Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport are excellent options for car shipping services to or from California. 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. There is also a childrens menu. I have clostrophobia do you think a roomette will be a problem? I am also 6 feet tall and weigh 330 pounds. Youre out of luck if your origin and destination locations are outside of the Northeast or Florida. Yes, I can see how the one bedroom is a better option for more than one. The only downside to shipping a car by train is buying a passenger ticket and riding along with your vehicle. DC is a city you could spend a lifetime in and not get bored. Pack your vehicle with possessions before driving it to the Amtrak terminal, where your car will be placed onto the train. 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. 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. I have a 14 pound pup. Shipping a car by train may seem like a solid choice, but no other rail companies regularly transport individual vehicles in a manner similar to Amtraks Auto Train. Motorcycles cost $146 and there is a $60 charge for priority offloading. Passwords are case sensitive, should be at least 10 characters long and should include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. While this route is popular among snowbirds, it means most Americans wont be able to take advantage of Amtrak car shipping. The Guides Auto Team is committed to providing reliable information to help you make the best possible decision about shipping your vehicle. Complimentary meals. Best of all, each of our itineraries are independent and customizable, meaning our Vacation Consultants can help you plan the National Parks train vacation of a lifetime. For stark comparison purposes, we were two people in a roomette on the auto train. An attendant places plastic sheets in the drivers footwell and on the drivers seat to prevent dirt and its driven to an Autorack railroad car. Walls of glass make the place bright and airy for the 450 waiting passengers that can fit inside. There are also a number of sleeper car options but these tend to be significantly more expensive - expect to pay upwards of $300 per person for a roomette. Whole Life Insurance: Which Is Right for Me? Sherpa Auto Transport has an. Traditional auto transport companies will . Was it a good option for you? It is an enjoyable trip. Ill be subscribing! 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. That cost needs to be factored in if you are coming from somewhere other than Lorton. Please enter a password. 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. : Cost can be difficult to compare between providers because so many factors impact auto shipping rates. . Coach seats are the cheapest option. When youre ready to book, type your departure city and destination city in the search bar above, select your travel date, and let Wanderu work its magic to show you all of the best bus and train ticket prices available for your trip. The next option is basically two coach seats in a tiny compartment that pull out to form a bed. Ground clearance: 4+ inches. There are no exceptions, so its smart to get to the station far earlier. Well youre in luck as Amtrak Auto Train offers extra legroom seating. 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. Some of the most common are: Only the early bird discount, which applies if you schedule a shipment within 48 hours of receiving a shipping quote, can be stacked with other offers. Private sink and vanity Thanks for reading. Amtrak car shipping is often significantly cheaper than other auto transport companies. If you are arriving at Lorton from a different destination and dont want to be rushed in order to make the loading time, you may want to consider spending the night in Lorton. : Even including the cost of passenger rail tickets, youll have a hard time finding cheaper auto transport rates between Washington, D.C. and Orlando. You can use your smartphone to show this eTicket to the ticketing agent as you board. AMTRAK.COM Enter your email address below to receive travels tips and free guides to exciting destinations. 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. Learn about Amtrak car shipping if youve considered moving your vehicle via the Auto Train. $258 plus passenger fare for a standard vehicle. 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. Our review team has spent hundreds of hours researching car shipping companies to help consumers choose the best providers for transporting their vehicles. # $ % & ' ( ) * + , - . 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. This website is reader supported and we may earn a small commission from links on this page. But is it worth it? Amtrak car shipping isnt a great option for drivers who value speed or require an origin or destination outside of the Northeast or Florida. Yes, Amtrak Auto Train requires you to present an ID to an agent to be allowed to board the train. You can reserve coach seats, roomettes or bedrooms on the Auto Train. Even if you opt for higher-end accommodations, you could find outstanding rates for. : The greater the competition for a route, the less your per-mile rate could end up being. The continental breakfast for coach was free and very nice. Im so glad you enjoyed it. Bring your own pillow or blanket, the beds are a bit hard. There are no train routes offered by Union Pacific or CSX that provide similar auto transport in the United States. Passengers on the Auto Train will be sleeping for one night on the train. from the BBB and receives 4.9 stars out of 5.0 on the platform. 