trip out west for next summer. Going out the others route, Chicago to Albuquerque, and return Denver to Chi. At 11 months the southbound route is already in the sky, even for a roomette.

Does anyone know where to find the lowest price buckets for other Amtrak routes?

Amtrak.com... What it is, it is....

We use Amtrak, used to get the 10% off for AAA and now we qualify for 15% off for seniors... Coach seats only, sleepers are never discounted.

We sometimes ask in route if any roomettes are available and get one at a reduced price but never before boarding...

Check rail sales and promotions on the Amtrak site... Further out you book, the cheaper it gets... As they fill, prices go up.. Good luck!

 

[Disneyholic]

Just booked the Auto Train to come back from WDW on August 31. We will drive down after I finish work on Saturday, August 24. I haven't told DH yet. I hope he's not too upset. I just don't feel like driving all the way back on Labor Day weekend. I feel we will be safer on the train.

I got a Deluxe sleeper car. There was a $200 some odd dollar discount before I put in AAA, but it took off $300+ when I put that in. The total price is $728 one way. Friday it was over $800 and Sunday it was over $1000. Coach for Saturday was $680, so for $48 extra bucks we get to travel in comfort. Coach must be filling up and they are trying to fill the sleeper cars.

 

[Disneyholic]

Just booked the Auto Train to come back from WDW on August 31. We will drive down after I finish work on Saturday, August 24. I haven't told DH yet. I hope he's not too upset. I just don't feel like driving all the way back on Labor Day weekend. I feel we will be safer on the train.

I got a Deluxe sleeper car. There was a $200 some odd dollar discount before I put in AAA, but it took off $300+ when I put that in. The total price is $728 one way. Friday it was over $800 and Sunday it was over $1000. Coach for Saturday was $680, so for $48 extra bucks we get to travel in comfort. Coach must be filling up and they are trying to fill the sleeper cars.

OMG!!! just went back in because DH reminded me that we now have AARP, too. When I went back in just now to see if there was any difference in discounts, there was no difference, but the price quoted now was now $1,160.60 with the discounts. I must have gotten the last Deluxe sleeper car on that train. The price of a sleeper car jumped from $300+ to $700+.

 

[Marshay]

Amtrak.com... What it is, it is....

We use Amtrak, used to get the 10% off for AAA and now we qualify for 15% off for seniors... Coach seats only, sleepers are never discounted.

We sometimes ask in route if any roomettes are available and get one at a reduced price but never before boarding...

Check rail sales and promotions on the Amtrak site... Further out you book, the cheaper it gets... As they fill, prices go up.. Good luck!

Just curious...what is the age for senior discount? I know each place is different.

 

[Marshay]

Just curious...what is the age for senior discount? I know each place is different.

ETA: looks like age 62...DH isn't there yet!

 

[Disneyholic]

Just curious...what is the age for senior discount? I know each place is different.

Seniors Save 15%

Amtrak travelers 62 years of age and over are eligible to receive a 15% discount on the lowest available rail fare on most Amtrak trains. On cross-border services operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada, a 10% Senior discount is applicable to travelers aged 60 and over.
Discount Limitations

• The senior discount is not valid on the Auto Train.
• The senior discount is not valid on weekday Acela Express trains.
• The senior discount does not apply to Business class, First class or sleeping accommodation. These upgrades are permitted upon payment of the full accommodation charges.
• The senior discount is not valid for travel on certain Amtrak Thruway connecting services.
• The senior discount may not be combinable with other discount offers; refer to the terms and conditions for each offer.
• Additional restrictions may apply.

Valid proof of age is required when purchasing your ticket and onboard the train.


I added the red. AAA discount IS available on the Auto Train.

 

[Yellowstonetim]

Off topic for autotrain, but perhaps this wise group knows this: I am pricing a trip out west for next summer. Going out the others route, Chicago to Albuquerque, and return Denver to Chi. At 11 months the southbound route is already in the sky, even for a roomette.

Does anyone know where to find the lowest price buckets for other Amtrak routes?

It is very hit and miss. Some routes are very popular and the prices go up fast and remain high. If you go coach, prices generally go up steadily, but if you want accomodations, you need to check everyday. When they add another car to the train, IF they add a car, prices will drop to some degree. Usually.

Just booked the Auto Train to come back from WDW on August 31. We will drive down after I finish work on Saturday, August 24. I haven't told DH yet. I hope he's not too upset. I just don't feel like driving all the way back on Labor Day weekend. I feel we will be safer on the train.

I got a Deluxe sleeper car. There was a $200 some odd dollar discount before I put in AAA, but it took off $300+ when I put that in. The total price is $728 one way. Friday it was over $800 and Sunday it was over $1000. Coach for Saturday was $680, so for $48 extra bucks we get to travel in comfort. Coach must be filling up and they are trying to fill the sleeper cars.

We are headed south on the 30th and arriving in Sanford on the 31st. We'll leave the lights on for you! I think the base price of a deluxe room is $313 at this time. If you got anything around that or less, you got a good deal! We got the basic some time ago and for 2 people paid a little more than you.

OMG!!! just went back in because DH reminded me that we now have AARP, too. When I went back in just now to see if there was any difference in discounts, there was no difference, but the price quoted now was now $1,160.60 with the discounts. I must have gotten the last Deluxe sleeper car on that train. The price of a sleeper car jumped from $300+ to $700+.

There are only 3 or 4 bedrooms in each car and a number of roomettes. I read that when a car or type of room is half sold, the price begins to go up. IF they add another car, the price MAY go back down. It is so strange and hard to predict. I've seen roomettes over $500 one day and $138 the next, and a similar ration with bedrooms.

Have a great trip!

 

[Yellowstonetim]

Another thing to do for other Amtrak routes and accomodations is play with Amtrak's website and try different days and different periods of the year as far out as you can. Then compare the prices. Sometimes as little as one day can make a difference! It will also help determine what the high and lows are for that particular trip.

 

[atwmommy]

On the train now...heading north. Movie is Brave. Scored lower level seats at check in and the family is loving it!

 

[Yellowstonetim]

OK, each sleeper car has 1 family room (two adult and two child beds), 1 accessible bedroom, 5 deluxe bedrooms, and 14 roomettes, One roomette is always occupied by the car attendant.

I strongly encourage you to check out poisonivy's trip report shared earlier ( http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3125412 ) it is wonderful and has car layouts, pictures, and descriptions. Well worth the read!

 

[Disneyholic]

It is very hit and miss. Some routes are very popular and the prices go up fast and remain high. If you go coach, prices generally go up steadily, but if you want accomodations, you need to check everyday. When they add another car to the train, IF they add a car, prices will drop to some degree. Usually.



We are headed south on the 30th and arriving in Sanford on the 31st. We'll leave the lights on for you! I think the base price of a deluxe room is $313 at this time. If you got anything around that or less, you got a good deal! We got the basic some time ago and for 2 people paid a little more than you.


There are only 3 or 4 bedrooms in each car and a number of roomettes. I read that when a car or type of room is half sold, the price begins to go up. IF they add another car, the price MAY go back down. It is so strange and hard to predict. I've seen roomettes over $500 one day and $138 the next, and a similar ration with bedrooms.

Have a great trip!

Thanks. I have been watching this room for about 2 weeks and the price has remained the same ( $313 for a Deluxe Sleeper ) all that time. I decided to book it today. I just couldn't believe it went up from $313 to $745 from the time I booked it till I checked back.

Have a good trip down. Thanks for leaving on the lights. I appreciate that.