Climbing into that top bunk is tricky when you are 70+. Even if you opt for higher-end accommodations, you could find outstanding rates for cheap car shipping if you use Amtraks train transport services. Hi, Dean: Thank you so much for reading the post and commenting. No more cries for bathroom or stretch breaks, stopping to refuel, or searching for a hotel or restaurant. Auto carriers usually offer both enclosed transport and door-to-door transport services, which Amtrak car shipping wont provide. Unlike many long-haul Amtrak trains, theres no observation car because most of the scheduled 17-hour trip is done at night. Additionally, they have newly upgraded beddings with linens, pillows, and towels. I know you will enjoy it. 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. Pack your vehicle with possessions before driving it to the Amtrak terminal, where your car will be placed onto the train. : The greater the competition for a route, the less your per-mile rate could end up being. Buy a Roomette, Bring a Companion Free on Amtrak They also are required to carry comprehensive cargo insurance, meaning your vehicle will be protected from damages that could occur during shipping. Talek, Very helpful information. Passengers and their vehicles must arrive at the station between 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM to check in. Montway Auto Transport provides both regional and cross-country auto transport services, along with car shipping to Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and international locations. The motorcycle loading costs $146. It is the only train of its kind in the U.S. When you board Amtraks Auto Train, youre doing something unique that happens on no other train within the Amtrak system. There are also tons of attractions in the area. Yes, you can ship your car by train to Florida. This is for people who want ample space. https://www.pettravel.com/pet-travel-train.cfm. Learn More A family of four can buy tickets for the . In addition to ticket fees, youll also pay fees for each vehicle you are transporting. All Amtrak Auto Train tickets can be cancelled for a full refund within the first 24 hours after purchase. Even after factoring in the cost of passenger tickets, Amtrak car shipping costs are often far lower than prices from leading auto transport companies. Pick the ticket thats best for your budget, schedule, and preferences, and complete the booking right on Wanderu to secure your great deal. AmeriFreight is a leading car shipping broker that partners with over 10,000 car carriers to deliver a wide range of auto transport services. Any other vehicles, including modified standard vehicles, require picking up the phone. It leaves Lorton at 5 PM and arrives in Sanford by 10 AM and vice versa. : Even including the cost of passenger rail tickets, youll have a hard time finding cheaper auto transport rates between Washington, D.C. and Orlando. I wanted to check out the lounge so I went there and had a pre-dinner cocktail. Then, just settle into the gentle rocking of the train and enjoy not being behind the wheels of your vehicle. Cookie Notice. The company also works with government agencies, vehicle manufacturers, and retailers to deliver outsourced logistics services and shipping on a large scale. Travelers must check-in their vehicles by 2:30 p.m. on the day of departure. It has private bathroom and shower. According to Montway Auto Transport reviews, car carriers used by the company tend to be professional and efficient. 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. Thank you for reading and commenting and I hope you have a nice time. Here is info on bedroom capacity on Amtrak auto train. The Amtrak Auto Train is a non-stop train. Well focus on the cost and overall experience to help you decide whether Amtrak car shipping is right for you. It does save having to deal with driving on I-95 and provides a more peaceful way of getting to and from Florida. Dogs and cats up to 20 pounds (combined weight of pet and carrier) are welcome on trips up to seven hours on most routes (some restrictions apply*). Its probably still a viable choice if youre headed to a final destination farther south in Florida such as Miami or Tampa, though. As you will be using a bathroom on a moving vehicle, please use caution and hold on to a rail at all times. The Amtrak Auto Train is a simple and affordable way to transport you and your car between the Washington, D.C., region and Orlando, Florida. 