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. Any other vehicles, including modified standard vehicles, require picking up the phone. Bring your automobile, van, SUV, truck or motorcycles nonstop between Lorton, VA, and Sanford, FL. What are YOUR thoughts on the Amtrak auto train to Florida? Visit Fredericksburg, Virginia, an hour away if you love Civil War history. Wanderu also offers an affordable trip protection option by Allianz Global Assistance that you can purchase when booking your tickets. How long does it take to ship a car by 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. The standard one-way rates for Amtrak Auto Train vehicle shipping are $285 per vehicle for standard cars and $325 per vehicle for trucks or larger SUVs. Typically, each car costs $208 while each motorcycle costs $146 to bring onto the train. The Amtrak Auto Train is a Superliner train and has the following sleeper car rooms: Priority offloading on the Auto Train means that your vehicle will be among the first 30 to be brought off the train after arrival. Amtrak auto train prices Fares start at $115 for a passenger ticket, plus the cost to transport your vehicle. Its easy to get instant car shipping quotes online from Montway, and the company offers a 24/7 online chat feature. We are not affiliated with Amtrak.com. Maximum width: 84 inches, including mirrors. If youre looking for long-distance car shipping services, consider Montway Auto Transport, Sherpa Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, and Easy Auto Ship. Make sure you have identification issued by a government agency that meets the carriers requirements. An upgrade to a Bedroom offers a trip with twice the space as a . Rob is married to Allie and together they have been traveling the world for the past 5 years. Trip time is about 17 hours, but you need to arrive to the station early for vehicle loading. Regarding pets on the Amtrak auto train, this link will answer your questions. Thats because the Auto Train only moves between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida, with no stops in between. When you check in you are given a choice of different times to have dinner in the dining car. Extended Vehicles. For the same dates in August, I'd be paying $257 for a flight in basic economy. Here are the factors our ratings take into account: Copyright 2023 MarketWatch, Inc. All rights reserved. Does Amtrak list food ingredients for those of us with allergies? 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. That said, Amtrak car shipping might be worthwhile if youre trying to get your car from Washington, D.C., Baltimore, or Philadelphia to Orlando and locations farther south. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best deals out there. I found them to be very helpful. The Auto Train takes 17 hours to travel from outside Washington D.C. to outside Orlando. Coach class seating is a two-and-two configuration and each seat pair has a two-plug outlet under the window for your electronics. Riding the Auto Train for your vacation is a good way to save money. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Its probably still a viable choice if youre headed to a final destination farther south in Florida such as Miami or Tampa, though. Additionally, they have newly upgraded beddings with linens, pillows, and towels. We recommend you bring a book or download a movie just to play it safe. In-room sink, restroom, and shower. There are two daily trains, one headed in each direction, that follow this schedule: Can you pick up will call tickets at the station? Prices vary depending on how far in advance you book your ticket and other factors. Amtrak offers car transport between Washington, D.C., and Orlando, Florida, via the Auto Train. 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. Talek, Very helpful information. Amtraks Auto Train offers fast and affordable rail service, but its only available on a single line that runs from Washington, D.C., to Orlando, Florida. Note that prices for roomettes and bedrooms include meals and coffee. Amtraks only auto transport route is the Auto Train, which runs from Washington, D.C., to Orlando, Florida. For an additional amount, you can book sleeping accommodations instead of spending the night on a reclining seat. While this route is popular among snowbirds, it means most Americans wont be able to take advantage of Amtrak car shipping. The train actually leaves at 4: pm. On your way to these adventures I hope to provide you with useful information to help you get there. Do you have to print your Amtrak Auto Train ticket? 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. Portable charger- For long trips, this is perfect to make sure your phone stays charged. This price occasionally goes higher when availability is scarce or when booking at the last minute. If cancelled less than 14 days before departure, a 25% cancellation fee applies. AmeriFreight reviews often mention the companys willingness to price match the rates from any company with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and an excellent 4.8 out of 5.0 in customer reviews on the website. Flexible, Business and Premium Fare tickets: No change fees and fully refundable if cancelled or changed before departure. 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. However, if youre interested in a convenient way to move your car from the Mid-Atlantic or Northeast to Florida, Amtrak car shipping could be an ideal solution. Amtraks Auto Train takes slightly more than 17 hours to complete its journey. You might want to bring ear plugs, eye mask, blanket, pillow, and fan, depending on how fussy your personal thermostat is. Hi, Ellen: Thank you so much for your lovely comments. All meals are included in the price of a ticket if you choose a sleeper accommodation. Typically, its $5 for a seated meal and $10-15 a night per person in a sleeper. The Amtrak Auto Train is a non-stop train. The same train route in late-December will cost $1,013. The meal selection is not large so you might want a snack after the food car closes. You can buy your tickets online or at the station. Auto train cost, tickets and reservations. Boston Amtrak stations: Which station is best? The standard one-way rates for Amtrak Auto Train vehicle shipping are $285 per vehicle for standard cars and $325 per vehicle for trucks . Rob is one of the most published photographers in the world, having published over 1 million images in the last 20 years. There is plenty of accommodation in Lorton, Virginia. Learn More. Ground clearance: 4+ inches. Midwesterners, West Coast residents, and those in between should instead look into the best auto transport companies. While there are multiple qualities that make an auto transport provider successful, our review team focuses on those we believe are the most important for consumers: Montway has an outstanding reputation and offers competitive pricing for car transport services. 