Auto Train One Way

[LisaNJ25]

Has anyone ever taken the auto train one way? I was thinking about doing it on the return trip home. We would be leaving to come home on a holiday weekend (Labor Day) and who knows how 95 will be coming back to New Jersey. I just priced it and it will be $495 for our family of 4. I could see spending that than the $1000 both ways.

I figure the excitement of vacation will keep us going on our way down way down and we would be even more relaxed on the way home.

When Amtrak has the special % off sales do they ever apply to the Auto Train?

Thank You,

Lisa

 

[DVCgrace]

Following is a reply to your question from a previous post on the DVC board. If you search this board and the DVC board using "autotrain" you'll find quite a bit of information
about the autotrain. We went last July both ways and will be using it again this August - it sure beats driving the whole way - I just wish they boarded in NJ instead of VA!

***************************************************************************
pentex
DIS Veteran

Registered: Jun 2000
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 549
We drive straight through to Orlando and always have with our children: the youngest age was when my little one was four months. We find it's best to leave NJ in the early evening, stop for dinner and then settle kids in for night. They sleep right through the night, and because they've been "out" for the majority of the travel, aren't whining about being in car so long. After a fun brunch (at Cracker Barrel, of course), there's not too much to deal with in driving after that and they are so excited about getting to Disney, it has never been a problem.

Of course, driving home is different...I don't think I could take that because there is no vacation to look forward to. So, we take the AutoTrain from Sanford to VA and drive from VA. That is a vacation in itself and is often the best part for the kids.

Last July, we drove straight to HH at night and that was just fine. The drive home seemed endless, though, without anything to look forward to. We said if we did that again, we may stop in Wash DC area for a night for a break.

Basically, our theory is that it is better to have kids sleeping (and quiet) during a long drive than have them wide awake the majority of the trip. It makes it easier on all of us in the long run. Our road trips have become a family tradition and a source of great fun and memories.

Have a great trip whatever you decide to do!!!
**************************************************************************

 

[DC7800]

Originally posted by LisaNJ25
When Amtrak has the special % off sales do they ever apply to the Auto Train

Sometimes. Recent specials have excluded Auto-Train, but there are periodically discounts available. Check Amtrak's webpage http://www.amtrak.com

Also, the fare can vary (a lot more than you would think) depending on what day you depart or how far in advance you make the reservation. So, it pays to reserve (very) early, though you can sometimes find a good fare (on a sparsely populated train) even days prior to departure.

 

[HugsForEeyore]

Hi,
I have done this three times - I take the train one way, and drive the other. When I have gone to WDW in January, I drive from NJ to Florida and then take the AutoTrain home. Fares are cheaper going from Florida to Virginia that time of year. When I go in May, I do the opposite - I take the train down, and drive home. Fares are cheaper going from Virginia to Florida in May. On most trips, I drive solo, and I have relatives all over the East Coast I could stop at (North Carolina, Myrtle Beach, Washington) so I can break up the trip easily. I do prefer the trips where I take the AutoTrain back home, but I seem to do fine either way.

As for discounts, I never had anything but AAA. I never seen an AutoTrain discount that ever applied to my dates. I hope to take the train next January!

Enjoy your trip!

 

[LisaNJ25]

Thank You very much for your replies. We have decided to take the train back home.

HugsForEeyore, its nice to see someone who live to close on these boards.

One other question I have it do you reccomend booking early? My return trip home will be 9/2 which will be labor day. I dont know if the trains ever sell up or if the prices go up as you get closer.

Thanks,

Lisa

 

[Teacher510]

The prices do go up as the date approaches so I would book ASAP. I would also recommend the sleeper. We took the Autotrain both ways last summer and after a busy week at WDW I found it difficult to stay awake on the way to NJ from Va. since it was difficult to sleep in coach. This summer we're going for the sleeper. It was too scary to be budget conscious this time! I booked months ago so I got the best price. Good luck!