The Amtrak Auto Train experience PART 3

Hi everyone, welcome to this third part of the trip report onboard the Amtrak Auto Train service bound to Sanford in the sunny state of Florida. First Auto Train trip report.
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- TRIP INFORMATION -
Railway company: Amtrak Auto Train
Train type : GE P42 + Superliner II coaches
From : Lorton VA to Sanford FL
N° of train: 51
Duration : 14h53
Price : 504$, details in the video
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[@silenthunteruk]

Amtrak and being held up by a freight train. Name a more iconic duo.

[@counterfit5]

I had to get off the Crescent in Slidell because a freight train had derailed in east New Orleans, where it’s single track. The derailed cars were still there a week later, and some of them had significant damage

[@philnaegely]

despite congress passing laws saying passenger trains have right of way :(

[@captainsinclair7954]

The new Caledonian Sleeper cars and teething issues

[@justinr658]

@@philnaegely How can passenger trains have the right of way when the track is owned by the rail companies and not the government?

[@c.j.benoit8662]

Greyhound busses and stopping every four hours.

[@ranjithbalasubramanian1545]

You don't talk. You write everything you wish to describe with perfect grammar. You make the viewer feel as if he is in the same space of travel. The emojis you use are witty. You got yourself a new subscriber in me. Best wishes to all your future travels

[@russellmancillas4464]

FYI, customier to give your room attendant a tip, $5.00 or $10.00 per day, depending on what you may have asked them to do for you.

[@johnadams6535]

I give them $20. Plus $10 for any meal that they bring me.

[@sharonwilson2450]

We once had a 10 hour delay. Ended up with a 27 hour train ride, mostly just sitting still. A CSX train derailed ahead of us in Jacksonville so we didn't get too far out of Sanford. Amtrak called us several days later and gave us $100 each toward another trip within a year. They got our business back. Treated very well during the delay and gave us an extra hot meal.

[@abc-wv4in]

Amtrak runs on freight RR's tracks in most places except the NE corridor. Delays are not unusual. A laid-back attitude, and no close connections, really help with enjoyment of Amtrak travel. A lot of it is beyond Amtrak's control.

[@alexwong1249]

This train trip took us, viewers, almost 1 month to complete 🤣

[@pizzaivlife]

just like a real ride on amtrak feels!

[@kenlasky3904]

@@pizzaivlife Yes... With all my Amtrak experiences, the first hour is fun and the last hour is fun. Everything in the middle is survival time...

[@marcas8269]

The Dash 8 moving the autoracks is kind of like if an elephant moved a pencilcase

[@MegeGabe_Personal]

True, the Dash 8's are powerful locomotives that can be used for much more...

[@swf2e]

But if needed they could possibly maneuver most of the consist in the right situation. One of the other locomotives go down close enough it could be sent up the line to supplement the remaining unit.

[@kennyg.4329]

I was on the Cardinal once and when they used to pick up the Hoosier state train they would combine the one I was on with the other one and a Dash 8 was the lead engine it was a massive train probably as long if not longer than this one and the P42 was just used for head end power

[@miata1492]

I lived in Washington, D.C. when AutoTrain began and knew what it was for. But I have to say that this three-part series was the vert BEST information I have EVER seen about its operation. Congratulations, and thank you!

[@williamthethespian]

Thanks for letting us join you. You gave us a very absorbing experience; almost like being there.

[@norad.737]

Really enjoyed this 3-part series. We're planning to take the Auto Train and now I feel like I'm prepared. Thanks for the very comprehensive review.

[@KevinCNYC1991]

Great video, I live about 40 minutes away from the Sanford Auto Train terminal. A little bit of information on the auto carriers. They were built and delivered between 2005-2006 by Johnstown America Corporation, replacing the 1950s and 1970s era auto carriers that came from the Auto Train Corp. They're 90ft long and constructed of aluminum, meaning they're lighter and also longer then the original steel auto carriers. The Dash 8 moves them around with little effort.

