My wife and I made the trip in Jan 2023. You accurately documented the entire experience. To avoid 800+ miles on I-95, Autotrain is well worth the cost.
I love taking amtrak with my son. We have down a million times but recently started taking the train from DC to Tampa. THE SILVER STAR is such a great experience and adventure. We stock up on snacks being comfy bedding and have now done both coach and sleeper. I love amtrak! Amazing memories!
I took this ride in July 2021. I was driving from NY to Miami Florida. Decided to try the Auto Train. Drove from NY to Lorton VA. Stayed overnight in a hotel 2 minutes from the train station. There were a plethora of stores and restaurants within minutes from my hotel. Had a great meal and a great night's sleep. After a complimentary breakfast, went to the shopping center and got some snacks and a takeout lunch as well as a bottle of Irish whiskey for the trip. I was 3rd in line at 11:30. Glad I had lunch with me. It was hours before we left at 4:00 pm. Food is expensive at the train station. I booked a bedroom. It was small at first, but I got used to it pretty quick. I brought my DVD player as there is no entertainment on the train. I had a very good dinner. I met some interesting people. My bed was ready for me when I got back. The staff were fantastic. I did tip everyone. Thankful for the whiskey, I got a few hours' sleep. lol. It was rocking a lot. After a quick shower, a nice breakfast, I was on my way.
@@DrMarianus No need to hide liquor. You are free to bring any food and drinks. There is no smoking of any kind on the train and no "fresh air" breaks.
@@mjam631 Last time we took the Auto train just before the pandemic, there was one short fresh air break along the route, I think in Florence, so several people hopped off and had a smoke. Most people were sleeping. We stayed in a roomette which is cheaper but compact and reasonably comfy. They'd discontinued the free wine "tasting" for "first class" by then, but knew about it and had brought our own wine to enjoy in our room before dinner. Do the lounges on the Auto train have a bar?
@@hatchling88 Thanks for replying. There is a food and beverage car that anyone can buy prepared food, vine, beer and liquor. It is very expensive, and the food is similar to 7-11 microwave products. Maybe it was because I was travelling through the pandemic, but I was not permitted to leave the train at the employees exchange stop.
We’ve taken the Auto-Train many times and would do it again. I love that someone (over the intercom) describes locations of interest along the route. It’s not Japanese train elegance with meticulous attention to details and art but it’s a really pleasant, relaxing trip and you have the advantage of not having to drive that distance and having your car once you arrive.
I took Amtrak from Seattle to Santa Fe. I really enjoyed myself. The scenery was beautiful. The food was good and I met delightful people from New Zealand. So much fun!
The only place you find that room now is in 🇨🇦Canada. I experienced -40° temperatures in Churchill, Manitoba in order to experience that room both ways from Winnipeg, Manitoba back in 1996. The drawing room still exists in Canada, just have to look for what trains it's still running on!
The closest you will find that is the superliner family room which sleeps 2 kids and 2 adults. The bedroom different room fits 2 people but possible to put 3 in if 2 want to sleep real close together on the bottom bed but you have to pay over the phone for that.
I took the auto train and stayed in coach. I brought my own food and plenty of drinks. I brought a pillow and I reclined both of my seats fully and was able to sleep peacefully. My entire trip cost me $600.
@@iluvcruisingYou can only travel on the auto train with your vehicle. However, he’s lying about the seats fully reclining. They do recline, but not fully.
@@AFMIL2862 I believe what she meant by “reclined my seat fully” is that she reclined it as far as it would go (thus, fully). I can’t imagine what it would be like for the person behind you, if the seats fully reclined. 😂😂
We took this auto train many times an loved it every time . I' m handicapped now and will miss this great experience but have great memories to hold on too.
I've really been wanting to take a train trip. I appreciate you showing the inns and outs of it. Im quite claustrophobic, so it gave me a true look. Thank you.
Amtrak is the best way to travel, especially if you don't drive anymore. We LOVE it! The flat iron steak is "to die for", and the lemon cake is great! Thanks for sharing.😊
*Thanks for taking the time to post this and inform us w pricing and pros and cons…great video! would have loved to have seen some nature scenery along your journey but it was very informative!*
I seriously love the snack bar prices on Amtrak, you are definitely getting your moneys worth on local or superliner travel. My favorite is the Cinnamon Roll, Angus Cheeseburger and candy lol. Rail travel turns me into a kid at heart.
@@margaretminor3726 i had the same idea but alot of twists and turns, freighters and single tracks from SD to Seattle. Even the back tracks through Bakersfield and Stockton would be congested. Plus they would need to build a terminal for loading and unloading cars
So crazy growing up in lorton right next to the train station and even taking it one time, now seeing other people from out of state come up/down to enjoy it!
My Adult Daughter and Adult Son were asked to bring their Aunts car to Florida from NJ due to a medical emergency in Florida. I was not thrilled at the idea of these two 20 year olds driving to Florida . I quickly called the Auto Train , but because of last minute booking could only get them a Roomette. The drive from NJ to Lawton Va is about 2.5 hours. They both loved it and said the food and train travel experiance was great. I wish i could go but I have a dog and the Auto Train / Amtrak does NOT allow dogs.
