Coach seats are the cheapest option. 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. Vehicle costs range from $292 for a motorcycle to $466 for a standard car to $536 for a special car like an SUV, van, or truck. If you have a ticket for your vehicle to travel on the Auto Train, the vehicle ticket will have the same refund policy as your associated passenger ticket. Each one-way trip takes 17.5 hours in total. There is plenty of accommodation in Lorton, Virginia. 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. Unlike standard car carriers, Amtrak is still very much a people mover, so you are able to ride the train the entire distance with your vehicle. You can only book a ticket if you are transporting a vehicle (if you arent bringing a car or other vehicle with you, book a ticket on the. The Sanford station has curved glass walls and seating for 600 passengers. often mention the companys willingness to price match the rates from any company with an A+ rating from the, Affordable rates and several discount opportunities available, Excellent reviews on BBB; A+ rating and accreditation. Well youre in luck as Amtrak Auto Train offers extra legroom seating. Riding the Auto Train for your vacation is a good way to save money. 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. Hi, thank you for the great info! It is the only train of its kind in the U.S. Otherwise, enclosed carriers from top car shipping companies make for better choices. Take a look inside the 45-square-foot space with its own bathroom. Everything I wanted to know to make an informed decision. It takes approximately one hour to get your car back. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? if you use Amtraks train transport services. : Even including the cost of passenger rail tickets, youll have a hard time finding cheaper auto transport rates between Washington, D.C. and Orlando. Of course theres the wear and tear of the car and of the passengers. How long does it take to ship a car by train? What are YOUR thoughts on the Amtrak auto train to Florida? Using a Walker or Wheelchair on the Auto Train The line doesnt stop along the way, either, so youll need to find another option if youd like to drop your car off in North Carolina, South Carolina, or Georgia. We chose the roomette and although yes, its cramped, we were fine for the length of the trip. Its easy to get instant. Amtrak car shipping comes at an extremely reasonable price for those making the journey. _ @ " $ # ,). The bathroom is in the hall and shared with other passengers. For those traveling between the Northeast and Florida, its pretty easy to book a spot on the Auto Train. It took about an hour for our car to come out. This price occasionally goes higher when availability is scarce or when booking at the last minute. Below are some frequently asked questions about Amtrak Car Shipping: It costs $208 per direction to ship a standard vehicle using Amtrak car shipping. : Cost can be difficult to compare between providers because so many factors impact auto shipping rates. Bedroom 2-3 Adults 1 1 Also, passengers can make use of the shower and restroom in the train car. The stereo inside has a volume control and plays some nice music. Its also a pretty affordable price compared to the cost of gas and accommodations that come with the drive up and down the East Coast. In addition to this cost youll need to pay for your vehicle. Thank you for reading and commenting. : Enjoying a train ride along the East Coast is a much nicer experience than fighting traffic on Interstate 95. Thank you for the information about the car train, and all your great tips! One of the most popular national parks in the country, the . In addition to your coach class or sleeper car ticket, youll need to pay for your vehicle. Its important that a car shipping provider is able to deliver your vehicle in a safe and timely manner. When you check in you are given a choice of different times to have dinner in the dining car. It has a ticket counter, restrooms, gift shop, and caf, all accessible. To send your car using Amtrak car shipping, youll need to book a ticket on the Auto Train. Transporting standard automobiles, which include cars, vans, SUVs and trucks with a maximum height of 85 inches and width of 84 inches, range from $204 to $254 one-way. Required fields are marked *. The Amtrak Auto Train follows the same schedule every day. 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. While pets are permitted on most Amtrak routes in coach class, the Auto Train is not one of them. 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. Breakfast was a grab and go affair of coffee, cereal, milk and juice with a little pound cake eaten in the lounge or at your seat. You cant go without it and it cant go without you. From there, youll ride the train until it reaches your destination. The onboard WiFi uses 4G LTE towers when possible, but can lose its connection in some rural areas. All sleeper accommodation options come with towels, linens, turndown service, meals, access to the lounge and dining car. 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. However, the companys Auto Train service combines cheap car shipping with relaxing passenger train travel. 