Auto Train to Florida - What's It Like?

[@sueturaninalexander6520]

I just happened upon your video! I worked onboard Amtrak’s Auto Train from 1984-1986. I loved working onboard as a train attendant. I was in my late 20’s at the time. I met some very nice passengers. I have great memories!

[@jade8568_VR]

Wow! That must have been a great job! Did u get your own sleeper room?

[@kaydublin5164]

My family did this in June 1974, my dad saved for 2 years to take our family of 6 to Disney, I was 9, I don’t remember a whole lot, except going to sleep and then waking up in FL.

[@cjmmjc2131]

that is exactaly what my kids remember.... all that money for wdw, and years later all they talk about is the train

[@Jaeluvsyu]

damn unc

[@danieljustdaniel9550]

Tips, bring your own snacks from your local store, there cheaper, bring your own pillow , theirs arent that great, arrive earlier or pay extra for early off loading, Tip your stewart, just like you said.

[@ranckrealestate]

We just scheduled a trip over Christmas on the Autotrain. I love when the train runs through Ashland Va. You can see all the Christmas lights!

[@chocl8lips]

Big Chris is the best and so much fun!!! He was our steward last month when we took the auto train.

[@ranckrealestate]

You had Big Chris too - how great! He really was a blast.

[@tonycalitri8310]

The worst part of route 95 is between NYC and Lorton VA.. It's a pity that the northern most stop couldn't be somewhere like rural Columbia County New York. That would put you a 2 hour drive north of NYC, 4 hours west of Boston and 45 minutes from Albany NY. A dedicated rail link to Lorton from the Hudson NY vicinity should make a link up to Lorton VA by 3 PM possible.

[@tonycalitri8310]

@@tomdomenico When I said "it's a pity", I meant that eminent domain issues would virtually prohibit a rail link down to Lorton VA. Let's try to remember that there are people out there that would profit handsomely by privatizing everything, so the propaganda machine against government being in charge of anything is working well. One last thing. Smokey is waiting at the Georgia border for guys who drive at 89 MPH, especially those Yankee states that burned their state from Atlanta to Savannah.

[@EpicThe112]

Good idea but the problem is that the autoracks will not clear PRR wires from NYC to Washington DC. The solution might be an autorack that can fit under PRR wires think of an americanized OBB Autotrain Laaers 560 Hccrrs & Ddm 915 autoracks used on their Feldkirch Swiss Border to Vienna Graz and Villach near the Austrian tri point with Italy and Slovenia services to make this happen.

[@TomTimeTraveler]

My wife and I traveled twice on the Auto Train to Florida, both times with a sleeper. Dinner and breakfast were superb and the service outstanding. The "highlight" was passing through a few small towns along the way, experiencing "Small Town, USA, waving to the citizens watching us roll by. The Auto Train is the civilized way to travel!

[@pmh1nic]

We had our first experience with Auto Train going from VA to FL. We had a sleeper car (smaller roomette). Someone needs to be healthy enough to climb up to the top bunk. Other than that I think most people will find the space comfortable for two individuals. One surprise was the dinner meal was excellent. Being able to bring your own car is great since there is no need to rent a vehicle at your destination. That can save you hundreds of dollars if you're staying at your destination for more than a couple of weeks. You pack your vehicle with no need to struggle with luggage bringing it to baggage checking or baggage claim at an airport. Getting off the train the following morning fresh having avoided the long drive on I-95 was wonderful. For us the Auto Train was a comfortable and economical way to make the trip from our home in NY to FL.

[@christinacope562]

We came to FL for New Year, great trip. They were short on crew but they did a wonderful job. Did our CoVid check online for return trip tomorrow then receive call that route is cancelled. It's a good thing we have our vehicle just wish it wasn't the Jeep for 1000 mile drive home. Then again maybe it's a good thing in case of snow. Every mode of transportation is failing. We chose train over plane due to their disruptions. I just want to go home already after getting text that my dog quit eating, so afraid she will die and be thrown in the County landfill. I should have brought her with us when I had to use a different place to board her, just worried how she would handle train.

[@jameskragt5078]

@@christinacope562 l

[@christinacope562]

@@jameskragt5078 hello! Did you get interrupted while typing?

