Anyone ever take the Amtrak Auto Train?

[radiojon]

Just priced a trip on the Auto Train from DC to Florida, and it's over $1700 for the 4 of us to take the minivan and stay in a deluxe bedroom!

Seems VERY, VERY pricey to me ... anyone think it's worth the money?

 

[cherylp3]

Okay you mention 4 people in your party - any kids??

One reason its more expensive is because a mini van is considered an oversised vehicle

Also in this thread discussing sleepers
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=392942
DC7300 posted the following

Viewliner sleepers have standard and deluxe bedrooms. The standard is designed for two people and includes a "restroom" (toilet). I can't imagine more than two people ever getting in one of these tiny rooms (perhaps one adult might squeeze in with two small pre-school children (emphasis on small), but there are only two seats/bunks). The Viewliner deluxe sleeper has a more-proper restroom facility in the room (with shower), and with its additional armchair could easily seat two adults and two children. But, here again there are only the two bunks (though slightly larger). Both rooms are really only intended for two persons in each room; the idea is four people (adults & kids) would need two rooms. To this end, each of the deluxe bedrooms can be combined into a bedroom suite (with a resulting four bunks). The catch is that each Viewliner sleeper only has two deluxe rooms per car (and just 2-3 Viewliners per train), and if even one of those rooms in each car is already reserved, a suite is impossible (book early). Such a suite is also quite expensive.

You can upgrade (at bargain prices) to any available (unsold)accomodation once you are onboard, but with so few deluxe rooms you are often unlikely to find one available for the duration of your trip. Upgrading from coach to standard room is more likely, though of course anything is possible, and there are some really good deals to be had if you care to take the chance. Just always board with the intention of spending the night (or part of the night) in coach, then hope for the best. Naturally, you stand the best chance of getting an upgrade during slow travel periods (beware the first few days of January, Independance Day & all summer, etc.) and by inquiring as early as possible upon boarding.

 

[radiojon]

Originally posted by cherylp3
Okay you mention 4 people in your party - any kids??

Yes, 2 adults, a 5-year-old, and a 7-month-old. The $1700 is even WITH the "kids ride free" promotion.

Considering that we can fly Southwest for less than $600 and rent a van for less than $300, it seems the only reason to go Auto Train is nostalgia.

 

[cherylp3]

When is your trip?

Cheryl

 

[radiojon]

Originally posted by cherylp3
When is your trip?

Cheryl

Our Disney reservation is from August 11-15. So, we'd have to take the train down on the 10th, and come back on the 15th or 16th.

 

[cherylp3]

This year? If so that may be your problem. As its been discussed before the autotrain is lower the more in advance you schedule.

Cheryl

 

[caitycaity]

once you add accomodations, it gets really pricey no matter how early you book. the only "affordable" way to do it is by going coach, imho.

 

[DC7800]

This price is being driven skyward by the type of vehicle (van - oversized), deluxe bedroom (vs. standard or family bedroom), how soon the trip is, and simply the fact that it's a busy time of year. With a car instead of van and in coach, the fare does drop to $1375 or so (and just a little more for two standard sleepers). Still a lot of money, of course. Superliner sleepers - those found on Auto-Train - also have family bedrooms intended for two adults and two children. These are more economical and more comfortable for four people than the deluxe room, but seem to be sold out for your August travel dates.

If you just want to make the trip for nostalgic reasons (which is a fine idea, by the way, and well worth it), and don't really care about having your own vehicle on vacation with you, one of Amtrak's conventional Florida trains would be much more economical. Board perhaps in Baltimore and ride to Orlando or Kissimmee, in coach or Viewliner sleeper (standard and deluxe rooms). Even with the seasons inflated fares, these would be more price-competitive with air fares.