Few more questions re Autotrain

[kandb]

We are going in October and I have a few questions:

1. When the lights go out at 9pm, how dark is it? Will my dh and I still be able to read?

2. Is the train that shows the movie, the smoking car? Don't really want to bring the kids to see a movie and have to breath in smoke.

3. Are there any pizzerias around the Lorton area?

4. What time does the train usually arrive in Sanford? And how long does it usually take to get your car?

5. Do you suggest bringing a blanket and pillow for each person?
Thanks for your help!!!!!

 

[NJRRK]

We are going in October and I have a few questions:

1. When the lights go out at 9pm, how dark is it? Will my dh and I still be able to read? The main lights in the car go dim, but you will still be able to use the reading lights at your seat.

2. Is the train that shows the movie, the smoking car? Don't really want to bring the kids to see a movie and have to breath in smoke. Yes the car that shows the movie is the smoking car, but the smoking area is downstairs in an enclosed room and the main part of the lounge car is upstairs, no smoke at all, maybe a SLIGHT smell right at the top of the steps.

3. Are there any pizzerias around the Lorton area? There is a good pizzeria about 1/2 to 3/4 mile down Lorton Road in Gunston Plaza, right before you get to US1.

4. What time does the train usually arrive in Sanford? And how long does it usually take to get your car? These are two questions that can vary day-to-day. The train can arrive as early as 8 a.m. or much later, look at the Amtrak website you can get the on-time performance of the train. We have usually arrived around 10ish. The unload time depends on where your car is on the train. Between 20 and 40 minutes usually.

5. Do you suggest bringing a blanket and pillow for each person? Haven't traveled coach, but I ALWAYS bring my own pillow, and it and a blanket, or some sort of cover up is probably a good ides, my MIL and her DH use snuggies.
Thanks for your help!!!!!

Enjoy your trip, we've taken 4 RT on Autotrain over the years (last time 2007) and will again next year more than likely.

 

[NJRRK]

Sorry double post.

 

[kandb]

Thanks so much for all the info, much appreciated. Linda

 

[NJBILL]

Always bring a blanket or sweatshirt..train is cold the entire trip. We also bring neck pillows, but they hand out a small pillow for your use.

Also, here is a great site to track the weather on your trip. See AMTRAK cities.

www.travelweather.weebly.com