[@archiebunker7688]

Hey! Mayor Pete had a nice vacation with his hubby. Just sayin.

[@brendagaither3081]

@@archiebunker7688 )

[@IMOO1896]

I’ve never heard of this train, very interesting!

[@TheJoeFridayBand]

I've been taking the AutoTrain twice a year for quite a few years now and it gets more expensive each time I travel, with the trip I just booked costing nearly double the price of my first AutoTrain trip. Other than that, I do love taking the train. As someone else mentioned, the food is quite good, though it seems the menu hasn't changed over the years. Regarding some points mentioned in the video, while you can get to the station at 11:30 a.m., you'll be waiting in line until they're ready to start loading cars. Wi-Fi on the train is sketchy, so don't expect it to be available the entire trip. Buy drinks and snacks at a convenience store BEFORE you get to the station. Priority off-loading is pricey but worth the extra expense, unless you don't mind waiting over an hour for your vehicle. I reserved a bedroom last trip, which has a private bathroom with a shower, but I sleep better in a roomette which has no in-room facilities. Bathroom facilities are just down the hall, though, with showers on the lower level and both are always clean, but the shower head in the bedroom I traveled in had a lot of mold growing on it. Ugh!! The train leaves at 5:00 p.m. so you'll probably spend most of the trip sleeping. I'm a very early riser, so after I grab a shower the dining car is open for breakfast. After that, there are a few hours to kill before the trip is over. If you've got the time, the AutoTrain beats the heck out of flying, and if you have to rent a car at your destination, there probably won't be much of a cost difference.

[@anthonycelano165]

What what is the cost of your ticket it looks like a lot of fun

[@auroranite]

We live in Maine and just finished driving 3800 miles round trip to Florida. Unfortuantely Lorton VA for us is 9 hrs if traffic is light. And the northeast is the worst part of the drive. Once through DC then 95 was a breeze. Amtrak is loosing $$$ by not extending this auto service to Boston. Of course if it was a Private business it would have been available years ago.

[@AmJaxineer]

Hello Aurora. I work for Amtrak in this area and occasionally run the Auto train. Amtrak can not extend this service north of Lorton because the Auto carriers are too tall and will not clear thru the tunnels along the route. There are also areas where the overhead wiring is too low as well to clear them. Also, these carriers are not built for higher speed that the passenger cars are and would grossly hamper operations on the Northeast corridor due to its slower speed limit. Also bear in mind, that before Amtrak its current operation, Autotrain was a private business and still did not run further north for the exact same reasons. And before that, it was still privatized when the freight railroads ran their passenger trains and still offered no such auto train service altogether.

[@chriskoch2901]

The bridge height clearances are a limiting factor for extending to the north

[@alsjogren7890]

Please expand the auto train to the west coast. Seattle - San Diego would be great.

[@jc1701]

I totally agree with some of these trip reports. My family of four started taking February round trips on the auto train in 2013. Round trip with a car and priority off loading both ways totaled $1,580. As some have recently said that will get you oneway now, LOL. Also priority off loading was only $25 when we started in 2013 to 2016 ish. And they have not even improved the sleeping cars in anyway since before 2013. Just way more worn-out and now you pay 2.5 times more for less quality. But I will say for a family Disney trip with smaller children it made the transportation a fun part of the vacation.

[@ranckrealestate]

Also keep in mind that prices vary greatly depending on time of year and direction of travel. Going south in the winter cost more than going north.

[@Peter-xo6bn]

Get ready to dish out 5 grand for two people and a vehicle plus sleeper. That is each way. Most people cannot afford this its a rich mans trip. Sarasota is also a very expensive community especially the real estate. Train travel is not for the average income earner.

[@donbxman7080]

@@Peter-xo6bn Nuff said. Looks like we'll be fighting I-95 traffic. Maybe we'll get to wave at the train along the way?

[@bowieskeeter2126]

$1600 is kind pricy. would it be cheaper to fly and rent a car? seems you will even have change for dinner, lunch and breakfast for a few days

[@terrybrowne5726]

East Coast Travel Is The BEST, From North To South. I Thinking About Travel From Northern Indiana To North Carolina SOON !!!