This is my favorite way to travel between Florida (now home) and home town in Maryland. I always take a sleeper it is worth the price for me. Traveling alone I choose the Roomette but when my kids were little I close the family room or apartment. Always a great way to transverse 800 miles instead of traffic between Florida and DC. I have learned to take my pillow and pack plenty of snacks Sometimes CSX delays the train and having a private stash helps. I load up my car and carry on essentials in the event of a delay. As far as locks on doors, it does not seem to be a problem. Mine have always locked while inside and I carry my valuables to the dining car.
My wife and I were at the Lorton station on October 23, 2021 and after we arrived in Sanford, shortly after we were at vehicle pick-up, it didn't take even half an hour to deliver the car to us. My wife and i like to travel in auto train is better than driving from East Orange, NJ to North Miami Beach, Fl
That was an awesome video. On the west coast Amtrak doesn't offer the auto train so it's strange to see such a long Amtrak! I'm looking forward to my overnight SF to Portland trip in two weeks! 🤩 Great video!
I have taken this train seven times all smooth going except one time. Seven hours late but Amtrak gave us a hotel voucher and $350 travel voucher. Sure beats I-95 and I need my car in Flordia.
Taken AT a lot while visiting Florida while living in Pa. Then moved to Florida and son was in college in PA. Probably used AT at least 12 times. Definitely need to get at least the roomette. Has 2 beds and includes meals
I actually think that coach in the Auto Train is pretty good, particularly if you are traveling with at least another person so you can better accommodate to sleep in your 2 seats (unless one of you suffer from back issues and need to lie flat to sleep). The good thing of the AT is that you can bring pillows and comforters from your car to sleep more comfortably plus you can bring coolers and thermos for your meals. And contrary to the other trains, you don't have passengers getting out or coming in the middle of the night, so there are few disruptions. Still ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones and eye masks are a must
Omg thanks for this. I'm so mad i already got my plane tickets lol. Shipping my Rover on enclosed transportation truck was $1900 and took two days. My plane ticket was $300 one way and still waited 2 days for truck transportation to arrive. Wish i had done this like you. I'D DEFINITELY do this thanks to you. Looked so freaking awesome💪
Hola ForeLeaf, buenas noches. Disfrute mucho de este video. Este servicio Ferroviario es alucinante. Realmente se lo confortable y acogedor. Sin ninguna duda que lo utilizaría. Muchas gracias por registrarlo todo y compartirlo con todos nosotros. Muy buen trabajo. Sigan adelante. Gracias.
In the early 1980s, I bought a one way Amtrak ticket from Quantico, VA (where I was stationed with the US Navy) to Norfolk, VA (where my spouse was stationed). The train didn't stop at first...and when it finally did, the conductor walked toward me to get me to the right car. I boarded, and was delighted with the experience. My spouse had contacted a friend who was on the train who escorted me til I left the train in Norfolk. Coffee was offered, but nothing else as it wasn't that long a trip. I was impressed with the conductors helping me on and off the train, and grateful for the escort who saw my spouse before I did. If I had to do that trip over again, I'd definitely do it. I just would dress with comfortable clothes and low heeled shoes.
Great idea, but unfortunately, it will never happen. Several reasons - each stop would entail off loading and loading new cars and passengers. The time it would take just to do this would be unbearable traveling cross country. Plus the car carriers are two levels and may not be able to negogiate exiting tunnels. Also, each stop would need area for sidings, ramps, etc.
@@biff529 We spoke with an Amtrak employee and he confirmed what you say. While there has been some talk about a possible Auto Train out on the west coast, where there's more space for it, it's unlikely other places. Height clearances are a major restraint. I'm more anxious that the old north Florida route to New Orleans be reinstated so we can travel directly across the southern tier of the USA. The route was discontinued after Hurricane Katrina.
I like that you take your time touring the room with relaxing music . It helps to get the vision of the room and mentally envision the space for travel. Great job!
I did not know AT did this autocar, that is really cool. It's a shame more people don't do this from what other commenters say on here it's worth the price. I would like to try this one day really cool, see you learn something new every day. I subscribed to your channel thank you for sharing 😊.
Auto-train was my best passenger train experience when a young teenager likely 1975. We rode it back from Florida. We stayed in the vista dome of the passenger coach cars. They were newly refitted in Burgundy red and a very modernistic. At night I could watch through the front window of the dome the extremely long train with auto carriers in front stretching way out front of us. Occasionally I could catch the headlights of the locomotive a 1/2 mile or more a head. It is quiet in the dome section of the car free from track noises, being in the mid section of the car it has the best ride isolation. Being in the vista dome gives some privacy because there is no through traffic. This was the private Auto-train company not Amtrak. The dinner was two cars articulated together to form a continues space with one being a vista dome. We ate in the dome. Food was included in the ticket for all passengers. Being we were not going to afford the sleepers we used the train on the way home knowing we'd drive 45 minutes to be at our real home were we'd could sleep in our own beds. It was during the hottest part of hot humid summer. Autotrain was always comfortably cool and even nicely cold sometimes from its excellent A/C. It a shame passenger train sleepers are not much more affordably priced on Amtrak. Spreading out the passenger density amongst more cars does't increase cost that much. Amtrak actually has a big shortage of sleepers and they are frequently sold out month a head of their use allowing Amtrak to charge top prices for them. Many people would travel by train if quality sleepers were available for about 1/2 or better what they cost now.
