Sleeper car accommodations can cost $300 per person or more as amenities increase. There are outlets to charge electronics in the observation car. I hope you found the information useful. Skip I-95 for $95 on Auto Train Experience the Auto Train between DC and Florida with Coach fares as low as $95 + the cost of your vehicle. AMTRAK.COM Montway Auto Transport and AmeriFreight can meet your auto transport needs while offering affordable prices for the trip. Amtrak is unable to accept responsibility for these items. Thats something thats either discouraged or outright forbidden by most auto transport companies. 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. 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. Hi, June. Here are six ways to experience U.S. National Parks by train with Amtrak Vacations: 1. How much will Brightline train tickets cost? Thanks for reading. This is especially true if youre willing to drive to the terminal from cities like Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia or New York. 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Auto Train tickets for drivers riding the train are typically. The Auto Train starts and ends in Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL. Roomette 2 Adults *None None Boston Amtrak stations: Which station is best? We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. For those looking to ship vehicles along the East Coast, Amtrak car shipping can be a smart choice. Note that you are actually required to bring a vehicle in order to ride the Auto Train. For us it was worth it for the experience but we wouldnt do it every time we take that route. The vehicles are unloaded at your destination, with thirty available priority vehicles coming off first. Sherpa Auto Transports Price Lock Promise is a major selling point. The Auto Train schedule is the same each day with one northbound and one southbound train. Is $200 the standard cost for a van? All Amtrak Auto Train tickets can be cancelled for a full refund within the first 24 hours after purchase. All sleeper accommodation options come with towels, linens, turndown service, meals, access to the lounge and dining car. A very enjoyable read packed with great information & advice. Amtraks Auto Train is an overnight route between Virginia and Florida that allows passengers to take cars, motorcycles and some other special vehicles on the train for a fee (view requirements). 4. Other Amenities Include: , Alaska, Puerto Rico, and international locations. Hi, Dean: Thank you so much for reading the post and commenting. Amtrak Auto Train: 12 Things You Need To Know Before Riding, Amtrak Vacation Itinerary: 12 Day United States Grand Loop Tour, The Twilight Express Mizukaze: 8 Things you need to know before riding this train in Japan, Seven Stars in Kyushu-11 things you need to know before riding this luxury Japanese Train, The Northern Explorer: 10 Things You Need to Know Before Riding this New Zealand Train, 20 Must Have Items For Your Next Amtrak Trip. Thank you! View latest schedules and timetables on Amtrak.com. Car transport companies with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. Happy travels! The Auto Train runs between Lorton, Virginia (about 20 miles south of Washington, DC), and Sanford, Florida (about 25 miles north of Orlando), a distance of 855 miles that lets you avoid 900 miles of driving on the I-95. Best of all, each of our itineraries are independent and customizable, meaning our Vacation Consultants can help you plan the National Parks train vacation of a lifetime. Private rooms are available on 15 routes across the national network: Auto Train, California Zephyr, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Coast Starlight, Crescent, Empire Builder, Lake Shore Limited, Northeast Regional, Silver Star, Silver Meteor, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle. A family of four can buy tickets for the . Manage Settings Below are some frequently asked questions about Amtrak Car Shipping: It costs $208 per direction to ship a standard vehicle using Amtrak car shipping. It is a pleasant ride to Florida as you sit by the window and see the marshes, rivers, farms and towns go by. Content on Jalopnik Advisor is commercial in nature and independent of Jalopnik Editorial and Advertising. Small trailers, limousines, jet-skis, trikes and choppers may be accepted. The standard one-way rates for Amtrak Auto Train vehicle shipping are $285 per vehicle for standard cars and $325 per vehicle for trucks . Why take the Amtrak auto train to Florida? Motorcycles must have at least 5 inches of ground clearance. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. from the BBB and receives 4.9 stars out of 5.0 on the platform. Taking the Auto Train is cheaper than flying because you wont need to rent a car once you reach your destination. The best way to sleep on the Auto Train is to get a roomette or bedroom. 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. $258 plus passenger fare for a standard vehicle. This website is reader supported and we may earn a small commission from links on this page. The Amtrak Auto Train allows passengers to bring their vehicle on the train between Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL. Hi, Greg and thanks for reading my post and commenting. Even though the Auto Train goes through Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, you cannot get off in these states. 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. Privacy Notice, and : Companies that offer a variety of choices for car transport, strong insurance coverage and added benefits are more likely to meet consumer needs. Amtrak WiFi is generally best used for surfing the web, checking emails and chatting with friends; you shouldnt count on the WiFi to binge watch your favorite show. 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. Washington DC is only 30 minutes away. With the onboard power outlets, you can charge both a computer and USB devices with a USB power adapter that typically comes with most phones and tablets. I did a bit of research and this is the closest I came up with. They also are required to carry comprehensive cargo insurance, meaning your vehicle will be protected from damages that could occur during shipping. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Spend a little more and upgrade to the next level. on April 20, 2023, 5:30 PM EDT. Well youre in luck as Amtrak Auto Train offers extra legroom seating. This will save you time at your destination. 