Autotrain or drive?

[JMLBrats]

Okay so I've been debating this....

Here's the details:
We are originally leaving from Maine and stopping at families house in Delaware. We have reservations for the autotrain and were originally going to leave DE in the AM and drive about 2 hours to the autotrain. Now since we are leaving in a few days, we are re-thinking it.

DH feels that since we don't sleep on the train (not more than a couple of bumpy hours worth anyway) that it might be better to drive down from DE. Mapquested that it's about a 15 hr drive from DE.

Here's the thing, we paying around 550 one way for the train going coach but when you figure in the money for dinner, breakfast, gas and yes a hotel room because if we drive we will arrive a night early and need to rent one for the night, is there really much savings driving?

I think the drive is harder on the kids since they have to be strapped in the whole time but DH and me do like having the control that you have when you drive. On the other hand, you can sit back and have a drink on the train if you want to which is kind of nice.

Just wondering what all of you think?

 

[POOHsie]

Consideration should go to the miles you are putting on your vehicle.

We are going by Autotrain. We haven't been in years, and when I told DD25, she burst with excitement (she's going with us!). The Autotrain trip, when she was a kid, was an exotic adventure that was as memorable as Disney. So you should factor in the "Unforgettable Train Adventure" in your calculations, also.

 

[JMLBrats]

Consideration should go to the miles you are putting on your vehicle.

We are going by Autotrain. We haven't been in years, and when I told DD25, she burst with excitement (she's going with us!). The Autotrain trip, when she was a kid, was an exotic adventure that was as memorable as Disney. So you should factor in the "Unforgettable Train Adventure" in your calculations, also.

Thanks Poohsie,

I know that i am leaning towards the train...there's just too much uncertainty w/driving-will we hit bad traffic, will the weather be an issue...where will we stop to eat, where will we sleep? My kids have ridden the autotrain a few times now but I will say there's still some magic for them in it. They definetly prefer it over driving...

 

[LisaNJ25]

I would go with the train.

I so wish I was on the auto train this saturday. I should of booked months ago it was $700 RT for us and than went as high as $1800

I am actually sitting her now and booking hotels rooms in SC and GA and will cancel one of the 2 depending on how far we drive.

 

[JMLBrats]

I would go with the train.

I so wish I was on the auto train this saturday. I should of booked months ago it was $700 RT for us and than went as high as $1800

I am actually sitting her now and booking hotels rooms in SC and GA and will cancel one of the 2 depending on how far we drive.

Yeah, it's frustrating. I booked this rate prob back in May or June? and I was kicking myself because we could've gotten it for at least $100 cheaper had we booked sooner but I guess $550ish isn't too bad for 5 people. I refuse to pay for the sleepers-we have done them and even though it's kind of nice to have your own private space, it's so small that it's kind of clautrophobic in those rooms-I almost prefer coach now. Good luck!-sorry you are stuck driving...Here's hoping you have a great trip

 

[ssawka]

...will we hit bad traffic...

On I-95? you can count on it!

 

[mamapajama]

If we could do the autotrain next year for $700 RT we will do that in a hot second. This year, it would be too much of a nightmare with the baby in coach! But next year I'm all over that!

 

[csharpwv]

We are doing the Auto Train the day after thanksgiving - and when considering the amount of traffic that could be on the road - we decided against driving down - but we are driving back.

When we first thought about doing the Auto-Train I was 'anti-roomette' however when I realized that the cost of the room wasn't in addition to your regular fair - I quickly changed my mind. The price of the room really dropped the regular fair - definitely made the roomette worth while.

We have taken Amtrak from Baltimore to Boston, and didn't sleep much on the way - so in light of that - I'm glad we have a room to ourselves and a little privacy - and access to showers. We plan to be in the parks by Noon on Satuday!