Taking the Amtrak auto train to Florida from the northeast is an option for traveling to the Sunshine State. But is it worth it? What are the pros and cons? Is it really cheaper to take the train? This post explores these questions and shares the author’s experience traveling on the Amtrak auto train from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida.

Table of Contents
Why take the Amtrak auto train to Florida?
The main reason travelers take the Amtrak auto train to Florida is because they prefer not to drive. We go back and forth from New York to Miami every once in a while and the driving can be exhausting. Traffic on the I-95 can be daunting and just sitting in a car for hours on end is exhausting. Friends had taken the auto train and recommended it. “Let’s check out the auto train,” we said. So we began our research and explored options on the auto train.
Auto train cost, tickets and reservations
I have to admit I had a bit of trouble nailing down the price of my ticket. I first identified what I thought was a pretty good price of $89 for coach. A coach seat is one which reclines a bit but not totally flat. You can doze on it but it will be like sleeping on a plane, not very restful. I thought the price seemed reasonable but when I plugged in the date on the Amtrak site, the price shot up. After trying several different dates, I did find a $89.00 coach fare but that was waaaaay in the future. The lesson here is, a good way to save money is to book as far in the future as possible. The $89.00 does not include the price of transporting the car which is an additional $200.00.
The prices for other accommodations also depends on how far in advance you book. The closer the date, the more expensive the fare, similar to what some airlines do.
You can buy your tickets online or at the station.
From a cost perspective, it is not necessarily cheaper to take the train, although it could be. There are many factors to consider. Will you go coach or sleeper accommodation? 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?
For stark comparison purposes, we were two people in a “roomette” on the auto train. We paid $742.00 for 2 people to go from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida. That’s $542.00 plus $200.00 for the car. We also had a bicycle attached to the back of the car. We were originally coming from New York so we had to drive to Lorton to get on the train. That cost needs to be factored in if you are coming from somewhere other than Lorton. For this comparison, however, we’re just starting from Lorton.
Had we driven from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida, the cost for two people would have been about $350.00 including gas and tolls, one hotel night and food. That’s a $392.00 difference compared to the auto train. Of course there’s the wear and tear of the car and of the passengers. For us it was worth it for the experience but we wouldn’t do it every time we take that route.
Amtrak auto train route.
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. The return route is in the opposite direction, Sanford, FL to Lorton, VA.
How long does the journey take?
The trip takes 17 hours and 29 minutes. That’s 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.

Cars begin loading at 11:30 and loading closes at 2:30. Once you get to the loading area you leave everything in your car except your valuables and a bag or two for what you will need on the train. Then you check-in in the waiting area and are given your ticket to board, dinner menu and dinner time. You wait in the waiting room until boarding. The train actually leaves at 4: pm.
On the other end, it takes another good chunk of time to unload all the cars. Once we arrived in Sanford, it took us an hour and a half before our car was unloaded.
As can be expected, the first cars to load will be the last to unload. For that reason, it makes sense to load your car closer to the loading deadline of 2:30. Just to be on the safe side, being on line at 1:30 to load your car, would mean you won’t have to wait so long to receive it on the other end.
Accommodations on the Amtrak auto train.
Amtrak provides several options for the Lorton, Virginal to Sanford, Florida route. The first is “coach.” This is the most economical option and doable for the almost 18 hour ride but you are still sitting all this time so, if you can afford it, upgrade.
The next option is basically two coach seats in a tiny compartment that pull out to form a bed. The shelf above it pulls down to create a bunk bed so there are two beds in this compartment euphemistically called a “roomette.” This is suitable for two people (two people who really like each other because it’s very small) or one person who wants to sleep in a bed vs a reclining seat. The bathroom is in the hall and shared with other passengers.
Another option is a “family room” suitable for 2 adults and 2 kids. It has private bathroom and shower.
The final option is a “bedroom” which is twice the size of a roomette with in-room bathroom, sink and shower. This is for people who want ample space.
It’s difficult to get a good photo of the compartments because they are so small. The dimensions of the roomette is 3’6″ X 6’6″. We chose the roomette and although yes, it’s cramped, we were fine for the length of the trip.
