Car Train Service?

[idofabric]

I live in S.Carolina, and have never needed this.... However, there is a chance that I can go to WDW over Easter. DH will be in WashDC for work. I don't want to drive from Orlando to DC for 3 or 4 days... I would not mind if the train over shot DC by 100-200 miles...

As you all can tell, I have NO idea about any of this! I want it all! WDW and a few free days doing the Smithsonian in DC!

There would be me, and my 14yo son. I am (guessing...) that there is a charge for the car and then each person? It has to beat driving all that way!
It is 6-7 hours to our house, and then 8-11 to DC, so a straight shot would not be good to try and do in 1 day. I could... but would rather not!

Thanks for any info. I did try and find info, but didn't even have an idea what the service is really called.

 

[scdisneyguy]

I also live in SC and my brother-in-law works for the railroad I will ask him and try to post a reply if you haven't gotten one by then

 

[OhioGrumpyGirl]

Try the Amtrak site. Look for AutoTrain. HTH!

 

[dalspot]

The Auto Train goes direct from Sanford FL to Lorton VA and then back, which is a bit south of DC. There are no stops inbetween. Train is scheduled to leave either end at 4 pm daily and scheduled to arrive in at 8:30 am the next day. You will be charged for the car - a set fee based on type of car - car vs suv and then also charged for the fare for you and your son.

You need to be at the loading station by 2 or 3 in the afternoon. Your fare does include dinner and a continental breakfast the next day. If you want to pay a LOT more, you can get a sleeping berth. Otherwise, the seats are like sitting in the first class section of a plane. If the train is not too crowded, they will try and book you so that you can actually take up two seats.

One drawback to the train is that it doesn't always run on time, and has even been known to be as much as 12 hrs late getting to the destination (thanks to CSX "putting a few on the ground" - a derailment). So I'd not plan a big day of sightseeing the day you are scheduled to arrive, as you can be late, and you'll probably be tired too if you don't sleep well. But it's a great experience!

 

[idofabric]

This is great! Thanks! I will look into it now that I know WHERE to look.