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. All vehicles must be checked in by 3:00 pm. Regarding pets on the Amtrak auto train, this link will answer your questions. Thanks for your comment. Travel with pets in Canada not available on Adirondack, Maple Leaf and Amtrak Cascades; not available on Auto Train, Keystone Service, Pennsylvanian, San Joaquins, Capitol Corridor or Thruway Connecting Services. There are two daily trains, one headed in each direction, that follow this schedule: Can you pick up will call tickets at the station? All of these vehicle transport options hold strong reputations and can move your car nearly anywhere across the country. Was it a good option for you? Passengers on the Auto Train will be sleeping for one night on the train. Traditional dining meals can be eaten in the dining room car or in your room. Friends had taken the auto train and recommended it. Passengers start boarding at 2:30 PM and both the Lorton and Sanford stations have high platforms for ease of wheelchair boarding. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. Check-in starts at 11:30 am on the day of departure. 2x the space of a Roomette. Term vs. Amtrak car shipping comes with extremely straightforward prices. / : ; < = > ? With standard shipping companies, what youll pay for a vehicle shipment depends on the following factors: If youre heading from the Northeast to Florida or vice versa, its probably a good idea to consider the Auto Train. Learn More Experience First Class private rooms Amtrak On Board Experience - Sleeping Watch on Frequently asked questions What's included in a First Class private sleeping room? Your email address will not be published. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Select Executive Amtrak Guest Rewards members get one free priority offloading coupon per year. The car has a domed ceiling with great views out of both sides and includes seats that face out and tables where 4 passengers can sit together. The catch is that theres only one route, which makes Amtrak car shipping an unrealistic option for most drivers. The Lorton station is a pleasant place to wait for your unusual ride. Traditional auto transport companies will . 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. https://www.pettravel.com/pet-travel-train.cfm. Its never cheap to ship your car over long distances, but very few options beat the rates offered by the Auto Train. Sleeper car accommodations can cost $300 per person or more as amenities increase. This is pricier than using centralized terminals at both ends of a vehicle shipment, as occurs with Amtrak car shipping. A standard, two-wheel motorcycle costs $143. Amtrak Auto Train provides snacks to satisfy your hunger during your travels. Yes, there are power outlets on the Auto Train. Its a difficult question to answer, as Amtraks Auto Train provides affordable transport for a very specific group of drivers. Auto train cost, tickets and reservations. The cost for entire trip for two people in a Superliner Bedroom and a vehicle was $742.00 one-way. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. Using a Walker or Wheelchair on the Auto Train People in other regions of the country wont be able to use Amtrak car shipping services. After trying several different dates, I did find a $89.00 coach fare but that was waaaaay in the future. Prices will go up as the train fills up, so as soon as you know your plans you should buy your tickets. Ive subscribed to your newsletter. 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. Only the early bird discount, which applies if you schedule a shipment within 48 hours of receiving a shipping quote, can be stacked with other offers. Taking the Amtrak auto train to Florida from the northeast is an option for traveling to the Sunshine State. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Vehicle costs range from $292 for a motorcycle to $466 for a standard car to $536 for a special car like an SUV, van, or truck. Thank you for reading and commenting and I hope you have a nice time. It has private bathroom and shower. Instead of crawling through miles of congestion on Interstate 95, those who use the Auto Train can sleep, look out the window, or catch up on work. 3. Learn More Climbing into that top bunk is tricky when you are 70+. Wanderu also offers an affordable trip protection option by Allianz Global Assistance that you can purchase when booking your tickets. Alternative IDs, such as a college ID, wont work. 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? Its important that a car shipping provider is able to deliver your vehicle in a safe and timely manner. I wanted to check out the lounge so I went there and had a pre-dinner cocktail. How much does it cost to ship a car on Amtrak? http://amtrakfoodfacts.com/menu-items-sdg-020620/ I hope it helps. Hi, Barbara: Note that prices for roomettes and bedrooms include meals and coffee. 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. At the time of writing, the fare is $89 per passenger and $269 per car. Ratings also take into account whether the transport company is a broker or a carrier. 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. Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. Our team got free quotes from Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport to compare their rates to those for the Amtrak train. Maximum width: 84 inches, including mirrors. The train can be late. The reason is so each individual in a couple can sleep on a lower bed. Remember the journey is over 17 hours. In addition to ticket fees, youll also pay fees for each vehicle you are transporting. Bedroom 2-3 Adults 1 1 : Theres more demand for car shipping services in January and during the summer months. EM. When you're ready, use the search tool to find the availability and best prices for each travel date. Shipping a car by train may seem like a solid choice, but no other rail companies regularly transport individual vehicles in a manner similar to Amtraks Auto Train. A complimentary continental breakfast is provided. It is meant to provide service between the greater Washington D.C. and Orlando areas. If you decide to go with more traditional car transport services, weve also researched and ranked the best car shipping companies. While this route is popular among snowbirds, it means most Americans wont be able to take advantage of Amtrak car shipping. You can ship your car on Amtrak for as low as $146 per vehicle. Since there is no standard of what extra legroom is, the extra space you get may vary between train lines, but getting extra is always good. Keep in mind that these average costs are placed on top of the price for your own ticket on the Auto Train: The Auto Train has a limited number of spaces available for specialized vehicles like limousines, trailers, jet skis, trikes and choppers. The Auto Trains caf car is available to buy food and beverages. I do hope you subscribe and maybe travel with us in the future. There are no exceptions, so its smart to get to the station far earlier. 