Amtrak's Auto Train

[oshun]

We are thinking of taking the Auto Train from Lorton, Va to FL. There are 5 of us so we will probably just sit coach (if not we need 2 rooms). Has anyone gone on the auto train that can tell me anything about sitting coach, about the dinner, the breakfast, and they also said a movie?
I have 2 - 13 year olds and a 9 year old. Do you think they would enjoy the ride? I'm sure it is better then us driving the 16 or so hours from DE. Any information or options are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[caitycaity]

I found some helpful information by searching old threads. We're going in November, but it will be our first time on the train.

 

[Cindy B]

Its actually more expensive than driving.. we priced it out leaving from Philly area... 1/2 hour from Wilmington..

Its not that bad of a drive.

 

[JudithM]

Have you called the toll-free number (1-877-SKIPI95) for the Autotrain yet? They are running a sale - 30% off passenger tickets. This is good through this Friday, June 15. I couldn't believe the great prices!

The Autotrain leaves Lorton, VA at 4 p.m., & you have to be there no later t han 2 p.m. I would suggest getting there earlier because of the construction near Springfield, VA & of course the traffic. The Autotrain station is just off I95.

When you checkin, you are separated from your car & won't have access to it again until the next morning in Sanford, FL. Be sure to take anything you might need with you - your bed pillow, games, deck of cards, medicines, extra drinks, snacks, etc. At checkin you have a choice of dinner times. At dinner you will have a choice of usually three entrees - one vegetarian. After dinner a movie is shown.

Riding coach is fine. The seats do recline somewhat - not all the way, but they aren't too bad. Most families with children are put in the same car, so your children will find other children to talk to, play with, etc. The next morning they serve a continental type breakfast. You are scheduled to arrive in Sanford about 9 a.m. the next morning.

 

[4merlurkerchris]

You can also check the amtrak website www.amtrak.com
If you call the 800 number about 1 to 2 weeks before, they can tell you what movie will be playing. The dinner choices usually are a choice of 3 entrees and it is a continental breakfast the next morning.
Chris

 

[NALA 24]

We went to Disney on the Autotrain about four years ago. We really enjoyed it and I loved having our own car and packing all of our luggage in it. We had a "Family Bedroom" which was great! Our only problem was that the train was late and we ended up having dinner at 11 pm. I had food with us from our drive down, so we did not starve. Some people got back in their cars and drove to a restaurant. This year I priced the Autotrain and it was more expensive than flying and renting a car. Plus, flying gives us an extra two days in Florida.
My kids still talk about the train and I definitely want to do it again!