[@patrickrichmond9896]

I was going to block but I found out that the reason why behind the jokes is a good way to get a break from all this negativity being smeared all over the news such as the constant shootings, and COVID-19. I find this video to be very useful and I think if this country could get more funding for Amtrak, Amtrak could create more Auto-Train routes. One route that would be very useful I think would be a brand new line that would run from St. Louis to L.A., with stops in Springfield, Las Vegas, and L.A. People who wishes to go to Branson could load in St. Louis could drop their car off at Lindenwood Yard near Shrewsbury (if an Auto Train station would be built there), then pick it up in Springfield for the remainder of the trip via U.S. 65 or MO State route 13 to Branson. An Auto Train stop in Las Vegas could come to be useful for if the casinos there reopen, and the strip clubs reopen, people would board in St. Louis and get off in Las Vegas. Reason why Amtrak has hardly ever gotten a large amount of funding? It's because we have idiots in Washington that has been there way too long. PLEASE, I urge all train buffs to share all three parts of this Lorton-Sanford trip with your elected officials. Simply Railway, thank you for documenting the entire trip from Lorton to Sanford. I know Pentrex did the same trip before Amtrak assigned Superliners onto this route. Amtrak has just taken a very famous line and made it even more grander so that way those who are in wheelchairs can enjoy a trip from the land of politics to the world of fantasy (Walt Disney World). This detailed journey has gotten you a subscription from me.

[@Bobrogers99]

The Federal Government has spent billions on highways and practically nothing on rail transportation. Most other industrialized countries have extensive public rail transportation, but we have been kept dependent on the automobile and long-distance trucking. Do you suppose that the oil and automotive interests have had anything to do with that? ;-)

[@michaelnorris6365]

I rode Amtrak from Philadelphia to Orlando in December 1976. I had just a standard coach seat, but still enjoyed the trip. Leave Philadelphia in the afternoon, be in Orlando 8am the next morning. I remember it cost $50.

[@EHProjects]

It's already been mentioned, but the delays on Amtrak are definitely the #1 problem. The onboard service is fine, generally quite good actually, but the delays can be ridiculous. This is especially true on long-distance routes, as the delays add up. I know it's usually not Amtrak's fault (it's generally due to freight companies owning most of the trackage), but it still hurts the reputation of passenger rail service in the U.S., which is a shame. Great video though!

[@Jay-vr9ir]

It is so sad , the train in North America use to get respect , especially when you look at all the old passenger train posters.

[@RS-gi9hu]

Ah finally, the final video, thank you so much for all the effort you put into these great quality reviews!

[@timdotterweich7380]

The USA's love affair with cars should prompt Amtrak to offer more routes with car transportation

[@200nick2]

"Milk Brick" I think the word you are looking for is Carton. Made me laugh though! :D

[@dazlebluefrogify]

it's because in france we call it 'une brique du lait" meaning brick of milk lol

[@Yo_Its_Matty_ice]

I might just call it that from now on because it's great

[@HMGarth]

Thanks, I was wondering about frozen blocks of milk...!🤷‍♀️😂

[@jamesbolinger887]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@lanaolson2867]

Thank you so much for the 3 part videos. You did a fantastic job at showing everything you need to know from start to finish.

[@porksobolanozaur5371]

Finally the toilets time!

[@NonstopEurotrip]

I know right 😂

[@mr8I7]

I always skip that part 🤢

[@robertgriffith8857]

Porkul Gras: why does he always use the plural? I should be TOILET time!

[@robertmann7492]

Great travelogue, the viewer feels like they are actually there on all of your videos. Looking forward to watching many more.

[@paulgrubb2680]

Thank you.

[@JRWoods-ei4pr]

I really enjoyed that you shared your journey. That Auto Train is on my to do list.

[@realman6ft6]

A great conclusion to the series and as always a fantastic review. I’m glad Sarah arrived safe. By far one of my favourite series of vlogs of yours. I’m hoping California Dreaming will be just as good if not better.. Also nearly 25K subs.. Another great milestone.

[@buttercuppy269034]

Thank you so much! I love all your videos! Love ❤️ and God Bless

[@bwolper]

Excellent series! Very informative.

