Has anyone travelled to FL by rail?

[rodeo65]

I am wondering if anyone has travelled from Canada (Ontario) to FL by rail. How difficult was the trip - switching trains etc? I can't find anything direct. Everything seems to go into NY and then transfer to continue on, even if we get DH to drive us to Buffalo we still have to go to NY and then switch.

I am considering taking my two kids for a trip without DH and don't really want to drive by myself. That's a long way for one person to drive, so I thought the train might be fun for the kids and more relaxing for me. I'm just worried about the switchover; getting luggage moved (do they handle this or do we?), time between trains. Also what was cost like? Fares seem to be in the $375 round trip for three coach seats. I didn't look into the sleeper car idea but may be a better choice. Any input and experience would be great - thanks.

 

[sean-1966]

It would be way cheaper and easier for you to fly out of Buffalo. Also instead of taking a day it will take you less than 3 hours...

 

[Gigi22]

I am currently investigating train travel to the U.S. too. From what I have seen on the Amtrak website, NYC appears to be their major east coast hub.

The problem for Canadians travelling south is that not a lot of trains go from either Montreal or Toronto to NYC on a daily basis. There is one southbound train from Montreal, I think there are two from Toronto--one of which appears to leave To. in the early hours of the morning (roughly 2 or 3 a.m.). All these trains go to Penn Station in NYC.

The limited number of southbound trains that originate in Canada means that your choices of connecting train in NYC may also be limited. For example, the one train from Montreal arrives in NYC around 8:30 p.m., which just happens to be too late for us to catch the outbound connecting train to our destination that night. So we have to factor in staying overnight in a hotel in midtown NYC.

If you don't want to fly, or drive, you might want to look into the Megabus as a way to get to NYC--and taking a train from there.

 

[rodeo65]

It would be way cheaper and easier for you to fly out of Buffalo. Also instead of taking a day it will take you less than 3 hours...

I have a DS with fears and anxieties and I think trying to fly with him would be way more stressful than the time saved.

I am currently investigating train travel to the U.S. too. From what I have seen on the Amtrak website, NYC appears to be their major east coast hub.

The problem for Canadians travelling south is that not a lot of trains go from either Montreal or Toronto to NYC on a daily basis. There is one southbound train from Montreal, I think there are two from Toronto--one of which appears to leave To. in the early hours of the morning (roughly 2 or 3 a.m.). All these trains go to Penn Station in NYC.

The limited number of southbound trains that originate in Canada means that your choices of connecting train in NYC may also be limited. For example, the one train from Montreal arrives in NYC around 8:30 p.m., which just happens to be too late for us to catch the outbound connecting train to our destination that night. So we have to factor in staying overnight in a hotel in midtown NYC.

If you don't want to fly, or drive, you might want to look into the Megabus as a way to get to NYC--and taking a train from there.

Thanks, I'll investigate the Megabus. I've never heard of it.

 

[dollybaby74]

On the driving......this past March we left hubby at home as well, I took 2 kids and a newborn and drove myself. I was a little worried as well that the drive would be too much but it was fine. I took 3 days on the way down to be sure I didn't tire out. I remember being bored sitting in the hotel so early on the first two nights and thought like I could have kept driving a little more. On the way back home I did it over 2 days and it was fine.

 

[stefanospops]

If you are okay with SOME driving then look into the Autotrain that leaves from the DC area. You drive to the train station and the train takes you, and your car to Florida. That way you still have your car while there. Just another option. I haven't done it personally but have thought about doing so. Link below.

http://tickets.amtrak.com/itd/amtrak/autotrain

 

[rodeo65]

On the driving......this past March we left hubby at home as well, I took 2 kids and a newborn and drove myself. I was a little worried as well that the drive would be too much but it was fine. I took 3 days on the way down to be sure I didn't tire out. I remember being bored sitting in the hotel so early on the first two nights and thought like I could have kept driving a little more. On the way back home I did it over 2 days and it was fine.

I have gone back and forth on it and it's not out of the question that I would do the drive myself. I'd be more concerned with physical fatigue than anything else. I have chronic back issues and sitting in the driving position for eight house a day would be painful. At least switching off, I can move and shift as needed in the passenger seat.

If you are okay with SOME driving then look into the Autotrain that leaves from the DC area. You drive to the train station and the train takes you, and your car to Florida. That way you still have your car while there. Just another option. I haven't done it personally but have thought about doing so. Link below.

http://tickets.amtrak.com/itd/amtrak/autotrain

THANKS for that link!! My parents had discussed this a few times but I forgot about it. They were talking about doing it themselves but said they thought it was too expensive. I just tried the link and if I entered our info correctly it would be about comparable to the two nights on the road plus gas. Definitely bookmarked that site!