If you need a way to ship a car a long distance, shipping a car by train is a great option. Cars with gull wing or scissor doors are not allowed. for the route from Washington, D.C., to Florida, Amtrak car shipping comes at a competitive rate. Otherwise, enclosed carriers from top car shipping companies make for better choices. Amtrak policy states that all automobiles should be standard factory models at their originally manufactured lengths. While the best car shipping companies offer quality services and efficient transport, drivers often wonder whether Amtrak car shipping could work equally well. For those looking to ship vehicles along the East Coast, Amtrak car shipping can be a smart choice. Its easy to get instant. Passengers and their vehicles must arrive at the station between 11:30 AM and 2:30 PM to check in. If youre looking for cheap car shipping between the Northeast and Florida, the Auto Train might be worth consideration. Unlike many long-haul Amtrak trains, theres no observation car because most of the scheduled 17-hour trip is done at night. This price occasionally goes higher when availability is scarce or when booking at the last minute. Dont schedule your arrival for the same day as a cruise departure or big event. After trying several different dates, I did find a $89.00 coach fare but that was waaaaay in the future. I do hope you subscribe and maybe travel with us in the future. Its a difficult question to answer, as Amtraks Auto Train provides affordable transport for a very specific group of drivers. 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. On the lower level it could be a little noisier, but youll have access to more bathrooms. Our team of experts looks at the types of services available, as well as insurance coverage and the ability to guarantee pickup and drop-off dates. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! 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). Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. 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. 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. Even with passenger tickets included, Amtrak car shipping comes at an affordable price. Grand Canyon National Park. Also, passengers can make use of the shower and restroom in the train car. 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Its never cheap to ship your car over long distances, but very few options beat the rates offered by the Auto Train. 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. Writers and editors evaluate each brand based on industry data and real customers experiences, meeting high editorial standards to keep readers informed. There is plenty of accommodation in Lorton, Virginia. Visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide to view the most up-to-date information about Amtrak Auto Trains cleaning protocols and adjusted ticket change policies during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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. A very enjoyable read packed with great information & advice. 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. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Traveling by train takes the hassle out of traveling up and down the East Coast. Montway Auto Transport and AmeriFreight can meet your auto transport needs while offering affordable prices for the trip. Its only available on one route: from Washington, D.C., to Orlando, Florida, and back. If you drive, will you linger and take a leisurely, several-day road trip from the northeast to Florida or try to make it in one non-stop drive? Cost (Washington to Orlando): $652.00 (January) : Whether youre leaving from the station in Lorton, Virginia, or Sanford, Florida, you must check in your vehicle for loading onto the train by 3 p.m. at the latest. ChatGPT cheat sheet: Complete guide for 2023 EM. Car transport companies with a low volume of complaints score well in this area. Get flash sales, Amtrak Guest Rewards promotions and account updates sent directly to your inbox. On the other hand, you have to navigate a steep stairway with two tight 90-degree turns. The Auto Train takes 17 hours to make the journey from Washington, D.C., to Orlando, and thats not including the time it takes to load and remove your vehicle. Auto train cost, tickets and reservations. For stark comparison purposes, we were two people in a roomette on the auto train. Amtrak's Newest Auto Train Sale Is Offering $29 Florida Fares - TripSavvy Your email address will not be published. With the onboard power outlets, you can charge both a computer and USB devices with a USB power adapter that typically comes with most phones and tablets. Amtrak offers car transport between Washington, D.C., and Orlando, Florida, via the Auto Train. How long does it take to ship a car by train? 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. According to Amtrak: Amtrak Auto Train to Florida: What You Need to Know Before You Go It is a pleasant ride to Florida as you sit by the window and see the marshes, rivers, farms and towns go by. Note that you are actually required to bring a vehicle in order to ride the Auto Train. If your Amtrak ticket is eligible for change or cancellation, you can do that by calling Amtraks customer service phone number at 1 (800) 872-7245. For that reason, it makes sense to load your car closer to the loading deadline of 2:30. The lesson here is, a good way to save money is to book as far in the future as possible. 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). Amtrak Viewliner Sleeper Car Roomette Review - Insider Youre out of luck if your origin and destination locations are outside of the Northeast or Florida. 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. Schedule The Auto Train schedule is the same each day with one northbound and one southbound train. You can also view current schedules via Google Maps or when booking your tickets. Amtrak Auto Train does not require a printed ticket to board the train. The station is home to a gift shop, a coffee shop, restrooms accessible for people with disabilities, an ATM, and WiFi. It was not comfortable on coach, the seat was big and reclined but not good enough for comfort. The company works with a network of more than 15,000 vetted auto carriers that all offer strong insurance policies. Partner content: This content was created by a business partner of Dow Jones and researched and written independently of the MarketWatch newsroom. $258 plus passenger fare for a standard vehicle. Bedrooms cost over $1,000 and include a private shower, sink, toilet and two beds (one is wider than the other). Our review team has spent hundreds of hours researching car shipping companies to help consumers choose the best providers for transporting their vehicles. This post explores these questions and shares the authors experience traveling on the Amtrak auto train from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida. The vehicles are unloaded at your destination, with thirty available priority vehicles coming off first. Bring your own pillow or blanket, the beds are a bit hard. Here is info on bedroom capacity on Amtrak auto 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. Amtrak Superliner Bedroom Review and Video - Cruise Maven It has private bathroom and shower. Amtrak car shipping comes with extremely straightforward prices. