Amtrak Auto Train - Cheapest Ways

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).

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

Cost Analysis: Amtrak Auto Train

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Disadvantages of Taking the Auto Train

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. This means if you live far from these stations, you'll need to drive a considerable distance or find other transportation to get there, 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 a place like Atlanta, you'll need to drive roughly 400 miles to get to the Sanford station. This extra travel 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 on the train, 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.

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:

1. Four Coach Seats: $100 x 4 = $400
2. 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 to be one of the first off the train.
  
• Amenities:
  While meals are included for First Class passengers, Coach passengers will need to purchase food separately, adding to the cost.
• Timely Arrivals:
  You need to 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 choice for your next trip.

Contact Amtrak for Auto Train Assistance