how much does amtrak auto train cost how much does amtrak auto train cost

It is a pleasant ride to Florida as you sit by the window and see the marshes, rivers, farms and towns go by. Are there power outlets or USB plugs on the train? Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. This was certainly more pleasant than driving and constantly focusing on the road and traffic. To answer your questions, yes, you can ask to have your meal in your roomette. First of all, you and your vehicle (car, motorcycle, van, small trailer, or SUV if it meets the measurement limits) must both be on board. Do you find yourself squished in a regular seat or just love having extra room to sprawl out? You can use your smartphone to show this eTicket to the ticketing agent as you board. Your email address will not be published. It keeps the noise out and provides privacy. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best deals out there. The auto train will transport both you and your car for a competitive price compared to driving similar distances. I have to admit I had a bit of trouble nailing down the price of my ticket. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. How much does it cost to ride the Auto Train and what's included? This post explores these questions and shares the authors experience traveling on the Amtrak auto train from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida. 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. Prices vary depending on how far in advance you book your ticket and other factors. Coach seats are the cheapest option. On the other hand, you have to navigate a steep stairway with two tight 90-degree turns. There are daily, nonstop trips in both directions. Everything I wanted to know to make an informed decision. All trains depart early evening and arrive the next day in the morning. The Auto Train departs each station at 4 p.m. and arrives the next day around 9 a.m. Obviously, this isnt an ideal route for everyone who wants to ship a car. Book your ticket as soon as you can for best selection and fare. Larger luggage should be stored in the trunk of your car. 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. Cars, vans, SUVs, trucks, and motorcycles are accepted on the Auto Train. A magnetic number plate is attached to the driver-side door of your vehicle and it is video graphed against damage claims. 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. It is the only train of its kind in the U.S. 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. 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. Amtrak car shipping is an easy way to get vehicles from Washington, D.C., to Florida. We comb through consumer reviews on sites like the BBB to learn about customer experiences. Amtraks Auto Train takes slightly more than 17 hours to complete its journey. 2x the space of a Roomette. 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. 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. Amtrak car shipping isnt a great option for drivers who value speed or require an origin or destination outside of the Northeast or Florida. ! " . Instead, an eTicket is sent to you by email when you make your reservation. To use Amtrak car shipping, youre required to purchase a passenger ticket and ride the train as well. Ground clearance: 4+ inches. We rode to Fla on the auto-train for the first time. $258 plus passenger fare for a standard vehicle. Behind the museum are the cells where the suffragists were imprisoned and tortured for demonstrating in front of the White House. 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 onboard WiFi uses 4G LTE towers when possible, but can lose its connection in some rural areas. Bedroom 2-3 Adults 1 1 Each one-way trip takes 17.5 hours in total. It was not comfortable on coach, the seat was big and reclined but not good enough for comfort. This is especially true if youre willing to drive to the terminal from cities like Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia or New York. Passengers on the Auto Train will be sleeping for one night on the train. Maximum tire width: 14.5 inches. How much does it cost to put your car on the Auto Train? I think youll be more comfortable with one bedroom and one roomette. Amtrak provides several options for the Lorton, Virginal to Sanford, Florida route. Term vs. Manage Settings Hi, Barbara: 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. Ditch the driving on I-95 and settle in on the Auto Train with a good book, stream a movie on your tablet or grab a bite to eat in the caf. Spend a little more and upgrade to the next level. The public bathrooms were dirty. Online support: Amtrak Auto Train website. All meals are included in the price of a ticket if you choose a sleeper accommodation. Learn More. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. Please enter a valid station, city, or address. This price occasionally goes higher when availability is scarce or when booking at the last minute. You can buy your tickets online or at the station. I hope you found the information useful. Each bedroom has the capacity of two adults (with an option for a third), one to two suitcases and are 66 x 76. Hi, thank you for the great info! Amtrak Roomette: The Amtrak Roomette provides comfortable seating by a huge picture window. Hi, Dean: Thank you so much for reading the post and commenting. 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.. Even if you opt for higher-end accommodations, you could find outstanding rates for cheap car shipping if you use Amtraks train transport services. 