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/route-content/auto-train-boarding-and-vehicle-requirements. A coach seat is one which reclines a bit but not totally flat. The only downside to shipping a car by train is buying a passenger ticket and riding along with your vehicle. Thats something thats either discouraged or outright forbidden by most auto transport companies. Here's How. 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. 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. Will you go coach or sleeper accommodation? Those using train shipping services to move specialized vehicles such as these can expect to pay an additional fee. I have to admit I had a bit of trouble nailing down the price of my ticket. Amtrak Auto Train: 12 Things You Need To Know Before Riding Traditional auto transport companies will . The standard one-way rates for Amtrak Auto Train vehicle shipping are $285 per vehicle for standard cars and $325 per vehicle for trucks . Maximum width: 84 inches, including mirrors. 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? We chose 7PM. 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. Thank you for the information about the car train, and all your great tips! Amtrak charges the following one-way rates for the Auto Train: Standard vehicle: $208 per vehicle Extended vehicle: $239 per vehicle Motorcycle: $146 per vehicle Remember that you'll also. Hi, thank you for the great info! How much does it cost to ship a car on Amtrak Auto Train? Well focus on the cost and overall experience to help you decide whether Amtrak car shipping is right for you. Thank you for reading and commenting. , Alaska, Puerto Rico, and international locations. Sherpa Auto Transports Price Lock Promise is a major selling point. Your email address will not be published. An Armchair Bring comfy slip on shoes or flip flops to make bathroom runs. Thanks! Otherwise, once the train leaves the station, no other passengers or vehicles board or depart the train. A standard one-way ticket between Miami and Orlando starts at $79 and goes up to $149 for a premium seat. Amtrak provides several options for the Lorton, Virginal to Sanford, Florida route. Amtrak Auto Train provides snacks to satisfy your hunger during your travels. On your way to these adventures I hope to provide you with useful information to help you get there. For $1,000, I booked a bedroom, which is about the size of a King-size bed with a . Well youre in luck as Amtrak Auto Train offers extra legroom seating. Check-In by 3:00 pm (no exceptions) Maximum length: 216 inches (18 feet) Maximum height: 85 inches. When you board Amtraks Auto Train, youre doing something unique that happens on no other train within the Amtrak system. 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. Amtrak is unable to accept responsibility for these items. 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. Inside, its much more comfortable than your vehicle; you can choose to sleep in Coach class on a reclining seat or in a bed in one of the sleepers. Private Rooms on Amtrak Auto Train Now Available for as Low as $99 Thanks. Additionally, youll avoid the stress and wear and tear that comes with driving yourself. Along with economy seats, there are both roomettes with shared bathrooms and family bedroom suites with their own bathrooms and showers. Let's try a different question. To determine our cost score, we perform a secret shopper analysis for a variety of vehicles and routes. The bathrooms are pretty basic and include a toilet, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Learn everything from how to sign up for free to enterprise use cases, and start using ChatGPT . Does your vehicle include a rack on the roof or at the rear? Its a difficult question to answer, as Amtraks Auto Train provides affordable transport for a very specific group of drivers. Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. Cars begin loading at 11:30 and loading closes at 2:30. You must reserve space and check in each vehicle you bring. The final option is a bedroom which is twice the size of a roomette with in-room bathroom, sink and shower. We collected data on dozens of auto transport providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. You Can Book a Private Room on Amtrak's Auto Train for Just - Travel Yes, there are power outlets on the Auto Train. You can ship your car on Amtrak for as low as $146 per vehicle. The next option is basically two coach seats in a tiny compartment that pull out to form a bed. All of these vehicle transport options hold strong reputations and can move your car nearly anywhere across the country. The main reason travelers take the Amtrak auto train to Florida is because they prefer not to drive. Roomette 2 Adults *None None The Auto Train runs between Lorton, Virginia (about 20 miles south of Washington, DC), and Sanford, Florida (about 25 miles north of Orlando), a distance of 855 miles that lets you avoid 900 miles of driving on the I-95. 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. At the time of writing, the fare is $89 per passenger and $269 per car. If I get a bedroom can I bring him with me?? 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. Enjoy your trip. We stayed at the Lorton Holiday Inn Express which was 7 minutes away from the train station. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Yes, Amtrak Auto Train requires you to present an ID to an agent to be allowed to board the train. The Auto Train starts and ends in Lorton, VA and Sanford, FL. Bring snacks. Even if Amtrak car shipping isnt the right option for your needs, there are plenty of ways to quickly and effectively ship your car. Stops Lorton, VA Sanford, FL More Information How much does it cost to ship a car on Amtrak? We rode to Fla on the auto-train for the first time. Auto train requirements | Amtrak Vacations That cost needs to be factored in if you are coming from somewhere other than Lorton. For an additional $60, drivers can opt for priority offloading to ensure their cars are among the first 30 taken off the train when it arrives. For more information read our privacy policy. The Auto Train is the only Amtrak train that allows passenger vehicles. 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. The Amtrak Auto Train is a non-stop train. For example, a bedroom on the Southwest Chief from Chicago to L.A. in mid-September is $1,299 for the two-night trip. All rooms have a small pull-up-and-out table for game-playing and dining. Thank you for your inquiry. Do you know if Amtrak would allow us to have our family of 5 in the family sleeper room? Amtrak car shipping is an easy way to get vehicles from Washington, D.C., to Florida. Leave your key in your unlocked car. Im so glad you enjoyed it. My Experience Taking the Amtrak Auto Train from DC to Florida The roomette has a sliding door that closes pretty tightly. Sherpa Auto Transport has an A+ rating from the BBB and receives 4.9 stars out of 5.0 on the platform. Amtrak Car Transport | Safe & Affordable Auto Shipping | A1 Auto Transport The maximum tire width is 14.5 inches and the vehicle must have at least 4 inches of ground clearance. Each Auto Train departure includes a limited number of spaces to carry specialized vehicles. Weve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead.