Saving on the mileage/wear on your car, gas to drive, hotel room and meals, we took the auto train last year, round trip from Virginia to Florida. Gave our sons family the trip in the family room. Grandkids felt it was the best way to get to Florida, they have flown and gone by car. We are all doing the same thing this year, but we are all going on the train in 3 roomettes.
I live in South Florida. I have family living up north. One week of time is not enough time for me when I make the trip. This is where taking my own car on the Auto Train beats the pants off flying and renting a car. Besides, highway driving is very good for the car. Having one's own car at the other end is a very big plus for Auto Train.
We live in PA and snowbird in SWFL for 2 months (Feb and Mar). When we drove, it costs us about $1000 round trip and included 2 nights on the road (each way), food each day, and gas. We decided to take the AT the last few years to lessen the stress of driving. If we travel coach each way, stay in Lorton the night before the train leaves, count food/drinks we take with us on the train, and gas, the round trip cost is about $1200. Normally at that time of year a roomette for two is about $850, plus car $285, or $1150, EACH WAY. The cost of a bedroom is $1500 EACH WAY, plus $285 for car, or $1785 EACH WAY. That’s not including hotel in Lorton or gas. Amtrak did have a flash sale last Jan, and we got a bedroom southbound for $325 more than coach, and returned in coach for a total of $1500. It was nice to have dinner and a shower/toilet in the bedroom. But we didn’t sleep all that well. We wouldn’t get another bedroom unless it was discounted. We didn’t sleep that well in coach either. So for $200 more, we can travel coach on the AT, and drive 1600 total miles LESS and relax on the train. If you have the money, a roomette or bedroom is more private and includes dinner. For us, spending between $2200 - $3500 round trip isn’t worth it. We’ll continue to ride coach and check for sleeping accommodation flash sales.
Don't know if anyone mentioned this earlier in the comments, but you can load virtually anything in your car that's then loaded on the Autotrain, as opposed to a piece of luggage or two for flying. Worked great for me, as a solo driver who can't drive FL-VA straight through. Sat and enjoyed the scenery, woke up in VA!
Exactly.. Rest, enjoy the scenery. Have some nice meals. Chit chat....no wear and tear on your vehicle. No struggling in traffic. Reduced stress. Fresh shower. Your gear isn't exposed too theft like staying overnight at a motel. It's a plus plus segment too your trip North and South bound.
If you are moving to FL and looking to ship your car door to door this time of year from Sanford area to Orlando area sedan 600, Med SUV 700 LG SUV 750, Pick Up truck 800 these are all open carriers, reverse (FL-VA) this time of year add 250-300 to price.
i just booked a trip with 3 coach seats down to flordia and back. is there any seat assignments or ability to pick your own seats i cant hear anything on it and i dont see anything on it we have a small kid and despratley need and want to sit close together. do you have any information on that
My friend traveled coach recently. She said they didn't get to pick seats. They assigned them when they arrived but if you get there early enough, I believe you can ask for a window seat/ to be seated together etc..
