A standard, two-wheel motorcycle costs $143. Vehicle fees make up a significant portion of the fare. Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. Note that you are actually required to bring a vehicle in order to ride the Auto Train. For those looking to ship vehicles along the East Coast, Amtrak car shipping can be a smart choice. On Track On Line - Amtrak Auto Train Tips Fares and Costs It took about an hour for our car to come out. While Amtrak car shipping offers exceptional rates for rail transport, drivers can also find affordable pricing when they choose AmeriFreight due to its impressive array of discounts. Bedroom 2-3 Adults 1 1 Trains depart from both stations at 4 p.m. and arrive at their destinations the next day around 9 a.m. Amtrak does not ship across the US from east to west, however, the company does have nonstop trains from Washington D.C. down to Florida. Amtrak auto train route. There are no intermediate stops on this route and you cannot get off until the end. 2. Make sure you have identification issued by a government agency that meets the carriers requirements. The train travels non-stop from Lorton, Virginia in the Washington DC area to the city of Sanford, in Central Florida just outside of Orlando, a major tourist destination since that is where Disney World is located. Sleeper car accommodations can cost $300 per person or more as amenities increase. For travelers who need to bring their car, the Auto Train helps save approximately 900 miles of driving between DC and Florida. Im sure you will love it. Each bedroom has the capacity of two adults (with an option for a third), one to two suitcases and are 66 x 76. Traffic on the I-95 can be daunting and just sitting in a car for hours on end is exhausting. I have clostrophobia do you think a roomette will be a problem? I am also 6 feet tall and weigh 330 pounds. Let us know in the comments. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Links in this article may result in us earning a commission. Our team got free quotes from Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport to compare their rates to those for the Amtrak train. It is an enjoyable trip. Hi, Barbara: Was it a good option for you? All meals come with wine, non-alcoholic beverages and dessert. My goal is to inspire you to seek your own unique experiences and provide useful information to help you on your journeys. From there, youll ride the train until it reaches your destination. Amtrak charges the following one-way rates for the Auto Train: Standard vehicle: $208 per vehicle Extended vehicle: $239 per vehicle Motorcycle: $146 per vehicle Remember that you'll also. I have to admit I had a bit of trouble nailing down the price of my ticket. Visit Amtrak's website and you will be able to obtain exact fares for any Auto Train trip you are planning. The catch is that theres only one route, which makes Amtrak car shipping an unrealistic option for most drivers. : The Amtrak Auto Train takes over 17 hours to get down the coast, but that doesnt include time for loading and unloading vehicles. The number you were given when you checked in will be called when your car is ready. Here are six ways to experience U.S. National Parks by train with Amtrak Vacations: 1. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . It was not comfortable on coach, the seat was big and reclined but not good enough for comfort. If you dont like driving on the interstate the Auto Train is a great option. At the time of writing, the fare is $89 per passenger and $269 per car. All of these vehicle transport options hold strong reputations and can move your car nearly anywhere across the country. Noise Cancelling Headphones- Perfect to help drown out the sounds of travel. An even bigger landscape window Pick the ticket thats best for your budget, schedule, and preferences, and complete the booking right on Wanderu to secure your great deal. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/route-content/auto-train-boarding-and-vehicle-requirements. Skip I-95 for $95 on Auto Train Experience the Auto Train between DC and Florida with Coach fares as low as $95 + the cost of your vehicle. Each one-way trip takes 17.5 hours in total. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Amtrak Car Transport | Safe & Affordable Auto Shipping | A1 Auto Transport Amtrak is unable to accept responsibility for these items. Tickets on Amtrak's Auto Train Are Just $39 Right Now - AFAR Media Here's How. For that reason, it makes sense to load your car closer to the loading deadline of 2:30. offer quality services and efficient transport, drivers often wonder whether Amtrak car shipping could work equally well. The continental breakfast for coach was free and very nice. Montway Auto Transport provides both regional and cross-country auto transport services, along with. Even though the Auto Train goes through Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, you cannot get off in these states. Montway Auto Transport has been shipping vehicles across the United States since 2006, and its depth of experience is a major benefit. Auto Train: Discount Details, Meal Options & More | Amtrak The maximum tire width is 14.5 inches and the vehicle must have at least 4 inches of ground clearance. The Amtrak Auto Train allows passengers to bring their vehicle on the train between Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL. In each, pillows and blankets are provided and you can control the temperature. Friends had taken the auto train and recommended it. A standard vehicle comes in at $466, while the cost for a motorcycle is $292. Yes, the Auto Train offers free WiFi onboard. Of course there are also tons of cool things to do in the national parks and cities near Miami and the beaches in the area. Im so glad you enjoyed it. This post explores these questions and shares the authors experience