Apparently demand on the east coast makes this feasible on a frequent schedule. A shorter version running on a less frequent schedule across the western Empire Builder type routes might work for many.
Me my niece and her daughter(and their small service dog)took this train going to NYC where she attends NYU...it actually was a relaxing experience and was rested up to drive the rest of the way from Virginia.. so if it's within your budget why not 🤷🏾
I have ridden in this type of room and enjoyed it. My Late Wife and I had the Attendent just pull out the bottom bunk which was ok. That way we didn't use the top bunk except for the pillows and extra cover.
Thanks for the current report on AT. Amazing how many people are using it these days. Who'da thunk it? Pricey but classy and well-run, it seems. I'm almost 80 and have loved trains since I was 5 growing up in Bound Brook, NJ. Mar. 15, 2024. St. Joseph, MO, USA
Until I watched this video I never knew that such a thing ( Auto Train ) existed in the Amtrak Fleet. Thank you for this great travel tip! Also Like the way you presented it. No talky talky, but really good useful and factual content.
Worth every penny to take your own car traveling instead of renting one. I took an amtrak from norfolk va, to Detroit MI. It wasn't too bad. 1st time taking amtrak. Maybe next time I'll upgrade to this. Worth it
The car you labelled as 5347 and the end of the sleeping cars when you walked down to the left of the station is actually the dorm car for the crew. We've taken the AT a dozen times, started in coach, moved to roomettes and now only do bedrooms.
It was a great experience for you man, indeed!! I live in México, maybe in a near future could visit some places connected by trains and enjoy some travels. Thank you for share with us, regards.
I’ve done this about a dozen times. Only once in a roomette. The rest in coach, which is much cheaper. The AutoTrain experience has kept going lower. Before COVID, everyone had a sit down dinner. Now only the sleepers get this. Coach has an expanded cafe with microwave type food. Better to bring your own food. Everyone gets the same continental breakfast.
The roomettes can be a bit tight, but I love train travel, so we adapted and overcame. Wifi is not dependable. If you plan to work on the ride consider mobile data and have your movies downloaded before your trip. All in all we’re looking forward to our next trip. Plane travel is not out for us, but it is in second place now. Our train trip was our first in over twenty years and we had never done a sleeper, so this trip was a learning experience.
So I want to know how the guys get out of the doors of the cars/trucks after loading them onto the train. I know there is not allot of room in the cars with the vehicles? Do they double stack? How many per car?
Plan on taking it in December from lorton to Sanford with my motorcycle from Sanford going to travel to Miami ft Lauderdale to go on a cruise then come back two one day after the cruise
Nice video 👍. I’m planning to take the auto train to Florida next year for Daytona Bike week. I’m a big guy ( 6-5) would you recommend i get a coach seat or a roomette?
It hurts to witness Amtrak's slow death. Seventy years ago, heck 40 years, the train would have been packed to brim, even on a weekday. Ridership continue to fall and its disturbing to see entire cars empty of passengers.
I took an Amtrak from Pensacola to Newark and it only boarded at 2am on Monday and changed trains in Jacksonville to go north. Back from Newark it changed trains again at Jacksonville after a 6 hour sit in plastic seats and on the floor waiting for the train west to Pensacola. When we had trains. They've been gone many years. I imagine they thought they didn't make enough money, but 2 days a week how much could they make?
I wouldn’t go that far but Japanese trains do have an elegance and attention to detail and art American trains unfortunately don’t have. Our trains are matter-of-fact and somewhat austere - cold. They have an inviting warmth and and a blend of modern conveniences and traditional Japanese charm and artistry.
This guy posts a vid of taking a train and it starts with him in NJ and he boards the train in Virginia. He's gotta talk shit about Newark meanwhile he passes by Camden, Philly, and Baltimore. Makes sense.
The other video I watched on these bedroom suites the people didn't care for that small Bathroom area with the Shower in it. They said the Public Restrooms / Showers Downstairs... were Much Roomier.
I did a round trip twice. Once with a sleeper, and once in Coach. Coach was still having sit down meals at that point. We had a good time on both occasions. I hate driving.
I'm a senior and purchased a handicapped accessible bedroom. This trip is taking place from WDC to Dallas Texas in June 2024. I paid just shy of $1900.00 round-trip and nearly 700.00 for my adult grandchild as my companion who will be assisting me. I'm now wondering if we should've taken the auto train. I seemed to be communicating with a " don't ask, no answer person when booking. I guess you are expected to know what Amtrak offers. With the amount of money paid, it sure would be nice of them if they would include the positive information along with the information of the rules about forfeiting you trip.