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. That way the folks in the roomette can use the bedroom shower and bathroom. Hi, Patti: With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Its also a pretty affordable price compared to the cost of gas and accommodations that come with the drive up and down the East Coast. If you arrive at either station after 2:30 p.m., expect to miss your trip. Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of car shipping companies. You can also view current schedules via Google Maps or when booking your tickets. Here is info on bedroom capacity on Amtrak auto train. For that reason, it makes sense to load your car closer to the loading deadline of 2:30. 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. Youll be glad you did. : Whether youre leaving from the station in Lorton, Virginia, or Sanford, Florida, you must check in your vehicle for loading onto the train by 3 p.m. at the latest. Otherwise, transporting . Otherwise, once the train leaves the station, no other passengers or vehicles board or depart the train. Cars begin loading at 11:30 and loading closes at 2:30. Our review team has spent hundreds of hours researching car shipping companies to help consumers choose the best providers for transporting their vehicles. Auto shipping providers rarely allow people to move valuables in their cars, and a traveler who drives may have a tight squeeze when their vehicle is filled to the brim. Also, is there a door to close in the roomette so that we wouldnt be sharing air with an occupied roomette across the aisle from us? Technically, it makes a brief stop in Florence, South Carolina for rewatering, refueling, and a crew change. Continue with Recommended Cookies. However, its of limited value if you need to move a car elsewhere. In the middle of the car youll be away from the wheels and opening doors. He enjoys doing landscape and astrophotography while on the road. By using this site you agree to the You can only book a ticket if you are transporting a vehicle (if you arent bringing a car or other vehicle with you, book a ticket on the. Are there power outlets or USB plugs on the train? For example, a bedroom on the Southwest Chief from Chicago to L.A. in mid-September is $1,299 for the two-night trip. The bathrooms are pretty basic and include a toilet, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. There are daily, nonstop trips in both directions. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . Shipping cars via the Amtrak Auto Train is a pretty straightforward process for most owners. Amtrak Guide makes rail travel easier with helpful information on riding trains and the many destinations you can reach across the United States. Visit Fredericksburg, Virginia, an hour away if you love Civil War history. Even if you opt for higher-end accommodations, you could find outstanding rates for. I did a bit of research, and this is what I came up with. Arrive early, as no vehicles will be loaded onto the train after 2:30 p.m. , with the Auto Train leaving each station at 4 p.m. and arriving at its destination around 9 a.m. the next day. Our researchers, writers and editors are dedicated to investigating providers and analyzing customer feedback and insights so you can choose with confidence. : Inoperable vehicles cost more to ship because theyre more difficult to load and unload from trucks. Midwesterners, West Coast residents, and those in between should instead look into the best auto transport companies. Cars with gull wing or scissor doors are not allowed. Subscriber Agreement & Terms of Use, The motorcycle loading costs $146. : The greater the competition for a route, the less your per-mile rate could end up being. Adding a private family bedroom compartment added about another $1,800 to the price. During the sale, fares for roomettes on the Auto Train cost as low as $148 each for a duo, plus the cost of your car (between $150 and $240, depending on what you're bringing). All of these vehicle transport options hold strong reputations and can move your car nearly anywhere across the country. The closer the date, the more expensive the fare, similar to what some airlines do. Established providers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks. The pricing is dynamic and increases as the cars fill and the departure date nears. Stops Lorton, VA Sanford, FL More Information There are no intermediate stops on this route and you cannot get off until the end. It took about an hour for our car to come out. You can read, get some work done on the trains Wi-Fi network or just look out the window during your vehicles journey. A standard vehicle comes in at $466, while the cost for a motorcycle is $292. The public bathrooms were dirty. 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. In each, pillows and blankets are provided and you can control the temperature. For this comparison, however, were just starting from Lorton. : Enjoying a train ride along the East Coast is a much nicer experience than fighting traffic on Interstate 95. This is for people who want ample space. To use Amtrak car shipping, youre required to purchase a passenger ticket and ride the train as well. Ill be subscribing! Passwords are case sensitive. 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. Ground clearance: 4+ inches. There is no checked baggage with the Auto Train. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/route-content/auto-train-boarding-and-vehicle-requirements. Will you go coach or sleeper accommodation? If youre looking for long-distance car shipping services, consider Montway Auto Transport.