Take The Train and Skip I-95 Traffic
In this blog post, we will share valuable insights on how to make the most out of your Amtrak Car Train Experience. WLT is happy to provide tips on how to navigate an Amtrak Auto Train trip for the first time. The Auto Train is a unique way of traveling long distances with your car and there are a few things to consider to make sure your trip is successful.
1. Buying Tickets
The first step is to buy your tickets. You can purchase them online at Amtrak's website, or by phone at 1-800-USA-RAIL. Be sure to book in advance as the Auto Train is a popular option for travelers and can sell out quickly. You'll need to provide your car's make, year, and model, as well as your travel dates and departure point. SUPER IMPORTANT. If you have the ability to purchase priority offboarding, you won’t regret it. Priority offboarding means your vehicle will be one of the first 30 vehicles detrained. The car train can hold several hundred vehicles and take up to 90 minutes to unload.
2. Train Ride Experience
The Auto Train is generally a 17-hour overnight trip that takes you from Lorton, Virginia (just outside of Washington, D.C.) to Sandford, Florida (just outside of Orlando). Once you arrive at the station the first step is the vehicle check-in. You’ll receive a pamphlet with the number of your vehicle. That number will be called as your vehicle is being detrained. Remember to take all necessary items like glasses, chargers, medication as you will not have access to your vehicle once it’s boarded until you get to the next destination. If you have multiple vehicles, opt for one that is not low to the ground as there is a minimum height required to ensure your vehicle is not damaged as it’s driven onto the train.
Upon arriving at the station and checking in your vehicle, each passenger must proceed to passenger check-In to obtain a boarding pass. The boarding pass will include your train number and seating assignment. If you have purchased a sleeper car ticket, the boarding pass will also contain your selected mealtime.
In this example the train number is 5344. Two people are in sleeper car 6 with a mealtime of 5:30 p.m.
When it’s time to board the train, follow the numbers posted in the columns to your assigned train. A porter will assist you in finding your assigned seat.
You'll board the train with your car and then you'll be free to wander around and enjoy the amenities available. There are food service cars that offer meals throughout the trip, as well as a lounge car with comfortable seating. If you're traveling in a sleeper car, you'll have your own private room that includes a bed and access to a washroom and shower.
3. Helpful Items to Pack
Here are a few items to make your Auto Train experience more comfortable:
- Blanket and pillow: Sleeper car passengers receive bedding from the train staff, but you may want to bring your own for extra comfort. A neck pillow can provide additional comfort for reading. Here’s a great choice for travel, sleeping upright, etc.
- Snacks and drinks: While food service is available on board, you might want to bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. To ensure your drinks don’t spill during the ride, we’ve had great luck with the Mighty Mug. The Mighty Mug is a travel mug that claims to be "unspillable." It uses SmartGrip technology to keep the mug from tipping over, essentially making it immune to accidental spills and tip-overs. This is a great feature for anyone who is on the go and wants to keep their drink safe and protected. The mug can hold up to 16 ounces of liquid and comes in a variety of colors.
You can purchase the Mighty Mug at Amazom.com
Entertainment: Bring a book, tablet, or other device to keep yourself entertained during the trip. Also, don’t forget to bring headphones to ensure minimal noise for everyone’s travel enjoyment.
- Charging cables: Don't forget to bring charging cables for your devices. I also recommend bringing a surge protector to keep all of your electronics powered.
- Comfortable clothing: Wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking around the train. My husband and I wear cargo pants with multiple pockets. These pants by Aha are a pair of our favorites.
All Season Essential Tactical Cargo Jogger | Aha selected
4. Additional Tips
- Arrive early: Arrive at the station early to give yourself plenty of time to board the train and get settled in before departure. Cars can begin entering the station at noon. But note and early arrival does not mean your vehicle will be one of the first to be detrained. Cars must be onsite by 3pm. The trains board at 3:30 p.m and depart at 5:00 p.m.
- Pack appropriately: Be sure to check Amtrak's guidelines for what you can and cannot pack for the trip.
- Make reservations for your destination: If you're planning to continue your journey after arriving in Florida, be sure to make hotel or rental car reservations ahead of time.
Amtrak Auto Train Website
The Amtrak Auto Train website is where you can purchase tickets and find more information: Auto Train: Travel for You & Your Car | Amtrak.
Auto Train Accommodations
Sleeper car accommodations include a bed, table, and private washroom and shower. All passengers have access to restrooms and a shower on the lower level of each car.
Lounge Car
The lounge car has comfortable seating and is a great place to relax and socialize.
Dining Car
The dining car offers meals throughout the trip, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
In conclusion, navigating the Amtrak Auto Train for the first time can be an enjoyable and unique experience. Be sure to book your tickets in advance, pack appropriately, bring entertainment and snacks, and arrive early for your trip. With these tips and recommendations, you'll be well on your way to having a successful Auto Train trip!