I've been traveling on American passenger trains since 1965 and have done every Amtrak route except Auto-Train. Perhaps avoiding I-95 is the issue here and worth whatever the cost, but it seems Amtrak could assemble a better train. For one thing, all the sleepers could be facing the same way - bedroom A in the lead, including the deluxe sleepers. Why? I don't like to ride backwards! Booking a deluxe bedroom letter A-C-E would then guarantee you a forward facing sofa. Why should I spend all that money on a Deluxe room and ride backwards due to Amtrak's wisdom that "these cars are bidirectional". (Not all of us can afford bedroom suites) Last time I traveled on the Coast Starlight in 2016 all the sleepers were facing in the correct order - bedroom A in the lead. That shows me Amtrak can run a train correctly if it wants too! So I just purchase an economy room (current nomenclature "roomette", Amtrak is always playing with the way it titles its accommodations) which is much better suited to bidirectional travel and saves me some $bucks!! (The term "roomette" is now used to describe 3 different types of economy rooms throughout the system when you factor in the plumbing or lack thereof.) Also, why NO sightseeing Lounges? Yes the lounge looked very inviting with nice sofas etc... but couldn't these have been Retrofitted to a Sightseerer Lounge instead of a diner? There is scenery in the east too! I'm sure passengers would prefer to view the scenery through big picture windows rather than the same windows used in coach. Finally, I felt your disappointment in the lack of French Toast for breakfast as I always order that myself when traveling on the western Amtrak trains. In fact , the substitution of continental breakfast offerings is somewhat disappointing. This is supposedly one of Amtrak's best trains. So why can't Amtrak feature food like it features on its western limiteds? (Like breakfasts that feature real eggs) Thanks again for your video. It will save me from driving all the way from Chicago to Lorton, Virginia - the reason I've never taken auto train. Bring back Amtrak's "Floridian"! Nathan in Chicago 🇺🇲
Great video! I just completed a round trip journey to California and although I enjoyed the trip my experience wasn’t as good as yours. Poor service ,dirty sleeping cars and rough ride. Your cars were much nicer than those on the Zephyr!
My wife and I made the trip in Jan 2023. You accurately documented the entire experience. To avoid 800+ miles on I-95, Autotrain is well worth the cost.
What is the price?
@@Teleios116I believe near the end he said it was $1,235 including price for car.
@@iluvcruisingIt would be less than that for one bedroom, roometts and coach. The connected bedrooms would be the most expensive!
I love taking amtrak with my son. We have down a million times but recently started taking the train from DC to Tampa. THE SILVER STAR is such a great experience and adventure. We stock up on snacks being comfy bedding and have now done both coach and sleeper. I love amtrak! Amazing memories!
Can u car train from Boston
You have to travel to Lorton Va for the auto train.
@@cynthiabobst8794 thx for the heads-up
I took this ride in July 2021. I was driving from NY to Miami Florida. Decided to try the Auto Train. Drove from NY to Lorton VA. Stayed overnight in a hotel 2 minutes from the train station. There were a plethora of stores and restaurants within minutes from my hotel. Had a great meal and a great night's sleep. After a complimentary breakfast, went to the shopping center and got some snacks and a takeout lunch as well as a bottle of Irish whiskey for the trip. I was 3rd in line at 11:30. Glad I had lunch with me. It was hours before we left at 4:00 pm. Food is expensive at the train station. I booked a bedroom. It was small at first, but I got used to it pretty quick. I brought my DVD player as there is no entertainment on the train. I had a very good dinner. I met some interesting people. My bed was ready for me when I got back. The staff were fantastic. I did tip everyone. Thankful for the whiskey, I got a few hours' sleep. lol. It was rocking a lot. After a quick shower, a nice breakfast, I was on my way.
It sounds very unique compared to other travel methods. Is it OK to bring whiskey onboard or do you need to hide it? And what about gummies?
@@DrMarianus No need to hide liquor. You are free to bring any food and drinks. There is no smoking of any kind on the train and no "fresh air" breaks.
@@mjam631 well guess I’ll never travel with Amtrak 😅
@@mjam631 Last time we took the Auto train just before the pandemic, there was one short fresh air break along the route, I think in Florence, so several people hopped off and had a smoke. Most people were sleeping. We stayed in a roomette which is cheaper but compact and reasonably comfy. They'd discontinued the free wine "tasting" for "first class" by then, but knew about it and had brought our own wine to enjoy in our room before dinner. Do the lounges on the Auto train have a bar?
@@hatchling88 Thanks for replying. There is a food and beverage car that anyone can buy prepared food, vine, beer and liquor. It is very expensive, and the food is similar to 7-11 microwave products. Maybe it was because I was travelling through the pandemic, but I was not permitted to leave the train at the employees exchange stop.
We’ve taken the Auto-Train many times and would do it again. I love that someone (over the intercom) describes locations of interest along the route. It’s not Japanese train elegance with meticulous attention to details and art but it’s a really pleasant, relaxing trip and you have the advantage of not having to drive that distance and having your car once you arrive.
