The Amtrak Auto Train experience PART 3 

Amtrak and being held up by a freight train. Name a more iconic duo.

You don't talk. You write everything you wish to describe with perfect grammar. You make the viewer feel as if he is in the same space of travel. The emojis you use are witty. You got yourself a new subscriber in me. Best wishes to all your future travels

FYI, customier to give your room attendant a tip, $5.00 or $10.00 per day, depending on what you may have asked them to do for you.

We once had a 10 hour delay. Ended up with a 27 hour train ride, mostly just sitting still. A CSX train derailed ahead of us in Jacksonville so we didn't get too far out of Sanford. Amtrak called us several days later and gave us $100 each toward another trip within a year. They got our business back. Treated very well during the delay and gave us an extra hot meal.

The Dash 8 moving the autoracks is kind of like if an elephant moved a pencilcase

This train trip took us, viewers, almost 1 month to complete 🤣

I lived in Washington, D.C. when AutoTrain began and knew what it was for. But I have to say that this three-part series was the vert BEST information I have EVER seen about its operation. Congratulations, and thank you!

I was going to block but I found out that the reason why behind the jokes is a good way to get a break from all this negativity being smeared all over the news such as the constant shootings, and COVID-19. I find this video to be very useful and I think if this country could get more funding for Amtrak, Amtrak could create more Auto-Train routes. One route that would be very useful I think would be a brand new line that would run from St. Louis to L.A., with stops in Springfield, Las Vegas, and L.A. People who wishes to go to Branson could load in St. Louis could drop their car off at Lindenwood Yard near Shrewsbury (if an Auto Train station would be built there), then pick it up in Springfield for the remainder of the trip via U.S. 65 or MO State route 13 to Branson. An Auto Train stop in Las Vegas could come to be useful for if the casinos there reopen, and the strip clubs reopen, people would board in St. Louis and get off in Las Vegas. Reason why Amtrak has hardly ever gotten a large amount of funding? It's because we have idiots in Washington that has been there way too long. PLEASE, I urge all train buffs to share all three parts of this Lorton-Sanford trip with your elected officials. Simply Railway, thank you for documenting the entire trip from Lorton to Sanford. I know Pentrex did the same trip before Amtrak assigned Superliners onto this route. Amtrak has just taken a very famous line and made it even more grander so that way those who are in wheelchairs can enjoy a trip from the land of politics to the world of fantasy (Walt Disney World). This detailed journey has gotten you a subscription from me.

Thanks for letting us join you. You gave us a very absorbing experience; almost like being there.

It's already been mentioned, but the delays on Amtrak are definitely the #1 problem. The onboard service is fine, generally quite good actually, but the delays can be ridiculous. This is especially true on long-distance routes, as the delays add up. I know it's usually not Amtrak's fault (it's generally due to freight companies owning most of the trackage), but it still hurts the reputation of passenger rail service in the U.S., which is a shame. Great video though!

Great video, I live about 40 minutes away from the Sanford Auto Train terminal. A little bit of information on the auto carriers. They were built and delivered between 2005-2006 by Johnstown America Corporation, replacing the 1950s and 1970s era auto carriers that came from the Auto Train Corp. They're 90ft long and constructed of aluminum, meaning they're lighter and also longer then the original steel auto carriers. The Dash 8 moves them around with little effort.

Really enjoyed this 3-part series. We're planning to take the Auto Train and now I feel like I'm prepared. Thanks for the very comprehensive review.

"Milk Brick" I think the word you are looking for is Carton. Made me laugh though! :D

Thank you recording and posting this! I’ll be taking the trip in May, 2021. Same accommodation. Oh! I have named all my cars! 😀😀😀 The current Silver Honda Accord is named Travis. Let’s see... my first car was Curtis, then came Andy, Stephanie, Marcelo, Nadine, Matthew, Joseph, and Bullitt. Bullitt was also a Silver Honda Accord.

Really enjoyed all 3 parts of your awesome Amtrak video! I waited to comment on the last video. Beautiful scenery too!

