Has anyone here ever used the Amtrak Autotrain from Lorton VA to Orlando? Any ideas on how to get a discount for it? I was quoted $600 each way for 2 adults/2 kids.
We have used AutoTrain twice and plan to use it this December for our upcoming trip. If you're not to keen on flying and/or want a peacful way to get to FL, the AutoTrain is a GREAT alternative. You can pack as much as you want in your car and not have to worry about (or pay) for a rental car. Other than AAA, there are very few discounts for the AutoTrain. They do sometimes run specials for it, but they are announced only a few months before travel dates. I believe Amtrak will allow you to change your fare, if you were to purchase at a higher fare and the fare goes down. There may be a small fee to change it, but they would refund your money. That is what the agent told me when I inquired.
The AutoTrain fare includes a good dinner and continental breakfast on the train as well as transport of your car.
If you do a search on this board, you'll find lots of info on the AutoTrain.
If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask...
When are you traveling? Amtrak's current Rail-Sale special for Auto-Train runs April 1-30, 2002. Fare of about $55 per person Lorton To Sanford, one-way (regular fares northbound).
Bad news for Auto-Train fares. It appears the new 30% Miles of Smiles promotion will exclude Auto-Train, just as the previous 30% special did. However, the promotion will still be good on Amtrak's other Florida trains (Silver Star, Silver Meteor, and The Sunset Limited).
As of right now, the Rail-Sale special is still running for April.