Meals from the Cafe can be eaten in your coach seats, the observation car, or your sleeper car room. The Auto Train is easily accessible from its two stations in Lorton, Virginia (approximately 30 minutes from Washington, D.C.) and Sanford, Florida (approximately 30 minutes from Orlando) and departs daily from each station at 4 PM with an arrival of 9 AM the following morning. Amtrak often runs sales on the tickets for the Auto Train. Passengers start boarding at 2:30 PM and both the Lorton and Sanford stations have high platforms for ease of wheelchair boarding. : Shipping your car on an open trailer is cheaper than if you use. Passengers and their vehicles must arrive at the station between 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM to check in. Amtrak car shipping isnt a great option for drivers who value speed or require an origin or destination outside of the Northeast or Florida. Motorcycles must have at least 5 inches of ground clearance. Auto Train tickets usually cost $89 for coach class, one way. This will save you time at your destination. Once you get to the loading area you leave everything in your car except your valuables and a bag or two for what you will need on the train. Toilet and shower often mention the companys willingness to price match the rates from any company with an A+ rating from the, Affordable rates and several discount opportunities available, Excellent reviews on BBB; A+ rating and accreditation. Passwords are case sensitive, should be at least 10 characters long and should include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. As you read, Amtrak is the best option for sending a car by train and is much easier than many other car shipping providers. BTW, if you are getting ready for your trip, make sure to take advantage of these useful,money-saving linksto book your trip: I personally use, and can recommend, all the companies listed here and elsewhere on my blog. However, its of limited value if you need to move a car elsewhere. If Amtrak car shipping doesnt seem like the right choice for you, wed suggest industry-leading car transport companies like Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport. The stereo inside has a volume control and plays some nice music. The Amtrak Auto Train is a simple and affordable way to transport you and your car between the Washington, D.C., region and Orlando, Florida. Had we driven from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida, the cost for two people would have been about $350.00 including gas and tolls, one hotel night and food. The best way to sleep on the Auto Train is to get a roomette or bedroom. Do you find yourself squished in a regular seat or just love having extra room to sprawl out? Sure, a flight would be quicker, but the Amtrak Auto Train allows people to bring along their vehicles without having to physically drive that far. The roomette has a sliding door that closes pretty tightly. Coach as low as $9 and Private Rooms starting at $109 + the cost of your vehicle WASHINGTON - Amtrak is launching a limited-time fare sale for travelers to skip I-95 and travel nonstop from the Northeast to Florida onboard the Amtrak Auto Train. If you arrive at either station after 2:30 p.m., expect to miss your trip. The price was a reasonable $8.00. You can reserve coach seats, roomettes or bedrooms on the Auto Train. It is a pleasant ride to Florida as you sit by the window and see the marshes, rivers, farms and towns go by. How much does it cost to put your car on the Auto Train? 2x the space of a Roomette. There is free wi-fi throughout. It is the only train of its kind in the U.S. By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement. Travelers looking to stretch out and upgrade from our roomette should explore our bedroom option. And now for a limited time, a trip in the comfort of a private room starts at just $99 each way, plus the cost of your vehicle. Be prepared to tip the Amtrak employees who help you. Schedule The Auto Train schedule is the same each day with one northbound and one southbound train. Travelers must check-in their vehicles by 2:30 p.m. on the day of departure. Even if you opt for higher-end accommodations, you could find outstanding rates for cheap car shipping if you use Amtraks train transport services. Just to be on the safe side, being on line at 1:30 to load your car, would mean you wont have to wait so long to receive it on the other end. Check-in for special vehicles closes at 3:00 pm. for the route from Washington, D.C., to Florida, Amtrak car shipping comes at a competitive rate. On the upper level of the Auto Train youll have a much better view out of the windows than the lower level. Maximum tire width: 14.5 inches. The number you were given when you checked in will be called when your car is ready. Below are some frequently asked questions about Amtrak Car Shipping: It costs $208 per direction to ship a standard vehicle using Amtrak car shipping. For others, its likely smarter to compare prices from top auto transport providers to find a cost-effective rate on a route that suits your needs. For comparison, driving from Washington, D.C., to Orlando normally takes about 12 hours in total. 