Auto Train from Lortan, VA

[tekoa]

Has anyone used the amtrak auto train from Lortan, VA. Considering driving from Mass down to Virginia and taking the train the rest of the way. Any
experiences positive or negative. Do you think it was worth the cost.
Thanks.

 

[wdw4us2]

We took the Auto Train 11 years ago to go the opposite way you want to go.

DH's family lives in western Mass and I think the drive took us about 10-11 hours from Lorton to Greenfield, MA. There were some problems on the trip North with a RR crossing that wouldn't function and the train had to stop until it was fixed.

There were no problems on the return trip. The dinner meal was better than expected. We did not book a cabin, which I would definitely do if we were to ever take the trip again. It was hard for me to sleep in the train in a regular seat. The kids and DH didn't have as much trouble as I did.

The positive thing for you would be the proximity to WDW when you arrive in Sanford. It's not too far away.

 

[tekoa]

Thanks for the reply. We are in the Springfield area about 45 mins from Greenfield. I also think a cabin would be the only way to go. I do not think it would too comfy riding all that way in a seat. I just have to go on their website and check out the prices.

 

[Henlady]

Hi tekoa
We have traveled via the AutoTrain many times. Personally, we love traveling on the AutoTrain. Neither DH nor I are overly fond of flying and hate the 17-18 hour drive from PA. That being said, you will find that most people either love the AutoTrain or absolutely hate it. Our experience is that it is a way to relax before the trip. We have been delayed up to 3 hours a time or two. Some have experienced much longer delays, it is not the norm, but it can happen. Just as flights can be cancelled or delayed at the last moment. Things can happen when you travel. We have traveled coach and in a roomette. DH prefers a roomette, however if cost is a consideration, we travel coach. DH is 6'2 and I am 6', and we don't have any major problems traveling in coach. Normally, there are enough seats that each person can take up 2 seats. The food that is served on the train is decent enough. Not gourmet or 4 star, but it is tasty and filling. You have a choice of one of 4 or 5 entrees, salad, dessert and beverage. There is also complimentary wine served at meal time if you wish to imbibe.
Our next trip on the AutoTrain is in early November and i am looking forward to it as always.

 

[cherylp3]

Usually the farther out you book - the cheaper it is.

What some people do is order the tickets as soon as they plan the trip,.
The key is not it mailed to you. ( Pick it up at a station nearby you or at the autotrain station.)

If a ticket is not mailed to you, you can cancel & get back 100% of the $ up until the day of departure.

-Cheryl

 

[tekoa]

Thank You both for your replies. Great Information. Thanks again!

 

[HugsForEeyore]

I am a big fan of the AutoTrain! I go to Disney 2-3 times a year, and almost always take the train in at least one direction. I gone coach and sleeper - sleeper is great, but coach is certainly do-able. I also won't fly (get sick on planes and just scared) so the train is a great alternative. I also am the kind of person who loves to relax and watch the countryside go by. The train isn't for everyone, as I know plenty of people who just don't have the patience or temperment for riding a long distance train, but my family enjoys the ride. I am riding the AutoTrain next week, and can't wait!

 

[QueenGoblin]

We took the auto train last September and have reservations to do so again in January. It is not perfect, but it is less stressful than flying or driving for our family. Also, with the current cost of flights, it would cost us as least as much to fly and rent a car. This way we have our own car and don't need to deal with lugging stuff through an airport. And we figured it would cost us 400-600 to drive when you figure gas, hotels (we couldn't do it in one day and with the age of our kids we might even split it into 3) and food on the road.

The one thing I would really suggest is bring lots of pillows if you are going to be in coach. The seats are comfy enough when you first sit in them, but after all night it them I was getting pretty sore in a couple of places. I think strategically placed pillows would have helped. Also, there are only a couple of outlets in each coach car, so if you plan to use electronics, bring batteries or get to the station early and try to request the seat near an outlet.

We got in early on both legs of our trip, but I know some people have horror stories about being late...but then airports and highways are just as prone to problems.