What if we miss the AutoTrain?

[Braque]

OK - so we are going to plan on lots of traffic and getting to the station two hours before departure . . . but, I hope I don't stress too much over the possibility of: hitting significant traffic delays and missing our loading and departure time.

But, what if we miss it? There isn't another one for 24 hours. Does Amtrak put you on the next train? Is there an added fee? Are you outta luck and outta the fare? Would you just continue on and drive the rest of the way?

Your comments are greatly appreciated (besides, "relax" - I know, I know . . . )

P.S. Does anyone know where I can find the phone numbers for the Lorton and Sanford stations, so we can call and say: 'We're COMIN' !!!

 

[higgin704]

We ran late last year arriving in Sanford for our return trip home. We arrived with 2 minutes to spare and had to rush to get on board in time for departure. We did call ahead on our way to ask what was done and were told you could book on the next train but at the prevailing rate (which is high) although they would waive the change fee. Luckily we made it though as I wasn't looking forward to a long drive back home.

 

[Disneyholic]

If so, I would recommend it. We took the Autotrain last year and planned to be there 2 hours before, also. About a 1/2 hr. out DH remembered that our dress outfits for our special evening out were still hanging in the powder room. Lost 1 hour there. Traffic had been light the first time out, but it got worse the second time out and worse yet the closer we got to Lorton. I was driving and totally stressed out. DH called Amtrak to see if the train was running on time and of course it was. We lucked out and made it there with only an hour to spare. If we go again, I would definitely consider driving down a day early and staying over close by. (After we got home and I had time to think normally again, I realized we could have saved time by not going back home for the clothes and having our DD UPS them to us, since we didn't need them until the second week. Hind sight is 20/20.)

 

[mcnuss]

not to be too glib, but I think you keep on driving...

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by mcnuss
not to be too glib, but I think you keep on driving...

LOL

 

[joeokw]

ok....we are always worried about trafffic too.... but last feb. we decided to stay over.. there Comfort Inn Amtrak advertises it . call them for details .. it is about a mile way in lorton.. you also get a small discount too. We got up and found a IKEA down the road.. We had to hustle to make the train....lol

 

[lazarru]

We used it last Dec, left from NJ about 8:30 I think and got there a little after 2. Actually we got about 4 miles from the station at about 12:30 and barely moved through the construction for the next 1:30. Make sure you give your a good hour worth of play room. Even though there's nothing to do around there, I'd much rather be there an hour early than having to rush to get there.

Even with that said, there were still a few cars that pulled in at 3 that got loaded. They say they want you there by 1-1:30 so they don;t have a mad rush but it seems like as long as the train doors are not closed for loading they will still put you on,

 

[DVC Chris]

We usually leave northern NJ around 7:00am and arrive in the area between 12 & 1. Done it a few times and never had a problem getting there with time to spare.

If we're there early, we go to Potomac Mills Mall (about 10 miles south on I-95) to eat lunch and browse for a few minutes.

 

[cherylp3]

I agree with others either stay the night before nearby or Add time into your driving time to cover traffic.

Cheryl