Auto Train to Florida

[b243923 Member Find all posts View Profile Close b243923]

Anybody has experience in taking the Auto Train to Florida.

We are currently booked on the train to leave Lorton Virgina on Thursday Feb 18th. It will be our first time and do not know what to expect.

With the bad weather recently, the train has been cancelled everyday since Friday including today. They say trees and wires are downed so the train cannot run, hopefully in a week it will all be cleared.

Thanks

Ben

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

Relations used it for their annual migrations several years ago and seemed to love it even though it only covered half of their total trip.

[Nancy Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close Nancy]

We did it a couple of years ago. If you have any specific questions, I'll try to answer. We loved it. We travel from VA to FL and back several times a year and live near the Lorton Station. Cost has been the factor that we haven't used it more often.

Nancy

[b243923 Member Find all posts View Profile Close b243923]

We chose to take the auto train based on the cost. We figure with gas and 2hotel stays each way it would exceed the cost we paid. We paid 662.00 for the 2 of us. The price has gone up over a $100.00 since we booked 2 weeks ago.

Nancy has the weather gotten any better in Lorton. Have you heard of they are making progress in fixing the downed wires and trees which have stopped the train from running since last Friday.

Thanks

Ben

[longtimer Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close longtimer]

We took the auto train last July, round trip. DH is a real train buff, so this was the highlight of his trip. For 4 people, it was about the same cost as driving and an overnight stay each way. But I saved alot on the wear and tear on my van. The train personnel on the way down were exceptional. So was the food. You have to select a dinner time slot when you check-in. If you have kids and want to catch the movie (shown in the lounge car), take the first seating. Otherwise I recommend the second seating. The food was good (you get your choice of three to four entrees, dessert and free carafe of wine). There are plenty of free snacks before you embark (if the train is crowded, and you want to snack, grab some right away - it may go fast). Coffee, tea is free during the trip. The bar is open for drinks and soda at an extra cost. (if you prefer soda during dinner you have to purchase it at the bar - they don't serve soda during dinner - better to bring a few bottles with you - water too! It gets dry at night). There is a free continental breakfast the following morning. It's first come, first served. So if you don't get there right when the announcement is made, you will probably have to wait until a table is free. The worst part of the trip was the sleeping arrangements. The seats recline, but they are still uncomfortable. Take along small pillows and light blankets. The ones they give you are inadequate. If the car you are seated in has some empty seats, grap a free seat when the train leaves. That way you can stretch out and get a better night's sleep. If you have any other questions, feel free to PM me.

[Riperoo Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Riperoo]

We took it several years ago and loved it, it was an adventure, and the train ride is much more relaxing the driving on 95. Go for it, you will enjoy it.

[Nancy Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close Nancy]

Can't comment on Lorton conditions as I'm in Florida. DC area is expecting lots more snow today, but so far nothing yet.

Nancy

[Drunk Cyclist Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Drunk Cyclist]

I had no idea there was such a thing. Neat.

We've been wanting to do a train trip and I do hate I 95. Very Stressful driving.

[libraria Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close libraria]

Here's a site for seasoned Amtrak travelers, if you have any further questions. Click on Amtrak Rail Discussions

Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum (Powered by Invision Power Board)

[jericap Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close jericap]

Our family took it when we were kids...I still remember everything about it and it had to be about 35- 40 years ago. Great experience!

[b243923 Member Find all posts View Profile Close b243923]

Thanks for the link to Amtrak forums.

It is not too encouraging from reading the forum that the auto train will be up and running too soon.

I am concerned as I leave next week. Do you give refunds if the train is not running or give you a credit to be used for future travel.

Ben

[Nancy Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close Nancy]

Auto train is Amtraks best seller and gets the best service and people working on it. Unless DC area gets more snow, I would think it would be running by Monday or so.

Nancy

[deede Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close deede]

thanks for all this fab info -- have been thinking about doing the auto/train thing for sometime. Will definitely look into it, now after reading this post.

My hubby wants to drive his toy everytime we travel, and this train trip is just fine with me -- I won't have to tolerate his driving the toy from VA to FL.

[longtimer Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close longtimer]

My family has decided that if we ever want to "drive" to FL again, we will take the autotrain. We stayed a few nights at our TS in Williamsburg before the trip to break up the travel. It's only about an hour north of there. It's about an hour from the Sanford station to Orlando. One of the nice things about highways in FL is that they are well-planned and it's easy to get around. FYI for all those considering the autotrain. The Sanford station is very small and has limited facilities. They are planning a major upgrade, but I don't know when the new facilities will be open. Also, take along something to occupy your time while you are waiting for your car to unload. It's a very efficient system, but if you are among the last cars, it can be easily be a 45 minute wait.

[Nancy Platinum Contributor Find all posts View Profile Close Nancy]

Just read where Autotrain is not running today, but will run tomorrow (Saturday).

nancy