All sleeper accommodation options come with towels, linens, turndown service, meals, access to the lounge and dining car. There is free wi-fi throughout.
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.
It is a pleasant ride to Florida as you sit by the window and see the marshes, rivers, farms and towns go by. This was certainly more pleasant than driving and constantly focusing on the road and traffic.


Auto train menu, dining car and lounge.
When you check in you are given a choice of different times to have dinner in the dining car. We chose 7PM. I wanted to check out the lounge so I went there and had a pre-dinner cocktail. The price was a reasonable $8.00. The lounge was inviting with good music – Motown -piped in.

At dinner the menu was certainly adequate with options of steak, fish, chicken, and pasta. All meals come with wine, non-alcoholic beverages and dessert. There is also a children’s menu. All meals are included in the price of a ticket if you choose a sleeper accommodation. 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.

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. Again perfunctory and fit for purpose.
Tips for enjoying your Amtrak auto train journey,
- Bring your own pillow or blanket, the beds are a bit hard.
- Download movies and/or a book. Remember the journey is over 17 hours.
- Bring snacks. The meal selection is not large so you might want a snack after the food car closes.
- Bring comfy slip on shoes or flip flops to make bathroom runs.
- 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.
Arriving the night before
If you are arriving at Lorton from a different destination and don’t want to be rushed in order to make the loading time, you may want to consider spending the night in Lorton. There is plenty of accommodation in Lorton, Virginia. We stayed at the Lorton Holiday Inn Express which was 7 minutes away from the train station.
There are also tons of attractions in the area. 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 complex also houses the Lucy Burns Suffragist Museum that tells the story of how women fought for the right to vote. The museum is very well curated and interesting. Behind the museum are the cells where the suffragists were imprisoned and tortured for demonstrating in front of the White House. The museum is free but the prison cells have a $5.00 entrance fee.
We visited attractions in the Lorton area because we didn’t want to travel too far from the Amtrak auto train station, but the area around Lorton is packed with things to do. Visit Fredericksburg, Virginia, an hour away if you love Civil War history. Washington DC is only 30 minutes away. DC is a city you could spend a lifetime in and not get bored.
If you ae going further south beyond central Florida to Miami with its trendy and eclectic Miami neighborhoods or South Beach, that’s an additional 3 and a half hours. Of course there are also tons of cool things to do in the national parks and cities near Miami and the beaches in the area.
What are YOUR thoughts on the Amtrak auto train to Florida? Have you been? Was it a good option for you? Let us know in the comments.

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FAQs
What can I bring on Amtrak Auto Train? ›
Personal Food, Beverages and Medication
You may bring your own food and beverages onboard for consumption at your seat or private Sleeping Car accommodations. However, you can only consume food and beverages purchased in Dining and Lounge Cars in those cars.
What tips should I know as a first-time Amtrak rider? In addition to the departure time and train number, pay attention to the route you're riding. Amtrak trains make many stops along the way, so keep an eye on the conductor; they'll tell you when the next stop is coming up.
What do you need to bring to Amtrak? ›Valid Photo ID Required
Exchanging, refunding or reprinting Amtrak travel documents. Purchasing documents with a stored eVoucher or Transportation Credit. Traveling as a Pass Rider (active or retired) Storing baggage at stations.
If you're traveling by train and a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent asks to search your bags, you have the right to refuse.
How long does it take to unload cars from Auto Train? ›If the train has been crowded it can take well over an hour until the last car is unloaded. Passengers who chose to pay an extra fee when they made their Auto Train reservations will have their vehicles among the first 30 that are unloaded. On average, expect to wait about 45 minutes before you receive your car.
How early should I arrive for the Amtrak Auto Train? ›Plan to arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart (Auto Train passengers should arrive at the station at least two hours prior to departure).
How does Amtrak Auto Train work? ›Simply pack your car with everything you need for your trip between Lorton, Virginia (near Washington DC) and Sanford, Florida (near Orlando) and leave the driving behind. Once you're onboard you can break out the cards, enjoy a meal and binge-watch your favorite series.
Does Amtrak check your bags? ›Each traveler can check up to 4 bags (2 free and 2 at $20 per bag). Size/weight limitations apply.
