DC driving and autotrain

[dandelion]

We live in upstate NY, but due the hospitality of some friends, we'll be driving from Cockeysville MD to the autotrain boarding station in Lorton VA on Friday.

Is there a "better" route around Baltimore and DC? Mapquest puts us on the western loops of 695 and 495, AAA online triptik uses the eastern loop of 495. Opinions?

Also, what's included in the continental breakfast on the train? Should we plan on grabbing breakfast in Sanford after we disembark? We're heading for a rental home in Kissimmee, not a park day at WDW, so we're not super rushed but may be travel weary.

TIA.

 

[stevepete]

We've always used AAA's directions to Lorton and never had a problem. The breakfast on the autotrain was bagels, muffins, juice, coffee, cereal and a banana We were always full when we disembarked Have a great trip

 

[Piglet Fan]

What time do you have to be at the train station? I ask because traffic here can be a real nightmare, especially on some sections of the DC beltway. The shortest trip around DC would be via 95/495, the eastern loop over the Wilson Bridge. Sometimes the traffic can cause significant delays, so I would suggest leaving very early for the station, especially if you're going to be driving anywhere near rush hour!

 

[dandelion]

Thanks Piglet Fan and stevepete.

The train leaves at 4p, but you have to have your car there at 3p. We also have to pick up our tix (ordered online yesterday), so I was planning to get there around 2 or 2:30. DS is a major train buff so he'll love it anyway. How are services at the Lorton station? I live in a small town - actually the original Saratoga Springs and our Amtrak station has a ticket counter, a rest room and an occasionally open snack bar.

 

[Piglet Fan]

If you're planning to get here at 2, then you should be okay. You'll probably squeak through in between rush hours.

I'm not too sure about the station itself. I haven't been to it since I was a kid. I do know that it only serves the autotrain, there are no other trains that stop there. Lorton isn't terribly large, but the station is conveniently right off of I-95. There is a gas station across the street and a shopping center with a Burger King up the road.

 

[Uncleromulus]

Traffic can be horrible no matter which direction you take. But I've found the I-495 Wilson Bridge route to be just a bit better, and gives you a tad easier approach to the Mixing Bowl.

 

[RustManFan]

I have done the Wilson Bridge route every time we took the Auto Train (about 6 times). It can be easy to miss the turn from 495 to 95 South but we always are fine. We never wait as late as 2pm to get to the station. The station was recently remodeled with alot more room. We just sit and relax. Get first choice of dinner times too. We also never had a need for breakfast once we got off the train. Continental is fine.

Wish we were going soon!!

 

[dandelion]

Originally posted by RustManFan
We never wait as late as 2pm to get to the station. The station was recently remodeled with alot more room. We just sit and relax. Get first choice of dinner times too. We also never had a need for breakfast once we got off the train. Continental is fine.

What's a good time to get there then?

Thanks for the info about the meals.