Is it Worth it? Amtrak's Auto Train in a Bedroom Suite

Are you considering taking Amtrak's Auto Train in a bedroom suite, but wondering if it's worth it? In today's adventure, we'll take you on a journey on Auto Train, showcasing all the amenities and features of the bedroom suite. From the beds and private bathroom to the seating area and large windows, you'll get a glimpse of what it's like to travel in these accommodations.
We'll also share our personal experience and review of the Auto Train, including the pros and cons of taking this mode of transportation. Whether you're planning a. family vacation or a solo trip, this video will help you decide if Amtrak's Auto Train and Auto Train in a bedroom suite is with the investment. So, sit back, relax, and join us on this adventure!

[@cherylthompson3669]

We took the auto train when we moved to Florida. Great experience!

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Hi Cheryl! I’m glad you enjoyed your trip. I agree it’s the only way to make at least one leg of that trip. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@susanchapman4231]

Took this train both directions in October. I stayed with coach. A super value. Do remember snacks and sandwiches to take with you.

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Hi Susan, Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@CoryMatthew87]

The best bet for this trip is a "Roomette" as opposed to the bedroom. In the bedrooms, I do like having a toilet in my room but I find the shower/bathroom combo to be odd and way too small. Showering with a toilet next to you is just not my thing! Roomette's are much cheaper, you get the meals included with a bed to sleep in, and if you need to shower on this journey, the showers downstairs are so much bigger. A total win and great value!

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Hi! I’d wondered about the Roomette and whether it would be a good alternative to the Bedroom. It sounds like it’s worth giving it a try. The cost savings are worth it if nothing else. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@paulbidwell6395]

Except only 26” in the upper bunk. Too claustrophobic

[@CoryMatthew87]

@@paulbidwell6395 actually, when talking about the top bunk of Superliners, you get about 22-23" from mattress to ceiling, both in the bedrooms and in roomettes. So yes, if someone has claustrophobia issues or is a larger individual, top bunk is probably not for that person!

[@paulbidwell6395]

We asked Amtrak what the distance was from bunk to ceiling on the Autotrain, and it's 26". My wife said she that was too claustrophobic for her, and I get up several times a night to go to the bathroom, and I wasn't about to try to crawl out of that space for that. We did coach, and it was fine, but we were lucky in that the train was only 55% full, so we each got two seats to ourselves, which was nice.

[@CoryMatthew87]

@@paulbidwell6395 they are probably measuring from the start of the bunk itself, who knows. If you enjoy Amtrak travel, I recommend following "Grounded Life Travel" here on KZbin (husband and wife travel vloggers)... he actually brings his measuring tape on board to give people accurate dimensions so they can be prepared for the various accommodations. In any case, my spouse and I travel in the sleeper cars often (our favorite way to travel) and we find the space "enough" for an overnight. When we take longer haul trips out west, we actually book two roomettes across from each other. That way we each get a bottom bunk for sleeping, our own toilets, and have views out both sides of the train. It's actually cheaper to book two roomettes than it is one bedroom!

[@jameydupuy9280]

Perspective. I think it is good to remember that experiences are "all about Perspective". I have traveled Amtrack a lot and love it. I knew going ahead that there would be delays. As the travel was as much as the destination, a part of the vacation, we were very happy. There is amazing scenery you do not get to see driving or flying. The people you get meet and interact with makes it so exciting and fun. I think this video shows the downs and leaves out all the fun of the trip. Checking out other youtubers videos, people can really see what taking this trip is like with a whole different mindset and Perspective would be like. We traveled as a family with a newborn and 8 year old. Traveling with a baby had always been difficult but on Amtrack we had an amazing time! Now, with even more members to our family, amtrack is our choice of travel when we can. "Amtrack, please reopen the old route following I10 from Texas to Florida!! Or better California to Florida! PLEASE!!"

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Hi thanks for watching and commenting! Yes I agree perspective is everything. This was our experience and the realities of this particular trip. I’m sure it’s not the norm to have the type of delay we had on our way to Lorton. That said we would opt to take the train home again if we drive to Florida. Enjoy your travels!!