[@1989zach]

Love this channel seen most videos multiple times, love the smileys 😊😋

[@bunnyfish714]

They need auto train all over america,what a cool thing,no need to rent a car on your vacation

[@robbietritt1960]

Have just watched all 3 parts of this trip report, very very impressed, very very informative. , AWesome

[@michael14081986]

J’ai adoré ces trois vidéos sur ce légendaire auto-train d’amtrak ! Ça m’a fait voyager, merci 👍🏻

[@quarryfield]

Excellent series of videos, well done !

[@TheJohnscot]

Fascinating!! The UK had a car transport by rail function but it was stopped way back in the 80s, I think.

[@kentcountryside10]

You are right it is the best train ever🚌

[@shanghai264359]

Another truly outstanding trip report. I watched all three parts. Your channel is quite a discovery for me which is why I recently subscribed. I've also been 'binge-watching' your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@marciomarques215]

Amo esse Canal.....Excelente ! Eu assistindo do Brasil / América do Sul ( Cidade de Sáo Paulo ) !

[@carlavision6143]

Really enjoyed all 3 parts of your awesome Amtrak video! I waited to comment on the last video. Beautiful scenery too!

[@mattbrewster8051]

Simply wonderful report. The last time I took AT was in 1995. I was very late in teaching the depot. In fact, the gate was being closed as I pulled in. Luckily, the guy saw me use the prayer symbol with my hands and let me through...WHEW!!!

[@f-btsc9944]

Superbe vidéo !! Merci de filmer tous ces voyages ; à bientôt

[@TrebleLover]

That's a great service! We used to have it in Italy too, but it was discontinued in 2011. Thanks for the trip report! :)

[@anthsallwonky]

that was a nice series. Thank you for your review

[@carbidejones5076]

I like your vids, no annoying music or overdub, just the ambient sounds.

[@helamanaragon3281]

Super su historia y video me encanto saber felicidades

[@lucabaldrighi3159]

Great video!

[@peterfrey6062]

excellent narration, and good views of the train. I've used autotrain a couple of times between DC area and south Fl. Good experiences myself. One time the train was actually EARLY getting to Lorton, and the crew had not yet arrived, so we had a 45 minute wait before they could begin the process and even open the station for coffee.

[@kmboonie6098]

Awesome!! Thank you for showing how this process works. This will be my first time using Amtrak auto. Destination Florida🤗

[@kenlasky3904]

Thank you recording and posting this! I’ll be taking the trip in May, 2021. Same accommodation. Oh! I have named all my cars! 😀😀😀 The current Silver Honda Accord is named Travis. Let’s see... my first car was Curtis, then came Andy, Stephanie, Marcelo, Nadine, Matthew, Joseph, and Bullitt. Bullitt was also a Silver Honda Accord.

[@petrjohan6104]

Nice to know something at Amtrak works!!!

[@chesapeakerailphotography]

Awesome video!

[@havrodwillfish]

welcome to florida! and thanks for awesome videos. in my 8 1/2 years in europe the only late trains experienced were in italy!

[@ThePapabobby]

very good

[@debbienye6002]

That looks like a really popular service! I wish I could utilize it here on the West Coast. I love how you call your Jetta Sarah. VW Forever!

[@nobleroman5601]

I enjoyed you're allowing us to travel with you to Florida , which happens to be my home state , I'm formerly from Brooklyn ny , but retired here to let the clock run out ,,,, but anyway,,,,, it was a very pleasant and informative experience , I was curious about how the auto train worked and now after many long years I finally have my answer , thank you so very much for sharing this video with us all I really appreciated it .

[@naruciakk]

This type of trains is still quite popular e.g. in Czechia and Slovakia. I remember I was traveling between Pardubice and Poprad in winter, on weekend, so quite a lot of people were using the train to move their car, not from Pardubice, but from Prague to Poprad and I think to Hrebenne or Kosice as well. It was nice to watch after a good night sleep on a couchette ;)

[@ScarabChris]

Very cool, they have the auto train down! My parents did an auto train trip about 6 years ago from wherever their most southern auto train station is I am pretty sure they said Sanford. They live by me in Ft Lauderdale. They enjoyed it.

