Auto Train Schedule Reliability?

[flexsmom]

If we drive or fly we plan on arriving on flying Friday before our Saturday 7-night departure, or leaving for the drive on Thursday to get there Friday. However, now we're considering the Auto Train from Virginia, which leaves here everyday at 4pm and arrives the following morning at 8:30am. If that's the case, I'm tempted to not miss the day of school and just catch the Friday train, arriving Saturday am with plenty of time for a leisurely drive to the port. Has anyone ever heard of the Auto Train being delayed?

 

[aprilgail2]

I would never trust that to get me to port on time! If you are going to use auto train then make sure to arrive on the day prior to when you leave on the cruise.

 

[AnnaS]

I agree with the previous post. Plan on arriving the day before. Especially with Amtrak.

 

[jilljill]

Originally posted by flexsmom
If we drive or fly we plan on arriving on flying Friday before our Saturday 7-night departure, or leaving for the drive on Thursday to get there Friday. However, now we're considering the Auto Train from Virginia, which leaves here everyday at 4pm and arrives the following morning at 8:30am. If that's the case, I'm tempted to not miss the day of school and just catch the Friday train, arriving Saturday am with plenty of time for a leisurely drive to the port. Has anyone ever heard of the Auto Train being delayed?

I have known a couple of people to be on the Auto Train and have it delayed in both directions on their trip. I would plan on arriving the day before.

 

[Dave_from_Marietta]

Agreeing with the previous posters, absolutely DO NOT USE the Auto Train for an arrival on the day of your cruise. Arrive at least one day before.

 

[scubarn]

I had used the Auto Train many years ago and remember being delayed in Virginia, due to the fact they had trouble getting the cars loaded on the train. We arrived a couple of hours late the next morning in Sanford.

 

[lookingforward]

I have taken the auto train before also. We really enjoy it and the family stateroom is a great way to go. I also agree that it is cutting it too close by arriving the day of your cruise! If there were a track problem or security issue you could possibly be delayed hours. Even if you still made it the pressure would be intense. Also, when does school get out for you on that Friday? I only ask because though the train LEAVES at 4 p.m. you really do have to get there a few hours before for check-in, car loading, etc. You may wind up missing half a day of school anyway.

 

[CGC33A]

I used the autotrain in September '98. The train on the date I was supposed to go, was "delayed" (read "canceled") due to flooding in the tracks. I needed to be in FL at 6 PM (thought I would be in at 9 AM) & wasn't going to make it. I ended up flying down on what was then Valujet, last minute & returning to use the Autotrain the next week. No delays that time. So I would suggest the day before so there is a plan B. (or get insurance)

 

[1eeyoregirl]

I agree with the others. Allow an extra day. While taking the train is a great way to go, there are so many things that can delay or even cancel the train.
Our trip down by auto train was complicated by Hurricane Isabel. They canceled trains as it moved up the coast and it took 3 or 4 more days for them to assure the rails and bridges weren't compromised by the storm. We ended up driving down and taking the train back.
You can go to the Amtrack web site and check the departure and arrival history of the trains. If you decide to do the train, I would definitely allow enough time in your travel schedule to drive all the way down or back if the unforeseen happens.

 

[flexsmom]

Thank you! I think we may drive down and auto train back when schedule isn't such an issue - not having a 15 hour drive on the back end may make for a more enjoyable end to our vacation, and not worrying about making it there on time on the way down is worth the pain of the drive on the front end!

 

[sters]

We arrived 2 hours late and FYI... it can take up to 3 hours to unload the cars!!! Fortunately for us, we only had to wait a half hour.

 

[Lisa loves Pooh]

IMHO--for the cost of the autotrain...you might be better off taking a value flight on any discount airline and paying for a shuttle service to the port.

Train rides in the regular seats are tough! I did it many years ago as a kid--long and boring. My mother had injured herself prior to the return trip and was very much uncomfortable.

That being said--by the time you upgrade to the "suites" or whatever they call them--it would be much cheaper to fly and get a hotel--or just drive since you would have to leave earlier than you planned anyway. I know this b/c we priced autotrain last year while my hubby was in DC for 6 months. For me, my DD3 and DD>1--it was cheaper to fly (and they didn't cost that much extra and we were transporting a van) and not rent a car or just drive (which we ended up doing).

Spend your money wisely--unless you are looking for a rail adventure for your vacation--I'd skip AMTRAK all together.