[@jade8568_VR]

I would have liked to see more of the sleeping accommodations & more of the inside in general

[@johngrant1337]

Next time do not be cheap get the bedroom it make the trip great. My wife and my self have taken 23 round trip and 10 one way up to Lorton and drive car back to Sarasota I love the Auto-Train

[@ranckrealestate]

Dave and I agree! The bedroom cabin are definitely worth it. We only traveled coach once - that cured us :-)

[@2tzus]

What is the bathroom situation like? Like how many restrooms are near the Roomettes and how many people share them? I'm thinking of having to go in the middle of the night and everyone getting in there in the mornings. Thanks!

[@carle5538]

you must be very rich.

[@PilotVolunteer]

I've traveled on the Amtrak AutoTrain, it is a great experience.

[@paullynch647]

What you provided a perfect trip. They are on a losing streak at the moment. They do not own the tracks. The Auto Train is at the will of CSX railroad. The last month they were running with less help, less choices of food, hours late and numerous stops to let CSX freight trains to pass by. They had a fire on a bridge in South Carolina on 8/28/22, had to,wait that out, had to put a new crew on board because the stopped crew ran out of time allowed. It arrived in Lorton about 4:30pm on 8/29/22, almost 24 hours later. They have cancelled both trains for Tuesday 8/30/22. I love the Auto Train, having used it on numerous occasions. The quality and hospitality has gone down quite noticeably lately. You have to tell people the good with the bad! It is not always the perfect trip!

[@marksimmons896]

Never done it. I will try in. Next couple months. I drive there about six times a month from PA

[@bonnyhenschel1591]

It would be nice if the auto train would go to the Midwest so we could use it too. That would be nice for us folks!

[@stanleydrive740]

I've been wishing for an Auto Train on the Coast Starlight for years.

[@philipstreechon4523]

I took that train from VA to FL, and we got a suite it cost me well over $1000.00 the bathroom was built for a four-year-old the food was good. Cheaper to fly and ship the car and that was 6 years ago.

[@liamweaver2944]

Did they charge you extra for the car or was it factored into the price of the ticket?

[@philipstreechon4523]

@@liamweaver2944 factored in

[@christalbot210]

Cool. I was born and raised in Sarasota (off McIntosh between Fruitville and Bahia Vista). I live in Orlando these days. We took the Auto-Train a few times in the 70's when it was a private company. Couldn't afford the sleepers, so we had a sleepless night on the train in coach (I need to be horizontal to sleep, even as a kid). We once took a 4th of July route from Louisville, KY to Sandford, FL (that route only existed for a year or two). Train was almost totally empty and we were the only two kids on it.

[@ranckrealestate]

We don't like the coach sleeping arrangements. We did that the first time but we always book a sleeper now. We've booked a Christmas trip already

[@daveranck1]

We've got another trip scheduled in October from FL to PA. We're taking the Autotrain north and going to drive back to spend a few days in the Smoky Mountains. If we flew we wouldn't have that option.

[@katedresser8378]

We had Big Chris as our room attendant a year ago and hope to get him again. We've done the auto train several times, and he is one of the best attendants they have.

[@checkyoursix5623]

My wife and I have taken the southbound train three times, and returned northbound by car. Where we live it's cold and snowy until March, then the snow melts and it's brown and ugly, and it's still cold. That's the time to head south. Also, we noted that southbound fare pricing was more favorable than northbound fares in that time frame (March is when the snow birds start to go home). Our sleeper cars were less than 2/3 occupied on the southbound leg, and we understand they're 100% booked up on the northbound leg.

[@cayman597]

It’s the same train from 30 years ago. Not enough leg room in couch. And it doesn’t always run on time. Pay extra for early off car so you can get out of dodge.

[@aleemah0salaam]

Just heard of this! What an absolutely fantastic idea!!