[@poppopstrains8570]

Thanks for a great review. We were planning an Autotrain trip for the fall and your review closed the deal. Thanks

[@SimplyRailway]

Glad to help Philip :)

[@DanielsUKT]

Amazing last part if trip report showing the toilets and department procedure I've really enjoyed watching this 3 part trip report and all your other videos

[@NonstopEurotrip]

You wait to see what else is to come Daniel! ☺️

[@MiddleboroLakevilleRailfan]

I live in the us and love these videos again greetings from the us!

[@tracybland9886]

I don't even drive, and yet this was so fantastic to watch.

[@didisinclair3605]

Such a great video!!! And I finally learned what a bogie is!!!

[@RailfanTurner]

Terrific catches! It is not fun being being held-up by a freight. Amazing shots! Awesome trip you had to Florida! So many people taking the train back up north.

[@benjamintery7847]

Super video🤘 juste la vue depuis le lit ça donne envie d'essayer

[@haggischaser1028]

Great video

[@AndrewNeymar]

Buenas amigo, te he descubierto no hace mucho y decirte que me encantan tus vídeos, sigue así. Saludos desde 🇪🇸. 🙋🏻‍♂️

[@theexplorerlekhrajsinhrath2198]

Really Nice Concept Of Auto Train Enjoyed 👍🏻👍🏻

[@pentaquark2]

Cool video! I like Amtrak trains,and I can't wait when will be the new acela on service because I want a trip report of the Amtrak avelia liberty

[@harryborsalino1276]

Another fun video and a fine finale to this trilogy; I was interested to see just how efficient (or not) the offload and car claim process would be. Looks as though they know what they're doing! A two hour delay seems to be a requisite part of the Amtrak experience, but then, they warn you ahead of time that it's a real possibility, since they own very little trackage outside of the Northeast Corridor and have to yield to freight traffic. One trip, though, we were running late at the start because the train (the Sunset Limited) had experienced mechanical problems and our departure from San Antonio, Texas was delayed; then we struck a tractor-trailer rig in Sugarland, Texas (no one hurt, fortunately), and eventually wound up approximately 10 hours late getting into New Orleans. At the time of the collision, I was actually eating lunch with an Amtrak employee (not part of our crew) who was really cool about explaining all kinds of aspects of rail travel, and what was happening after the accident. I figured that was going to be my baptism of fire for train travel; I certainly hope that's as bad as I ever experience! It hasn't dampened my enthusiasm for trains, in any case. Thanks once again for the entertaining and informative video!

[@vasilicastoica1157]

Foarte frumos imi place 👍👍👍👍

[@sandieinatlanta9587]

Thank you for such wonderful videos of the "new Covid form" of travel. Today I should have been boarding the Calif. Zephyr, part of my countrywide trip across the USA. But my conference on West Coast was cancelled. I do hope that proper food service will be reinstated by Feb. 15, 2022. I have no need of microwaved mushy noodle dishes, sad tiny salads and cold cereal breakfast with packaged cake as they have recently been serving. If restaurants round the world can manage to cook meals, so can Amtrack. I have even seen that Amtrack believes Millennials do not want dining cars and do not want to eat with "strangers". I have subscribed to your channel and hope to see lots of interesting train rides. Thank you.

[@abc-wv4in]

Amtrak management has seemed determined to kill their long distance trains by a thousand cuts.

[@jimpolk]

You make incredible videos. Just found your channel and you're making me want to ride a train just for fun.

