Autotrain question??

[gweny70]

Our family is thinking about taking the auto train w/Amtrak from Lorton, VA down to Sanford, FL for our trip to DW in November. Just wondering if anyone has had any experience--good, bad, or otherwise--with taking the autotrain?

 

[scanne]

I've done the autotrain two times. It is not that bad going down, but coming back you're like, "I just want to get home already." And then, depending how far you live from Virginia, you still have to drive...we're three hours from VA.

Also, they do serve meals on the train, but the food is just ok. Bring your own snacks, too.

 

[Dizz42]

Love the Auto Train! Have taken it about 10 times. We've had good and bad experiences (nothing too bad tho' - delays, last car off...that kind of thing). We think of it as part of the vacation - an adventure, if you will. Also keep in mind you can take it one-way. Drive down when you're full of excitement for your upcoming vacation; Auto Train home when you're sad vacation is over you have something fun to look forward to. Here is the FAQ link here on the DIS.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=402667

 

[Capt_BJ]

Just 2 weeks ago I completed my second AutoTrain experience. I'm posted in the main AutoTrain (AT) thead but I'll update here. Note, that my experiences have not been in association with a Disney trip - rather, it is a VERY cost effective way to move a car (Mine r collector car) from VA to FL...

Both times, I've had a 'roomette' - and both times I found the air conditioning to be VERY insufficient......I could not sleep comfortably....the room was more pleasant with the door open.

A roomette is great for one and crowded for two.....especially two 6'+ men .... my son and I moved two cars this trip.....

Dinner is really pretty good ... I mean, compare it to airline food - (at least in the sleeper diner...and yes the coach and sleeper people eat in different cars)! And you get to meet some really nice people (maybe). OTOH, they seem to have added a wine tasting that begins b4 the train leaves the station .... meaning, you can forget the lounge car. It was empty a few years ago and now was packed - at least while the wine was free.

Bring your own snacks and drinks...but keep the cooler small if in coach or roomette (you can bring your own adult bev's too....... this ain't an airplane)

The Lorton station is nice .... the Sanford Station is a place to get away from fast!

 

[gweny70]

Thanks so much for the responses!! I didn't realize there was an entire thread on this already...guess my Search function wasn't working right. Anyways...thanx again for the responses. We were just thinking it would be a good alternative to driving if we can't find really low flight tickets. We were going to just drive but I had a serious injury recently and won't be able to help my hubby with the driving...(& we want to drive straight thru from PA)...so we thought auto train would be a good alternative. It would only cost us $579 (coach--round trip including the charge for our car) and I don't think that's too bad...considering right now the airplane tix would be aprox $600 + we'd have to rent a car for 2 weeks which is almost another $400. I don't know....I think it sounds like a fun experience and it will take us 15 hours regardless if we drive or take the train so that is not much of an issue.

My only worry is are their many delays? I hear something about having to pull over to let other trains go thru (or something like that) and that this could majorly delay the trip? Any truth to that?

 

[Capt_BJ]

Thanks so much for the responses!! I didn't realize there was an entire thread on this already...guess my Search function wasn't working right. Anyways...thanx again for the responses. We were just thinking it would be a good alternative to driving if we can't find really low flight tickets. We were going to just drive but I had a serious injury recently and won't be able to help my hubby with the driving...(& we want to drive straight thru from PA)...so we thought auto train would be a good alternative. It would only cost us $579 (coach--round trip including the charge for our car) and I don't think that's too bad...considering right now the airplane tix would be aprox $600 + we'd have to rent a car for 2 weeks which is almost another $400. I don't know....I think it sounds like a fun experience and it will take us 15 hours regardless if we drive or take the train so that is not much of an issue.

My only worry is are their many delays? I hear something about having to pull over to let other trains go thru (or something like that) and that this could majorly delay the trip? Any truth to that?

Always possible of course but we departed a little early (I guess everyone scheduled was there on time) and arrived about 30 minutes early, despite a few stops on the way waiting for the tracks to clear. My car was about 'middle' getting off and I was on my way well b4 10am.... Arrived on Sunday and the roads were still empty...was an easy drive to Melbourne.

 

[gweny70]

Sounds good! We are excited for the new experience and will be sticking with Coach travel to save some $$. Can't wait!!

 

[thebordcu]

DW and I just returned from our first auto train experience. We stayed in a roomette. Overall, the experience was just fine.

As was mentioned, the Lorton station is very nice and there is a new shopping center across the street (includes a supermarket, Caribou Coffee) where we were able to get snacks and lunch.

Not as much right around the Sanford station

We checked in around 1:30 and boarding was pushed back to 3 (normally at 2:30 but they were waiting for a food delivery truck).

Coming back we checked in at 2 and boarding was at 2:30.

The ride is a bit bumpy, but wasn't that bad. The meals were good.

The train left a couple of minutes early each way and was early arriving (we arrived at 8:45am Sanford and before 8am in Lorton).

I would suggest traveling on a weekend if possible- there is less freigh train traffic.

If you have any specific questions, we would be happy to answer them.