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. You can file a claim to have any Amtrak change or cancellation fees reimbursed if you cannot travel due to covered reasons such as illness, extreme weather, or required work shifts. Small boats and jet skis are also allowed on board for an additional fee. We recommend you bring a book or download a movie just to play it safe. Behind the museum are the cells where the suffragists were imprisoned and tortured for demonstrating in front of the White House. There are no intermediate stops on this route and you cannot get off until the end. Vehicles are put in a special car which cannot be accessed by passengers during the trip. for the route from Washington, D.C., to Florida, Amtrak car shipping comes at a competitive rate. But for all intents and purposes, it's a straight shot from Virginia to Florida (and vice versa), covering almost 900 miles in 17 and a half hours. The Lorton station is a pleasant place to wait for your unusual ride. Hi, Greg and thanks for reading my post and commenting. Neck Pillow- Comfy, plus it folds up for easy storage. Also, is there a door to close in the roomette so that we wouldnt be sharing air with an occupied roomette across the aisle from us? To answer your questions, yes, you can ask to have your meal in your roomette. Do you find yourself squished in a regular seat or just love having extra room to sprawl out? As you will be using a bathroom on a moving vehicle, please use caution and hold on to a rail at all times. This means that you could face higher auto transport rates. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . Auto Train tickets for drivers riding the train are typically. Well focus on the cost and overall experience to help you decide whether Amtrak car shipping is right for you. At dinner the menu was certainly adequate with options of steak, fish, chicken, and pasta. What are Amtrak Auto Trains COVID-19 policies? The Auto Train will take you and your car nonstop between Lorton, VA near Washington, DC and Sanford, Florida near Orlando for as low as $95*. Ticket prices normally go up the closer you get to the travel date, so dont miss out on a good deal when you see one. Amtrak's Viewliner trains on the Crescent route are single-level railway cars. 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. No more cries for bathroom or stretch breaks, stopping to refuel, or searching for a hotel or restaurant. Note that you are actually required to bring a vehicle in order to ride the Auto Train. Compared to the average car shipping cost for the route from Washington, D.C., to Florida, Amtrak car shipping comes at a competitive rate. Auto carriers usually offer both enclosed transport and door-to-door transport services, which Amtrak car shipping wont provide. This is pricier than using centralized terminals at both ends of a vehicle shipment, as occurs with Amtrak car shipping. privacy policy. Amtraks only auto transport route is the Auto Train, which runs from Washington, D.C., to Orlando, Florida. Hi, Claire: The Amtrak Auto Train is a Superliner train with a sightseer lounge car. Does Amtrak Auto Train offer any premium features like extra legroom or movies? All passengers can also eat from the Cafe car on the Amtrak Auto Train. Download movies and/or a book. Amtrak is unable to accept responsibility for these items. Are Medical Alert Systems Covered by Insurance? Talek, Very helpful information. Are there power outlets or USB plugs on the train? The Auto Train measures more than three quarters of a mile, making it the longest passenger train in the world! Learn everything from how to sign up for free to enterprise use cases, and start using ChatGPT . Train review: Amtrak's Auto Train from Virginia to Florida That cost needs to be factored in if you are coming from somewhere other than Lorton. 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. : Whether youre leaving from the station in Lorton, Virginia, or Sanford, Florida, you must check in your vehicle for loading onto the train by 3 p.m. at the latest. BTW, if you are getting ready for your trip, make sure to take advantage of these useful,money-saving linksto book your trip: I personally use, and can recommend, all the companies listed here and elsewhere on my blog. And remember, drivers must ride the Auto Train themselves for their cars to be eligible for the trip. Typically, each car costs $208 while each motorcycle costs $146 to bring onto the train. Can-Am motorcycles, Rewaco trikes and Polaris Slingshots are not permitted. Our cabin attendant, Keith, was very pleasant asking when would be a good time for our turn-down service and answering general questions about the journey. All trains depart early evening and arrive the next day in the morning. Larger luggage should be stored in the trunk of your car. Bring your automobile, van, SUV, truck or motorcycles nonstop between Lorton, VA, and Sanford, FL. Hi, EM: You can find answers to all your auto train on this site. Its probably still a viable choice if youre headed to a final destination farther south in Florida such as Miami or Tampa, though. 