[@mattbrewster8051]

You are the first person to not rave about the full dinners(not the microwaved junk served during COVID).

[@robertzalenski4512]

I have traveled on it many times. Enjoyed it most of the time. I believe that it is a better price than driving down.

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Hi Robert! I agree you arrive less stressed. Even with the delay we experienced we would do it again. Thanks for watching!

[@sheram5949]

I took the auto train in August form Va. to Fl. I had a bedroom. Your title says suite, but this is just a bedroom. There is a smaller room called a roomette, it does not a bathroom. I did use the shower in our bathroom. It was very tight. Everyone was very nice and friendly. We took our own food to eat at the station, to cut down on costs. The food in the dining room was okay. We had a delay for about an hour late in the night, because the train lost power in the cars. I waited about an hour and three quarters for our car to offload. I would recommend this train as I found it very enjoyable.

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Hi, thanks for watching and commenting! That shower did look very tight and I agree the team on board were really very nice. I agree, we would do this train again if we drove down again.

[@wendellcoleman1137]

I just took the Auto train and just wanted to weigh in on a few issues and tips. First, if you have a choice of direction of travel and are just going one way, I would recommend starting in Virginia and heading south. The "railhead" Depot in Sanford, Florida was significantly inferior to the one in Lorton. It was smaller, especially the Gift Shop, which didn't have much of an assortment of munchies and snack to purchase for the trip (I wound up not buying anything). Also, the signage in Sanford was poor. There was no clear indication as to the entrance to the Depot. You had to drive over some non-descript raiilroad tracks seemingly out in the middle of nowhere, then drive down a dirt road, between the tracks, a ways before you could see the entrance. I saw several people driving past the "entrance" several times, until a railroad worker on another nearby train, directed them down the dirt road. Also, there was no signage outside the Exit to the train, to direct the passengers to their respective cars. In Lorton there is a big sign, just outside the Exit, directing all the Sleeper car passengers to the left, and all the Coach passengers to the right. In Sanford, all the passengers bunched up around a single Car Steward/Attendent, asking where EVERY SINGLE CAR on the train was. Was definitely a Cluster * * * *! Also, if you're interested in watching the process of them loading the cars on their Auto carriers, you need to be in Lorton. There is an outdoor patio right beside where they load the cars, where you can sit and snack while you watch. In Sanford, there is no patio and the loading process is carried on out of sight from the Depot.

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Hello! Thanks for sharing all of your tips. We debated about taking the train on the way down or the way back. We figured we'd be exhausted on the way home and that would be the way to go. I completely agree, the time we spent in Lorton waiting for our car to come off of the train was much more pleasant than Sanford. The waiting area was larger and seemed more sleek and modern. I did have to go outside of the station at Sanford to watch them load the cars. There were a handful of tables outside and we didn't notice until we were pulling away on the train that there was a playground that was in an odd location on the side of the station. Thanks again for sharing and watching!

[@rickeguitar9086]

Thank you for pointing out the issues with the room especially the shower. It is good to know when paying a premium price for a service just what Amtrak considers service on par with their fees. I don't think I will be using this unless they take better care of the facility or lower the price. Just my two cents worth.

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching and commenting.

[@Cassie4486]

My only suggestion would be to stop by Publix before going to the station and pick up a deli sub. It's a long ride.

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Good advice! That's certainly something that we would do next time. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@kimberlyxavier6043]

Hubby looked along and now he wants to try it😂

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

I really liked it! I would do it again. Thanks for watching ❤️

[@Snipedog1978]

I usually take the auto train when I travel between Jersey and Florida. I always get a roomette as I travel alone and I feel that this is the best value for my money compared to flying, car rental, gas, hotels and being exhausted from driving upon arrival.

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Thank you for sharing your experience! It's great to hear that the auto train has been such a positive travel option for you. We would seriously consider taking it again if we decide to drive down again.

[@MaryS2022]

I just subscribed. I would love to go on an Amtrak train one day to see a cousin of mine who lives in NYC. :)

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Hi Mary, Thank you for subscribing! Amtrak is really a convenient way to arrive into the city. I hope you get to travel to NYC soon.