traveling on the Amtrak auto train from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida. If you have a roomette, the best views are also from the upper level. We partner with more than 300 bus & train companies around the world to help you search, compare, and find the best travel deals all in one place. Unlike routes along the Northeast part of the country, the Auto Train cars are two-level Superliners. For a limited time, customers can experience the Auto Train in a private room for as low as $129 or Coach for as low as $29 - plus the cost of your vehicle. Sherpa Auto Transports Price Lock Promise is a major selling point. Its probably still a viable choice if youre headed to a final destination farther south in Florida such as Miami or Tampa, though. If you chose coach, the meal must be paid for separately and you eat in your seat although we were told that in future, holders of coach tickets could eat in the dining car. You should purchase your tickets online and make sure you have everything you need to board before you arrive at the station. No, Amtrak Auto Train does not offer will call tickets. Amtrak's Auto Train onboard sleeping accommodations Amtrak's Auto Train is a Superliner, therefore, it has all room types available as well. Additionally, they have newly upgraded beddings with linens, pillows, and towels. The Auto Train travel direct between Florida and Virginia with no stops in between. An upgrade to a Bedroom offers a trip with twice the space as a . Manage Settings The auto train will transport both you and your car for a competitive price compared to driving similar distances. We also had a bicycle attached to the back of the car. You can buy your tickets online or at the station. Prices vary depending on how far in advance you book your ticket and other factors. Will you go coach or sleeper accommodation? The Amtrak Auto Train is a non-stop train. But for the few hours of daylight youre on board, make sure to look out the window; youll see a variety of landscapes, animals, cityscapes, Colonial towns, urban areas, country estates, farms, industrial plants, broad rivers, and swampland. Shipping a car by train may seem like a solid choice, but no other rail companies regularly transport individual vehicles in a manner similar to Amtraks Auto Train. Car transport companies with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. Auto train requirements | Amtrak Vacations How much does it cost to ship a car on Amtrak Auto Train? With only two stops, the Auto Train is a quick way to transport yourself and your car between Virginia and Florida. The main reason travelers take the Amtrak auto train to Florida is because they prefer not to drive. Montway Auto Transport is a reputable auto transport broker offering several car shipping services and cheap car shipping rates. 4. Portable charger- For long trips, this is perfect to make sure your phone stays charged. Amtraks only auto transport route is the Auto Train, which runs from Washington, D.C., to Orlando, Florida. Thanks for reading. On the other end, it takes another good chunk of time to unload all the cars. There is also a family bedroom for two adults and two children and bedroom suites, which are connecting bedrooms (youll need to purchase two rooms). All sleeper accommodation options come with towels, linens, turndown service, meals, access to the lounge and dining car. Another option is a family room suitable for 2 adults and 2 kids. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. On Track On Line - Amtrak Auto Train Tips Fares and Costs And remember, drivers must ride the Auto Train themselves for their cars to be eligible for the trip. Visit Fredericksburg, Virginia, an hour away if you love Civil War history. Bring your own pillow or blanket, the beds are a bit hard. The Auto Train runs daily from the Washington, DC area (specifically Lorton, Virginia) to the Orlando area (specifically Sanford, Florida). For comparison, driving from Washington, D.C., to Orlando normally takes about 12 hours in total. We chose the roomette and although yes, its cramped, we were fine for the length of the trip. Hi, thank you for the great info! , Alaska, Puerto Rico, and international locations. Private sink and vanity : Unlike with most car transport companies, youll be able to fully load your vehicle up with personal items when using Amtrak car shipping. Montway Auto Transport combines relatively affordable rates with a strong industry reputation to take our Editors Choice award. The museum is very well curated and interesting. Bring comfy slip on shoes or flip flops to make bathroom runs. Amtrak's Viewliner trains on the Crescent route are single-level railway cars. How much does it cost to ship a car on Amtrak? Amtraks Auto Train takes slightly more than 17 hours to complete its journey. We were originally coming from New York so we had to drive to Lorton to get on the train. Well youre in luck as Amtrak Auto Train offers extra legroom seating. http://amtrakfoodfacts.com/menu-items-sdg-020620/ I hope it helps. The return route is in the opposite direction, Sanford, FL to Lorton, VA. The prices for other accommodations also depends on how far in advance you book. Once your cars checked in, you cant access it until your destination. Needless to say, if you are in a roomette where the seats turn into bunk beds, the person who uses the bathroom the most at night should be in bottom bunk. Instead of crawling through miles of congestion on Interstate 95, those who use the Auto Train can sleep, look out the window, or catch up on work. Hi, June. If you're wondering . https://www.amtrak.com/auto-train-101. I thought the price seemed reasonable but when I plugged in the date on the Amtrak site, the price shot up. How much does the Amtrak Auto Train cost? Complimentary meals. A very enjoyable read packed with great information & advice. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! Thats a $392.00 difference compared to the auto train. For those traveling between the Northeast and Florida, its pretty easy to book a spot on the Auto Train. You might want to bring ear plugs, eye mask, blanket, pillow, and fan, depending on how fussy your personal thermostat is. https://www.pettravel.com/pet-travel-train.cfm. If you arrive at either station after 2:30 p.m., expect to miss your trip. Taking the Amtrak auto train to Florida from the northeast is an option for traveling to the Sunshine State. In addition to this cost you'll need to pay for your vehicle. With standard shipping companies, what youll pay for a vehicle shipment depends on the following factors: If youre heading from the Northeast to Florida or vice versa, its probably a good idea to consider the Auto Train. Bedroom. Climbing into that top bunk is tricky when you are 70+. Passengers start boarding at 2:30 PM and both the Lorton and Sanford stations have high platforms for ease of wheelchair boarding. The Auto Train measures more than three quarters of a mile, making it the longest passenger train in the world! Its difficult to get a good photo of the compartments because they are so small. While the best car shipping companies offer quality services and efficient transport, drivers often wonder whether Amtrak car shipping could work equally well. Subscriber Agreement & Terms of Use, Amtrak WiFi is generally best used for surfing the web, checking emails and chatting with friends; you shouldnt count on the WiFi to binge watch your favorite show. Just to be on the safe side, being on line at 1:30 to load your car, would mean you wont have to wait so long to receive it on the other end. I think youll be more comfortable with one bedroom and one roomette. Thats because the Auto Train only moves between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida, with no stops in between. Yes, you can ship your car by train to Florida. We rode to Fla on the auto-train for the first time. Its easy for snowbirds and those relocating to focus on the pros of Amtrak car shipping, but you should also be aware of its hassles and downsides as well. This will save you time at your destination. Maximum width: 84 inches, including mirrors. Motorcycles must have at least 5 inches of ground clearance. Amtrak Auto Train provides snacks to satisfy your hunger during your travels. Content on Jalopnik Advisor is commercial in nature and independent of Jalopnik Editorial and Advertising. If you decide to go with more traditional car transport services, weve also researched and ranked the best car shipping companies. Prices range from $150 to $300 per vehicle. For vehicle specifications and to book a trip with a special vehicle, call 1-877-SKIP-I-95 (1-877-754-7495). Amtrak policy states that all automobiles should be standard factory models at their originally manufactured lengths. In this article, we at the Guides Auto Team will take a look at Amtraks Auto Train service and highlight a few of its pros and cons. All meals are included in the price of a ticket if you choose a sleeper accommodation. Technically, it makes a brief stop in Florence, South Carolina for rewatering, refueling, and a crew change. Arrive early, as no vehicles will be loaded onto the train after 2:30 p.m. , with the Auto Train leaving each station at 4 p.m. and arriving at its destination around 9 a.m. the next day. Depending on the dates of travel, demand, and how early you book, the saver ticket can be as low as $89 per passenger. Greetings Allie and Rob First and foremost I have to, Hello, the trains that go long distances are almost always. My Experience Taking the Amtrak Auto Train from DC to Florida From what you are telling me the best option would be a family room. Amtrak often runs sales on the tickets for the Auto Train. _ @ " $ # ,). Standard cars start at $208, while extended vehicles are $239. For an extra $120, you can guarantee your vehicle space on the train and make sure it's one of the first 30 vehicles taken off once you reach Florida. I know you will enjoy it. Thats just the travel time and does not include the time involved in loading the car into the train at the departure point or unloading it at the destination. The cost for entire trip for two people in a Superliner Bedroom and a vehicle was $742.00 one-way. Amtraks Auto Train offers fast and affordable rail service, but its only available on a single line that runs from Washington, D.C., to Orlando, Florida. The reason is so each individual in a couple can sleep on a lower bed. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. If you want to drop your car off in North Carolina, South Carolina or Georgia, youll need to look for another shipping option. This website is reader supported and we may earn a small commission from links on this page. For this comparison, however, were just starting from Lorton. Heres a look at one-way vehicle shipping rates for Amtrak car shipping. How much does it cost to put your car on the Auto Train? Along with economy seats, there are both roomettes with shared bathrooms and family bedroom suites with their own bathrooms and showers. They also are required to carry comprehensive cargo insurance, meaning your vehicle will be protected from damages that could occur during shipping. Amtrak Roomette: The Amtrak Roomette provides comfortable seating by a huge picture window. Typically, each car costs $208 while each motorcycle costs $146 to bring onto the train. A Roomette features comfortable seating, newly-upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens, and a dedicated attendant. Train review: Amtrak's Auto Train from Virginia to Florida Thanks again for your comment and I hope you subscribe to our site, so you dont miss the tips and destination guides. If youre looking for long-distance car shipping services, consider Montway