2. You wait in the waiting room until boarding. Content on Jalopnik Advisor is commercial in nature and independent of Jalopnik Editorial and Advertising. Amtrak policy states that all automobiles should be standard factory models at their originally manufactured lengths. Check-in starts at 11:30 am on the day of departure. Auto Train tickets usually cost $89 for coach class, one way. For vehicle specifications and to book a trip with a special vehicle, call 1-877-SKIP-I-95 (1-877-754-7495). A magnetic number plate is attached to the driver-side door of your vehicle and it is video graphed against damage claims. We also had a bicycle attached to the back of the car. All vehicles must be checked in by 3:00 pm. The museum is free but the prison cells have a $5.00 entrance fee. On the lower level it could be a little noisier, but youll have access to more bathrooms. Neck Pillow- Comfy, plus it folds up for easy storage. There are outlets to charge electronics in the observation car. The first is coach. This is the most economical option and doable for the almost 18 hour ride but you are still sitting all this time so, if you can afford it, upgrade. The Auto Train departs each station at 4 p.m. and arrives the next day around 9 a.m. Obviously, this isnt an ideal route for everyone who wants to ship a car. and Car transport companies with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. We also accept certain special vehicles (see below). Does Amtrak Auto Train offer any premium features like extra legroom or movies? The Auto Trains caf car is available to buy food and beverages. Ticket prices normally go up the closer you get to the travel date, so dont miss out on a good deal when you see one. No dual wheel vehicles, gull wingsor scissor doors will be accepted. That said, Amtrak car shipping might be worthwhile if youre trying to get your car from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, or Philadelphia to Orlando and locations farther south. While this route is popular among snowbirds, it means most Americans wont be able to take advantage of Amtrak car shipping. Pro travelers know that booking your ticket well in advance is key to finding the lowest price. The train travels non-stop from Lorton, Virginia in the Washington DC area to the city of Sanford, in Central Florida just outside of Orlando, a major tourist destination since that is where Disney World is located. Type of Room Capacity Toilet Shower You can ship your car on Amtrak for as low as $146 per vehicle. Its a difficult question to answer, as Amtraks Auto Train provides affordable transport for a very specific group of drivers. _ @ " $ # ,). If you have a ticket for your vehicle to travel on the Auto Train, the vehicle ticket will have the same refund policy as your associated passenger ticket. Of course there are also tons of cool things to do in the national parks and cities near Miami and the beaches in the area. AmeriFreight is a leading car shipping broker that partners with over 10,000 car carriers to deliver a wide range of auto transport services. There is no checked baggage with the Auto Train. Passengers on the Auto Train will be sleeping for one night on the train. The same train route in late-December will cost $1,013. Will you go coach or sleeper accommodation? At the time of writing, the fare is $89 per passenger and $269 per car. Learn More. in coach class, though rates on Amtraks website may increase as spaces fill up. The train leaves once all the vehicles have been stored. What kind of vehicles are allowed on the Auto Train? You might want to bring ear plugs, eye mask, blanket, pillow, and fan, depending on how fussy your personal thermostat is. And theres only one scheduled stop: a short 15 minutes just south of Florence, South Carolina, for a crew change and refueling. Vehicle fees make up a significant portion of the fare. EM. Climbing into that top bunk is tricky when you are 70+. Sleeper car passengers get to enjoy dinner in the dining car which includes a complimentary glass of wine or bottle of beer. Trains depart from both stations at 4 p.m. and arrive at their destinations the next day around 9 a.m. Amtrak does not ship across the US from east to west, however, the company does have nonstop trains from Washington D.C. down to Florida. You may bring your car, but not your pet, so if you have a pet you may need to rethink this form of travel. In addition to ticket fees, youll also pay fees for each vehicle you are transporting. Amtrak provides several options for the Lorton, Virginal to Sanford, Florida route. Grand Canyon National Park. In addition to 24-hour assistance during your trip and coverage for lost or damaged baggage, trip protection can help you get your money back in case you need to cancel or change your trip. Youll be glad you did. 16 feet in length, 85 inches in height, 84 inches in width, 18 feet in length, 85 inches in height, 84 inches in width, 102 inches in length, 72 inches in height, 51 inches in width. Montway Auto Transport has been shipping vehicles across the United States since 2006, and its depth of experience is a major benefit. It only takes about 12 hours to drive from one city to the other, making Amtrak car shipping a somewhat slow process. One of the most popular national parks in the country, the . Each level has its benefits and limitations. Bedroom. But is it worth it? Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. Traveling by train takes the hassle out of traveling up and down the East Coast. If youre planning to bring many possessions on your trip, the ability to fill your vehicle with personal items comes as a bonus. Writers and editors evaluate each brand based on industry data and real customers experiences, meeting high editorial standards to keep readers informed. For the same dates in August, I'd be paying $257 for a flight in basic economy. Small boats and jet skis are also allowed on board for an additional fee. You would not be comfortable in a roomette. For $1,000, I booked a bedroom, which is about the size of a King-size bed with a . Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. To give you a rough idea of typical fares, for November 2020 Amtrak was quoting a round-trip price in coach of about $800 for two adults with one child and one standard-size car. For an extra $120, you can guarantee your vehicle space on the train and make sure it's one of the first 30 vehicles taken off once you reach Florida. So we began our research and explored options on the auto train. Why take the Amtrak auto train to Florida? Here's How. We recommend using Amtrak to send your vehicle to Florida using a train. Spend a little more and upgrade to the next level. We were looking to take the train to Florida my mother is 93 is on oxygen. https://www.pettravel.com/pet-travel-train.cfm. Does your vehicle include a rack on the roof or at the rear? : The greater the competition for a route, the less your per-mile rate could end up being. An even bigger landscape window Sleeper car passengers on the Auto Train will be delighted to know that the Auto Train has traditional dining for all sleeper car passengers included in the price of their ticket. The shelf above it pulls down to create a bunk bed so there are two beds in this compartment euphemistically called a roomette. This is suitable for two people (two people who really like each other because its very small) or one person who wants to sleep in a bed vs a reclining seat. in a small carry-on bag. Inside, its much more comfortable than your vehicle; you can choose to sleep in Coach class on a reclining seat or in a bed in one of the sleepers. Hi, Greg and thanks for reading my post and commenting. Sherpa Auto Transports Price Lock Promise is a major selling point. The lounge was inviting with good music Motown -piped in. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. This is especially true if youre willing to drive to the terminal from cities like Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia or New York. An attendant places plastic sheets in the drivers footwell and on the drivers seat to prevent dirt and its driven to an Autorack railroad car. Download movies and/or a book. First Class Accommodations and Service for Acela Passengers, Auto Train Boarding and Vehicle Requirements, Amtrak Thruway Connecting Services Multiply Your Travel Destinations, San Francisco Bay Area and Northern California, California Thruway Buses Reach Hot Vacation Spots. The observation car on the Auto train can be used by all passengers. Hi, Ellen: Thank you so much for your lovely comments. Use the following steps to take advantage of Amtrak car shipping services: While Amtrak vehicle shipping can be pretty simple, make sure to follow the rules above. Unlike many long-haul Amtrak trains, theres no observation car because most of the scheduled 17-hour trip is done at night. Thats a $392.00 difference compared to the auto train. The Auto Train takes 17 hours to make the journey from Washington, D.C., to Orlando, and thats not including the time it takes to load and remove your vehicle. We explain the rail line's prices, shipping process, and availability. Stay well. But for the few hours of daylight youre on board, make sure to look out the window; youll see a variety of landscapes, animals, cityscapes, Colonial towns, urban areas, country estates, farms, industrial plants, broad rivers, and swampland. Select Executive Amtrak Guest Rewards members get one free priority offloading coupon per year. As you will be using a bathroom on a moving vehicle, please use caution and hold on to a rail at all times. Sherpa Auto Transport has an. It has a ticket counter, restrooms, gift shop, and caf, all accessible. Ground clearance: 4+ inches. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . Visit Amtrak's website and you will be able to obtain exact fares for any Auto Train trip you are planning. It takes approximately one hour to get your car back. The Lorton station is a pleasant place to wait for your unusual ride. Using a Walker or Wheelchair on the Auto Train We stayed at the Lorton Holiday Inn Express which was 7 minutes away from the train station. It basically means that your originally quoted price wont change or have fees added to it mid-shipment, which can occur with other car shipping providers. Cost (Washington to Orlando): $652.00 (January) Cars, vans, SUVs, trucks, and motorcycles are accepted on the Auto Train. @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~. The public bathrooms were dirty. The Amtrak Auto Train is a unique service that transports passengers and their automobiles along the East Coast. We paid $742.00 for 2 people to go from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida. Yes, the