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. If youre looking for long-distance car shipping services, consider Montway Auto Transport. Ratings also take into account whether the transport company is a broker or a carrier. For this comparison, however, were just starting from Lorton. While the best car shipping companies offer quality services and efficient transport, drivers often wonder whether Amtrak car shipping could work equally well. : Youll need a passenger ticket and a spot for your vehicle on the Auto Train. Term vs. It takes about 17 hours for Amtraks Auto Train to ship your vehicle from Washington, D.C., to Orlando, Florida. You can generally find one or two sockets per row of seats, so be a good traveller and check if your seat neighbor might want to charge up their devices as well. There are daily, nonstop trips in both directions. This post explores these questions and shares the authors experience traveling on the Amtrak auto train from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida. Yes, the Auto Train offers free WiFi onboard. Its easy to get instant. An even bigger landscape window On the upper level, you have better views of the countryside, more seating, and youre on the same level as the caf car. The final option is a bedroom which is twice the size of a roomette with in-room bathroom, sink and shower. 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? Using a Walker or Wheelchair on the Auto Train The Auto Train is the only Amtrak train that allows passenger vehicles. Writers and editors evaluate each brand based on industry data and real customers experiences, meeting high editorial standards to keep readers informed. It keeps the noise out and provides privacy. Sometimes, you want to take a road trip, but don't want to . Subscriber Agreement & Terms of Use, _ @ " $ # ,). We named it the Best Overall car shipping company for 2023. Each Auto Train departure includes a limited number of spaces to carry specialized vehicles. Thanks for your comment. A magnetic number plate is attached to the driver-side door of your vehicle and it is video graphed against damage claims. The museum is very well curated and interesting. From what you are telling me the best option would be a family room. Download movies and/or a book. travelswithtalek.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may receive commissions through purchases made through each link at no cost to you. All passengers can also eat from the Cafe car on the Amtrak Auto Train. It is a pleasant ride to Florida as you sit by the window and see the marshes, rivers, farms and towns go by. Below are some frequently asked questions about Amtrak Car Shipping: It costs $208 per direction to ship a standard vehicle using Amtrak car shipping. The museum is free but the prison cells have a $5.00 entrance fee. Your password must be at least 8 characters long, include at least 1 alpha character, and include at least 1 number or special character (- ? Amtrak policy states that all automobiles should be standard factory models at their originally manufactured lengths. 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. mobile app. 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. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! 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). 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. Sleeper car accommodations can cost $300 per person or more as amenities increase. Let us know in the comments. Auto Train tickets usually cost $89 for coach class, one way. Prices range from $150 to $300 per vehicle. The return route is in the opposite direction, Sanford, FL to Lorton, VA. How long does the journey take? The catch is that theres only one route, which makes Amtrak car shipping an unrealistic option for most drivers. This is especially true if youre willing to drive to the terminal from cities like Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia or New York. To use Amtrak car shipping, youre required to purchase a passenger ticket and ride the train as well. Learn how your comment data is processed. Even after factoring in the cost of passenger tickets, Amtrak car shipping costs are often far lower than prices from leading auto transport companies. This will save you time at your destination. All Amtrak Auto Train tickets can be cancelled for a full refund within the first 24 hours after purchase. Your email address will not be published. from Montway, and the company offers a 24/7 online chat feature. By using this site you agree to the We stayed at the Lorton Holiday Inn Express which was 7 minutes away from the train station. Well focus on the cost and overall experience to help you decide whether Amtrak car shipping is right for you. Neck Pillow- Comfy, plus it folds up for easy storage. Thats a $392.00 difference compared to the auto train. By clicking Join, you acknowledge you have read and agree to the program terms, including the binding arbitration agreement, in the Amtrak car shipping is an easy way to get vehicles from Washington, D.C., to Florida. 2. Only the early bird discount, which applies if you schedule a shipment within 48 hours of receiving a shipping quote, can be stacked with other offers. The lounge was inviting with good music Motown -piped in. Oops, that answer wasn't quite right. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. on April 20, 2023, 5:30 PM EDT. Wanderus simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. 