Do you have assigned seats on Amtrak? ›Your seat will be automatically assigned when you complete your reservation. You may change your assigned seat and choose a different seat at any time after your booking is complete by viewing your reservation in the Amtrak app or on Amtrak.com. There is no fee to change your seat.
Where do your bags go on Amtrak? ›Storing Items
Carry-on and personal items must be kept with you, stored in overhead racks, under seats or designated baggage areas. Most buses have baggage storage bins under the bus floor, and the bus driver will assist you.
Where do you put suitcases on a train? ›
Luggage should be stored in the overhead luggage racks, under the seats and in the luggage compartments throughout the train. On some longer distance trains, it may be possible to store luggage in a separate area of the train.
What can you not bring on a train? ›The following items are prohibited onboard the train: non-service animals, firearms and ammunition, hover boards, corrosive or dangerous chemicals and materials, incendiaries, martial arts and self-defense items, archery equipment, devices containing propellants, sharp objects, and similar items.
How many bags can you take on an Amtrak train? ›You + Two Bags = No Extra Charge
Unlike many transportation options, traveling with Amtrak is twice as nice with our generous baggage policy. When you travel with us, you can carry-on two free pieces of luggage. Each item should not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) and needs to be 28 x 22 x 14 inches in size.
1) How do you board a train? In general, once one knows on which track a train will arrive, one goes to the adjacent platform and waits. When the train arrives, the doors will open and people who need to disembark will get off. Then you go through the open door and hop on the train.
Can you leave luggage in your car on the Auto Train? ›Pack a carry-on bag.
Pack your car like your suitcase. But be sure to bring acarry-on bag for your trip. The Auto Train has no checked baggage service and you will not have access your car during the journey. Any valuables should not be left in your vehicle.
Wear comfortable clothes
We're not talking full-on pajamas, but breathable, stretchy clothing will make your ride more enjoyable. If you choose to have dinner in our awesome dining car, the dress code is still casual. Feel free to wear jeans and a T-shirt or take it old school and wear a dinner jacket.
When should I arrive at the station? Unless you're taking the Auto Train, plan to arrive 30 minutes before your scheduled departure. If you need assistance with baggage and/or ticketing, we recommend you arrive 60 minutes early.
How does the Auto Train to Florida work? ›Here's how it works: You drive your car to the Auto Train station in Lorton, Virginia, which is right by Washington DC, and the train takes you and your car down to Sanford, Florida, right by Orlando. You have to get to the station by 2:30PM since that's the cutoff time for getting your car on the train.
Are there TVs on Amtrak trains? ›In short, only the Viewliner Sleeper cars – private rooms that are only available on some trains – have a TV. The screen is very tiny, and it is not connected to any kind of cable or satellite service. Instead, Amtrak preloads these TVs with a small selection of three or four movies from which you can choose.
Can you walk between cars on Amtrak? ›You're allowed to walk about the train as often as you'd like. Just make sure to watch where you're walking onboard the train between cars. The safety plates often shift and pinch when the train is in motion.
What are coach seats like on Auto Train? ›
Cabins and Seats. The coach cabin on the Auto Train looks like many other Amtrak coach cabins but you find considerably more space and comfort. The seats are in a 2-2 configuration and recline quite generously, similar to the slanted lie-flat business-class seats common on international flights in decades past.
Does the Amtrak Auto Train have an observation deck? ›The Amtrak Auto Train is a Superliner train with a sightseer lounge car. The observation car on the Auto train can be used by all passengers. 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.
How many cars does Amtrak Auto Train hold? ›The train can carry up to 320 vehicles. The train also includes lounge cars and dining cars. Auto Train allows its passengers to avoid driving Interstate 95 in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida while bringing their own vehicles with them.
How long does it take to get through Amtrak security? ›We recommend arriving a minimum of 30-45 minutes before the train is scheduled to roll out. But if you're new to the station, plan to check baggage or want to grab a magazine before your trip, earlier is better.
Can you take liquids on Amtrak? ›Toiletries - No need to deal with tiny 3-ounce containers when you pack your luggage for Amtrak - feel free to bring along your full-sized products if you have space.