Auto Train offers free WiFi onboard. Maximum occupancy is two adults in both of these room types. If cancelled less than 14 days before departure, a 25% cancellation fee applies. : Youll need to purchase a passenger ticket as well to reserve a space for your vehicle on the Auto Train. For an additional amount, you can book sleeping accommodations instead of spending the night on a reclining seat. In each, pillows and blankets are provided and you can control the temperature. Amtrak car shipping is an easy way to get vehicles from Washington, D.C., to Florida. The cost for entire trip for two people in a Superliner Bedroom and a vehicle was $742.00 one-way. Insider's reporter spent 30 hours in an Amtrak bedroom while traveling from Miami to New York. This allows for you to drive your vehicle right up to the station for pick-up, and meet your vehicle at the exact time it arrives at your final destination. Amtrak is unable to accept responsibility for these items. For us it was worth it for the experience but we wouldnt do it every time we take that route. The Auto Train starts and ends in Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL. Note that you are actually required to bring a vehicle in order to ride the Auto Train. Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel in North America and Europe. And remember, drivers must ride the Auto Train themselves for their cars to be eligible for the trip. If youre looking for long-distance car shipping services, consider Montway Auto Transport, Sherpa Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, and Easy Auto Ship. Your email address will not be published. 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Amtrak Auto Train goes the extra distance to deliver premium features to its customers. The price of a coach ticket ($89) and your vehicle fee ($208) will be less than buying airfare and renting a car in Orlando or Washington D.C. Does Amtrak list food ingredients for those of us with allergies? Here's what an Auto Train ride looks like today: For just $39 one-way plus the cost of your vehicle (nonrefundable northbound sale price: August 16-23, 2022), coach passengers get a reclining seat, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary continental breakfast; gone are the complimentary dinners, but there's a caf where you can buy hot and fresh meals, Each one-way trip takes 17.5 hours in total. If you drive, will you linger and take a leisurely, several-day road trip from the northeast to Florida or try to make it in one non-stop drive? Typically, its $5 for a seated meal and $10-15 a night per person in a sleeper. Roomette 2 Adults *None None We go back and forth from New York to Miami every once in a while and the driving can be exhausting. Sleeper car accommodations can cost $300 per person or more as amenities increase. But to be sure, just call Amtrak. Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport are excellent options for car shipping services to or from California. The train travels non-stop from Lorton, Virginia in the Washington DC area to the city of Sanford, in Central Florida just outside of Orlando, a major tourist destination since that is where Disney World is located. Thats something thats either discouraged or outright forbidden by most auto transport companies. While there are multiple qualities that make an auto transport provider successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers: Montway has an outstanding reputation and offers competitive pricing for car transport services. Note that prices for roomettes and bedrooms include meals and coffee. The Auto Train schedule is the same each day with one northbound and one southbound train. For those traveling between the Northeast and Florida, its pretty easy to book a spot on the Auto Train. In addition to booking way ahead, different seasons and holidays affects how much you'll pay for a Superliner Bedroom. I spent 30 hours in a sleeper car on an Amtrak train traveling from Miami to New York City in 2021. On your way to these adventures I hope to provide you with useful information to help you get there. Additionally, youll avoid the stress and wear and tear that comes with driving yourself. I wanted to check out the lounge so I went there and had a pre-dinner cocktail. That way the folks in the roomette can use the bedroom shower and bathroom. Disclosure: travelswithtalek.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. By using this site you agree to the Amtrak auto train route. Thanks to 21st-century transportation, there's a way to travel between Virginia and Florida that doesn't require spending 12 hours straight in a car. In this article, we at the Guides Auto Team will take a look at Amtraks Auto Train service and highlight a few of its pros and cons. Montway Auto Transport provides both regional and cross-country auto transport services, along with car shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and international locations. That said, you must follow some simple steps and stick to the schedule to make it a success: Auto Train tickets for drivers riding the train are typically $95 for one-way trips in coach class, though rates on Amtraks website may increase as spaces fill up. Tips for enjoying your Amtrak auto train journey, https://www.amtraktrains.com/threads/how-to-book-two-roomettes-across-from-each-other.27519/, http://amtrakfoodfacts.com/menu-items-sdg-020620/, https://www.pettravel.com/pet-travel-train.cfm. You should purchase your tickets online and make sure you have everything you need to board before you arrive at the station. Otherwise, transporting . Amtrak's Auto Train onboard sleeping accommodations Amtrak's Auto Train is a Superliner, therefore, it has all room types available as well. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best deals out there. You can buy your tickets online or at the station. Friends had taken the auto train and recommended it. The trip takes 17 hours and 29 minutes. Check-In by 3:00 pm (no exceptions) Maximum length: 216 inches (18 feet) Maximum height: 85 inches. There are not usually last minutes sales on Amtrak Tickets. All Amtrak Auto Train tickets can be cancelled for a full refund within the first 24 hours after purchase. Montway Auto Transport and AmeriFreight can meet your auto transport needs while offering affordable prices for the trip. For more information read our privacy policy. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Thank you for your inquiry. Boston Amtrak stations: Which station is best? Each bedroom has the capacity of two adults (with an option for a third), one to two suitcases and are 66 x 76. Between now and June 30, Amtrak is offering up private roomettes on its Auto Train starting at just $109, plus the cost of your vehicle. The company works with a network of more than 15,000 vetted auto carriers that all offer strong insurance policies. Below are a few of the clear positives that come with using Amtrak car shipping services: Make sure to consider the disadvantages of Amtrak car shipping before booking your tickets: The fact that Amtrak only ships cars between Washington, D.C., and Orlando means that the train works for very few drivers. Unlike standard car carriers, Amtrak is still very much a people mover, so you are able to ride the train the entire distance with your vehicle. Priority vehicle offloading is an optional feature that costs $65 per vehicle and ensures that your automobile will be among the first 30 vehicles to be loaded on and off the train. Rob is married to Allie and together they have been traveling the world for the past 5 years. How much does it cost to ride the Auto Train and what's included? Its difficult to get a good photo of the compartments because they are so small. For others, its likely smarter to compare prices from top auto transport providers to find a cost-effective rate on a route that suits your needs. Coach seats are the cheapest option. No more cries for bathroom or stretch breaks, stopping to refuel, or searching for a hotel or restaurant. Thanks. : Once the train arrives in either Virginia or Florida, your vehicle will be unloaded and youll be ready to head out. Its important that a car shipping provider is able to deliver your vehicle in a safe and timely manner. Expect to pay around $100 to $200 for a one-way coach ticket. Needless to say, if you are in a roomette where the seats turn into bunk beds, the person who uses the bathroom the most at night should be in bottom bunk. The best place to sit on the Amtrak Auto Train is in the middle of a coach car on the upper level. Pick the ticket thats best for your budget, schedule, and preferences, and complete the booking right on Wanderu to secure your great deal. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? There are no train routes offered by Union Pacific or CSX that provide similar auto transport in the United States. https://www.amtraktrains.com/threads/how-to-book-two-roomettes-across-from-each-other.27519/. Even with passenger tickets included, Amtrak car shipping comes at an affordable price. The line doesnt stop along the way, either, so youll need to find another option if youd like to drop your car off in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia. Its easy to get instant. The $89.00 does not include the price of transporting the car which is an additional $200.00. Check-In by 2:30 pm (no exceptions) Maximum length: 192 inches (16 feet) Maximum height: 85 inches. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the companies that scored the most points topping the list. The only downside to shipping a car by train is buying a passenger ticket and riding along with your vehicle. All passengers can also eat from the Cafe car on the Amtrak Auto Train. To ship an operable 2021 Toyota RAV4 from the D.C. area to Orlando using open transport, we received quotes ranging from $829 to $975. Then you check-in in the waiting area and are given your ticket to board, dinner menu and dinner time. If you are arriving at Lorton from a different destination and dont want to be rushed in order to make the loading time, you may want to consider spending the night in Lorton. * Only dogs and cats are allowed to travel as pets. On the other end, it takes another good chunk of time to unload all the cars. If youd like a bit more space on your journey, try booking a bedroom for your next trip with us. The Amtrak Auto Train is a non-stop train. : Auto shipping companies with affordable rates, locked-in pricing and discount opportunities scored highest in this category.

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