[@davidreeves9848]

My wife and I have utilized the Amtrak Auto Train for many, many years now. We find it to be efficient and comfortable, even if it is a bit pricey. To us, it's worth it. We live in New York, and only wish they would extend the Auto Train route further north. Fortunately, one of our three sons lives about 40 minutes from the Lorton, VA station - so we drive down to see them and the grandkids, get up in the morning for a short drive to the train, and wake up in Florida (We have a condo in the Tampa Bay area where we spend the winter). I found the video review to be very factual and correct. We have traveled in each different level of the Auto Train accommodations, and now travel exclusively in the Bedroom units. We like the extra room and the private bathroom & shower. The food is good, the staff is always helpful and friendly, and everything is always clean and well-kept. You get what you pay for. I have already purchased our tickets for the 2021 trip down to Florida. See you on the train!

[@dianerivera3222]

Taken the AT 7 times over the last 15+ years. Your car came off fast because of less passengers. Our wait time has been well over an hour with a full train. We always book a bedroom too. Like having our own bathroom. We'll be onboard again this fall.

[@rtrobinson88321]

Very cool video. I think I would like to go on this train sometime. You make it seem fun.

[@claudiahansen4938]

Excellent series, very helpful. Watched all three. We need auto train between California and east coast, Florida!

[@5mnz7fg]

All three video parts of this journey were most impressive! Those trains appear to be some sort of passenger ships on wheels.

[@johnnyking8302]

Just came north a week ago. Was trip # 14 on the Autotrain. Always use the sleeper cabins. Dinner was served in all cabins this trip--no dining car. Breakfast was available at the coffee station in the car. Was first car onto priority autorack and the first car off-- well worth the $65 fee. Train arrived about 30 mins early--no freights to wait for. Only way to Florida if you need your car--as most of us snowbirds do.

[@InterRegios]

THose auto trains carriages reminded me the ones in the Channel Eurotunnel. Nice one.

[@Railfan225]

Im so sad I’m done with the auto train series! I think your videos are great! I am looking forward to watch all of your other vids! 👍🙂

[@marshazangroniz9168]

Thank you for using reusable bags. There are plenty of Americans who use them. Unfortunately, not enough.

[@LisaMarli]

We just need one going up and down the West Coast. I hate the drive down to LA, but I love having my car with me.

[@Abnerbandanovotempoinscrito1mi]

Moito lindo tren amtrak simplys gostei show gostei

[@mr8I7]

The whole arrival procedure would've done my head in! It gives me bad memories of taking the ferry to France and how long the loading process plus passport control etc takes. In this trip it seems like you lost almost half a day because it took so long after the delays.

[@jstoney6471]

Just did this trip down 2 weeks ago!

[@Biggiant121]

I have taken this auto train several times as I go to Florida often when it gets cold in the North States. I usually just to the coach cars but after watching your video series on the sleepers, I might just upgrade. I know what it is like btw to be delayed due to a freight train. I was once stuck for 3 hours in Florida. Very annoying but what can you do. Thank you very much for posting, this was good to watch and took me back to my memories before Covid has struck the world.

[@MegeGabe_Personal]

YaY! Part 3! :D

[@duncanmcewan1049]

This is a brilliant idea that I wish they had elsewhere !

[@kenwbrenner]

Hi. Enjoyed your three part series on this trip. You did a good job in providing details of the train and trip. I thought you said you drove to Virginia from Kansas City. I am originally from the Topeka, Kansas area, and lived in Overland Park for 2 years. Look forward to more of your Amtrak videos. Thanks

[@UrbanHomesteadMomma]

All in all this seems to be a good value... no hotel or fuel prices that you’d have driving, and more restful. All for cheaper than flying and renting a car... seems a win win

[@calebtrains2261]

@Simply Railway I've Ridden AMTRAK's Auto Train, While I Rode In Coach Rather Than Sleeper, It Was Awesome. And Yes, Freight Trains Are A Pain When Riding AMTRAK, Also In America It's Against The Law, Except For A Few Circumstances, For The Freight Railroad's To Put Their Trains Ahead Of An AMTRAK Train. Secondly, You're Lucky, Because When I Rode The Auto Train It Didn't Have A Sightseer Lounge Car, But When I Rode The Capitol Limited It Did Have One. Lastly, AMTRAK Is Planning To Cut Long-Distance Sleeper Trains.