[@porthole12]

Our experience was not pleasant. Roundtrip roomette up, coach back. First off only AMTRAK could take a potentially very scenic ride through Florida, low country coastal Georgia and piedmont regions of Virginia and North Carolina and schedule it so almost the entire trip both ways is in the dark! Boarding the train in Sanford was pleasant, roomette comfortable, first lonesome whistle of the engines heard as we crossed level crossings. They soon became water torture as I would guess whistles were blown between 500 and a thousand times during the night. 3 hours after departure we pass Jacksonville, FL heading Northbound ( Sanford to Jacksonville is about 1.5 hours by car ) Dinner was served, think airline type meal about 5-6 pm depending on reservation. Very frequently train stops to let CSX freight trains have the right away as they have priority. Speaking of freight trains apparently the track quality in the US is much lower than Europe as often the train would lurch from side to side or up and down without warning due to track conditions. The train arrives in Lorton around 7-9 AM the next day. Imagine you have had a somewhat sleepless night at this point and after you claim your car you are thrust into Washington D.C. rush hour on I-95. If you are heading to New England prepare yourself for the worst part of I-95 until you get to Boston! We chose Coach class on the return figuring as we only live 40 miles from Sanford, that even if we were tired on the return, we could make the 40 mile from the station to home easily. What we didn’t figure when we planned the trip was coming from Connecticut, we would have to leave about 4 AM to get through NY, NJ, MD and DC area (during morning commutes on 95) to arrive on time for boarding on the Southbound trip. Choosing not to, it necessitated a motel stay in the Lorton area the night before ($$) Departing Lorton the crew lectures us all on the importance of NOT clogging the toilets with paper towels, etc as the system is pneumatic and our community toilet in Coach can be blocked easily with foreign objects. Our fellow passengers decided to ignore that advice and about 45 minutes into the trip the toilets were indeed blocked and remained that way for the remaining 16 hours. The odor was wafted through the coach as well and wet footprints from overflowed urine and backed up toilets added to the ambiance. The coach seats recline about 10 degrees, just enough to almost be comfortable and the lights in the car are turned off about 9 PM. If you want to chat with your seat mates in a normal tone or try to read using the seat light, surrounding riders soon inform you that they are trying to sleep and turn off the light or BE QUIET. Once again the whistles blow throughout the night, the train lurches and bounces and frequently stops as you wend your way to Sanford. Daybreak finds you almost to Savannah and you start believing you are almost there, but the trip takes about another 4-5 hours from there. Mercifully, about 9 ish you arrive, get your car and head home. Would I ever do it again? NO! Lastly, recall that the portion of I-95 from Lorton to I-4 interchange to Sanford is about the most stress free driving section of the entire route. The auto train while an interesting concept is poorly executed and a living example of taking a non existent problem and developing a government solution to it. One can only imagine the living hell the passengers went through on the recent 37 hour Lorton to Sanford leg in January 2023.

[@Digital_Photog1995]

Coming from New Hampshire the train would be a great option, but to get to the train I would drive through the worst of the trip to get to it. Not worth the money or the hardship of going to Virginia when the rest of the drive is less stressful. JMO Trip day one drive to Fayetteville day two Drive to Sarasota. Long drive but not much stress. Going home day one drive to Fredericksburg day two drive home. This leg of the trip is full of stress.

[@jrs1940]

Did the Auto Train many years ago, and my fiance' and I have decided to do it this year for our yearly summer trip to Florida. Can't wait!

[@roberth5767]

Wait until you see the prices! Yikes!

[@jrs1940]

@@roberth5767 well I booked it a few months ago, it was actually less than when I did it in 2004, we got a roommette, and will be bringing our own adult beverages.

[@RonaldBrown59]

Great video, thanks for sharing.

[@DaveDiv]

Amtrak - consider expansion of this service. A point somewhere near New Haven CT to Florida might be a very big hit with so many annual travelers to Florida from the New England area.

[@thedavevidal]

I have been wanting to take this train ride to FL and back for awhile. NJ to DC about a 3 hour drive...then the smooth hum of rails to FL...sign me up

[@donniebooth8478]

I love this because because I love my car but where I go my dog goes so I want be riding to Florida on this train

[@williamadams5179]

This is a great idea

[@thadvanness9409]

Love the Auto train have taken it several times. I live in Fl. but visit where I grew up in upstate NY. Don't like the fact that I have a 6-hour drive after arriving in Lorton and the price is getting a little steep.

[@U2WB]

We took this train from Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL back in 2014. Never, ever again. It cost us more than flying and renting a car, the seats were old, worn out, and terribly uncomfortable for an 18+ hour trip, and trying to essentially sleep in a broken recliner with snoring people, people talking on cell phones, and crying babies was impossible. We finally gave up and walked through to a car where a few insomniacs were watching a TV or playing cards. My daughter got sick from the floating feeling up on the second level. It was, overall, a grueling ride. The following year we all piled into the car and drove the whole way down, slept overnight in a motel. Much better experience.