[@VernaMarie]

a wonderfully descriptive review thank you! I go back and forth on wanting to take a train because the delays seem to happen often. Thank you again.

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Glad it was helpful! In our case even with the delays we still felt it was better than sitting in the car. Thanks for watching!

[@winnysneece694]

Great video. ❤

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Thank you for watching and commenting. I’m glad it was helpful!

[@dennis2494]

very good, detailed review and i agree with your overall opinion of the experience.

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Thank you for your positive feedback and thank you for watching!

[@markydee48]

I have taken the Auto train numerous times and have done the roomette, family room and bedroom. I like them all . My only complaint is that Auto Train is pricey. But I do enjoy the ride. Driving from FL to the northeast and back sucks. The dinner on the train is very good !

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

It sounds like you've had quite the experience on the Auto Train! Glad to hear you enjoy the ride despite the price. Thanks for sharing and watching!

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

Was planning a trip aboard this same route from FL to VA and was happy to stumble upon this video. If you know or had to guess how many stewards or stewardesses are on board?

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Hi! I would have to guess that there are probably 3-5 room stewards. The sense I got is that there was one dedicated to each sleeper car. I only ever saw our stewardess in our car. That said, there was probably a back-up for her if we needed anything while she was on break. Enjoy your trip and thanks for watching!

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

@@familytravelpursuits8318 Thank you so much. Have a lovely weekend.

[@aquariandawn4750]

People in the train station seem to behave alot better than airports these days.

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Train stations are like an oasis of calm compared to the chaos of airports. No long lines, no security checks, just hop on and enjoy the ride. Thanks for watching!

[@rosannerobbins3675]

Thank you for the informative video. I was wondering if water and soda are included with the room, other than when you are dining?

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Hi Rosanne, there were two water bottles in the cabin when we arrived. Our room stewardess did not offer us new bottles, so I'm not certain what would have happened if we had asked for additional bottles. I went to the Amtrak website to double check and it does seem that on certain sleeper routes (not this one), they offer your first glass of wine on them and unlimited soft drinks. I hope this helps! Thanks for watching!

[@teambandicoottransit0824]

If I would not lived in Kentucky and if I had a car, I would love to rode on Amtrak Auto Train. Unfortunately, I'm currently living in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and Cincinnati, Ohio. Amtrak Station is the closest, which is 3 hours away from Bowling Green, KY, and I took an Amtrak Cardinal Direct train from Cincinnati, Ohio to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on a Coach class because it's Cheaper

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

It sounds like you have a real appreciation for train travel! I hope that you get to take Auto Train one day. Thanks for watching!

[@ralphcap2476]

I always get the roomette only way to go if your a single person has gotten a little more pricey but you can’t beat saving 900 miles of driving .

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Thanks for sharing your tip! Roomettes are definitely a great choice for single travelers. And yes, the train does beat driving just about any day.

[@kimatkinson7717]

Coach seats on Auto train Sanford to Lorton 4/9/24. Full train. Extra cars added. All snowbirds traveling north. Every one was sick! Terrible Coughing Sneezing all around us. Should have worn masks. We have been sick for 5 days since we arrived home.

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

I am so sorry to hear that you got sick. That's part of the reason that we went with the private bedroom. Thank you for watching and stay well!

[@susanahl6654]

I am a Floridian and live on an island, popular with snowbirds. From the moment they start arriving we become sick with Lord knows every disease one could think of! This year was one of the worst and the people/college students that came here for spring break must have been horribly infected with something. It put me in bed for almost the entire month of March. I was hardly able to eat and lost approximately 20 pounds! We have just about had enough of it. I can't imagine the sickness that was enclosed in an Amtrak train and I imagine there were a lot of people that ended up sick after that trip.

[@mkabel3654]

Why was food truck blocking handicap spaces.

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Hi thanks for watching and commenting’ I’m not certain I can answer that question for you and I agree those services should be available for use.