Have just watched all 3 parts of this trip report, very very impressed, very very informative. , AWesome

Thank you for such wonderful videos of the "new Covid form" of travel. Today I should have been boarding the Calif. Zephyr, part of my countrywide trip across the USA. But my conference on West Coast was cancelled. I do hope that proper food service will be reinstated by Feb. 15, 2022. I have no need of microwaved mushy noodle dishes, sad tiny salads and cold cereal breakfast with packaged cake as they have recently been serving. If restaurants round the world can manage to cook meals, so can Amtrack. I have even seen that Amtrack believes Millennials do not want dining cars and do not want to eat with "strangers". I have subscribed to your channel and hope to see lots of interesting train rides. Thank you.

Amo esse Canal.....Excelente ! Eu assistindo do Brasil / América do Sul ( Cidade de Sáo Paulo ) !

Cool video! I like Amtrak trains,and I can't wait when will be the new acela on service because I want a trip report of the Amtrak avelia liberty

Another fun video and a fine finale to this trilogy; I was interested to see just how efficient (or not) the offload and car claim process would be. Looks as though they know what they're doing! A two hour delay seems to be a requisite part of the Amtrak experience, but then, they warn you ahead of time that it's a real possibility, since they own very little trackage outside of the Northeast Corridor and have to yield to freight traffic. One trip, though, we were running late at the start because the train (the Sunset Limited) had experienced mechanical problems and our departure from San Antonio, Texas was delayed; then we struck a tractor-trailer rig in Sugarland, Texas (no one hurt, fortunately), and eventually wound up approximately 10 hours late getting into New Orleans. At the time of the collision, I was actually eating lunch with an Amtrak employee (not part of our crew) who was really cool about explaining all kinds of aspects of rail travel, and what was happening after the accident. I figured that was going to be my baptism of fire for train travel; I certainly hope that's as bad as I ever experience! It hasn't dampened my enthusiasm for trains, in any case. Thanks once again for the entertaining and informative video!

I like your vids, no annoying music or overdub, just the ambient sounds.

Fascinating!! The UK had a car transport by rail function but it was stopped way back in the 80s, I think.

Thank you so much for the 3 part videos. You did a fantastic job at showing everything you need to know from start to finish.

Finally the toilets time!

Great travelogue, the viewer feels like they are actually there on all of your videos. Looking forward to watching many more.

A great conclusion to the series and as always a fantastic review. I’m glad Sarah arrived safe. By far one of my favourite series of vlogs of yours. I’m hoping California Dreaming will be just as good if not better.. Also nearly 25K subs.. Another great milestone.

Ah finally, the final video, thank you so much for all the effort you put into these great quality reviews!

That's a great service! We used to have it in Italy too, but it was discontinued in 2011. Thanks for the trip report! :)

They need auto train all over america,what a cool thing,no need to rent a car on your vacation

@Simply Railway I've Ridden AMTRAK's Auto Train, While I Rode In Coach Rather Than Sleeper, It Was Awesome. And Yes, Freight Trains Are A Pain When Riding AMTRAK, Also In America It's Against The Law, Except For A Few Circumstances, For The Freight Railroad's To Put Their Trains Ahead Of An AMTRAK Train. Secondly, You're Lucky, Because When I Rode The Auto Train It Didn't Have A Sightseer Lounge Car, But When I Rode The Capitol Limited It Did Have One. Lastly, AMTRAK Is Planning To Cut Long-Distance Sleeper Trains.

I really enjoyed that you shared your journey. That Auto Train is on my to do list.

Taken the AT 7 times over the last 15+ years. Your car came off fast because of less passengers. Our wait time has been well over an hour with a full train. We always book a bedroom too. Like having our own bathroom. We'll be onboard again this fall.

This type of trains is still quite popular e.g. in Czechia and Slovakia. I remember I was traveling between Pardubice and Poprad in winter, on weekend, so quite a lot of people were using the train to move their car, not from Pardubice, but from Prague to Poprad and I think to Hrebenne or Kosice as well. It was nice to watch after a good night sleep on a couchette ;)

Awesome!! Thank you for showing how this process works. This will be my first time using Amtrak auto. Destination Florida🤗

Simply wonderful report. The last time I took AT was in 1995. I was very late in teaching the depot. In fact, the gate was being closed as I pulled in. Luckily, the guy saw me use the prayer symbol with my hands and let me through...WHEW!!!