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. , which offers protection against road debris and bad weather. Bring your automobile, van, SUV, truck or motorcycles nonstop between Lorton, VA, and Sanford, FL. Wanderus simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. In college I determined that whatever I studied would have to lead to the ultimate goal of traveling. For travelers who need to bring their car, the Auto Train helps save approximately 900 miles of driving between DC and Florida. Thanks for reading. You can also view current schedules via Google Maps or when booking your tickets. It has a ticket counter, restrooms, gift shop, and caf, all accessible. WASHINGTON - Each day, travelers on I-95 between Florida and the northeast can skip the hassles of driving and bring their vehicle aboard the Amtrak Auto Train. Be prepared to tip the Amtrak employees who help you. Check-in starts at 11:30 am on the day of departure. Amtraks only auto transport route is the Auto Train, which runs from Washington, D.C., to Orlando, Florida. Thats $542.00 plus $200.00 for the car. The cost to purchase priority offloading is $60 and can be purchased when you buy the ticket for your vehicle. The train leaves once all the vehicles have been stored. Hi, Patti: 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. Pro travelers know that booking your ticket well in advance is key to finding the lowest price. Well youre in luck as Amtrak Auto Train offers extra legroom seating. $258 plus passenger fare for a standard vehicle. We also accept certain special vehicles (see below). 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. 16 feet in length, 85 inches in height, 84 inches in width, 18 feet in length, 85 inches in height, 84 inches in width, 102 inches in length, 72 inches in height, 51 inches in width. Even if Amtrak car shipping isnt the right option for your needs, there are plenty of ways to quickly and effectively ship your car. We visited the old Lorton reformatory which has now be transformed into artist studios called The Workhouse Arts Center which you can visit to see the artists at work and performing. Check-in for special vehicles closes at 3:00 pm. Have you been? 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. The Auto Train schedule is the same each day with one northbound and one southbound train. This was certainly more pleasant than driving and constantly focusing on the road and traffic. For this comparison, however, were just starting from Lorton. An Armchair Learn More Experience First Class private rooms Amtrak On Board Experience - Sleeping Watch on Frequently asked questions What's included in a First Class private sleeping room? Six Ways to Enjoy America's National Parks by Train 4. Auto Train Boarding and Vehicle Requirements | Amtrak The shelf above it pulls down to create a bunk bed so there are two beds in this compartment euphemistically called a roomette. This is suitable for two people (two people who really like each other because its very small) or one person who wants to sleep in a bed vs a reclining seat. Bedrooms cost over $1,000 and include a private shower, sink, toilet and two beds (one is wider than the other). This price occasionally goes higher when availability is scarce or when booking at the last minute. Happy travels! 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. 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. Extended Vehicles. Do you find yourself squished in a regular seat or just love having extra room to sprawl out? Riding the Auto Train for your vacation is a good way to save money. The lounge was inviting with good music Motown -piped in. 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. Personal effects and baggage remaining in your vehicle during transit are solely your responsibility. Enter your email address below to receive travels tips and free guides to exciting destinations. Learn how your comment data is processed. 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. All sleeper accommodation options come with towels, linens, turndown service, meals, access to the lounge and dining car. The prices for other accommodations also depends on how far in advance you book. I have clostrophobia do you think a roomette will be a problem? I am also 6 feet tall and weigh 330 pounds. For more information read our privacy policy. Were riding back to Lorton in a 1-br. All of these vehicle transport options hold strong reputations and can move your car nearly anywhere across the country. Tips for enjoying your Amtrak auto train journey, https://www.amtraktrains.com/threads/how-to-book-two-roomettes-across-from-each-other.27519/, http://amtrakfoodfacts.com/menu-items-sdg-020620/, https://www.pettravel.com/pet-travel-train.cfm. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Travelers looking to stretch out and upgrade from our roomette should explore our bedroom option. For comparison, driving from Washington, D.C., to Orlando normally takes about 12 hours in total. There are also a number of sleeper car options but these tend to be significantly more expensive - expect to pay upwards of $300 per person for a roomette. To send your car using Amtrak car shipping, youll need to book a ticket on the Auto Train. 