Amtrak Autotrain?

[DisCom4]

Has anybody here taken Amtrak's "Autotrain" out of Lorton, Va into Sanford?

I'm just curious what it's like. Apparently the trip takes about 16 hours. Are the seats comfortable? How far back do they decline? Is the train usually crowded? I understand the food onboard isn't very good... but is there a snack car or restaurant car to give the kids some place to go during the trip?

 

[Capt_BJ]

Has anybody here taken Amtrak's "Autotrain" out of Lorton, Va into Sanford?

I'm just curious what it's like. Apparently the trip takes about 16 hours. Are the seats comfortable? How far back do they decline? Is the train usually crowded? I understand the food onboard isn't very good... but is there a snack car or restaurant car to give the kids some place to go during the trip?

Did it in July '04 from Sanford to Lorton (one way only, I was moving a car)

Good:

• we were pretty close to on time. Departed about 4pm, arrived about 9AM
• appears food varies between coach and sleeper section. I had the least expensive sleeper 'room', sleeps 2 in an upper/lower, altho I was solo. I thought dinner was far better than expected. A nice piece of beef with wine included! 3 choices as I recall
• seats didn't recline that far in the roomette, but turned into a bed at night. and since I was just 1 in the roomette I could put my feet up.
• lounge car had libations and snacks...not cheap but available. AT vet's had brought their own coolers with goodies....
• sleeper cars have showers ... mine was hot and I never saw anyone else use it. Having driven a non-a/c car in July, I appreciated it (see avitar)

less good

• the small sleeper room is close to a closet. Bring only a small bag from the car cuz there's no place to put it.
• smallest roomette still shares a toi toi
• a/c was weak - but that may not be always.
• concept of sleeping was a good concept. I was in first car behind engine and whistle sounded every 57.954 seconds for crossings all nite. sleep was a concept not realized. bring ear plugs or walkman (excuse me, I date myself....iPOD) if you sleep light. I don't mind the motion but the noise was difficult.
• lounge car was a good concept but two families with kids took the place over and chased everyone else out. I took libations back to my closet.

met my needs 100% ... but my needs were unique. I saved $300 as compared to shipping the car and flying home.

 

[madhouserobey]

discom4 took autotrain for first time in nov. had family bedroom .dw,ds7,dd5,ds4 and me .if you get a sleeper compartment you are consider first class. the dinner was great .i had filet that was outstaning,wife had some seafood that was great also ,oldest son a complete turkey dinner .tasted my other kids kids meal chicken tenders they were not that great . but kids do not have get kids meals they can have adult meals. the lounge car in the beginning of the trip had a cheese and cracker,and veggie tray with dip and bananas ,apple .with free coffee ,tea and water .we bought 1beer and 4 soda which were not cheap.and after dinner they play a moive in the lounge car. paying 695 for family bedroom and oversized vechile for this oct. book way early for the best rate because prices go up all most every month