Auto Train Boarding....

[zurgswife]

The instruction say get there by 2pm. and that you can arrive as early as 11:30.....but what it doesn't say is what time you actually board the train.

Does anybody know what time they actually board the train? and is it a mad dash to get coach seats??

We are doing auto train coach seating in Dec. and just trying to figure out what time to arrive at the station....

 

[cherylp3]

I usually arrive at the station by noon or 1pm at the latest.

The train doesn't board until 2pm (I think )

Cheryl

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

I can't remember what time we boarded, but I remember getting to the station around 1:00 or so, and waiting what felt like forever to board. However, I had a private berth (the smallest one), so I wasn't in a mad rush to get a seat.

 

[Credit Man]

You board the train at 2:30. There is no rush to get seats as they are assigned at check-in.
If the train is not full, it is wise to keep an eye out for empty seats because if you are lucky enough to get two seats apiece it makes sleeping that much more comfortable.

 

[DisneyPoly]

I agree with creditman .... if you can "scope" out empty seats, it will make the ride more comfortable for everyone.

If you have a van you need to arrive at 2:00 p.m. however we were one caught in a major accident and didn't arrive until 2:50 p.m., needless to say we were not the only ones arriving late.

Once you check in with your car/van, you then proceed into the Amtrak building, there you will need to show your i.d. and choose your dining preference time. The earlier you arrive, the better the chance of getting the dinner time you want. We have ridden when there are 2 dinings and 3 dinings, it depends on the number of travelers.

Boarding begins approx. 3:00 p.m. with everyone having to be on board by 3:30 p.m. Although the departing time is 4:00, they begin moving the train to hook up the vehicle cars 15 minutes prior to.

Coach seats are assigned, so there is no mad rush. Once you board, you can see if there are seats available near you. When the train begins to "move" to hook up the car carriers, you will know at that time that no more people will be boarding and you can spread out.

Although you can arrive as early as 11:30, there is no benefit to doing so with children, as there is nothing for them to do once you arrive. I could recommend checking in and then traveling to the a nearby Burger King for lunch. They will allow you to take your car with you after checking in if there is sufficient time for you to return.

Any further questions, don't hesitate to ask.

 

[zurgswife]

Thanks for the great tips....It will make this new adventure in traveling a little less stressfull...

 

[chrisd596]

Since Sept 11th once you "check in" you must turn over you vehcile to them. You can not check in and then drive away to lunch. We arrive early around 12 noon to make sure you don't get caught in Washington traffic and then head over to have lunch at a place called the Polo Club which is really great.

We have taken the Auto Train the last 3 years, however we'll try flying this year for a change. Also in the summer months the train has been very late on arriving at both destinations.....north or south......due to the problem of the tracks heating up.

We still enjoyed traveling on the train.

Good luck