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. Amtrak Car Transport | Safe & Affordable Auto Shipping | A1 Auto Transport Term vs. You should plan on bringing any immediately needed items (medication, snacks, phone, laptop, etc.) I have a 14 pound pup. Amtrak's Roomette Fares Are 2-for-1 For Summer Travel Here's How. Between now and June 30, Amtrak is offering up private roomettes on its Auto Train starting at just $109, plus the cost of your vehicle. For an additional amount, you can book sleeping accommodations instead of spending the night on a reclining seat. A very enjoyable read packed with great information & advice. This price occasionally goes higher when availability is scarce or when booking at the last minute. This Amtrak Auto Train Sale Has Private Rooms for Just $109 - TripSavvy Continue with Recommended Cookies. 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. We will send password reset instructions. Coach seats are the cheapest option. How much does the Amtrak Auto Train cost? It basically means that your originally quoted price wont change or have fees added to it mid-shipment, which can occur with other car shipping providers. Enjoy your trip. offer quality services and efficient transport, drivers often wonder whether Amtrak car shipping could work equally well. Strong reputation, customer satisfaction, and industry ratings, No real-time tracking or mobile-app; must contact company for tracking info, No specialty shipping services for recreational vehicles (RVs), boats, trailers, or other watercraft. We were looking to take the train to Florida my mother is 93 is on oxygen. I have to admit I had a bit of trouble nailing down the price of my ticket. Amtrak Roomette: The Amtrak Roomette provides comfortable seating by a huge picture window. Sherpa Auto Transports Price Lock Promise is a major selling point. It took about an hour for our car to come out. 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. In-room sink, restroom, and shower. The Auto Trains caf car is available to buy food and beverages. Other Amenities Include: Expect to pay around $100 to $200 for a one-way coach ticket. Amtraks Auto Train takes slightly more than 17 hours to complete its journey. We explain the rail line's prices, shipping process, and availability. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best deals out there. When it comes to using traditional auto transport companies, its slightly more complicated to determine your rates. The Amtrak Auto Train follows the same schedule every day. How much does it cost to ship a car on Amtrak? 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. Amtrak Car Shipping: How To Use the Auto Train - MarketWatch If cancelled less than 14 days before departure, a 25% cancellation fee applies. We stayed at the Lorton Holiday Inn Express which was 7 minutes away from the train station. Value Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable up to 15 or more days before departure. We recommend you bring a book or download a movie just to play it safe. Amtrak provides several options for the Lorton, Virginal to Sanford, Florida route. Walls of glass make the place bright and airy for the 450 waiting passengers that can fit inside. In the unlikely event of damage to your vehicle in transit or during loading or unloading, Amtrak will accept responsibility only if you report the damage to an authorized Amtrak representative before leaving the terminal; the Amtrak representative must determine that the damage occurred while the vehicle was in Amtrak custody. Thanks for your question. The Amtrak Auto Train is a Superliner train with a sightseer lounge car. There are no train routes offered by Union Pacific or CSX that provide similar auto transport in the United States. Its a difficult question to answer, as Amtraks Auto Train provides affordable transport for a very specific group of drivers. Its never cheap to ship your car over long distances, but very few options beat the rates offered by the Auto Train. 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? There is also a childrens menu. Amtrak Auto Train: 12 Things You Need To Know Before Riding Unlike roomettes, our bedrooms also have an in-room toilet, shower and a sofa that converts to a bed. Where Is Amtrak Car Shipping Not Available? Typically, each car costs $208 while each motorcycle costs $146 to bring onto the train. Amtrak often runs sales on the tickets for the Auto Train. Yes, there are bathrooms on the Auto Train. It is meant to provide service between the greater Washington D.C. and Orlando areas. Online support: Amtrak Auto Train website. Amtrak policy states that all automobiles should be standard factory models at their originally manufactured lengths. There was another window from the top bunk, plus curtains for both sets and a (lockable) door, ensuring darkness and privacy when needed. Technically, it makes a brief stop in Florence, South Carolina for rewatering, refueling, and a crew change. Thanks for your comment. The Amtrak Auto Train allows passengers to bring their vehicle on the train between Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL. I spent 30 hours in a sleeper car on an Amtrak train traveling from Miami to New York City in 2021. 