Train Travel with Your Car - The Auto Train
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We've all heard of water-bound car ferries, but did you know that track-bound car ferries exist as well? Amtrak, the nation's largest passenger rail service, offers auto train service to ferry both you and your family between Lorton, Virginia (near Washington, D.C.) and Sanford, Florida (near Orlando). The only requirement to ride this train, aside from paying the fare, is that you arrive with a car, van, motorcycle or SUV.
We’ve all heard of water-bound car ferries, but did you know that track-bound car ferries exist as well? Amtrak, the nation’s largest passenger rail service, offers auto train service to ferry both you and your family between Lorton, Virginia (near Washington, D.C.) and Sanford, Florida (near Orlando). The only requirement to ride this train, aside from paying the fare, is that you arrive with a car, van, motorcycle or SUV. This 855-mile stretch of track allows vacationers to bypass the congested Interstate 95 which snakes through Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida.
What’s so special about the auto-train? For starters, it’s the only one of its kind in the United States. The National Railroad Passenger Corporation, also known by its common name of “Amtrak”, offers this daily service up and down the Eastern seabord. Simply allow Amtrak staff to park your vehicle in the enclosed auto-rack. You will ride the train overnight straight through and arrive the next day in sunny Florida or our nation’s capital with your car ready to drive away in your own vehicle. Say goodbye to car rentals and unfamiliary vehicles. The auto-racks allow customers to take along their automobile, van, SUV, motorcycle, small trailer, travel trailer, and/or jet-skis. There are some limitations on vehicle size as well as attachments such as luggage or bicycle racks, so you will want to check with Amtrak while making reservations. Reservations can be made either through Amtrak’s 1-800-USA-RAIL phone center or online at www.Amtrak.com.
Boarding begins around 2:30 pm and the auto-train departs at 4:00 pm each day from both Lorton, Virginia and Washington D.C. and arrives the next morning at approximately 8:30 am. Passengers are comfortably seated in large, reclining coach seats with foot rests or in pre-assigned private sleeping rooms while their vehicles are hauled in the rear of the train. Private room passengers are supplied with full bedding while coach passengers are provided a blanket and pillow for use in their seat. Access to vehicles is not permitted while the train is en route. Passengers make the trip between Florida and Washington D.C. with only one stop in South Carolina for refueling. However, passengers do not disembark from the train for this stop.
Complimentary dinner, snacks and a continental breakfast are included in the price of a ticket, regardless of whether you have a coach seat or a private room. Private room passengers are offered a larger selection for their meals, also included in the price of their ticket. Passengers are seated four to a table in the dining car, so don’t be surprised if you are seated with other passengers you don’t know. One of the best parts of dining on a train is that you are introduced to new people at each meal. Private room passengers may also opt to dine in their rooms, especially if they have limited mobility. An upper level observation lounge is available on the train to allow passengers to have drinks, buy souvenirs or simply watch the scenery roll by. Rated PG movies are also shown two to three times on video monitors in both the first class and coach lounges.
Sounds stress free? Well, it is. So what are you waiting for? Whether you are heading north or south, book your ticket today and enjoy the convenience of Amtrak’s auto-train.
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