Does Amtrak XRAY luggage? ›No metal detectors, x ray machines, or the like with Amtrak. You can come and go at Chicago or any other Amtrak station as you please. None of the TSA activity you see at airports. As for baggage, once you hand your bags to the agent, you do not have to handle them until you reach Kansas City.
Is upper or lower level better on Amtrak? ›The best place to sit in Amtrak Coach Class is on the upper level. It's all about the view on the upper level. This is the biggest advantage of sitting in the upper level. You can also move from car to car more freely as there is access from each car on the upper level.
How do I choose a seat on a train? ›- Enter your Source and destination station.
- Choose the date of journey. ...
- Enter "Search Trains" and the list of trains, running dates, and their seat availability will be displayed on the screen.
- Choose your train and preferred class from the list to complete your train ticket booking.
You can request a window seat as the attendant is assigning it to you, but don't get upset if he/she can't do it. We assign seats according to your destination, how the train will load and offload enroute (what doors we will work out of, etc), and in a manner which we can try to keep families and couples togther.
What do you do with luggage on train? ›Taking luggage on trains is simple, don't over-think it. You take your bags into the train with you and put them on the rack above your seat, or in the space between the seat backs, or on floor-standing racks at the car ends or in the seating area.
How much stuff can I bring on Amtrak? ›
A look at the facts: Amtrak has one of the most generous baggage allowances in the travel industry. Passengers can bring two carry-on items and two personal items, weighing up to 150 lbs., for free.
Does Amtrak provide pillows and blankets? ›A soft, generously sized 48” x 60” fleece travel blanket tucked in a soft zipper pouch that doubles as a pillow cover for the included inflatable comfort neck pillow.
How do you travel with two large suitcases? ›The best option would be to use a regular leather belt for strapping two or three pieces of luggage together. We've seen people do this, and it seems to work just as fine as luggage straps. One belt is usually enough for strapping two or three suitcases together by the top handles.
How much weight we can carry in train? ›Each passenger is allowed a free allowance up to which he can carry luggage with him in the compartment, free of cost. The free allowance varies for different classes of travel. Children aged 5 and below 12 years are allowed half of the free allowance subject to the maximum of 50 Kgs.
What food and clothes will you carry If you will travel by a train? ›- 1) Ticket and related documents.
- 2) Water bottle.
- 3) Mobile charger and power bank.
- 4) Food.
- 5) Hygiene essentials.
- 6) Safety locks.
- 7) Inflatable Travel Pillow.
- 8) A Pair of earphones.
- Step 1: Charge Everything Before You Leave. I don't know how many gadgets you're going to be taking on this train journey. ...
- Step 2: Take Your Own Food. ...
- Step 3: Keep Your Plans to Hand. ...
- Step 4: Be Prepared to Sleep. ...
- Step 5: Entertain Yourself. ...
- 4 Comments.
You may bring your own food and beverages onboard for consumption at your seat or private Sleeping Car accommodations. However, you can only consume food and beverages purchased in Dining and Lounge Cars in those cars. Personal food and beverages are allowed in the upper level of Superliner Sightseer Lounges.
Can you use a hair dryer on Amtrak? ›You can bring a hair drying onto the train without issue. But you must bring your own, Amtrak doesn't provide any.
How much do you tip Amtrak? ›Jim Loomis, author of “All Aboard! The Complete North American Train Travel Guide,” recommends $5 per passenger per night for sleeping-car attendants, and the standard 15 percent of what the meals would cost if you paid (prices are on the menu) outright. Come prepared with a stash of small bills.
What is considered a carry-on bag? ›What is considered carry-on baggage? Technically, any piece of luggage that you “carry on” to an airplane is a carry-on bag. Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage or “hand baggage” that can fit in the overhead bin, plus a “personal item” (a smaller purse, computer bag, diaper bag, small backpack, etc.
What does no checked baggage mean on Amtrak? ›
It means they are not going to stow your luggage for you. Whatever you have, you take it on the train and find a secure place for it in the overhead bins or under your seat. You will be fine with a carry on and a suitcase each.
How do you prepare for a train? ›- ARRIVE EARLY. ...
- CHECK EXCESS BAGGAGE. ...
- BE COMFY. ...
- MOVE AROUND AND EXPLORE. ...