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. From a cost perspective, it is not necessarily cheaper to take the train, although it could be. How much does the Amtrak Auto Train cost? ChatGPT cheat sheet: Complete guide for 2023 Do you have to print your Amtrak Auto Train ticket? Pack your vehicle with possessions before driving it to the Amtrak terminal, where your car will be placed onto the train. For others, its likely smarter to compare prices from top auto transport providers to find a cost-effective rate on a route that suits your needs. Amtrak Auto Train goes the extra distance to deliver premium features to its customers. The Auto Train runs daily from the Washington, DC area (specifically Lorton, Virginia) to the Orlando area (specifically Sanford, Florida). Private rooms are available on 15 routes across the national network: Auto Train, California Zephyr, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, City of New Orleans, Coast Starlight, Crescent, Empire Builder, Lake Shore Limited, Northeast Regional, Silver Star, Silver Meteor, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle. Update: We took the Auto Train back up to Washington D.C. from Florida in April 2017 and the cost was higher for the same room and car at $963.00 (one-way). Yes, there are power outlets on the Auto Train. Companies with a strong rating from the BBB score well in this category. And with new low fares starting at $95 (plus the cost of your vehicle), it's time to welcome the end of road trip hassles and enjoy a stress-free route by rail aboard the Auto Train. Buy a Roomette, Bring a Companion Free on Amtrak The auto train will transport both you and your car for a competitive price compared to driving similar distances. Because consumers rely on us to provide objective and accurate information, we created a comprehensive rating system to formulate our rankings of the best car shipping companies. Ground clearance: 4+ inches. http://amtrakfoodfacts.com/menu-items-sdg-020620/ I hope it helps. The company also offers a Clean Car Guarantee that reimburses customers for a car wash if their vehicle is dirty on arrival. In each, pillows and blankets are provided and you can control the temperature. Where Is Amtrak Car Shipping Not Available? Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. Otherwise, transporting . Hi, June. Here are six ways to experience U.S. National Parks by train with Amtrak Vacations: 1. Established providers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks. When you're ready, use the search tool to find the availability and best prices for each travel date. Thanks to 21st-century transportation, there's a way to travel between Virginia and Florida that doesn't require spending 12 hours straight in a car. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Yes, you can ship your car by train to Florida. How much does it cost to ship a car on Amtrak Auto Train? Bring your own pillow or blanket, the beds are a bit hard. Our team of experts looks at the types of services available, as well as insurance coverage and the ability to guarantee pickup and drop-off dates. On the upper level, you have better views of the countryside, more seating, and youre on the same level as the caf car. Check-In by 3:00 pm (no exceptions) Maximum length: 216 inches (18 feet) Maximum height: 85 inches. Friends had taken the auto train and recommended it. The price was a reasonable $8.00. 4. The trip takes 17 hours and 29 minutes. Your email address will not be published. Flexible, Business and Premium Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable if cancelled or changed before departure. . : Our research team considered availability, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score. Private Rooms on Auto Train on Sale for as Low As $129 - Amtrak Media And theres only one scheduled stop: a short 15 minutes just south of Florence, South Carolina, for a crew change and refueling. Pick the best train shipping company for your needs, Find out the prices that the company charges, Take anything out of your car you might need during the shipment, Drop off your vehicle at the correct location, Pick up your vehicle at the correct location. What kind of vehicles are allowed on the Auto Train? Thats something thats either discouraged or outright forbidden by most auto transport companies. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Amtrak auto train route. Check-in starts at 11:30 am on the day of departure. Six Ways to Enjoy America's National Parks by Train ! " Disclosure: travelswithtalek.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. The complex also houses the Lucy Burns Suffragist Museum that tells the story of how women fought for the right to vote. Train transport tends to offer the cheapest price for shipments from Washington, D.C., to Orlando. Its a difficult question to answer, as Amtraks Auto Train provides affordable transport for a very specific group of drivers. A standard, two-wheel motorcycle costs $143. 2x the space of a Roomette. Even after factoring in the cost of passenger tickets, Amtrak car shipping costs are often far lower than prices from leading auto transport companies. Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel in North America and Europe. : Shipping your car on an open trailer is cheaper than if you use. Rob is one of the most published photographers in the world, having published over 1 million images in the last 20 years. While there are multiple qualities that make an auto transport provider successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers: Montway has an outstanding reputation and offers competitive pricing for car transport services. There is no checked baggage with the Auto Train. Brightline Orlando station: Miami to Orlando train prices, schedule On the day of your departure, check-in begins at 12:30 pm. Private sink and vanity The Guides Auto Team is committed to providing reliable information to help you make the best possible decision about shipping your vehicle. 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. But is it worth it? Each bedroom has the capacity of two adults (with an option for a third), one to two suitcases and are 66 x 76. Hi, Mary. : Youll need a passenger ticket and a spot for your vehicle on the Auto Train. For an additional $60, drivers can opt for priority offloading to ensure their cars are among the first 30 taken off the train when it arrives. Is it really cheaper to take the train? Maximum width: 84 inches, including mirrors. Sleeper car passengers get to enjoy dinner in the dining car which includes a complimentary glass of wine or bottle of beer. Passenger Fare Categories | Source: Amtrak Vehicle fares The cost of the vehicle loading ranges between $208 and $258. We recommend using Amtrak to send your vehicle to Florida using a train. Learn More Because the company knows what its doing, Montway Auto Transport can offer convenient and hassle-free shipping services while keeping prices low. Book the Auto Train with $95 Saver Fares | Amtrak If you follow these steps, you will have an easy time when shipping your car by train. When riding the Auto Train youll have to factor the cost of your car into the price of your ticket. Let us know in the comments. The prices for other accommodations also depends on how far in advance you book. Along with economy seats, there are both roomettes with shared bathrooms and family bedroom suites with their own bathrooms and showers. Spend a little more and upgrade to the next level. To simplify and safeguard the travel experience, several cleaning, contact-free and . Thanks. Thanks again for your comment and I hope you subscribe to our site, so you dont miss the tips and destination guides. The Auto Trains caf car is available to buy food and beverages. Here is info on bedroom capacity on Amtrak auto train. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. I have a 14 pound pup. / : ; < = > ? Learn more about the Auto Train experience. Passengers and their vehicles must arrive at the station between 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM to check in. Note that prices for roomettes and bedrooms include meals and coffee. A Roomette features comfortable seating, newly-upgraded bedding, pillows, towels and linens, and a dedicated attendant. Check-In by 2:30 pm (no exceptions) Maximum length: 192 inches (16 feet) Maximum height: 85 inches. When fully booked, the Auto Train holds 650 passengers and 330 vehicles in 18 passenger cars and 33 auto rack cars. There are daily, nonstop trips in both directions. Sure, a flight would be quicker, but the Amtrak Auto Train allows people to bring along their vehicles without having to physically drive that far. Only the early bird discount, which applies if you schedule a shipment within 48 hours of receiving a shipping quote, can be stacked with other offers. The Auto Train runs between Lorton, Virginia (about 20 miles south of Washington, DC), and Sanford, Florida (about 25 miles north of Orlando), a distance of 855 miles that lets you avoid 900 miles of driving on the I-95. No exceptions will be provided. between the Northeast and Florida, the Auto Train might be worth consideration. Over the past years, through personal travels and as an international business professional, I've traveled to over 110 countries. Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more. Adding a private family bedroom compartment added about another $1,800 to the price. Maximum tire width: 14.5 inches. Traffic on the I-95 can be daunting and just sitting in a car for hours on end is exhausting. Does your vehicle include a rack on the roof or at the rear? If you ae going further south beyond central Florida to Miami with its trendy and eclectic Miami neighborhoods or South Beach, thats an additional 3 and a half hours. And now for a limited time, a trip in the comfort of a private room starts at just $99 each way, plus the cost of your vehicle. Bring comfy slip on shoes or flip flops to make bathroom runs. They also are required to carry comprehensive cargo insurance, meaning your vehicle will be protected from damages that could occur during shipping. For an additional amount, you can book sleeping accommodations instead of spending the night on a reclining seat. How much does it cost to ship a car on Amtrak? The standard one-way rates for Amtrak Auto Train vehicle shipping are $285 per vehicle for standard cars and $325 per vehicle for trucks or larger SUVs. The company also works with government agencies, vehicle manufacturers, and retailers to deliver outsourced logistics services and shipping on a large scale. More than 24 hours after purchase, the cancellation policy and change fee structure for Amtrak bookings depend on the type of fare you purchased: Saver Fare tickets: A 25% fee applies for any changes.