All about the Autotrain

[Kim&Chris]

No recent experiences, but I'm responding to say: you're not alone! I am the exact same way! I think after enough time goes by between trips I think, 'maybe it wasn't as bad as I remember' but then it is. LOL. And yet, I'm sure I'll do it again....!

THIS!!! LOL.

We took it last year and, for reasons unknown, my husband loves it. Me? I'm a serious over-packer, so the AT allows me to take what I want without dealing with airline rules.

Prices have gone UP though.

 

[erinch]

We LOVE the auto train. We get a bedroom. Started out coach long ago, got upgraded to roommettes, and when they comped a bedroom when my DH had a violent migraine never looked back.

We pack our own happy hour—wine and cheese and fruit and crackers, and the vacation begins the moment we settle in.

 

[Shannon G]

Has anyone ever gotten a clear answer from a car rental agency about whether a rental car can be taken on the auto train? I know the likelihood of the car being damaged is pretty low, but I also don't want to fund myself stuck with a huge bill because the rental agency says I violated the contract. My daughter lives in Orlando and I am trying to bring some of her things that are still at home down to her, but would like to be able to just fly home, so I was thinking a one way car rental and the auto train. Specifically looking at renting through National, because I have some free days available.

UPDATE: I reached out to National via chat and asked if a rental could be taken on the auto train, and explained that the amtrak employees load the cars onto the train. The rep said yes, it is allowed. I saved screen shots of the chat just in case, but I think I'm good to go ahead with my plan.

 

[easyas123]

I'm not sure, but I do not several folks who have done it.
National does have a chat feature, you could ask there.

 

[GoingSince1990]

Has anyone ever gotten a clear answer from a car rental agency about whether a rental car can be taken on the auto train? I know the likelihood of the car being damaged is pretty low, but I also don't want to fund myself stuck with a huge bill because the rental agency says I violated the contract. My daughter lives in Orlando and I am trying to bring some of her things that are still at home down to her, but would like to be able to just fly home, so I was thinking a one way car rental and the auto train. Specifically looking at renting through National, because I have some free days available.

UPDATE: I reached out to National via chat and asked if a rental could be taken on the auto train, and explained that the amtrak employees load the cars onto the train. The rep said yes, it is allowed. I saved screen shots of the chat just in case, but I think I'm good to go ahead with my plan.

The last time we took the AutoTrain going south we were seated at dinner with a mother and daughter who were taking a rental car on it.