The Amtrak Auto Train is a non-stop passenger train that carries both travellers and their vehicles. It operates between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida. The journey usually takes 17 hours and 30 minutes. The train offers onboard dining options, comfortable seats, and private sleeping rooms. It allows carrying vehicles on long drives on Interstate 95 while still having their own car available at their destination. The service is especially popular with families, retirees, and seasonal travelers heading to Florida.
Amtrak Auto Train Routes
The train serves between Lorton, Virginia, near Washington, DC, and Sanford, Florida, close to Orlando, without any stops. The distance between the two stations is 855 miles, which takes 17 hours and 30 minutes.
- The departure station is Lorton, Virginia, which takes a 40-minute drive to Washington Union Station.
- The arrival station, Sanford, Florida, is located about 30 minutes north of Orlando.
Amtrak Auto Train Check-in
The Auto Train runs once daily in each direction. The Amtrak check-in for Auto trains for all types of vehicles starts early in the morning.
| Vehicle Check-in Starts | 11:30 am |
| Vehicle Check-in Ends for motorcycle and priority offloading | 2:00 pm |
| Check-in Ends for Standard Vehicle | 2:30 pm |
Note: Arriving between 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm is recommended to avoid missing the train.
Amtrak Auto Train Schedule
The train typically departs in the afternoon and arrives the next morning in each direction.
| Passenger Boarding | 3:30 am |
| Train Departure Time | 4:00 am (from both stations) |
| Train Arrival Time | 9:00 am (at both stations) |
Types of Vehicles Allowed on Amtrak Auto Train
Several types of vehicles with size and weight restrictions are allowed on the Auto Train. The allowed vehicles are:
| Standard Vehicles | Sedans, station wagons, and hatchbacks |
| Extended Vehicles | SUVs, vans, minivans, and pick-up trucks |
| Two-Wheeled Motorcycles | Standard motorcycles, trikes, and choppers |
| Recreational Vehicles | Small boats, jet skis, and small trailers |
Amtrak Auto Train Vehicle Required Dimensions
Standard, extended, and two-wheel motorcycles are allowed on the auto train.
| Vehicle Type | Allowed Length | Allowed Height | Allowed Width | Groud Clearance | Max. Tire Width |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 192 inches | 85 inches | 84 inches | 4+ inches | 14½ inches |
| Extended | 216 inches | 85 inches | 84 inches | 4+ inches | 14½ inches |
| Two-Wheeler | 102 inches | 72 inches | 51 inches | 5+ inches | 7½ inches wide, 2½ inches deep |
Seating Arrangement on Amtrak
The auto trains have both coach-class seating and private sleeping accommodations.
Coach Class: These seats are spacious and comfortable, with reclining seats, footrests, and power outlets.
Private Room Accommodation: The sleeping accommodation includes roomettes, first-class private rooms, bedrooms, family bedrooms, and accessible bedrooms. Passengers in these rooms also get complimentary meals served in a private dining car.
Note: Read the blog to know: Does Amtrak have assigned seating systems?
Amtrak Auto Train Boarding Process
The boarding process for Amtrak’s Auto Train is usually different from other trains. Amtrak check-in at the auto trains starts early. The following are the steps to board an auto train.
Step 1: Vehicle Check-in: After arriving at the station, move to the check-in area where the staff inspect the vehicle, confirm the reservation, and place identification tags on it.
Step 2: Vehicle Loading: Once checked in, the vehicle is driven to a designated loading area and carefully loaded onto specialized rail carriers.
Step 3: Passenger Boarding: After dropping off the vehicle, proceed to the station building to check in and wait in the station lounge to board the train.
Step 4: Vehicle Pickup at Destination: Vehicles are unloaded from the carriers at the final destination, from where passengers can pick up their vehicles.
Amtrak Auto Train Cost
The fares for the Amtrak auto train depend on travel date, seat type, and vehicle size. The Amtrak auto train price usually costs about $39 to $539 per person and $200 to $300 vehicle fee.
Ticket price: The ticket price per passenger is as follows:
| Ticket Type | Ticket Price |
|---|---|
| Coach Class | $39 to $95 |
| Private Sleeper Room | $239 to $339 |
| Larger Private Room | $439 to $539 |
Vehicle Transport Fees: The fees for vehicles vary slightly based on size.
| Vehicle Type | Transportation Fees |
|---|---|
| Standard Car | $225 to $300 |
| Extended Vehicle | $300 to $350 |
| Motorcycle | $200 to $260 |
Note: Prices can increase during peak travel seasons such as holidays or winter trips to Florida.
Benefits of Taking Amtrak Auto Train
The advantages of choosing the Amtrak auto train are:
- Passengers can take their own vehicle on long routes.
- It allows travellers to skip a long road trip on busy highways.
- Passengers can choose between coach seats or private sleeping rooms.
- Dinner and breakfast are usually included in the ticket price.
- The train offers more space to move around compared to a car, which can be easier for families with children.
Tips for Traveling on the Amtrak Auto Train
Below are some helpful tips for first-time passengers:
- Reach early at the Amtrak auto train stations.
- Pack an overnight bag since passengers cannot access their vehicle during the trip.
- Turn off the car alarm before dropping the vehicle for loading to avoid battery drainage.
- Request for Priority Offloading among the first 30 unloaded from the train after arrival.
- Choose a roomette or bedroom for better sleep.
- Check vehicle size limits before booking.
Final Words!
The Amtrak Auto Train offers a convenient and comfortable train travel option for passengers travelling between Virginia and Florida with their own vehicle. Travellers can relax on board, enjoy meals, and arrive at their final destination by avoiding driving hundreds of miles on busy highways. The train is the best option for vacation or seasonal relocation.
FAQs
It is a train service that transports passengers and their vehicles between Virginia and Florida.
The train runs between Lorton, Virginia, near Washington, DC, and Sanford, Florida, close to Orlando.
No, the train is nonstop.
The train covers 855 miles in 17 hours and 30 minutes.
Passengers can bring their cars, SUVs, motorcycles, and some small trailers.
Yes, dinner and breakfast are usually included in the ticket price in private rooms.
Amtrak check-in starts at 11:00 am and ends at 2:00 pm for standard vehicles and at 2:30 pm for motorcycles and oversized vehicles.
Passengers should arrive at least 30 minutes before the check-in starts.