[@Zsalaco]

Perhaps a sleeper would have been a better choice (privacy and not subjected to be in the open with other people)

[@whetman2448]

Agree entirely. A 1950’s Holiday Inn experience. Track is rough and sleeping nearly impossible. Seats are thin and uncomfortable . Dinner meal was quite good but staff rushed to get you out for the next serving. Ignore base ticket price. Everything is a la carte. Expensive travel.

[@U2WB]

@@Zsalaco WAY too expensive. 2 1/2 hours by air is more economical and a breeze.

[@archiebunker7688]

Hey! Mayor Pete had a nice vacation with his hubby and they fly on a private jet, thank you very much.

[@lianecornils6603]

Yep

[@gen-wh1yc]

Taking this trip for the first time tomorrow! Thanks for this informative video!

[@chipt8816]

How did it go ? Cost?

[@gen-wh1yc]

@@chipt8816It went great! I spent around $800, which means my expectations were pretty high when I got to the station. When I boarded, the roomette was clean, comfortable, and surprisingly spacious. The lock on the door made me feel pretty secure, too. It was nice to zone out to music and watch the nice scenery outside the train pass by. Dinner on departure night was surprisingly good -- I had a nicely cooked medium-rare steak with veggies! After that, the car attendant folded down the bed and I slept like a baby (once a lady down the hall stopped talking at full volume, lol). The next morning we were in Florida. Breakfast was okay, not that fresh but I can't really complain since I woke up late, lol. Once we got to Sanford, it was kind of a drag waiting for my car. Took around 1-1.5 hours before it was off the train, but again, can't complain. There were only about a dozen guys offloading 200 cars or so that day. They did it nice and smoothly, which I was grateful for because I was moving to Florida and ALL my belongings that I packed in my car were completely undamaged! I'm honestly just happy I made it down WITH my car rather than flying and hoping my car would survive with a towing company. I would definitely recommend and can't wait to ride Amtrak again!

[@monkeybarmonkeyman]

I visited the Amtrak website provided by your link. Early 2000's experience, which reflects badly on the potential experience one might have with the trip. For now, no thanks - I'd drive.

[@carriestevens9391]

Excellent video. Taking my first auto train in December. Lots of very helpful tips. Thank you!

[@ranckrealestate]

Have fun! We'll be traveling on the auto train north for Christmas.

[@rippleyunicorn7321]

Super helpful! Thank You :)

[@jakelakota3010]

It is $1875 with a one bedroom, standard vehicle, priority offloading. Round trip. And it is a 17 hour ride. Oh yeah, this is the way to go. And I can drive from PA to Orlando in 15 hours. With a tank and a half of gas.

[@donbxman7080]

Was that round trip? How many people? Thanks.

[@jakelakota3010]

@@donbxman7080 Round trip. It is based on the accommodations you choose. You can just get a regular seat but if I am going to be on that train for that long I wanted a private cabin. Cost is based on cabin size.

[@MRBenchwork]

It's a travesty that they don't offer a cross country auto train. Florida to California or DC to California would be extremely welcome.

[@ranckrealestate]

I wish they did too. Or at least one that started further north than Virginia and maybe stopped in Virginia. I think Florida is probably a better destination for Amtrak because of the large number of snowbirds that travel back and forth and want to bring their car.

[@MRBenchwork]

@@ranckrealestate I agree that Florida is a great end point but I do agree that Lorton, VA seems a little short of where it should go. That said, once you get past DC, there's really no good spot and that corridor is already overly busy. If space could be found I think Wilmington, DE would probably be the place to put it. It's 1.5 hours north of Baltimore, 45minutes south of Philadelphia and just a hair over 2 hours from NYC. This would be far better than the 4.5 hours from NYC to Lorton.

[@ranckrealestate]

@@MRBenchwork Wilmington would be a great endpoint! It's kind of the gateway to New England and would open up the possibility of the autotrain to more people.