Auto Transport, Sherpa Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, and Easy Auto Ship. Taking the Auto Train is cheaper than flying because you wont need to rent a car once you reach your destination. The end result was an overall rating for each provider, with the companies that scored the most points topping the list. It has a ticket counter, restrooms, gift shop, and caf, all accessible. The $89.00 does not include the price of transporting the car which is an additional $200.00. The standard one-way rates for Amtrak Auto Train vehicle shipping are $285 per vehicle for standard cars and $325 per vehicle for trucks . It is a pleasant ride to Florida as you sit by the window and see the marshes, rivers, farms and towns go by. Montway Auto Transport provides both regional and cross-country auto transport services, along with car shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and international locations. AmeriFreight reviews often mention the companys willingness to price match the rates from any company with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and an excellent 4.8 out of 5.0 in customer reviews on the website. Toilet and shower The roomette has a sliding door that closes pretty tightly. Thats something thats either discouraged or outright forbidden by most auto transport companies. By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement. Travel with pets in Canada not available on Adirondack, Maple Leaf and Amtrak Cascades; not available on Auto Train, Keystone Service, Pennsylvanian, San Joaquins, Capitol Corridor or Thruway Connecting Services. Our researchers, writers and editors are dedicated to investigating providers and analyzing customer feedback and insights so you can choose with confidence. Thanks. You can use your smartphone to show this eTicket to the ticketing agent as you board. Auto carriers usually offer both enclosed transport and door-to-door transport services, which Amtrak car shipping wont provide. The regular starting price for a coach class ticket is $89 and the sleeper car rooms start at $301. As you will be using a bathroom on a moving vehicle, please use caution and hold on to a rail at all times. Outside are benches and an enclosed childrens play area. Use the following steps to take advantage of Amtrak car shipping services: While Amtrak vehicle shipping can be pretty simple, make sure to follow the rules above. Its also a great option if you are someone who doesnt enjoy driving long distances, or if your traveling party needs the extra space. Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel in North America and Europe. Over the past years, through personal travels and as an international business professional, I've traveled to over 110 countries. In addition to this cost youll need to pay for your vehicle. Is it really cheaper to take the train? A family of four can buy tickets for the . While this route is popular among snowbirds, it means most Americans wont be able to take advantage of Amtrak car shipping. How to Transport a Car by Train - Car Talk Yes, there are bathrooms on the Auto Train. The best way to sleep on the Auto Train is to get a roomette or bedroom. There is plenty of accommodation in Lorton, Virginia. This allows for you to drive your vehicle right up to the station for pick-up, and meet your vehicle at the exact time it arrives at your final destination. Is $200 the standard cost for a van? Maximum width: 84 inches, including mirrors. If youre fine using an auto shipper that only offers open transport services, the Auto Train may suffice. But to be sure, just call Amtrak. Youll find plenty of positive reviews for Montway Auto Transport on the Better Business Bureau (BBB) site, as seen by its 4.6-star rating. : If youre starting your trip in Washington, D.C., head to the Auto Train station in Lorton, Virginia. What to Bring on the Amtrak Auto Train (The Essentials) 1. My husband is heavy set and has back issues was wondering what would be best for us. Learn everything from how to sign up for free to enterprise use cases, and start using ChatGPT . Passengers on the Auto Train will be sleeping for one night on the train. Additionally, youll avoid the stress and wear and tear that comes with driving yourself. Online support: Amtrak Auto Train website. directions Amtrak San Joaquin San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento, Bakersfield/Southern California navigate_next; directions Amtrak Texas Eagle Chicago, St. Louis, Dallas, San Antonio, (Los Angeles) navigate_next; directions Auto Train Lorton, VA (Washington, DC), Sanford, FL (Orlando) navigate_next This route is the only one in the United States that transports cars, and on-board amenities include WiFi, a dining car for sleeper car passengers and a caf. Auto shipping providers rarely allow people to move valuables in their cars, and a traveler who drives may have a tight squeeze when their vehicle is filled to the brim. . With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. The meal selection is not large so you might want a snack after the food car closes. Passwords are case sensitive, should be at least 10 characters long and should include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Here are the factors our ratings take into account: Copyright 2023 MarketWatch, Inc. All rights reserved. Amtrak's Auto Train is one of the cheapest ways to ship a car across the country, as long as the travel is along the Eastern Seaboard. Required fields are marked *. Using a Walker or Wheelchair on the Auto Train There are many factors to consider. Everything in the roomette plus. An additional fee may apply for special vehicles. When riding the Auto Train youll have to factor the cost of your car into the price of your ticket. I have a 14 pound pup. Sherpa Auto Transport has an A+ rating from the BBB and receives 4.9 stars out of 5.0 on the platform.