Auto Train discounts?

[VINN127]

Does anyone know of any codes or other discounts for the Auto Train??

What's a good price?

 

[RichieGraciemom]

yes I would also like to know. I know AAA is one, Also do children count as half price on the auto train?

 

[LisaNJ25]

I have seen deal on the rail sale page but its been awhile since they have done them for the auto train. Usually they are for slow times and the dates are usually a month or less in advance.

I used the AAA discount. Yes, Kids fare is half pride of the adult and than your car will be one set fee.

 

[cherylp3]

Usually the best discount is given when you book in advance!!

Also Sanford-Lorton imight be a litle more in the Winter months (Sep - Nov)
and Lorton-Sanford will probably be a little more April and May.

Also NARP offers the same discount as AAA.

Cheryl

 

[C.Ann]

Usually the best discount is given when you book in advance!!

Also Sanford-Lorton imight be a litle more in the Winter months (Sep - Nov)
and Lorton-Sanford will probably be a little more April and May.

Also NARP offers the same discount as AAA.

Cheryl

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What is "NARP" - and how much of a discount for AAA?

Thanks!

 

[cherylp3]

NARP is National Association of Railroad Passengers
both AAA and National Association of Railroad Passengers members get %10 off

NARP charges $30 for an individual membership and $38 for a Family membership. Their website is http://www.narprail.org/

 

[C.Ann]

NARP is National Association of Railroad Passengers
both AAA and National Association of Railroad Passengers members get %10 off

NARP charges $30 for an individual membership and $38 for a Family membership. Their website is http://www.narprail.org/

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Thanks!

 

[VINN127]

Thanks for the info. I have booked 11 months in advance and I couldn't get a bedroom for less than 525.00 for Dec. 30 That was high so we booked a roomette at 99.00

 

[C.Ann]

Thanks for the info. I have booked 11 months in advance and I couldn't get a bedroom for less than 525.00 for Dec. 30 That was high so we booked a roomette at 99.00

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Okay - what's a "roomette"?

 

[disneychick05]

Beware...The roomette is extremely tiny. Once the beds are turned down there is virtually no room to move. However, it is definitely better than paying $525.

 

[Braque]

We did the Autotrain a few years ago, it was an adventure and Amtrak was offering a special . . . but we'd never do it again without a room to sleep in. The sleepers tend to be very expensive when compared to flying and renting a car.

A secret trick for finding discounts:

Ebay Seller ID: amtrak

They often sell tickets on ebay and occasionally (very) - you can find the Autotrain listed. It is usually coach seats only, but you can save a BUNDLE. I don't know when the last time they had active auctions, tho - check 'em out.

 

[cherylp3]

Amtrak stopped selling tickets on ebay. They used to have an ebay store. It has been closed.

Cheryl

 

[Braque]

B L E A H . . . sorry to hear they stopped selling on ebay, probably wasn't very profitable for them.

off to go update my bookmarks . . .

 

[cherylp3]

C.Ann - a roomette is a small bedroom.

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conte...=Amtrak/am2Copy/Accommodations_Page&c=am2Copy

 

[C.Ann]

C.Ann - a roomette is a small bedroom.

http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conte...=Amtrak/am2Copy/Accommodations_Page&c=am2Copy

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Thanks! Looks comfy enough for one person.. I may have to check it out..

Now where would the rest room be?

 

[mom2twinz3]

We took the Auto Train in December of 2003 and loved it! We had to go coach because of having the 5 kids and a minivan..(you pay out the nose for a van or SUV). But for us it was still cheaper than flying and renting a van.

Even in coach, when I compare it to driving..stuffed like sardines in the van and being tired..bathroom issues, being able to move about..there is no comparison whatsoever. I would choose Auto Train coach over driving any day. I just wish they left from north of DC..but it still beats the drive.

Mary

 

[C.Ann]

We took the Auto Train in December of 2003 and loved it! We had to go coach because of having the 5 kids and a minivan..(you pay out the nose for a van or SUV). But for us it was still cheaper than flying and renting a van.

Even in coach, when I compare it to driving..stuffed like sardines in the van and being tired..bathroom issues, being able to move about..there is no comparison whatsoever. I would choose Auto Train coach over driving any day. I just wish they left from north of DC..but it still beats the drive.

Mary

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Where are you leaving from? I'll have to drive from Albany, NY area to Virginia - alone.. Map quest gives a drive time of about 6 and 1/2 hours, but after riding around with my sister in Florida for two weeks there's NO WAY I want to ride around with her for 3 months!!

It was bad... Really, really bad... LOL

I also have concerns about motion sickness - that's why I'm interested in the roomette and the location of the bathrooms..

 

[meandtheguys2]

Restrooms are close, but make the roomettes look roomy! I think they are smaller than airline RR's. We had a great time on the Auto Train, but the track was REALLY bumpy. I woke up several times thinking the train had wrecked! Would still do it again!

 

[mom2twinz3]

C.Ann,

I am in Northern MD, it takes about 2 hrs or so for me if traffic is good. We were on the upper level in coach and the restrooms were downstairs. It's different with the sleeper cars.

Whatever the drawbacks are, I think it is sooo much better than driving..you can get up and move, go pee when you want, snooze when you want, eat the free snacks, enjoy a nice dinner dinner and a movie and chat with other travelers. I detest that long drive and yours is even worse. I would do it again in a second!

Mary

 

[ladysoleil]

Not necessarily for the AutoTrain, but Frommers.com has an article with current Amtrak discounts and the weekly specials link:

http://www.frommers.com/articles/2613.html