[@johnkincaide9357]

@@MRBenchwork I agree it should be further North to tap into the NE market. It's a 7 hour (8 hours with rest stops) from Buffalo to Lorton. We packed the car to the max with our other family's baggage. They flew down on a discount airline 2 days later and avoided the baggage fees they had would have pay, which made the trip for all more affordable. Now with rental cars so expensive (60.00/day) using the Autotrain makes it a trip to on the Autotrain look more economically attractive - even for 1 week trips.

[@gewglesux]

Cali to Florida... I wonder what that would cost..

[@lakeseminole]

It's so much fun!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@deborahkaczorowski4695]

My grandparents took the auto train years ago. They hated it.

[@carle5538]

It is best to drive and take your time to relax at a hotel. If it was cheaper it might be more enticing. Not worth it.

[@cfbrito4]

Cool video👍 I was going crazy looking for a good vehicle transport company. Looks like auto train is a go.. thanks for the info.

[@Miami7]

This is a great way to go from northern Va. to Sanford. I've taken it many times! Mostly I travelled in a roomette, which was very comfortable, whether I was alone or with someone. Dinner is delicious and they offer several entrees to choose from. Later if you want a snack, you can go up to what I call the food car. Btw, their hamburgers from there are delicious, too! So I have a few tips. If you sleep in the upper bunk do not sit up without thinking, or you will bonk your head on the ceiling. There isn't much clearance, a couple of feet maybe. I've also taken the full room, which has a toilet and shower. I know it's a train, but it was pretty cool sitting on the toilet while taking your shower, lol. Even though coffee and water are always available, I always took a few extra bottles of water, because it seems that things really quiet down around 11pm and coffee and water can get low. They do always show a movie if you want to watch. I rode this train a few years ago because now I have no need to go back to northern Va. They stopped in Florence around 1am to switch drivers. We could all get out and stretch our legs, and it was a good break especially for the smokers. I think this was for about 20 minutes or so. No new passengers were taken aboard and no one actually departed the train. I'm not an early morning person anymore, so it was kind of rough when they made the breakfast call, but I believe they served for an hour or two. This is a really fun and relaxing trip. I usually tipped the steward around $50 or so. I did not tip after dinner. I've also taken Amtrak from Alexandria, Va. to Winter Park, Fl. , which is not the Auto Train. Travelling coach wasn't bad because you do have lots of leg and snooze room, but a roomette is better if you don't like sitting around a lot of people. If you travel coach it is advisable to take along ear plugs. Don't forget, if you travel on Amtrak a lot, be sure to rack up points with their rewards system!

[@BillFromPA14]

Is the breakfast place, 'Glory Days', within walking distance or is it a drive?

[@robertd9850]

Wish there was one of these from Raleigh or Charlotte to Tampa.

[@harleyquebecenrevue3580]

Thanks for the very informative video and just when I thought it was only for cars, I saw a flash with motorcycles being loaded which was exactly what I needed to know. 😊. Thanks again.

[@rayRay-pw6gz]

I used the auto train to go north in may 2018 . My car was packed full and I had a bike strapped to a rear trunk rack. No problem . I did not get a sleeper . It was good except the timing to drive north in the morning . It was Sunday and had to drive thru to the cape . For me it would have been better if the train arrived at night . Then the drive thru NYC would be much less traffic . And the ride from Florida , North in the end of may is easy during the day .

[@kristybarnes2563]

So awesome. Never heard of this before. Don't know if there is such service out my way. Pretty cool.

[@bsr6823]

This is the problem with Amtrak. They have amazing service but no marketing.

[@cindycreateforlife]

I wish they would take a C-class motor home on the train, that would be worth it!💕🇨🇦

[@sleeorlando]

Any tips on saving money? Pricing a trip for 2 on the auto train in late August for a roomers and it’s $1500. While it alleviates the stress of I95, seems awfully expensive. Wouldn’t nearly cost that much to drive

[@amif7155]

Great tips! We r going in April in a bedroom & roomette on return, how much of a $ tip is good for the steward, and is it same person for full ride? Thanks!

[@bunkstagner298]

looks really neat, but for me in central Texas it is easier to drive. But thanks and have fun

[@horschiday9449]

THANK YOU so much!! I LOVE THIS!! I’m thinking of booking the auto train

[@ranckrealestate]

Glad it was helpful!. We're traveling again in a couple of weeks.

[@RickyTikkiTavi77]

Best info video about this train thank you!