2. But to be sure, just call Amtrak. If youre fine using an auto shipper that only offers open transport services, the Auto Train may suffice. Midwesterners, West Coast residents, and those in between should instead look into the best auto transport companies. If youre planning to bring many possessions on your trip, the ability to fill your vehicle with personal items comes as a bonus. : Our research team considered availability, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score. To give you a rough idea of typical fares, for November 2020 Amtrak was quoting a round-trip price in coach of about $800 for two adults with one child and one standard-size car. Wanderu also offers an affordable trip protection option by Allianz Global Assistance that you can purchase when booking your tickets. Larger luggage should be stored in the trunk of your car. The catch is that theres only one route, which makes Amtrak car shipping an unrealistic option for most drivers. Leave your key in your unlocked car. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/route-content/auto-train-boarding-and-vehicle-requirements. Hi, Debbie: We were originally coming from New York so we had to drive to Lorton to get on the train. Thank you for the information about the car train, and all your great tips! Each level has its benefits and limitations. Private Sleeping Accommodations | Amtrak Vacations On Track On Line - Amtrak Auto Train Tips Fares and Costs For $1,000, I booked a bedroom, which is about the size of a King-size bed with a . Alternative IDs, such as a college ID, wont work. 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. Hi, EM: You can find answers to all your auto train on this site. According to Amtrak: We go back and forth from New York to Miami every once in a while and the driving can be exhausting. You can choose to eat in the dining car or your room. Our team got free quotes from Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport to compare their rates to those for the Amtrak train. 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. : If youre starting your trip in Washington, D.C., head to the Auto Train station in Lorton, Virginia. In addition to booking way ahead, different seasons and holidays affects how much you'll pay for a Superliner Bedroom. Train Travel: Here's What an Amtrak Bedroom Suite Looks Like - Insider On the lower level it could be a little noisier, but youll have access to more bathrooms. Coach class seating is a two-and-two configuration and each seat pair has a two-plug outlet under the window for your electronics. Passwords are case sensitive. By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement. Based on the prices we saw on Amtrak's website, a standard vehicle would cost about $466-516, an extended vehicle would be $536-594 and a motorcycle is $292 to transport via Amtrak's Auto Train. Learn More. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Even though the Auto Train goes through Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, you cannot get off in these states. Youll be glad you did. Amtrak Superliner Bedroom Review and Video - Cruise Maven : Shipping your car on an open trailer is cheaper than if you use. : Long-distance shipments come with lower per-mile rates but significantly higher costs overall. Do you know if Amtrak would allow us to have our family of 5 in the family sleeper room? Sherpa Auto Transports Price Lock Promise is a major selling point. Are Medical Alert Systems Covered by Insurance? It is an enjoyable trip. Bring comfy slip on shoes or flip flops to make bathroom runs. Heres a look at one-way vehicle shipping rates for Amtrak car shipping. A question regarding a scheduled dinner in the dining car: Can we bring the meal to our roomette, due to concerns about the more contagious virus? Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more. If you decide to go with more traditional car transport services, weve also researched and ranked the best car shipping companies. Grand Canyon National Park. Learn about Amtrak car shipping if youve considered moving your vehicle via the Auto Train. DC is a city you could spend a lifetime in and not get bored. This price occasionally goes higher when availability is scarce or when booking at the last minute. Your email address will not be published. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . Again perfunctory and fit for purpose. No exceptions will be provided. For stark comparison purposes, we were two people in a roomette on the auto train. For that reason, it makes sense to load your car closer to the loading deadline of 2:30. Maximum width: 84 inches, including mirrors, Tire maximum: 7 inches wide, 2 1/2 inches deep. Prices range from $150 to $300 per vehicle. Thats something thats either discouraged or outright forbidden by most auto transport companies. On the other hand, you have to navigate a steep stairway with two tight 90-degree turns. If you cancel the trip, you will receive an eVoucher worth 75% of the original ticket price. mobile app. Lets check out the auto train, we said. Our review process aims to deliver consistent and unbiased assessments of car shipping companies. Yes, but Amtrak car shipping is only available between Orlando, Florida, and Washington, D.C. For any other routes, youll need to look at other car shipping options. Shipping cars via the Amtrak Auto Train is a pretty straightforward process for most owners. The dimensions of the roomette is 36 X 66. 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. You can buy your tickets online or at the station. Companies with a strong rating from the BBB score well in this category. Maximum occupancy is two adults in both of these room types. If youre looking for cheap car shipping between the Northeast and Florida, the Auto Train might be worth consideration. After trying several different dates, I did find a $89.00 coach fare but that was waaaaay in the future. However, the companys Auto Train service combines cheap car shipping with relaxing passenger train travel. Thats a $392.00 difference compared to the auto train. 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.. Ive subscribed to your newsletter. Amtrak Auto Train provides snacks to satisfy your hunger during your travels. The next option is basically two coach seats in a tiny compartment that pull out to form a bed. 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 company also offers a Clean Car Guarantee that reimburses customers for a car wash if their vehicle is dirty on arrival. Regarding pets on the Amtrak auto train, this link will answer your questions. You may bring your car, but not your pet, so if you have a pet you may need to rethink this form of travel. We chose 7PM. The maximum tire width is 14.5 inches and the vehicle must have at least 4 inches of ground clearance. On Track On Line - Amtrak Auto Train Tips Fares and Costs Thats because the Auto Train only moves between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida, with no stops in between. 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). We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. The vehicles are unloaded at your destination, with thirty available priority vehicles coming off first. in coach class, though rates on Amtraks website may increase as spaces fill up. Amtrak car shipping comes with extremely straightforward prices. 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). Below are a few of the clear positives that come with using Amtrak car shipping services: Make sure to consider the disadvantages of Amtrak car shipping before booking your tickets: The fact that Amtrak only ships cars between Washington, D.C., and Orlando means that the train works for very few drivers. 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. Dont schedule your arrival for the same day as a cruise departure or big event. They also are required to carry comprehensive cargo insurance, meaning your vehicle will be protected from damages that could occur during shipping. Each bedroom has the capacity of two adults (with an option for a third), one to two suitcases and are 66 x 76. Unlike routes along the Northeast part of the country, the Auto Train cars are two-level Superliners. I did a bit of research and this is the closest I came up with. Keep in mind that these average costs are placed on top of the price for your own ticket on the Auto Train: The Auto Train has a limited number of spaces available for specialized vehicles like limousines, trailers, jet skis, trikes and choppers. The stereo inside has a volume control and plays some nice music. Subscriber Agreement & Terms of Use, This means that you could face higher auto transport rates. You would not be comfortable in a roomette. How long does it take to ship a car by train? Everything You'll Get In An Amtrak Roomette (& How Much It'll Cost) It is a pleasant ride to Florida as you sit by the window and see the marshes, rivers, farms and towns go by. Read the FAQs on this page to learn more about how the Auto Train works. Vehicle fees make up a significant portion of the fare. on April 20, 2023, 5:30 PM EDT. Those using train shipping services to move specialized vehicles such as these can expect to pay an additional fee. Ride Your Car to Florida on a Train: Amtrak Auto Train - Mad Over Exploring For vehicle specifications and to book a trip with a special vehicle, call 1-877-SKIP-I-95 (1-877-754-7495). Youre out of luck if your origin and destination locations are outside of the Northeast or Florida.
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