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. Traditional dining meals can be eaten in the dining room car or in your room. Check-In by 2:30 pm (no exceptions) Maximum length: 192 inches (16 feet) Maximum height: 85 inches. offer quality services and efficient transport, drivers often wonder whether Amtrak car shipping could work equally well. Train transport tends to offer the cheapest price for shipments from Washington, D.C., to Orlando. Montway Auto Transport combines relatively affordable rates with a strong industry reputation to take our Editors Choice award. Wed love to connect with you on any of the following social media platforms. From a cost perspective, it is not necessarily cheaper to take the train, although it could be. Required fields are marked *. For an extra $120, you can guarantee your vehicle space on the train and make sure it's one of the first 30 vehicles taken off once you reach Florida. The onboard WiFi uses 4G LTE towers when possible, but can lose its connection in some rural areas. Maximum width: 84 inches, including mirrors, Tire maximum: 7 inches wide, 2 1/2 inches deep. Thank you! Unlike roomettes, our bedrooms also have an in-room toilet, shower and a sofa that converts to a bed. . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Check-In by 3:00 pm (no exceptions) Maximum length: 216 inches (18 feet) Maximum height: 85 inches. The Auto Train will take you and your car nonstop between Lorton, VA near Washington, DC and Sanford, Florida near Orlando for as low as $95*. However, its of limited value if you need to move a car elsewhere. For those looking to ship vehicles along the East Coast, Amtrak car shipping can be a smart choice. If you have a roomette, the best views are also from the upper level. Amtrak's Viewliner trains on the Crescent route are single-level railway cars. : Our research team considered availability, ratings from industry experts and years in business when giving this score. Learn everything from how to sign up for free to enterprise use cases, and start using ChatGPT . The train leaves once all the vehicles have been stored. Its also a great option if you are someone who doesnt enjoy driving long distances, or if your traveling party needs the extra space. There was another window from the top bunk, plus curtains for both sets and a (lockable) door, ensuring darkness and privacy when needed. https://www.amtrak.com/auto-train-101. Taking the Auto Train is cheaper than flying because you wont need to rent a car once you reach your destination. I thought the price seemed reasonable but when I plugged in the date on the Amtrak site, the price shot up. Amtrak Auto Train provides snacks to satisfy your hunger during your travels. All vehicles must be checked in by 3:00 pm. Bedroom. In each, pillows and blankets are provided and you can control the temperature. Noise Cancelling Headphones- Perfect to help drown out the sounds of travel. That answer wasnt correct either. If you decide to go with more traditional car transport services, weve also researched and ranked the best car shipping companies. 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. What to Bring on the Amtrak Auto Train (The Essentials) 1. During the sale, fares for roomettes on the Auto Train cost as low as $148 each for a duo, plus the cost of your car (between $150 and $240, depending on what you're bringing). Then, just settle into the gentle rocking of the train and enjoy not being behind the wheels of your vehicle. Amtrak is unable to accept responsibility for these items. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. That way the folks in the roomette can use the bedroom shower and bathroom. We rode to Fla on the auto-train for the first time. Larger luggage should be stored in the trunk of your car. For $1,000, I booked a bedroom, which is about the size of a King-size bed with a . And theres only one scheduled stop: a short 15 minutes just south of Florence, South Carolina, for a crew change and refueling. Its difficult to get a good photo of the compartments because they are so small. Thanks to 21st-century transportation, there's a way to travel between Virginia and Florida that doesn't require spending 12 hours straight in a car. At the time of writing, the fare is $89 per passenger and $269 per car. We also had a bicycle attached to the back of the car. Below are a few of the clear positives that come with using Amtrak car shipping services: Make sure to consider the disadvantages of Amtrak car shipping before booking your tickets: The fact that Amtrak only ships cars between Washington, D.C., and Orlando means that the train works for very few drivers. 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. terms and conditions Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel in North America and Europe. Hi, Dean: Thank you so much for reading the post and commenting. On the other end, it takes another good chunk of time to unload all the cars. Its never cheap to ship your car over long distances, but very few options beat the rates offered by the Auto Train. The $89.00 does not include the price of transporting the car which is an additional $200.00. in a small carry-on bag. Depending on the dates of travel, demand, and how early you book, the saver ticket can be as low as $89 per passenger. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. A question regarding a scheduled dinner in the dining car: Can we bring the meal to our roomette, due to concerns about the more contagious virus? Customers selecting a Roomette will find comfortable . 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. I did a bit of research and this is the closest I came up with. Is it really cheaper to take the train? National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/route-content/auto-train-boarding-and-vehicle-requirements. The vehicles are unloaded at your destination, with thirty available priority vehicles coming off first. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. Manage Settings Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Let's try a different question. There are many factors to consider. Thank you for reading and commenting. By signing in to your account you acknowledge you have read and agree to the updated terms and conditions, including the binding arbitration agreement. Even if Amtrak car shipping isnt the right option for your needs, there are plenty of ways to quickly and effectively ship your car.