Just returned - took Auto Train

[Pixieduster]

Well, we just got back from our first trip using the Amtrak Auto Train. I thought it was wonderful. I'm terribly afraid of flying (not because of the recent events) and when I have flown in the past, the anxiety always seems to put such a damper on our trip. We've driven a few times from New Jersey and I don't mind the drive at all, but it can be exhausting. After taking the Auto Train, I realized this is definitly the way to go for me. I loved it. We took coach on the way down to Florida and had a Family Bedroom for the return. I was very impressed with the coach seating. The seats were much more roomy then airplane seats and there was much more leg room. They put families with children in the same car and all others without children in the other cars. There were lots of people traveling without children and those cars were pretty full, but the car that we were in only had two other families. So we had lots of room to spread out. If it had been more crowded, I don't know if I would have enjoyed it as much. The kids were able to each have there own row of two seats to sleep in and they were pretty comfortable. The only problem I had with coach was when I was trying to sleep. There was one family that continued to talk at full volume well into the night as if they were the only ones in the car. Others were trying to sleep. I thought that was pretty rude and was very happy when they finally fell asleep. Definitly bring ear plugs if you plan on traveling coach. Other then that, it was fine. On the way back I had the family bedroom booked and was so glad I did when I saw the same family that had talked loudly on the way down were returning on the same train as well! The family bedroom was great and really much more comfortable. If I have the money in the future, I would definitly book a sleeper again. It's nice to have privacy and more room to stretch out. But if money were an issue, I wouldn't think twice about going coach. It was really a very pleasant trip all around. If I can answer any questions, I would be happy to.

 

[caitycaity]

did you see any movies? was the food decent? what kind of snacks can you buy (water?) and how expensive are they?

glad to hear you liked it - we're taking the autotrain down in november.

 

[Pixieduster]

I didn't watch any of the movies. It was just myself and my two children and I didn't want to leave them while they slept. They show the movies in the lounge car. On the way down they showed Legally Blonde and on the way back it was Knights Tale.

We had brought our own snacks from home, so I never bought any on the train. I'm not too sure about what they offered or the costs.

The meals were not bad. You have a choice of 4 selections to chose from along with a selection of a dessert.


I hope you enjoy your trip in November.

 

[SNOWBOARDER]

Where did you travel from and how long did it take? From Baltimore, it's at least $2,000.00 to take the autotrain. Phew!!

 

[caitycaity]

thanks pixie duster.

snowboarder- $2000 seems really high. we booked in march with an aaa discount and for 2 people, a normal size car, and a sleeper it was only $1000. are there 4 adults or do you have an oversize car? maybe they're raising their rates now b/c of 9-11?

btw, the autotrain only mkes 2 stops: lorton, va and sanford, fl, so price shouldn't vary depending on where people are from.