[@brandijrivera4968]

I’ve traveled on the Auto Train 🚊 numerous times, it’s the only way to travel 🧳. I love having my car 🚙 when arriving.

[@stever1791]

I've not use this service yet - But I will soon

[@valeriewimberly4568]

Note to travelers: Pay the $90 for the expedited off load, it could literally save you HOURS waiting for your vehicle to be offloaded, I learned the hard way!

[@yvonneperrucci1332]

great video, had to comment to ask why your car was in Poland

[@FizerMagic]

for coash, when do you get seat assignmets can you get them when you book

[@carle5538]

I enjoyed watching your video and I was looking forward to hearing about the prices which you did not say. I learned about it from the comments below. It sounds exciting, but I think this Amtrak train is now meant only for those who can really afford it. It has become a luxury now to travel by train in the United States. I will skip it and just drive, or if the distance is too large I will take the plane, much cheaper.

[@-DA3]

Packed with seniors on disability, the stock images of the food and smiling train staff are all from 1972. It's a hot fart box with 0 ventilation, have fun with that! and the cost in a bedroom is about 1,000 per person.

[@carle5538]

Someone here above says $ 2,000 dollars. Sounds like a ripoff anyhow.

[@Kevin-xi6ts]

We took the train last week. When we went into our cabin there was a dead body on the floor. This poor man had been there for 2 weeks. The staff came by and threw him out the window and we just continued on our trip.

[@markeast9221]

You left out the most important thing we want to know ! Prices !

[@carle5538]

He does not mention it here, I guess not to discourage prospective customers.

[@KimBarget]

Traveling next month and rented a roomette - what the appropriate tip for the person who turns down the bed and manages the roomettes?

[@Jeff-m5x3j]

Don’t leave any change in your ashtray or cup holder. It will disappear during loading or unloading.

[@ranckrealestate]

Really? I don't usually have change but I'll keep it in mind.

[@gewglesux]

thievery really?

[@KG-oe8oo]

That's a bit scary since they tell you to load up your car and leave everything in there.

[@Jeff-m5x3j]

@@KG-oe8oo it’s not, because the driver only has a couple of minutes in your car driving it up onto the train car. They really can’t steal anything except what is right in front of them.

[@KG-oe8oo]

@@Jeff-m5x3j they also don't have a lot of room to hide anything they would steal I guess.

[@Peter-ok9bj]

How about the people in coach? How much are the meals? Just booked the auto train but I didn't want to pay an extra $500 for the small sleeper for just one night.

[@alexpotter2108]

thank you, this was so helpful!

[@ashleystile8735]

Is the club room and dinner/breakfast services available to coach seats as well?

[@pjohn5084]

How much does it cost

[@rainacherienne1010]

I had no idea that there is an auto train option with Amtrak but it must cost a fortune. A normal ticket already costs a fortune.

[@mcarlkv53]

It’s awesome! I have done it 6 times😎

[@ranckrealestate]

We're about to do it again in October. We have our tickets already!

[@drjimkowalski8393]

Taken Autotrain in coach 6-7 times. 1/10/22 trip was 3 1/2 hours late pulling out. Couldn't make up the time in the air. Waited in line 2 hours to check in the car and then sat in a very crowded station. (Have COVID, will travel). Seems I always get the coach seat by the door between cars. Noisy all night opening and closing plus a great dose of cold air plus the overhead light on all night. Amtrak execs(must have been hired from airlines)chopped the dining car service for coach. Restrooms get a little wonky in the am. No, the get a lot wonky! But it sure beats driving to FL. Dr J

[@carle5538]

@@drjimkowalski8393 It does not beat driving to Fl unless you rest at the hotels and give yourself more time to get there.

[@sawisme]

Just got back yesterday from Florida using the Auto Train. Not a big flyer so this was a perfect option after taking 3 days to drive to Disney from Upstate NY. One thing to mention if you chose the coach class you will sleep in your seat so bring a pillow. We will be using this again but getting a sleeper next time which is actually cheaper than flying.

[@achyutakrishna]

Thanks for sharing this info. Will try in my next trip.

[@tomsimpson5317]

Wish I could just travel

[@lindastuckley493]

what is the price tag

[@sheepdog401]

This was obviously posted before people were stranded on the train for 30+ hours without any provisions. As well there are constant train delays. The service has gone completely down hill.