I took Amtrak from Seattle to Santa Fe. I really enjoyed myself. The scenery was beautiful. The food was good and I met delightful people from New Zealand. So much fun!
Back in the 50's, my family had a large room called a "Drawing Room" I believe, that slept 3 adults and three young children, with a bath and shower.
The only place you find that room now is in 🇨🇦Canada. I experienced -40° temperatures in Churchill, Manitoba in order to experience that room both ways from Winnipeg, Manitoba back in 1996. The drawing room still exists in Canada, just have to look for what trains it's still running on!
The closest you will find that is the superliner family room which sleeps 2 kids and 2 adults. The bedroom different room fits 2 people but possible to put 3 in if 2 want to sleep real close together on the bottom bed but you have to pay over the phone for that.
Did it have auto containers too, or was it just passengers?
@@luzmalara5584 Thanks for the information.That's cool. We had a drawing room from Houston to NYC and another trip to Los Angeles.
I can tell ya that was the first time I've ever seen a deluxe sleeping car! Definitely a unique one! Thanks for the video!
I took the auto train and stayed in coach. I brought my own food and plenty of drinks. I brought a pillow and I reclined both of my seats fully and was able to sleep peacefully. My entire trip cost me $600.
Did that include your car?
@@iluvcruisingYou can only travel on the auto train with your vehicle. However, he’s lying about the seats fully reclining. They do recline, but not fully.
@@AFMIL2862 I believe what she meant by “reclined my seat fully” is that she reclined it as far as it would go (thus, fully). I can’t imagine what it would be like for the person behind you, if the seats fully reclined. 😂😂
@@AFMIL2862Why say "lying"? Calm down.
@@debbielockhart7762 I said “lying” because what was said is not true! A little “sensitive” aren’t you! Oh! Calm down!
We took this auto train many times an loved it every time . I' m handicapped now and will miss this great experience but have great memories to hold on too.
I've really been wanting to take a train trip. I appreciate you showing the inns and outs of it. Im quite claustrophobic, so it gave me a true look. Thank you.
Amtrak is the best way to travel, especially if you don't drive anymore. We LOVE it! The flat iron steak is "to die for", and the lemon cake is great! Thanks for sharing.😊
*Thanks for taking the time to post this and inform us w pricing and pros and cons…great video! would have loved to have seen some nature scenery along your journey but it was very informative!*
Me & my mom took the auto train in '88 from VA to Sanford. We stayed in a sleeper car. Loved it. I've taken AMTRAK lots of times. I love Amtrak.
My mom and I*
I seriously love the snack bar prices on Amtrak, you are definitely getting your moneys worth on local or superliner travel. My favorite is the Cinnamon Roll, Angus Cheeseburger and candy lol. Rail travel turns me into a kid at heart.
Yes I would like the auto train if it was available on the West Coast
@@margaretminor3726 i had the same idea but alot of twists and turns, freighters and single tracks from SD to Seattle. Even the back tracks through Bakersfield and Stockton would be congested. Plus they would need to build a terminal for loading and unloading cars
Cool ! I had no idea there was an auto train.
So crazy growing up in lorton right next to the train station and even taking it one time, now seeing other people from out of state come up/down to enjoy it!
My Adult Daughter and Adult Son were asked to bring their Aunts car to Florida from NJ due to a medical emergency in Florida.
I was not thrilled at the idea of these two 20 year olds driving to Florida .
I quickly called the Auto Train , but because of last minute booking could only get them a Roomette.
The drive from NJ to Lawton Va is about 2.5 hours.
They both loved it and said the food and train travel experiance was great.
I wish i could go but I have a dog and the Auto Train / Amtrak does NOT allow dogs.
You can probably take your dog now as an emotional support pet as long as it’s certified. Check it out.
@janncarden2873 So you are encouraging people to lie about that?
@@debbielockhart7762the worst
There's so much beauty in your video. I am always amazed. Thank you for sharing this with all of us!
Thank you so much for this amazing video! We are doing the auto train this week and this gave great insight
This is my favorite way to travel between Florida (now home) and home town in Maryland. I always take a sleeper it is worth the price for me. Traveling alone I choose the Roomette but when my kids were little I close the family room or apartment. Always a great way to transverse 800 miles instead of traffic between Florida and DC. I have learned to take my pillow and pack plenty of snacks Sometimes CSX delays the train and having a private stash helps. I load up my car and carry on essentials in the event of a delay. As far as locks on doors, it does not seem to be a problem. Mine have always locked while inside and I carry my valuables to the dining car.
How about "traverse"?
I would definitely consider this!❤
My wife and I were at the Lorton station on October 23, 2021 and after we arrived in Sanford, shortly after we were at vehicle pick-up, it didn't take even half an hour to deliver the car to us. My wife and i like to travel in auto train is better than driving from East Orange, NJ to North Miami Beach, Fl
That was an awesome video. On the west coast Amtrak doesn't offer the auto train so it's strange to see such a long Amtrak! I'm looking forward to my overnight SF to Portland trip in two weeks! 🤩 Great video!