- GET A GOOD NIGHT'S SLEEP. ...
- KEEP YOUR CAMERA HANDY. ...
- BRING SNACKS. ...
- UNPLUG (BUT BRING A CHARGER)
Priority boarding is for Select Plus and higher, sleeping car passengers, Acela first, business on non-Acela trains, uniformed military, families with children, and special assistance.
Can you get off Amtrak at stops? ›Amtrak trains usually stop at stations for 3 minutes. Most Amtrak station stops are only for boarding passengers, and riders who are already on the train are not allowed to get off.
What can you not bring on a train? ›The following items are prohibited onboard the train: non-service animals, firearms and ammunition, hover boards, corrosive or dangerous chemicals and materials, incendiaries, martial arts and self-defense items, archery equipment, devices containing propellants, sharp objects, and similar items.
Can you take liquids on Amtrak? ›Toiletries - No need to deal with tiny 3-ounce containers when you pack your luggage for Amtrak - feel free to bring along your full-sized products if you have space.
Does Amtrak check your bags? ›Each traveler can check up to 4 bags (2 free and 2 at $20 per bag). Size/weight limitations apply.
How strict is Amtrak baggage policy? ›You + Two Bags = No Extra Charge
Unlike many transportation options, traveling with Amtrak is twice as nice with our generous baggage policy. When you travel with us, you can carry-on two free pieces of luggage. Each item should not exceed 50 lbs. (23 kg) and needs to be 28 x 22 x 14 inches in size.
There are some things you need to know when riding the rails, where the rules are a little different from air travel. Amtrak advises passengers to arrive at the station 45 minutes before departure. Unlike commercial air travel, rail passengers do not undergo intensive security screenings.
Where do you put your luggage on an Amtrak train? ›Carry-on and personal items must be kept with you, stored in overhead racks, under seats or designated baggage areas.
Where do you put your luggage on the train? ›
Carry-on baggage must be stowed either overhead or under the seat in front of you (standard Amtrak trains usually have rather large overhead areas for storing luggage).
Is water free on Amtrak? ›50+ Year Amtrak Rider
In Sleepining Cars Bottled Water is Avaialble for Free and if you Eat in the Diner Meals include Coffee,Tea,Milk or Water!
In both Business Class and Coach, there is a surge-protected power outlet at every window seat. Charge your laptop, tablet, or phone, or even juice up your power bank for when you are on the go later in your trip. If you are in an aisle seat, please ask your seatmate if you can plug into an outlet before reaching over.
Does Amtrak have assigned seating? ›Your seat will be automatically assigned when you complete your reservation. You may change your assigned seat and choose a different seat at any time after your booking is complete by viewing your reservation in the Amtrak app or on Amtrak.com. There is no fee to change your seat.
How long does it take to get through Amtrak security? ›We recommend arriving a minimum of 30-45 minutes before the train is scheduled to roll out. But if you're new to the station, plan to check baggage or want to grab a magazine before your trip, earlier is better.
How does Amtrak boarding work? ›1) How do you board a train? In general, once one knows on which track a train will arrive, one goes to the adjacent platform and waits. When the train arrives, the doors will open and people who need to disembark will get off. Then you go through the open door and hop on the train.
Is shampoo allowed on Amtrak? ›Just like a hotel, Amtrak provides shampoo, soap and bottled water in all rooms.
What if my bag is too big on Amtrak? ›1, passengers who exceed the limit of two carry-on bags and two personal items will have to pay $20 for each bag that is in excess. Travelers will also have to pay the fee if a bag is overweight. Carry-on bags cannot exceed 50 pounds, while personal items such as purses and laptops will have to weigh 25 pounds or less.
Does Amtrak XRAY luggage? ›No metal detectors, x ray machines, or the like with Amtrak. You can come and go at Chicago or any other Amtrak station as you please. None of the TSA activity you see at airports. As for baggage, once you hand your bags to the agent, you do not have to handle them until you reach Kansas City.
Does Amtrak provide pillows and blankets? ›A soft, generously sized 48” x 60” fleece travel blanket tucked in a soft zipper pouch that doubles as a pillow cover for the included inflatable comfort neck pillow.