Thinking about taking the Amtrak Autotrain next March break...

[mickeywho?]

Has anyone done this before? How was it?
We going to Vero Beach so a car is a must. Flights are always expensive plus add a car rental and the price is nuts.
So....maybe we'll do the full drive down and the autotrain home. The station is about 9 hours from here and the timing would be iffy for us to get there in enough time for the ride down. But the ride back is looking very tempting.
Cost would be $1000 for the 4 of us in two roomettes (sleeper rooms), includes our car and meals.
What do you all think?

 

[Kazzy1548]

We did this the summer of 2010.
The drive down wasn't to bad. But when we came back and had to drive 10 hours after a night of not sleeping. It was though.
We had a lower level. It was quiet compared to the seats on the upper level. If I would do it again. I would book a roomette. More privacy....
If you have any aother questions let me know.
It was a great experience.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Has anyone done this before? How was it?
We going to Vero Beach so a car is a must. Flights are always expensive plus add a car rental and the price is nuts.
So....maybe we'll do the full drive down and the autotrain home. The station is about 9 hours from here and the timing would be iffy for us to get there in enough time for the ride down. But the ride back is looking very tempting.
Cost would be $1000 for the 4 of us in two roomettes (sleeper rooms), includes our car and meals.
What do you all think?

I'm pretty sure you could fly for what it would cost you in total....
$1000 for the train + gas + cost of the drive to FL. Also add in the service on your car before and after your trip plus the wear and tear.

 

[mickeywho?]

I'm pretty sure you could fly for what it would cost you in total....
$1000 for the train + gas + cost of the drive to FL. Also add in the service on your car before and after your trip plus the wear and tear.

We're estimating (at this point prices aren't out) that flights for the four of us would be $1400 - $2000 + car rental $800 - $1000.
If we drive there $400 plus autotrain back $1000 plus $200 for gas, food...much cheaper.

I think if we were going to the parks instead of Vero we could skip the rental car and that would make a huge difference. We priced rental cars last march break and they are $$$.

The autotrain is sounding like a bit of an adventure in itself! Some of the pics and stories on the transportation board definitely have us leaning towards that option.

 

[amw]

We rent cars every trip and I've never paid more than $300 for 2 weeks, taxes in with the rentals at airport. You do have to be vigilant though -- there are a lot of codes on the transportation board & some of best rates are on US Costco site (which Cdn members an still book) but usually only at 6-month or closer window.

 

[dancin Disney style]

We rent cars every trip and I've never paid more than $300 for 2 weeks, taxes in with the rentals at airport. You do have to be vigilant though -- there are a lot of codes on the transportation board & some of best rates are on US Costco site (which Cdn members an still book) but usually only at 6-month or closer window.

We usually visit FL for 12-14 days. The most I have ever paid for a 2 week rental is $180 for a midsize. Last year we were there through the July 4th holiday (13 days) and got a midsize for $131. Prices are all taxes and fees included.

OP....IMO your numbers are a little off. I do agree that the train trip would be fun though. I've thought about doing it but last year the prices jumped way up and have stayed there. Before that happened you could go RT on the autotrain for about $700 for a family of 4.

 

[canadiangirl123]

I've never heard of this before but it sounds very interesting.

 

[amw]

We usually visit FL for 12-14 days. The most I have ever paid for a 2 week rental is $180 for a midsize. Last year we were there through the July 4th holiday (13 days) and got a midsize for $131. Prices are all taxes and fees included.

I know - I was being extra generous on the cost ... I've never seen $1000!

 

[magickingdommommy]

The auto train sounds like a fun idea, especially since I hate long drives but after looking at prices, it seems expensive.

If you are trying to save money why not fly out of the states. If you are lucky enough you can get a deal - $1000 for a family of 4. And then just rent a car ...

If it is not about saving money it sounds like a fun family adventure

 

[mickeywho?]

Well now that the airfares are slowly coming out ....the drive + amtrak is looking like the more cost effective option for sure.
Jetblue out of Buffalo - the cheapest I can find are $1500 rt + two hotel stays (really early morning flights to save costs) we're looking at $1800 for flights for the 4 of us plus a car rental for a week.
So flying is OUT! We usually manage to do the drive (both ways) for $800 (gas, hotels, food) so making one-way amtrak won't add too much to our usual costs.
AMTRAK it is!
Of course, dh is still wanting to wait until southwest opens up their fares, so we'll wait until we see those before booking anything.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Me who hates to do the road trip thing is doing it in August. I just booked a timeshare for the last two weeks of August. DH likes to drive and wanted to this time so the compromise was staying an extra week. We weren't supposed to be taking a trip this year but I'll take it any way I can.

 

[mickeywho?]

Me who hates to do the road trip thing is doing it in August. I just booked a timeshare for the last two weeks of August. DH likes to drive and wanted to this time so the compromise was staying an extra week. We weren't supposed to be taking a trip this year but I'll take it any way I can.

Have fun! We're headed to WDW in a few weeks - but flying this time. I booked when the flights opened up at Christmas and managed to get direct flights at a great price. But if a "surprise" trip was offered I'd be happy to do the drive.