Have a great time! Beautiful ride.
Great video.. Loved it.. If I lived somewhere on the east coast, I would probably use this option in travel. I'm sure my kids would love it, too.
I have taken this train seven times all smooth going except one time. Seven hours late but Amtrak gave us a hotel voucher and $350 travel voucher. Sure beats I-95 and I need my car in Flordia.
Taken AT a lot while visiting Florida while living in Pa. Then moved to Florida and son was in college in PA. Probably used AT at least 12 times. Definitely need to get at least the roomette. Has 2 beds and includes meals
State college?
Harrisburg local - doing this in July
I actually think that coach in the Auto Train is pretty good, particularly if you are traveling with at least another person so you can better accommodate to sleep in your 2 seats (unless one of you suffer from back issues and need to lie flat to sleep). The good thing of the AT is that you can bring pillows and comforters from your car to sleep more comfortably plus you can bring coolers and thermos for your meals. And contrary to the other trains, you don't have passengers getting out or coming in the middle of the night, so there are few disruptions. Still ear plugs or noise cancelling headphones and eye masks are a must
@@nataliajimenez1870excellent tips. Thanks for sharing.
Omg thanks for this. I'm so mad i already got my plane tickets lol. Shipping my Rover on enclosed transportation truck was $1900 and took two days. My plane ticket was $300 one way and still waited 2 days for truck transportation to arrive. Wish i had done this like you. I'D DEFINITELY do this thanks to you. Looked so freaking awesome💪
Thank you so much for sharing! I did not know this existed! I will do this as well! It is an adventure. From the Chicagoland
Area!
I enjoyed that very much Thank you for sharing 👍
Hola ForeLeaf, buenas noches.
Disfrute mucho de este video. Este servicio Ferroviario es alucinante. Realmente se lo confortable y acogedor. Sin ninguna duda que lo utilizaría. Muchas gracias por registrarlo todo y compartirlo con todos nosotros. Muy buen trabajo. Sigan adelante. Gracias.
I would definitely use this mode of transportation especially if I was traveling long distance and didn't want to drive!
In the early 1980s, I bought a one way Amtrak ticket from Quantico, VA (where I was stationed with the US Navy) to Norfolk, VA (where my spouse was stationed). The train didn't stop at first...and when it finally did, the conductor walked toward me to get me to the right car. I boarded, and was delighted with the experience. My spouse had contacted a friend who was on the train who escorted me til I left the train in Norfolk. Coffee was offered, but nothing else as it wasn't that long a trip. I was impressed with the conductors helping me on and off the train, and grateful for the escort who saw my spouse before I did. If I had to do that trip over again, I'd definitely do it. I just would dress with comfortable clothes and low heeled shoes.
Excellent coverage.all the best
I want a new Auto Train updated and that makes a big circle in America. NY to Chicago to Sacramento to LA to Phoenix to Dallas to Charleston SC, to NY
Great idea, but unfortunately, it will never happen. Several reasons - each stop would entail off loading and loading new cars and passengers. The time it would take just to do this would be unbearable traveling cross country. Plus the car carriers are two levels and may not be able to negogiate exiting tunnels. Also, each stop would need area for sidings, ramps, etc.
@@biff529 We spoke with an Amtrak employee and he confirmed what you say. While there has been some talk about a possible Auto Train out on the west coast, where there's more space for it, it's unlikely other places. Height clearances are a major restraint. I'm more anxious that the old north Florida route to New Orleans be reinstated so we can travel directly across the southern tier of the USA. The route was discontinued after Hurricane Katrina.
Great vid ,, Special thanks for sharing ,, gotta do it
I like that you take your time touring the room with relaxing music . It helps to get the vision of the room and mentally envision the space for travel.
Great job!
Beats getting into a snow storm ‼️🇨🇦❤️🇺🇸
Well done video. thanks for sharing.
I used to live .4 miles from this station in Lorton, Va.. Trust me when it loaded, it made getting home a nightmare... However I am glad it exist
Nice and informative video. Yes, I would consider it. Thanks.
I did not know AT did this autocar, that is really cool. It's a shame more people don't do this from what other commenters say on here it's worth the price. I would like to try this one day really cool, see you learn something new every day. I subscribed to your channel thank you for sharing 😊.
Very nice video. Thanks for sharing.
I went to University in Dayton Beach. I ended up taking the Auto Train a few times. I absolutely loved it. Will be doing it again.
Nice video…. Enjoyed the audio
Great video!
Auto-train was my best passenger train experience when a young teenager likely 1975. We rode it back from Florida. We stayed in the vista dome of the passenger coach cars. They were newly refitted in Burgundy red and a very modernistic. At night I could watch through the front window of the dome the extremely long train with auto carriers in front stretching way out front of us. Occasionally I could catch the headlights of the locomotive a 1/2 mile or more a head.
