Auto Train Bedrooms? Is It worth it?

[Alice-in-wonder]

We are a family of three going coach on auto train this summer both ways. I know rooms would probably be more comfortable, but I can't justify the extra $1200 for the trip. Has anyone been able to get a cheaper price once they get on the train? I thought I read that you can sometimes get a room for less money, if they have extra that day. Does anyone know?

 

[lisa-upnorth]

It is a BIG price jump for the trip BUT we want the time to rest and enjoy! We have a longer trip on the train-24 hrs at least so we need that room! I have done it 3 times by coach in the past, and I can't say I ever will again since getting a room.That said, there are many factors to consider-

**age of those traveling(we have a 5 year old and sleep is very needed!),

**ability to be comfortable around others( I never slept a wink at night in a car full of strangers, with my child next to me.Some can-I could not),

**being close to strangers and kids that may annoy you-a lot!(we had this experience also!)

**Price-if it is going to be the difference between going and not going I would not want to cancel a trip

**time on the train??If you have 9hrs it would not be as bad as those of us traveling from the northeast US

**Do you get hungry??The meals are all included with the room charge.

So, for me it is a must to get the room to be able to arrive rested and ready to play.I have a trip report with pics from our train ride on here somewhere if ya want to take a peek too

Happy times ridin' the rails!

 

[lisa-upnorth]

Almost forgot that trying to get a room cheaper is a rarity and a big gamble if you want and need one.Most of the time they are reserved way in advance.

 

[Alice-in-wonder]

Have you traved by auto train? Or regular Amtrak train? I believe the coach seats are different / relcline differently and are bigger in the auto train??? I may be wrong.

 

[DC7800]

Have you traved by auto train? Or regular Amtrak train? I believe the coach seats are different / relcline differently and are bigger in the auto train??? I may be wrong.

The seats and coaches are exactly the same on Auto-Train as any other Superliner equipped long-distance passenger train.

 

[lpizzuro123]

Traveling via the Autotrain is so much nicer then the regular Amtrak train. Yes, I guess basically it is the same "train" but your meals are included in all Autotrain tickets - you do not have to pay extra. The train leave Lorton VA at 4:00 and arrives in Sanford by 9:00 or 10:00am.

Depending on the amount of people on the train they have 2 or 3 dinner seatings - 5:00, 7:00 and 9:00 (all included - even a caraf of wine). You also get breakfast the next morning. They have fruit and snacks out for the entire trip (all free) and unlimited coffee and tea (also free). They play movies in the lounge car - on our trip this past February we saw The Proposal going down and Earth on the way home.

The train also does not make any stops to pick up or drop off passengers along the way. We have done both the Autotrain (out of Lorton) and the regular Amtrak out of Princeton NJ and the Autotrain is the way to go. We have done a sleeper car once on the regular Amtrak train and while it was much better then the regular coach seats - I would not bother doing this for the Autotrain.

Linda

 

[Henlady]

We have traveled both coach and in a roomette. A roomette is definately much more enjoyable, but coach is "doable".
For our upcoming trip, we were able to book 2 roomettes at a cost of $124 each for the way down. However, for the way back, the roomettes were going for $319 each. I just can't bring myself to pay more for a single roomette than I would ever pay for a hotel room. So, on the return trip we are in coach. When we get to the station, if they are offering the roomettes for a more reasonable price, I may cave and get them. If not, we'll stay in coach.
We will just bring pillows and a sheet to cover the seats, and some misc stuff that I "have to have" and tough it out.

 

[Alice-in-wonder]

I caved in and bought the rooms for both ways. I think I, (and my husband)will prefer the privacy, esp. while sleeping. If my daughter was older, I would probably go coach. I need my sleep, lol!. I talked with a friend who has traveled both ways (coach and sleepers) and she said the sleepers are worth every PENNY!

 

[lisa-upnorth]

I agree completely
Have fun!