[@ronclark9724]

All of the long distance sleeper trains are being cut to three times per week service, instead of the daily service except for the AutoTrain which will continue with daily service at the start of the next FY in October 2020. Simply put the pandemic has hurt all of the travel/tourism industry with no exceptions. However the regional and commuter trains Amtrak runs will continue as is... The Auto Train is so successful even at this price because car rentals and Florida hotel rooms aren't cheap either. While driving your car will be cheaper overall, you will most likely spend a night at a hotel driving to Florida along with restaurant expenses Amtrak provides riding on the Auto Train...

[@Retiredtraveler1961]

I use the auto train routinely to avoid the dreaded drive between DC and Orlando. While better than the drive itself, expect the train to be late, the the ride rather rough, and the unloading process up to two hours post arrival. Never had any issues with damage to my car so far, and I find the crew in the Orlando station to be far faster at unloading cars than the crew in the DC area.

[@gtshelby8937]

Jaja!The bag from Mercadona,thats why I feel so familiar with this bag in the moment😂

[@rubenlujancastro170]

Que sorpresa cuando he leído lo de la bolsa del Mercadona. No sabía que hablaras español. Muy buen vídeo. Saludos desde España 👋🏻

[@marvi1515]

Subscribed!

[@flarrfan]

I hope you gave your attendant a nice tip, as opposed to Europe where it's not so routine. On my sleeper trips, I give $20 a night for good service, $10 if not up to par, and more for exceptional. I even tipped a coach attendant once for the excellent way he handled a drunk and disruptive passenger near me.

[@bfd45]

I really enjoy your trip reports and applaud your objective comments. A few details to correct in the Auto Train report. First, the P42engines were made by General Electric. Second, you made it sound as if the en suite shower and toilet are only in the deluxe sleeper bedrooms. Bedrooms in all Superliners include the toilet and shower en suite, to the best of my knowledge. Superliners are also used on the route of the Capitol Limited between Chicago and Washington, DC. Please don't take these comments as criticisms, just minor corrections. Thanks

[@atoztripreports5518]

5:44 ah yes,the mercadona bag. They must be really good because half of my town (in the uk) owns one lol, they are well traveled.

[@a.l.m.trains]

Excellent Trip Report, I really enjoyed it. Hopefully one day I can take Amtrak for a trip myself. Also one thing to point out, the locomotives on your train are not the P42’s that you usually see on other Amtrak routes, but they are the older P40’s that Amtrak purchased in 1993 and were the first of the GE Genesis series constructed. One way to tell the difference is the numbering, the P40’s are numbered 800-843 while the P42’s are numbered 1-207. Still an Excellent Video Anyway!

[@penjim]

Thank you for this review! I appreciate your European perspective as many Americans think Amtrak must be the worst trains in the world, I believe they are very good. 😁

[@jasonm949]

One thing I learned early on...I thought I was helping the sleeper car attendant by making my own bed, and then throwing it all on the top bunk when I was done. Turns out they now have to remake the upper bunk with fresh linen, since it's now soiled. Doubling their work.

[@stepheng2131]

You got lucky with the 30 mins to get your car. I had gone northbound on a Thursday train (so arrived in Lorton on Friday) with goal to drive up to Manhattan. If on time I may just beat the really crazy traffic getting into NYC. But nope, train was late (seems that’s the norm) and then it took 90 mins to get my car. All that put me approaching Lincoln Tunnel at 4:30pm on a Friday, what a mess that was! I was in no rush though so I enjoyed that best I could

[@db4239]

Terrific three part video. Very glad to see those autoracks are graffiti free. Hate that stuff.

[@mr.conductorfromsts4204]

Amtrak 815 & 835 were one of the leftover P40DC’s

[@bunnyfish714]

And,there's "Sara",she looks happy to see you again

[@GarC170]

The reason you’re supposed to sleep/lay perpendicular to the train’s movement is to prevent breaking your neck in the event of a derailment. Old hobo knowledge. Sleeping with your head pointing in the same direction as the train’s movement could cause you to snap your neck if the train stops suddenly and violently.