The Amtrak auto train is a special kind of railroad that moves passengers and their cars down the East Coast. In the United States, it is among the kinds of trains. Every day, the auto train travels nonstop from Lorton, Virginia, to Sanford, Florida. However, sometimes, the train stops for a quick maintenance break in Florence, South Carolina. Besides, this facility saves over 900 miles of traveling between Washington, D.C. and Florida for passengers. Along with this, the train has several facilities, including Wi-Fi, preferred seating options, etc.
Amtrak Auto Train: Overview & Key Details
The Amtrak Auto Train is a unique, long-distance service that allows you to travel overnight between the East Coast and Florida with your car. You and your vehicle arrive at your destination together, eliminating a long drive.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Unique Feature | The only Amtrak service that allows you to bring your car, motorcycle, SUV, van, or other approved vehicle. |
| Route | Lorton, VA (near Washington, DC) to Sanford, FL (near Orlando) (and vice versa). |
| Distance | Approximately 855 miles. |
| Travel Time | About 17-18 hours (overnight). The train departs daily in the afternoon (typically 4-5 PM) and arrives the next morning (9-10 AM). |
| What You Bring | You (and your passengers) ride in a train car; your vehicle is transported in an enclosed autorack car. |
| Vehicle Types | Accepted: Cars, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, jet skis (on a trailer), small boats (on a trailer), etc. Not Accepted: Large trucks, RVs, trailers. |
| Passenger Accommodations | Coach Seating: Spacious, reclining seats with footrests. Sleeping Cars: Private roomettes and bedrooms (include meals). |
| Onboard Amenities | Included dinner & breakfast, lounge car, wine & cheese tasting (sleeping car passengers), movies, fresh coffee. |
| Major Benefit | Avoids 2+ days of driving, traffic, gas costs, and hotel stays. Your car is waiting for you when you arrive. |
Which are the Amtrak Auto Train Tickets?
Amtrak offers different fare options for traveling in auto trains. Coach Class, Roomette, Bedroom, and Family Bedroom are some of these fares. Each fare provides multiple facilities, including comfortable seating, showers, etc., with varying costs.
With the following, passengers can know about the details of Amtrak auto train tickets:
- Coach Class: A Coach Class is typically available on Amtrak’s auto train. It is a roomy and comfortable option for travelers. In this type of fare, two-by-two seats are available. Each of them boasts spacious specifications, with approximately 39 inches of legroom and 23 inches of width.
- Superliner Roomette: Roomette offers some features for First Class passengers on the Amtrak auto train. These include newly improved linens, showers, pillows, cozy chairs, and free meals. Further, priority boarding and lounge access can be granted with this kind of class.
- Superliner Bedroom: Superliner Bedroom is ideal for customers looking for first class bedrooms with lots of space and comfort on Amtrak’s auto trains. It is twice as large as a Roomette. A sofa, separate chair, sink, toilet, room shower, and more facilities are accessible. Further, the room length is around 7’1” to 7’6” and the width is about 6’6” to 6’8”.
- Superliner Bedroom Suite: Bedroom Suites of Amtrak auto trains include adjoining bedrooms for passengers. During the day, two coaches and individual chairs are converted into upper and lower beds. Besides, it has the capacity to store 3 to 4 suitcases. This is because of its spacious room length and width.
- Superliner Family Bedroom: The Superliner Family Bedrooms on Amtrak’s auto train are wide enough to accommodate 2 adults as well as 2 children (2 to 12 years old). The room length is 9’5” and the width is 5’2”. It has various facilities, including better quality linens, towels, pillows, bedding, shower, private bathroom, complimentary meal, and a committed attendant.
- Superliner Accessible Bedroom: There is plenty of room for a wheelchair in the Accessible Bedroom on Amtrak’s auto train. Passengers in this type of class can get free meals, priority boarding, and more.
Explaining the Amtrak Auto Train Routes
Currently, Amtrak has 2 routes for its Auto train. Florida, USA is one of Amtrak auto train routes. To this route, the Stanford, FL or SFA station is used for the departure and arrival of trains. Further, Virginia in the United States of America is its second route where auto trains arrive and depart. For the same, LOR or Lorton, VA station is utilized.
What is the Amtrak Auto Train Schedule?
To explore Amtrak’s auto train, it is important to know its daily schedules. At present, there is just one northbound and one southbound auto train available each day. As part of the Amtrak auto train schedule, this train leaves in the early evenings and arrives early the following day. This trip can take roughly 17 hours. There are no stops between Florida and Virginia.
| Detail | Southbound (Lorton, VA → Sanford, FL) | Northbound (Sanford, FL → Lorton, VA) |
|---|---|---|
| Departure Time (Daily) | Early Afternoon (Typically between 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM) | Early Afternoon (Typically between 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM) |
| Arrival Time (Next Day) | Late Morning (Typically between 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM) | Late Morning (Typically between 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM) |
| Total Travel Time | Approximately 17 – 18 hours (Overnight) | Approximately 17 – 18 hours (Overnight) |
| Check-In Deadline | 2:00 PM for passengers 3:00 PM for vehicles | 2:00 PM for passengers 3:00 PM for vehicles |
| Station Address | 800 Lorton Station Ln, Lorton, VA 22079 | 600 South Persimmon Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771 |
Note: Visit Amtrak.com to view the most recent timetables and schedules of auto trains.