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. The Auto Train measures more than three quarters of a mile, making it the longest passenger train in the world! Subscriber Agreement & Terms of Use, Any other vehicles, including modified standard vehicles, require picking up the phone. Does Amtrak list food ingredients for those of us with allergies? Download movies and/or a book. Here are the factors our ratings take into account: Copyright 2023 MarketWatch, Inc. All rights reserved. Outside are benches and an enclosed childrens play area. Montway Auto Transport provides both regional and cross-country auto transport services, along with. Traditional dining meals can be eaten in the dining room car or in your room. They also are required to carry comprehensive cargo insurance, meaning your vehicle will be protected from damages that could occur during shipping. Hi, Patti: Enter a valid Guest Rewards number or email address. 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. Check-In by 3:00 pm (no exceptions) Maximum length: 216 inches (18 feet) Maximum height: 85 inches. Amtraks Auto Train offers fast and affordable rail service, but its only available on a single line that runs from. There are not usually last minutes sales on Amtrak Tickets. 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. Yes, the Auto Train offers free WiFi onboard. If you decide to go with more traditional car transport services, weve also researched and ranked the best car shipping companies. : Trucks and SUVs cost more to ship than smaller and standard cars. 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. Passengers and their vehicles must arrive at the station between 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM to check in. With its affordable rates and simple shipping process, it makes sense for many people. Factory-model standard vehicles, extended vehicles (trucks, vans and 3-row SUVs) and two-wheel motorcycles are accepted on the Auto Train. 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. Trip time is about 17 hours, but you need to arrive to the station early for vehicle loading. 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. Note that you are actually required to bring a vehicle in order to ride the Auto Train. Our researchers, writers and editors are dedicated to investigating providers and analyzing customer feedback and insights so you can choose with confidence. travelswithtalek.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may receive commissions through purchases made through each link at no cost to you. Sherpa Auto Transport has an. The Auto Train is easily accessible from its two stations in Lorton, Virginia (approximately 30 minutes from Washington, D.C.) and Sanford, Florida (approximately 30 minutes from Orlando) and departs daily from each station at 4 PM with an arrival of 9 AM the following morning. In fact, most people do. All sleeper accommodation options come with towels, linens, turndown service, meals, access to the lounge and dining car. Extended Vehicles. Pro travelers know that booking your ticket well in advance is key to finding the lowest price. Cars with gull wing or scissor doors are not allowed. The best way to sleep on the Auto Train is to get a roomette or bedroom. What are Amtrak Auto Trains COVID-19 policies? 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. We were looking to take the train to Florida my mother is 93 is on oxygen. All of these vehicle transport options hold strong reputations and can move your car nearly anywhere across the country. The Auto Train is the only Amtrak train that allows passenger vehicles. Traffic on the I-95 can be daunting and just sitting in a car for hours on end is exhausting. This price occasionally goes higher when availability is scarce or when booking at the last minute. Neck Pillow- Comfy, plus it folds up for easy storage. The lesson here is, a good way to save money is to book as far in the future as possible. Priority vehicle offloading is an optional feature that costs $65 per vehicle and ensures that your automobile will be among the first 30 vehicles to be loaded on and off the train. Customers selecting a Roomette will find comfortable . Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel in North America and Europe. 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. The regular starting price for a coach class ticket is $89 and the sleeper car rooms start at $301. Taking the Auto Train is cheaper than flying because you wont need to rent a car once you reach your destination. Maximum width: 84 inches, including mirrors, Tire maximum: 7 inches wide, 2 1/2 inches deep. Check-In by 2:30 pm (no exceptions) Maximum length: 192 inches (16 feet) Maximum height: 85 inches. On the upper level of the Auto Train youll have a much better view out of the windows than the lower level. Noise Cancelling Headphones- Perfect to help drown out the sounds of travel. Sleeper car accommodations can cost $300 per person or more as amenities increase. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. All trains depart early evening and arrive the next day in the morning. Boston Amtrak stations: Which station is best? If you dont like driving on the interstate the Auto Train is a great option. The dimensions of the roomette is 36 X 66. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/route-content/auto-train-boarding-and-vehicle-requirements. To ship an operable 2021 Toyota RAV4 from the D.C. area to Orlando using open transport, we received quotes ranging from $829 to $975. 