[@teresashi8]

Yes it was

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Thank you for sharing your experience and for watching!

[@RICARDOGARCIA-wr9hx]

O come on you winers I love trains to death and would love to ride them constantly if I could.

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Hi Ricardo! Thanks for watching and joining the conversation!

[@TrainMike2013]

No hot water in the sink is rare. There will be hot water in the shower 99% of the time. Of note, these cars are mostly from the 80's and 90's. Amtrak is currently looking for new cars. The trains are not meant to be five star hotels. They are meant to get from one point to another safely. If you want luxury rooms, you will need to either go to Europe or the UK.

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Hi Mike. I agree with your point on the five star hotel. The cars really do show their age and need some love. That trip did spark curiosity about other rail trips and a European ride is on my bucket list. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@TrainMike2013]

@@familytravelpursuits8318 try cars in the northeast corridor in sleeping class. There are new Viewliner II cars in service built within the last five years. Much better experience.

[@jerzeys2finest89]

Hello can you leave your valuables hidden in your car? If you are moving and stuff

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Hi Jerzey, I personally would not leave anything in my car that I would be upset if it went missing even if it were hidden. While researching autotrain for our trip I didn't see any issues pop up with theft. However, it's better to be safe than sorry. We packed overnight bags for the train that contained anything valuable. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@jerzeys2finest89]

@@familytravelpursuits8318 My personal stuff will be hidden in the containers I have is that ok you think? I mean its only the workers and I bet they have cameras

[@jerzeys2finest89]

@@familytravelpursuits8318 Also im sorry, did the food service such as the diner open up not until 5 pm right? Like there isnt any food you can buy before 5 pm?

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Hi there, personally we didn't leave anything in our car that we would be too broken up about if it was stolen or damaged. Except for my ears. I'm an ears girl, that would have given me heartburn if anything happen to those but it wasn't practical to bring those on board. All that said, the choice is yours. You should do what you feel most comfortable doing. @@jerzeys2finest89

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

I can't say for certain what time the general food car opened for service. I do recall them saying they would make an announcement when it opened. However, for those traveling in the sleeper cars, you can choose to eat in the sleeper dining car at either 5:30 or 7:30. At least those were the dining times on our trip. Hope that helps!@@jerzeys2finest89

[@senseiaiki7242]

Combat conditions

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

LOL! It wasn't exactly what we were expecting. Thanks for watching!

[@Big-4]

Amtrak loses over $2b a year that has to be convered by the tax payers. If it was “independent“ like the original auto train, operations would cease immediately. It’s an ancient form of long distance transportation better suited now for intrastate travel or within a pocket of smaller states.

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic! It's a complex issue with Amtrak's funding and long term viability. We'll see where they end-up. Thanks for watching.

[@Tom-yq8qy]

Horrible experience, room was not feasible for two grown adults...I’m 6’3”, top berth dangerous, if you’re arthritic forget it... but the ride was very rough...maybe the tracks were I don’t know... lot of rain through the Carolinas....the attendants were very nice..dinners and desserts very nice, breakfasts not so great...definitely not worth the money we paid for round tripper.

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Thanks for sharing your experience aboard the Auto Train. I'm sorry to hear that you didn't get the value for the money paid. We appreciate you watching and commenting.

[@CoryMatthew87]

Not everybody will enjoy train travel, but for those of us who do, the experience is so much nicer than driving or trudging through airports. My spouse and I travel in bedrooms and roomettes all the time, without issue. The top bunk is definitely smaller, and I would say someone who is large/tall or with medical issues shouldn't expect to be comfortable up there, but it's fine for any average sized adult for an overnight. As for if the Auto Train is "worth it", I suppose that depends on the person, but we find the value pretty good. Last year when we took this train, we paid $530 each way (with companion coupon), so just over $1k round trip. Had we flown down, we'd have easily spent around the same price for flights and a rental car, yet not got the experience of riding the rails. But to each their own...

[@familytravelpursuits8318]

Hi Cory, thanks for sharing your experience and I agree with you if the airfare is around the same. It certainly is more comfortable and less stressful than flying.