It is quiet in the dome section of the car free from track noises, being in the mid section of the car it has the best ride isolation. Being in the vista dome gives some privacy because there is no through traffic. This was the private Auto-train company not Amtrak. The dinner was two cars articulated together to form a continues space with one being a vista dome. We ate in the dome. Food was included in the ticket for all passengers. Being we were not going to afford the sleepers we used the train on the way home knowing we'd drive 45 minutes to be at our real home were we'd could sleep in our own beds. It was during the hottest part of hot humid summer. Autotrain was always comfortably cool and even nicely cold sometimes from its excellent A/C.
It a shame passenger train sleepers are not much more affordably priced on Amtrak. Spreading out the passenger density amongst more cars does't increase cost that much. Amtrak actually has a big shortage of sleepers and they are frequently sold out month a head of their use allowing Amtrak to charge top prices for them. Many people would travel by train if quality sleepers were available for about 1/2 or better what they cost now.
Ah! Those were the days my friend!!
Apparently demand on the east coast makes this feasible on a frequent schedule. A shorter version running on a less frequent schedule across the western Empire Builder type routes might work for many.
Love the partition wall if u want a bigger room no problem we will just slide this 5 feet to the left and Viola $578.99 please oh plus the car
I've always enjoyed traveling by train. I'm hoping to cross Canada on the train before I croak.
Me my niece and her daughter(and their small service dog)took this train going to NYC where she attends NYU...it actually was a relaxing experience and was rested up to drive the rest of the way from Virginia.. so if it's within your budget why not 🤷🏾
I have ridden in this type of room and enjoyed it. My Late Wife and I had the Attendent just pull out the bottom bunk which was ok. That way we didn't use the top bunk except for the pillows and extra cover.
Very interesting!!!!
Thanks for the current report on AT. Amazing how many people are using it these days. Who'da thunk it? Pricey but classy and well-run, it seems. I'm almost 80 and have loved trains since I was 5 growing up in Bound Brook, NJ. Mar. 15, 2024. St. Joseph, MO, USA
Until I watched this video I never knew that such a thing ( Auto Train ) existed in the Amtrak Fleet. Thank you for this great travel tip! Also Like the way you presented it. No talky talky, but really good useful and factual content.
Me either, I have never heard of this until I watched this video.
I love talking the AutoTrain every year.
Yes, I love it. ❤
Great video big dog
I’m going to travel her this way n a few weeks these videos have persuaded me I’ll let you know.
Worth every penny to take your own car traveling instead of renting one. I took an amtrak from norfolk va, to Detroit MI. It wasn't too bad. 1st time taking amtrak. Maybe next time I'll upgrade to this. Worth it
WOW I'M ONE DAY TO TAKE THE TRAIN THANK YOU FOR SHARING WITH US ROBBIE PHILADELPHIA PA FISHTOWN
The car you labelled as 5347 and the end of the sleeping cars when you walked down to the left of the station is actually the dorm car for the crew. We've taken the AT a dozen times, started in coach, moved to roomettes and now only do bedrooms.
I love Amtrak it is so relaxing! Definitely not for someone who is looking for a quick trip. ❤
I like this
Ok. Watching the cars being loaded is cool.
It was a great experience for you man, indeed!! I live in México, maybe in a near future could visit some places connected by trains and enjoy some travels. Thank you for share with us, regards.
Looking forward to the auto train later this year
I’ve done this about a dozen times. Only once in a roomette. The rest in coach, which is much cheaper. The AutoTrain experience has kept going lower. Before COVID, everyone had a sit down dinner. Now only the sleepers get this. Coach has an expanded cafe with microwave type food. Better to bring your own food. Everyone gets the same continental breakfast.
If I had the opportunity to ride the auto train I’d book a room in the Connecticut section since I’m from there
Need one down to AZ for the snow birds out west
I almost rode this southbound but just couldn't give up my car keys...
Looks to be a fun trip though.
Wow they need that here in Denver Colorado so I can go to Atlanta Georgia
The roomettes can be a bit tight, but I love train travel, so we adapted and overcame. Wifi is not dependable. If you plan to work on the ride consider mobile data and have your movies downloaded before your trip. All in all we’re looking forward to our next trip. Plane travel is not out for us, but it is in second place now. Our train trip was our first in over twenty years and we had never done a sleeper, so this trip was a learning experience.
This would be cool to take from western Oregon to northern California and back. Nice change from driving over 50 years up and down I-5!
So I want to know how the guys get out of the doors of the cars/trucks after loading them onto the train. I know there is not allot of room in the cars with the vehicles? Do they double stack? How many per car?
Plan on taking it in December from lorton to Sanford with my motorcycle from Sanford going to travel to Miami ft Lauderdale to go on a cruise then come back two one day after the cruise
fell asleep waiting to see bedroom suite 👉speed it up!
Most vehicles and motorcycles, except:
"Can-Am motorcycles, Rewaco trikes and Polaris Slingshots are not permitted."
Bruh that's weird.
Nice video 👍. I’m planning to take the auto train to Florida next year for Daytona Bike week. I’m a big guy ( 6-5) would you recommend i get a coach seat or a roomette?
