Amtak's Auto Train - Worry-Free Travel on the East Coast

Are you travelling from Florida to the Washington, DC area? Or are you travelling from "up north" to "down south"? Do you dread crowded airports and having to find a rental car? Do you like to drive...and drive...and drive?

Amtrak's Auto Train offers a viable alternative for people travelling between Metro DC and northeastern Florida. The premise is simple: Arrive at Lorton VA or Sanford Florida's Amtrak Station between 12 and 3pm. Check in, show picture ID, and choose a mealtime. At about 2:30 you can board the train. Amtrak loads your car into a car carrier on the train. Don't lose your claim ticket! You, your car, and your luggage will arrive at the opposite station approximately 18 hours later.

Tickets are generally inexpensive (a recent trip was $111 per person, plus a fee for the car - most trips run between $180-$380). The train can accommodate cars and most compact SUV's (less than 65 inches tall). For an additional fee, you can arrange for vans, larger SUV's, and even trailers. Some people actually bring U-Haul trailers on the Auto Train! You can even bring a motorcycle on the train.

Amtrak offers a variety of discounts, including options for AAA, Senior, Military, and students. They also offer free/reduced rates for infants and disabled passengers (documentation IS required). If you will need extra space (such as for a wheelchair) or need an accommodation such as an electrical outlet, accessible sleeper, or anything else you need to tell Amtrak three times: at booking, when you get to the station and check in, and when you board the train. Don't assume the conductor will know because it's part of your reservation. They have hundreds of passengers boarding - it will help them greatly if you simply ask for what you need.