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. This is for people who want ample space. Does Amtrak Auto Train offer any premium features like extra legroom or movies? While pets are permitted on most Amtrak routes in coach class, the Auto Train is not one of them. The complex also houses the Lucy Burns Suffragist Museum that tells the story of how women fought for the right to vote. Children (one child, two to 12, is half price with each adult), and seniors, students, military, and people with disabilities receive discounts on base fare (not sleepers). Is it really cheaper to take the train? To ship an operable 2021 Toyota RAV4 from the D.C. area to Orlando using open transport, we received quotes ranging from $829 to $975. Prices range from $150 to $300 per vehicle. You may bring your car, but not your pet, so if you have a pet you may need to rethink this form of travel. 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. Looking at fares on Amtrak, a round-trip coach fare between New York City and Boston starts at $200 on the Northeast Regional, while a business-class round trip on Acela starts at $316. Its only available on one route: from Washington, D.C., to Orlando, Florida, and back. An additional fee may apply for special vehicles. Hi, Ellen: Thank you so much for your lovely comments. Motorcycles must have at least 5 inches of ground clearance. The regular starting price for a coach class ticket is $89 and the sleeper car rooms start at $301. from Montway, and the company offers a 24/7 online chat feature. 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). Ill be subscribing! We collected data on dozens of auto transport providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. A standard one-way ticket between Miami and Orlando starts at $79 and goes up to $149 for a premium seat. Our check-in process is simple, making traveling with your four-legged friend easy and enjoyable. On the other end, it takes another good chunk of time to unload all the cars. : Cost can be difficult to compare between providers because so many factors impact auto shipping rates. Sleeper car accommodations can cost $300 per person or more as amenities increase. Amtrak auto train prices Fares start at $115 for a passenger ticket, plus the cost to transport your vehicle. Along with economy seats, there are both roomettes with shared bathrooms and family bedroom suites with their own bathrooms and showers. The museum is free but the prison cells have a $5.00 entrance fee. Over the past years, through personal travels and as an international business professional, I've traveled to over 110 countries. All vehicles must be checked in by 3:00 pm. By booking through these sites, the small commission we earn at no cost to you helps us maintain this site so we can continue to offer our readers valuable travel tips and advice. The roomette has a sliding door that closes pretty tightly. Traditional auto transport companies will . Its a difficult question to answer, as Amtraks Auto Train provides affordable transport for a very specific group of drivers. 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. Small boats and jet skis are also allowed on board for an additional fee. Roomette prices range from around $500 to over $700. The standard one-way rates for Amtrak Auto Train vehicle shipping are $285 per vehicle for standard cars and $325 per vehicle for trucks . On your way to these adventures I hope to provide you with useful information to help you get there. To simplify and safeguard the travel experience, several cleaning, contact-free and . : The Amtrak Auto Train takes over 17 hours to get down the coast, but that doesnt include time for loading and unloading vehicles. : Youll need to purchase a passenger ticket as well to reserve a space for your vehicle on the Auto Train. If Amtrak car shipping doesnt seem like the right choice for you, wed suggest industry-leading car transport companies like Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport. 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? I spent 30 hours in a sleeper car on an Amtrak train traveling from Miami to New York City in 2021. 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. Hi. Unlike many long-haul Amtrak trains, theres no observation car because most of the scheduled 17-hour trip is done at night. The Roomette's configuration (3'6" wide by 6'6" long) was two seats facing each other with a large picture window. In college I determined that whatever I studied would have to lead to the ultimate goal of traveling. Thank you for reading and commenting. Visit Fredericksburg, Virginia, an hour away if you love Civil War history. Bring your small dog or cat along for a small fee. 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? AmeriFreight is a leading car shipping broker that partners with over 10,000 car carriers to deliver a wide range of auto transport services. Were riding back to Lorton in a 1-br. As you read, Amtrak is the best option for sending a car by train and is much easier than many other car shipping providers. : Companies that offer a variety of choices for car transport, strong insurance coverage and added benefits are more likely to meet consumer needs. Our team got free quotes from Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport to compare their rates to those for the Amtrak train. Well focus on the cost and overall experience to help you decide whether Amtrak car shipping is right for you. Unlike routes along the Northeast part of the country, the Auto Train cars are two-level Superliners. There are outlets to charge electronics in the observation car. We were originally coming from New York so we had to drive to Lorton to get on the train. It leaves Lorton at 5 PM and arrives in Sanford by 10 AM and vice versa. To cancel or change your booking online, simply go to www.Amtrak.com and click on the Modify Trip tab in the upper right corner. 