Amtrak Auto Train: A cheap option but limited only to Florida and Virginia - Cheapest Ways

9/2/2025

Road trips can be stressful with bumper-to-bumper traffic on I-95, endless miles of driving, and wear and tear on your vehicle. The Auto Train offers an affordable but limited alternative by taking you and your car non-stop between Lorton, Virginia (near Washington, DC), and Sanford, Florida (near Orlando).

Amtrak Auto Train 52 passing Guinea Station, Virginia

While the idea sounds appealing, there are significant drawbacks to consider.

Cheapest Ways: Amtrak Auto Train

The Amtrak Auto Train seems like a great way to transport a vehicle for the lowest rate, but there are a few drawbacks you should know about.

What Makes the Amtrak Auto Train Cheaper?

The Amtrak Auto Train is often seen as a cost-effective alternative to driving your own vehicle long distances, especially along the East Coast between Virginia and Florida. Its affordability comes from a few core factors:

Bundled Travel:
Instead of paying separately for fuel, hotels, and meals during a long road trip, the Auto Train combines your vehicle transport with passenger travel in one fare. This bundled cost can save hundreds of dollars compared to driving yourself.
Mass Transport Efficiency:
The Auto Train is designed to carry hundreds of cars and passengers at once. By transporting so many vehicles on a single trip, Amtrak reduces the cost per car, passing those savings on to travelers.
Reduced Wear and Tear:
While not a direct ticket discount, avoiding thousands of miles of driving saves money on maintenance, oil changes, and tire wear. Factoring in these hidden savings makes the Auto Train an even cheaper option in the long run.
Time Savings:
Because the train travels overnight, you save both time and lodging costs. Arriving refreshed without needing multiple hotel stays adds to the overall affordability.

Together, these benefits explain why the Amtrak Auto Train is one of the cheapest ways to combine car shipping with passenger travel, especially for those moving seasonally or relocating between Florida and the Northeast.

Limited Service Areas: Florida and Virginia

One major downside of the Auto Train is its limited route. It only travels between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida. [1] This means if you live far from these stations, you'll need to drive a considerable distance or find other transportation options, adding to your overall travel time and cost.

Some Examples:

If you live in New York City, you’ll need to drive about 250 miles to reach the Lorton station.
If you're coming from Atlanta, you'll need to drive roughly 400 miles to get to the Sanford station.

This extra travel distance can be inconvenient and costly, especially if it requires overnight stays, fuel, and meals.

Traveling with Your Vehicle

Another point to consider is that while your car travels with you, you're also along for the ride, which might not be as pleasant as you expect. The trip takes about 17 hours, and while you can enjoy the scenery, read a book, or watch movies, you're confined to the train for the entire duration.

Amtrak Auto Train loading vehicles for transport.

Cost Considerations

The base fare for the Auto Train starts at $75 for a coach seat, but this doesn't include the cost of bringing your vehicle, which can add up quickly.

Here's a breakdown of potential costs:

Coach Fare:
Starting at $100 per person
Vehicle Transport:
Starts at around $250 for a standard car, but can be higher for larger vehicles like SUVs or motorcycles

For a family of four with a standard car, the costs can look like this:

Four Coach Seats:
$100 x 4 = $400
Vehicle Transport:
$250
Total:
$650

If you opt for a more comfortable First Class private room, the costs increase significantly. For example, a Roomette for two people can cost around $400 to $500 per person, adding up to $700 to $900, plus the vehicle transport fee.

Additional Costs and Inconveniences

Upgrades:
Priority vehicle offloading can cost extra if you want your car unloaded first.
Amenities:
While meals are included for First Class passengers, Coach passengers must purchase food separately, adding to the cost.
Timely Arrivals:
You must check in between 12:30 PM and 3:00 PM on the day of departure. Missing this window means missing your train, with no exceptions.

While the Auto Train can offer a convenient alternative to driving long distances, it’s important to consider the disadvantages. The limited service area means additional travel to reach the train stations, and the necessity to stay on the train with your vehicle can be less appealing than expected. Costs can add up quickly, making it a potentially expensive option. Weigh these factors carefully before deciding if the Auto Train is the right car shipping method for your next trip.