[@Momowild3230]

My parents took this northward. They’d never do it again! No AC! Can you imagine? In addition, took hours to get their car

[@joedt1214]

Why doesn't the auto train go to NewYork? Or even farther North? It should go from North to South in the East, Central and West United States as well as East to West.

[@nysavvy9241]

I looked into this one time and it's expensive and time consuming. However looks relaxing. Are there limits to how packed your car can be like moving?

[@fjb4932]

I'd think, as long as the driver can get in the driver's seat ( and see out the windshield ), you're good to go . . .

[@WendelltheSongwriter]

I guess the thing I remember is that it takes forever to get your car off the train once you arrive

[@IMOO1896]

In totality, is this more expensive, as opposed to making the trip by car, including gas, hotel, food, convenience ?

[@bakes82]

Cheaper and faster to fly and rent a car 99% of the time. Seems like its really only targeting the snow birds, but for most people you can fly from NY to Orlando and a week rental for half the cost and you dont lose 2 days of sitting on a train.

[@Youtuberkt]

do they accept a hitch carrier on the rear of the vehicle?

[@Adi-S]

Jesus $5,000.00 for two people? I would have to drive 3 hours from Norfolk to Lorton as well! Taking a plane and a rental car is way cheaper and much more convenient!

[@Sarah-zz6hp]

How full are the trains now? Are they booking to full capacity? I will be traveling in coach in a couple weeks and am curious if I’ll be seated directly next to someone else. Thanks!

[@fluffymuffi1]

I took it yesterday. It was about a third full. Lots of legroom and the seats have padded extensions that flip up which I just stumbled upon when I saw someone else use them. There are plugs by every seat so you can charge your phone. I guess the most important advice is get/ bring a small memory foam travel pillow, bring your own food and drinks, you need the block as well as the cable to charge your phone, earphones would be really helpful- people can be noisy, pack out of your car into the train with forethought of what you'll really need for the next 17 hours. I didn't pay for priority offloading and it really isn't necessary.

[@fluffymuffi1]

Oh and a travel blanket is helpful. I used a sweater to cover my legs overnight but that wasn't really optimal.

[@chriss.2878]

We are taking it for the first time in January and have a roomette. One of the comments was that you can make a reservation for dinner at a specific time. Is this true and if so can it be done before boarding or once you get on the train? Very informative video, especially since it will be our first time. Thanks

[@checkyoursix5623]

When my wife and I went south we had a bedroom. There were three meal seatings, as I recall they were 5:00 PM for sleeping car pax (meals included), 6:00 PM for coach pax (no meals included), and 7:00 PM for sleeping car pax. My memory could be fuzzy, though, on the exact time.

[@nonnie8388]

My family and I took this train every summer to FL for a decade. It went from the greatest experience, good accommodations, food and wine for dinner and breakfast was good too, movies in the movie car. The kids loved it. Was very affordable too. However, the last couple of trips were definitely the last. Accommodations are so pitsy ( horrible, dirty and smelly), no breakfast, dinner I would not feed a starving animal. Delay after delay late in the night. For my family…. We make the long drive enjoyable now. No more train. Which is a shame bc we need more alternatives for transportation here in the US like Europe offers.

[@JulianaBruni]

Do you know one that allows small dogs?

[@donaldcassidy1592]

Can you go from Kentucky?

[@shelleysmith9532]

Is service dogs allowed? I hope so

[@tonyru303]

I was thinking about taking the auto train but the $565 price was too high. I guess I'll just drive.

[@glennmartin6492]

Just out of curiosity what would a regular sleeper train cost down to Florida? I can always rent a car.

[@micheldumont4619]

Is there an Auto-Train from Upper States (i.e., NY) to Florida?

[@marsha6549]

Lorton VA to Sanford FL only.

[@KingoftheNorth56]

Did you have to deactivate your car alarm for this trip and if so, how?

[@chrisantoniscountryman-pur9954]

How about a video in the opposite direction. Fl to va.

[@yvonneang2724]

what about Las Vegas to Florida

[@zavianwilliams8205]

How much do it cost for autotrain

[@pattiray47]

packing many suitcases right this instant