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. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. All of these vehicle transport options hold strong reputations and can move your car nearly anywhere across the country. Thats a $392.00 difference compared to the auto train. 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. The prices for other accommodations also depends on how far in advance you book. Will you go coach or sleeper accommodation? 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. One of the most popular national parks in the country, the . 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. At the time of writing, the fare is $89 per passenger and $269 per car. Thanks! 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. , car carriers used by the company tend to be professional and efficient. Coach as low as $9 and Private Rooms starting at $109 + the cost of your vehicle WASHINGTON - Amtrak is launching a limited-time fare sale for travelers to skip I-95 and travel nonstop from the Northeast to Florida onboard the Amtrak Auto Train. The number you were given when you checked in will be called when your car is ready. I have a 14 pound pup. Bedroom. Required fields are marked *. My husband is heavy set and has back issues was wondering what would be best for us. Another option is a family room suitable for 2 adults and 2 kids. Yes, you can ship your car by train to Florida. Im so glad you enjoyed it. Are Medical Alert Systems Covered by Insurance? This will save you time at your destination. Even if Amtrak car shipping isnt the right option for your needs, there are plenty of ways to quickly and effectively ship your car. For the same dates in August, I'd be paying $257 for a flight in basic economy. I do hope you subscribe and maybe travel with us in the future. According to Amtrak: That said, you must follow some simple steps and stick to the schedule to make it a success: Auto Train tickets for drivers riding the train are typically $95 for one-way trips in coach class, though rates on Amtraks website may increase as spaces fill up. However, its of limited value if you need to move a car elsewhere. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. For $1,000, I booked a bedroom, which is about the size of a King-size bed with a . After trying several different dates, I did find a $89.00 coach fare but that was waaaaay in the future. You can doze on it but it will be like sleeping on a plane, not very restful. between the Northeast and Florida, the Auto Train might be worth consideration. Learn More How much does it cost to ship a car on Amtrak Auto 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. You should purchase your tickets online and make sure you have everything you need to board before you arrive at the station. The Auto Train travel direct between Florida and Virginia with no stops in between. Amtrak is unable to accept responsibility for these items. 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. The Amtrak Auto Train is a non-stop train. In addition to 24-hour assistance during your trip and coverage for lost or damaged baggage, trip protection can help you get your money back in case you need to cancel or change your trip. Thank you! , which offers protection against road debris and bad weather. Maximum occupancy is two adults in both of these room types. : Even including the cost of passenger rail tickets, youll have a hard time finding cheaper auto transport rates between Washington, D.C. and Orlando. No dual wheel vehicles, gull wingsor scissor doors will be accepted. 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. However, if this train route suits your auto transport needs, youll likely find that Amtrak car shipping can be an affordable and enjoyable experience. If youre fine using an auto shipper that only offers open transport services, the Auto Train may suffice. Since Amtrak Auto Train might sometimes use replacement vehicles, not all trips are guaranteed to have power points. Thats $542.00 plus $200.00 for the car. Friends had taken the auto train and recommended it. The car has a domed ceiling with great views out of both sides and includes seats that face out and tables where 4 passengers can sit together. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . 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. While this route is popular among snowbirds, it means most Americans wont be able to take advantage of Amtrak car shipping. Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport are excellent options for car shipping services to or from California. Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. 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. Its easy to get instant. in coach class, though rates on Amtraks website may increase as spaces fill up. Let us know in the comments. Heres a look at one-way vehicle shipping rates for Amtrak car shipping. Cookie Notice. Ratings also take into account whether the transport company is a broker or a carrier. Was it a good option for you? Cost (Washington to Orlando): $652.00 (January) Learn how your comment data is processed. This price occasionally goes higher when availability is scarce or when booking at the last minute. I found them to be very helpful.