Roomette.
It hurts to witness Amtrak's slow death. Seventy years ago, heck 40 years, the train would have been packed to brim, even on a weekday. Ridership continue to fall and its disturbing to see entire cars empty of passengers.
Our trains both ways were full in late October 2022
Love Amtrak! No observation decks anymore or is that only on cross country? Just curious.
Thx&see ya😁
I took an Amtrak from Pensacola to Newark and it only boarded at 2am on Monday and changed trains in Jacksonville to go north. Back from Newark it changed trains again at Jacksonville after a 6 hour sit in plastic seats and on the floor waiting for the train west to Pensacola. When we had trains. They've been gone many years. I imagine they thought they didn't make enough money, but 2 days a week how much could they make?
Amtrak is an old public restroom compared to Asian trains.
I wouldn’t go that far but Japanese trains do have an elegance and attention to detail and art American trains unfortunately don’t have. Our trains are matter-of-fact and somewhat austere - cold. They have an inviting warmth and and a blend of modern conveniences and traditional Japanese charm and artistry.
@@janncarden2873 Asian train interiors are like first-class luxury airplanes. Amtrak trains are straight out of the 1970s.
And European trains. The Amtrak system is really sad.
I’d consider it
why did you go from NYC to Fredericksburg Va the go back to Lorton?
A dream of mine to ride for several days.
On the last car (16), was the last door locked, or could one open it and look outside?
This guy posts a vid of taking a train and it starts with him in NJ and he boards the train in Virginia. He's gotta talk shit about Newark meanwhile he passes by Camden, Philly, and Baltimore. Makes sense.
What is the difference between a deluxe sleeping car (car 13 - 5341) and a sleeping car?
The other video I watched on these bedroom suites the people didn't care for that small Bathroom area with the Shower in it. They said the Public Restrooms / Showers Downstairs... were Much Roomier.
AMTRak needs a makeover to catch up with Europe and some Asian countries.
I did a round trip twice. Once with a sleeper, and once in Coach. Coach was still having sit down meals at that point. We had a good time on both occasions. I hate driving.
Yes there could be a delay but that could happen on the highway as well!
❤❤ I will take the train and the auto train for the nice experience
An hour after the train pulled in your car was unloaded. Only 1 hour with all those vehicles. That does not sound unreasonable to me.
How much storage do you need on a 14 hour trip?
I'm a senior and purchased a handicapped accessible bedroom. This trip is taking place from WDC to Dallas Texas in June 2024. I paid just shy of $1900.00 round-trip and nearly 700.00 for my adult grandchild as my companion who will be assisting me. I'm now wondering if we should've taken the auto train. I seemed to be communicating with a " don't ask, no answer person when booking. I guess you are expected to know what Amtrak offers.
With the amount of money paid, it sure would be nice of them if they would include the positive information along with the information of the rules about forfeiting you trip.
It would a trip to have the experience and enjoy the journey rather than the destination.
I've been traveling on American passenger trains since 1965 and have done every Amtrak route except Auto-Train. Perhaps avoiding I-95 is the issue here and worth whatever the cost, but it seems Amtrak could assemble a better train. For one thing, all the sleepers could be facing the same way - bedroom A in the lead, including the deluxe sleepers. Why? I don't like to ride backwards! Booking a deluxe bedroom letter A-C-E would then guarantee you a forward facing sofa. Why should I spend all that money on a Deluxe room and ride backwards due to Amtrak's wisdom that "these cars are bidirectional". (Not all of us can afford bedroom suites) Last time I traveled on the Coast Starlight in 2016 all the sleepers were facing in the correct order - bedroom A in the lead. That shows me Amtrak can run a train correctly if it wants too! So I just purchase an economy room (current nomenclature "roomette", Amtrak is always playing with the way it titles its accommodations) which is much better suited to bidirectional travel and saves me some $bucks!! (The term "roomette" is now used to describe 3 different types of economy rooms throughout the system when you factor in the plumbing or lack thereof.) Also, why NO sightseeing Lounges? Yes the lounge looked very inviting with nice sofas etc... but couldn't these have been Retrofitted to a Sightseerer Lounge instead of a diner? There is scenery in the east too! I'm sure passengers would prefer to view the scenery through big picture windows rather than the same windows used in coach. Finally, I felt your disappointment in the lack of French Toast for breakfast as I always order that myself when traveling on the western Amtrak trains. In fact , the substitution of continental breakfast offerings is somewhat disappointing. This is supposedly one of Amtrak's best trains. So why can't Amtrak feature food like it features on its western limiteds? (Like breakfasts that feature real eggs) Thanks again for your video. It will save me from driving all the way from Chicago to Lorton, Virginia - the reason I've never taken auto train. Bring back Amtrak's "Floridian"! Nathan in Chicago 🇺🇲
Great video! I just completed a round trip journey to California and although I enjoyed the trip my experience wasn’t as good as yours. Poor service ,dirty sleeping cars and rough ride. Your cars were much nicer than those on the Zephyr!
I wish we had this on the Westcoast