My wife and I have utilized the Amtrak Auto Train for many, many years now. We find it to be efficient and comfortable, even if it is a bit pricey. To us, it's worth it. We live in New York, and only wish they would extend the Auto Train route further north. Fortunately, one of our three sons lives about 40 minutes from the Lorton, VA station - so we drive down to see them and the grandkids, get up in the morning for a short drive to the train, and wake up in Florida (We have a condo in the Tampa Bay area where we spend the winter). I found the video review to be very factual and correct. We have traveled in each different level of the Auto Train accommodations, and now travel exclusively in the Bedroom units. We like the extra room and the private bathroom & shower. The food is good, the staff is always helpful and friendly, and everything is always clean and well-kept. You get what you pay for. I have already purchased our tickets for the 2021 trip down to Florida. See you on the train!

Excellent series, very helpful. Watched all three. We need auto train between California and east coast, Florida!

The whole arrival procedure would've done my head in! It gives me bad memories of taking the ferry to France and how long the loading process plus passport control etc takes. In this trip it seems like you lost almost half a day because it took so long after the delays.

Love this channel seen most videos multiple times, love the smileys 😊😋

Just came north a week ago. Was trip # 14 on the Autotrain. Always use the sleeper cabins. Dinner was served in all cabins this trip--no dining car. Breakfast was available at the coffee station in the car. Was first car onto priority autorack and the first car off-- well worth the $65 fee. Train arrived about 30 mins early--no freights to wait for. Only way to Florida if you need your car--as most of us snowbirds do.

I really enjoy your trip reports and applaud your objective comments. A few details to correct in the Auto Train report. First, the P42engines were made by General Electric. Second, you made it sound as if the en suite shower and toilet are only in the deluxe sleeper bedrooms. Bedrooms in all Superliners include the toilet and shower en suite, to the best of my knowledge. Superliners are also used on the route of the Capitol Limited between Chicago and Washington, DC. Please don't take these comments as criticisms, just minor corrections. Thanks

Amazing last part if trip report showing the toilets and department procedure I've really enjoyed watching this 3 part trip report and all your other videos

Another truly outstanding trip report. I watched all three parts. Your channel is quite a discovery for me which is why I recently subscribed. I've also been 'binge-watching' your videos. Keep up the good work!

I don't even drive, and yet this was so fantastic to watch.

I hope you gave your attendant a nice tip, as opposed to Europe where it's not so routine. On my sleeper trips, I give $20 a night for good service, $10 if not up to par, and more for exceptional. I even tipped a coach attendant once for the excellent way he handled a drunk and disruptive passenger near me.

Thank you so much! I love all your videos! Love ❤️ and God Bless

Excellent Trip Report, I really enjoyed it. Hopefully one day I can take Amtrak for a trip myself. Also one thing to point out, the locomotives on your train are not the P42’s that you usually see on other Amtrak routes, but they are the older P40’s that Amtrak purchased in 1993 and were the first of the GE Genesis series constructed. One way to tell the difference is the numbering, the P40’s are numbered 800-843 while the P42’s are numbered 1-207. Still an Excellent Video Anyway!

I use the auto train routinely to avoid the dreaded drive between DC and Orlando. While better than the drive itself, expect the train to be late, the the ride rather rough, and the unloading process up to two hours post arrival. Never had any issues with damage to my car so far, and I find the crew in the Orlando station to be far faster at unloading cars than the crew in the DC area.

I really enjoyed the train trip from Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL. You don't have to tell me about the delays because of the freight trains. I live in NC (Greensboro), and I take amtrak a lot. From either going up to NYC, down to FL or to Wilmington, NC. Get off in Wilson, NC then get on a special bus, contracted out by Amtrak, then we go to Wilmington NC. Those freight trains get on my last nerve, Lol!! Always making trip LATE 😫😭. But I still enjoy the train ride & looking out the window 😷😁. Haven't been on the train since the pandemic & I really miss it 😫😭

Thank you for using reusable bags. There are plenty of Americans who use them. Unfortunately, not enough.

excellent narration, and good views of the train. I've used autotrain a couple of times between DC area and south Fl. Good experiences myself. One time the train was actually EARLY getting to Lorton, and the crew had not yet arrived, so we had a 45 minute wait before they could begin the process and even open the station for coffee.

Thank you for this review! I appreciate your European perspective as many Americans think Amtrak must be the worst trains in the world, I believe they are very good. 😁

Very cool, they have the auto train down! My parents did an auto train trip about 6 years ago from wherever their most southern auto train station is I am pretty sure they said Sanford. They live by me in Ft Lauderdale. They enjoyed it.

All three video parts of this journey were most impressive! Those trains appear to be some sort of passenger ships on wheels.

I enjoyed you're allowing us to travel with you to Florida , which happens to be my home state , I'm formerly from Brooklyn ny , but retired here to let the clock run out ,,,, but anyway,,,,, it was a very pleasant and informative experience , I was curious about how the auto train worked and now after many long years I finally have my answer , thank you so very much for sharing this video with us all I really appreciated it .

All in all this seems to be a good value... no hotel or fuel prices that you’d have driving, and more restful. All for cheaper than flying and renting a car... seems a win win

Buenas amigo, te he descubierto no hace mucho y decirte que me encantan tus vídeos, sigue así. Saludos desde 🇪🇸. 🙋🏻‍♂️

This is a great video showing what viewers need to know. The only mistake I found was the P42 locomotives were not built by General Motors but General Electric.

Terrific three part video. Very glad to see those autoracks are graffiti free. Hate that stuff.

One thing I learned early on...I thought I was helping the sleeper car attendant by making my own bed, and then throwing it all on the top bunk when I was done. Turns out they now have to remake the upper bunk with fresh linen, since it's now soiled. Doubling their work.

Im so sad I’m done with the auto train series! I think your videos are great! I am looking forward to watch all of your other vids! 👍🙂

The reason you’re supposed to sleep/lay perpendicular to the train’s movement is to prevent breaking your neck in the event of a derailment. Old hobo knowledge. Sleeping with your head pointing in the same direction as the train’s movement could cause you to snap your neck if the train stops suddenly and violently.

You make incredible videos. Just found your channel and you're making me want to ride a train just for fun.

I have taken this auto train several times as I go to Florida often when it gets cold in the North States. I usually just to the coach cars but after watching your video series on the sleepers, I might just upgrade. I know what it is like btw to be delayed due to a freight train. I was once stuck for 3 hours in Florida. Very annoying but what can you do. Thank you very much for posting, this was good to watch and took me back to my memories before Covid has struck the world.

That looks like a really popular service! I wish I could utilize it here on the West Coast. I love how you call your Jetta Sarah. VW Forever!

Que sorpresa cuando he leído lo de la bolsa del Mercadona. No sabía que hablaras español. Muy buen vídeo. Saludos desde España 👋🏻

I think there should be one or two auto trains in California as well (San Diego-LA and LA-Oakland) since their highways can the the busiest in the country

J’ai adoré ces trois vidéos sur ce légendaire auto-train d’amtrak ! Ça m’a fait voyager, merci 👍🏻

(9:35) Strange, Pullman couches like at Orient Express have the right side type II bogies, in Germany known as "Schwanenhalsdrehgestell". - Heinz

Terrific catches! It is not fun being being held-up by a freight. Amazing shots! Awesome trip you had to Florida! So many people taking the train back up north.

You are right it is the best train ever🚌

This is a brilliant idea that I wish they had elsewhere !

We just need one going up and down the West Coast. I hate the drive down to LA, but I love having my car with me.

my family felt this train was not very good, but had they seen your european videos they would have appreciated it so much more! except for the orient express, amtrak is the best. I think they need to add television to the trains.

Excellent set of videos! As a first time Auto Trainer, I found them very helpful. Just an item of note. As I write this on 11 July, 2022, I have just reserved two coach tickets and my car for a 5 February, 2023 trip south. I paid $260.00 for my Ford Escape automobile. The human fares were on sale as of this writing for $89 each for non-refundable coach tickets. For an additional $25 each, I added a fully refundable option. I'm looking forward to the trip following your videos. The last time I went to Florida by rail was 1962 aboard a Silver Meteor in a double Pullman suite that being pulled by a couple of GG1's until switching to (I think) E8 diesel locos below DC. That was a long time ago!

OMG i was recognising the bag and thought.. that looks just like the ones we get in Mercadona :P I really really wish they had stuff like this in mainland europe. I know they used to in the past but I dont think there is now.

Hi. Enjoyed your three part series on this trip. You did a good job in providing details of the train and trip. I thought you said you drove to Virginia from Kansas City. I am originally from the Topeka, Kansas area, and lived in Overland Park for 2 years. Look forward to more of your Amtrak videos. Thanks

Nice to know something at Amtrak works!!!

You got lucky with the 30 mins to get your car. I had gone northbound on a Thursday train (so arrived in Lorton on Friday) with goal to drive up to Manhattan. If on time I may just beat the really crazy traffic getting into NYC. But nope, train was late (seems that’s the norm) and then it took 90 mins to get my car. All that put me approaching Lincoln Tunnel at 4:30pm on a Friday, what a mess that was! I was in no rush though so I enjoyed that best I could

welcome to florida! and thanks for awesome videos. in my 8 1/2 years in europe the only late trains experienced were in italy!

Of course the engine light was on, it's a Volkswagen. I have one and I think that light comes on to remind us that we have and engine and it is running, LOL. If mine went out, I'd be worried something bad was about to happen.

And,there's "Sara",she looks happy to see you again

Really wonderful set of videos on Amtrak Auto Train. Perhaps someday it will run from Boston to Miami. Another nice feature would be a car for pets. If you have pets you have to drive the entire way right now. Anyway, good 👍 job!

Excellent series of videos, well done !

The UK used to have Motorail, but it was discontinued in 2005.

Thanks for a great review. We were planning an Autotrain trip for the fall and your review closed the deal. Thanks

It wouldn't be a VW without the check engine light... Lol

I have used the Auto Train to Florida in '95 and again in '96. The 95 trip resulted in a problem with my drive train. (92 escort wagon). The Axle was damaged. I didn't know or hear the damage until I was on the way to Fort Lauderdale after leaving Sanford. I drove to Fort Lauderdale and brought it to a Ford dealer. A $700 dollar repair. I Called Amtrak and they said that they did not tie down the car over the drive axle. The denied that they damaged the car. Then they told me that as I hadn't informed them of damage prior to leaving the parking lot, they had no liability. I called them many times that summer and finally got a concession from them, in that they provided me with a voucher for another trip - fully paid! Lesson learned- drive around the parking lot before you leave and report damage. Tell them that you feel something is wrong. Protect yourself. You can always not follow up if there is no damage.

I live in the us and love these videos again greetings from the us!

Such a great video!!! And I finally learned what a bogie is!!!

Very cool video. I think I would like to go on this train sometime. You make it seem fun.

Why didn’t I ever see this? You should do more Amtrak videos cause this one’s awesome!

Cool video! Fun fact, the Amtrak Auto Train is the longest passenger train in the world!

You need to try Via Rail Canada. The Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver.

I don't care when I travel with my car on a train to Florida to meet up with my relatives and friends, I just wanna know what it feels like to travel in my family bedroom with others singing Filipino nursery rhymes with many children that are going home or visiting other places that don't matter to me. Signed, Tailsland Martinson.

Those engines are actually P40s. Extremely similar to the P42, they were the original ones Amtrak ordered. However there was a fault with them, that was fixed with the P42s. Those were fixed to continue service. P40s are the usual engine for the auto train. I may be wrong, not an expert

Really Nice Concept Of Auto Train Enjoyed 👍🏻👍🏻

Those last few miles on the train going into Sanford are on the sides, not the main lines and they have restricted speeds which is why they go slow.

5:44 ah yes,the mercadona bag. They must be really good because half of my town (in the uk) owns one lol, they are well traveled.

THose auto trains carriages reminded me the ones in the Channel Eurotunnel. Nice one.