What is the Amtrak Auto Train Cost?
The Amtrak auto train prices vary based on multiple criteria. These include vehicle size, travel dates, lodging preferences, and more.
- Coach Ticket Price: Based on the season and availability, Coach seats on the Auto train normally cost between USD 100 to USD 180 per passenger. Meals and other necessities are included in it.
- Price of Sleeping Quarters: Sleeper rooms on Amtrak auto train reservations range from USD 500 to USD 900 for individuals looking for great comfort. This cost can rise to USD 1600 for a Family Bedroom. Meals and other luxury sleeping arrangements are included in these costs.
- Auto Train Vehicle Cost: For standard cars, the cost of transportation on Amtrak auto trains ranges from USD 200 to USD 300. Further, the price of larger cars, such as SUVs and motorcycles is marginally higher. There may be seasonal variations in prices, with holidays and other periods of high travel demand driving up these costs.
How to Book Amtrak Auto Train Ticket?
Booking the Auto Train is slightly different from a regular Amtrak ticket because you are reserving a spot for both yourself and your vehicle. Here’s how to do it:
- Start Your Search
- Go to the official Amtrak website or use the Amtrak app.
- Enter your departure city (Lorton, VA – LOR) and arrival city (Sanford, FL – SFA).
- Select your travel dates. Remember, the Auto Train runs daily.
- Select Your Train
- The Auto Train will be the only option displayed. Select it.
- Choose Your Vehicle Type
- This is the most important step. You will be prompted to select the type of vehicle you are bringing (e.g., standard car, SUV, motorcycle).
- Vehicle pricing is separate from passenger fares and is based on the size/type of your vehicle. Standard cars are the lowest price.
- Select Passenger Accommodations
- Choose between Coach Seat (included) or a Private Sleeper Car (additional cost, includes meals).
- Enter passenger details and select any discounts (Senior, Military, etc.).
- Review & Pay
- Carefully review your itinerary, including:
- Total passenger fare
- Vehicle transport fee
- Any upgrades
- Carefully review your itinerary, including:
- Proceed to payment and complete your booking.
Are Discounts Available on Amtrak Auto Trains?
With Amtrak auto train reservations, some passengers can receive discounts. Senior citizens, children, and active military members are a part of these. Additionally, making reservations in advance can occasionally result in cheaper rates. Besides these, passengers can save money with Amtrak’s loyalty programs.
Facilities Provided by Amtrak Auto Train
Passengers having booked with Amtrak auto train tickets can get multiple facilities. Of these, Wi-Fi is one of them. Priority Offloading facility is available as well. However, this may be provided at some costs. Further, when traveling with service animals, there are different amenities accessible.
The following are some facilities accessible on Amtrak auto train reservations:
- Serve Different Vehicles: As with suitcases, passengers can pack their cars on Amtrak Auto trains. This is because they are able to transport a large range of vehicle types with their unique auto carriers. The vehicles consist of SUVs, motorbikes, and more. However, some limitations on vehicles’ clearance and dimensions may apply.
- Check-in: On the day of Amtrak auto train departure, normal and extended car check-in opens at 11:30 A.M. and concludes at 02:30 P.M. On the other hand, motorcycle check in closes at 02:00 P.M. Since there are no exceptions, it is important for travelers to make sure to schedule their arrival at the station appropriately.
- Priority Offloading: Passengers can use the time-saving Auto Train upgrade option to expedite their trips. In relation to the same, it is crucial to book a Priority Vehicle Offloading facility. By doing so, their cars will be among the first 30 vehicles offloaded from the train.
- Service Animals: The Amtrak auto train travels around 17 to 18 hours. It may stop in Florence, South Carolina at around midnight. In this regard, passengers can notify a conductor and other onboard staff when service animals have to be removed from the train in order to discharge themselves.
- Wi-Fi: Guests can use the free basic Wi-Fi at the starting station of the auto train. On board as well, this service is accessible. Additionally, when they arrive at the station, Wi-Fi can be used.
Check Here: What Is the Average Ticket Price on Amtrak?
Conclusion,
An easy and comfortable method to travel while carrying the car is the Amtrak auto trains. This train allows passengers to carry their cars along with them, removing the necessity for extended driving. For those looking for a stress-free trip to Florida, this is a well-liked option due to its easy route, cozy rooms, first-rate services, and affordability.
Frequently Asked Questions on Amtrak Auto Train
Currently, Amtrak auto trains do not stop at any stations. In case needed, the train can stop in Florence, South Carolina.
Passengers can carry phones, laptops, snacks, or medications in a small carry-on bag. Moreover, larger bags can be shifted to their car’s trunk.
Yes, in order to board an Amtrak auto train, passengers must show identification to the agents. It should be issued by a government agency.
Amtrak auto train is a special rail service in the United States of America. It carries travelers, as well as their cars, to the routes from Lorton, Virginia to Stanford, Florida.
Check-in for vehicles normally starts two or three hours before departure. After examining the car, Amtrak employees will load it aboard the train.
Usually, no cars are available while traveling in Amtrak auto trains. They will be unloaded at the final destination after being secured in a different vehicle.
The Amtrak Auto Train phone number is 1-877-SKIP-I-95. Or, one can dial 1-877-754-7495 to connect with its agents.
