It takes about 17 hours for Amtraks Auto Train to ship your vehicle from Washington, D.C., to Orlando, Florida. The dimensions of the roomette is 36 X 66. https://www.amtraktrains.com/threads/how-to-book-two-roomettes-across-from-each-other.27519/. Vehicles are put in a special car which cannot be accessed by passengers during the trip. Based on the prices we saw on Amtrak's website, a standard vehicle would cost about $466-516, an extended vehicle would be $536-594 and a motorcycle is $292 to transport via Amtrak's Auto Train. Of course theres the wear and tear of the car and of the passengers. We collected data on dozens of auto transport providers to grade the companies on a wide range of ranking factors. You would not be comfortable in a roomette. To simplify and safeguard the travel experience, several cleaning, contact-free and . Small trailers, limousines, jet-skis, trikes and choppers may be accepted. , Alaska, Puerto Rico, and international locations. A complimentary continental breakfast is provided. The vehicles are unloaded at your destination, with thirty available priority vehicles coming off first. You must reserve space and check in each vehicle you bring. Vehicle costs range from $292 for a motorcycle to $466 for a standard car to $536 for a special car like an SUV, van, or truck. On your way to these adventures I hope to provide you with useful information to help you get there. Each bedroom has the capacity of two adults (with an option for a third), one to two suitcases and are 66 x 76. Montway Auto Transport combines relatively affordable rates with a strong industry reputation to take our Editors Choice award. EM. It keeps the noise out and provides privacy. On the other hand, you have to navigate a steep stairway with two tight 90-degree turns. As you read, Amtrak is the best option for sending a car by train and is much easier than many other car shipping providers. Friends had taken the auto train and recommended it. In this article, we at the Guides Auto Team will take a look at Amtraks Auto Train service and highlight a few of its pros and cons. I have a 14 pound pup. All passengers can also eat from the Cafe car on the Amtrak Auto Train. The Amtrak Auto Train is a unique service that transports passengers and their automobiles along the East Coast. Amtrak Roomette: The Amtrak Roomette provides comfortable seating by a huge picture window. But is it worth it? If you dont like driving on the interstate the Auto Train is a great option. Wanderus simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. : Unlike with most car transport companies, youll be able to fully load your vehicle up with personal items when using Amtrak car shipping. Thank you for reading and commenting. All meals come with wine, non-alcoholic beverages and dessert. Amtrak's Auto Train is one of the cheapest ways to ship a car across the country, as long as the travel is along the Eastern Seaboard. In addition to your coach class or sleeper car ticket, youll need to pay for your vehicle. Use the following steps to take advantage of Amtrak car shipping services: While Amtrak vehicle shipping can be pretty simple, make sure to follow the rules above. Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. Keep in mind that these average costs are placed on top of the price for your own ticket on the Auto Train: The Auto Train has a limited number of spaces available for specialized vehicles like limousines, trailers, jet skis, trikes and choppers. However, the companys Auto Train service combines cheap car shipping with relaxing passenger train travel. Auto Train: Discount Details, Meal Options & More | Amtrak Depending on the dates of travel, demand, and how early you book, the saver ticket can be as low as $89 per passenger. 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. Thanks! Ive subscribed to your newsletter. Why take the Amtrak auto train to Florida? directions Amtrak San Joaquin San Francisco Bay Area/Sacramento, Bakersfield/Southern California navigate_next; directions Amtrak Texas Eagle Chicago, St. Louis, Dallas, San Antonio, (Los Angeles) navigate_next; directions Auto Train Lorton, VA (Washington, DC), Sanford, FL (Orlando) navigate_next 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. Hi, Dean: Thank you so much for reading the post and commenting. Youll also have to pay for a passenger ticket to use Amtrak car shipping services, and rates are typically $95 per person. Thank you, Grace! Amtrak Auto Train: How It Works, What's Included, and Expert Tips This means that you could face higher auto transport rates. Visit Amtrak's website and you will be able to obtain exact fares for any Auto Train trip you are planning. The Amtrak Auto Train is a non-stop train. Talek, Very helpful information. The bathroom is in the hall and shared with other passengers. 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Established providers with a long history of reliable service also receive positive marks. Passengers on the Auto Train will be sleeping for one night on the train. For comparison, driving from Washington, D.C., to Orlando normally takes about 12 hours in total. Here are the factors our ratings take into account: Copyright 2023 MarketWatch, Inc. All rights reserved. No, Amtrak Auto Train does not offer will call tickets. If youre fine using an auto shipper that only offers open transport services, the Auto Train may suffice. Toilet and shower You should purchase your tickets online and make sure you have everything you need to board before you arrive at the station. Does your vehicle include a rack on the roof or at the rear? We were originally coming from New York so we had to drive to Lorton to get on the train. If youre looking for long-distance car shipping services, consider Montway Auto Transport, Sherpa Auto Transport, AmeriFreight, and Easy Auto Ship. : This score is based on customer satisfaction ratings and availability of extras like GPS tracking. Dont schedule your arrival for the same day as a cruise departure or big event. Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more. Type of Room Capacity Toilet Shower Routes from the Northeast to Florida and back are known for lower costs. 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. 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. Amtrak car shipping comes with extremely straightforward prices. Also, is there a door to close in the roomette so that we wouldnt be sharing air with an occupied roomette across the aisle from us? Amtrak Car Shipping: How To Use the Auto Train - MarketWatch So we began our research and explored options on the auto train. Pick the ticket thats best for your budget, schedule, and preferences, and complete the booking right on Wanderu to secure your great deal. 2. And now for a limited time, a trip in the comfort of a private room starts at just $99 each way, plus the cost of your vehicle. There are daily, nonstop trips in both directions. Amtrak Car Transport | Safe & Affordable Auto Shipping | A1 Auto Transport Hi, EM: You can find answers to all your auto train on this site. Disclosure: travelswithtalek.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Montway Auto Transport and AmeriFreight can meet your auto transport needs while offering affordable prices for the trip. Even after factoring in the cost of passenger tickets, Amtrak car shipping costs are often far lower than prices from leading auto transport companies. 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. Other Amenities Include: if you use Amtraks train transport services. As you will be using a bathroom on a moving vehicle, please use caution and hold on to a rail at all times. The lounge was inviting with good music Motown -piped in. A standard vehicle comes in at $466, while the cost for a motorcycle is $292. Leave your key in your unlocked car. 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 closer the date, the more expensive the fare, similar to what some airlines do. And with new low fares starting at $95 (plus the cost of your vehicle), it's time to welcome the end of road trip hassles and enjoy a stress-free route by rail aboard the Auto Train. You can buy your tickets online or at the station. Yes, the Auto Train offers free WiFi onboard. Motorcycles must have at least 5 inches of ground clearance. Just to be on the safe side, being on line at 1:30 to load your car, would mean you wont have to wait so long to receive it on the other end. Its also a great option if you are someone who doesnt enjoy driving long distances, or if your traveling party needs the extra space. The number you were given when you checked in will be called when your car is ready. 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. Stay well. If youre looking for long-distance car shipping services, consider Montway Auto Transport. 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. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Everything You'll Get In An Amtrak Roomette (& How Much It'll Cost) What are Amtrak Auto Trains COVID-19 policies? Those beginning in the Orlando area should drive to the Auto Train terminal in Sanford, Florida. Check-In by 2:30 pm (no exceptions) Maximum length: 192 inches (16 feet) Maximum height: 85 inches. AmeriFreight is a leading car shipping broker that partners with over 10,000 car carriers to deliver a wide range of auto transport services. Auto train cost, tickets and reservations. Come see the world with me! The station is home to a gift shop, a coffee shop, restrooms accessible for people with disabilities, an ATM, and WiFi. Auto carriers usually offer both enclosed transport and door-to-door transport services, which Amtrak car shipping wont provide. From what you are telling me the best option would be a family room. If you spot a sale after buying your ticket, call the Guest Rewards line and ask for the credit. : The Amtrak Auto Train takes over 17 hours to get down the coast, but that doesnt include time for loading and unloading vehicles. 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. Weve sent you an email with instructions to reset your password instead. privacy policy. Prices will go up as the train fills up, so as soon as you know your plans you should buy your tickets. The museum is free but the prison cells have a $5.00 entrance fee. With standard shipping companies, what youll pay for a vehicle shipment depends on the following factors: If youre heading from the Northeast to Florida or vice versa, its probably a good idea to consider the Auto Train. Even if you opt for higher-end accommodations, you could find outstanding rates for cheap car shipping if you use Amtraks train transport services. : Whether youre leaving from the station in Lorton, Virginia, or Sanford, Florida, you must check in your vehicle for loading onto the train by 3 p.m. at the latest. How much does it cost to ship a car on Amtrak Auto Train? The motorcycle loading costs $146. 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. If youre looking for cheap car shipping between the Northeast and Florida, the Auto Train might be worth consideration. At dinner the menu was certainly adequate with options of steak, fish, chicken, and pasta. Im so glad you enjoyed it. Where Is Amtrak Car Shipping Not Available? Bedrooms @ [ \ ] ^ _ ` < | > ~. Montway Auto Transport and Sherpa Auto Transport are excellent options for car shipping services to or from California. Is $200 the standard cost for a van? There is also a childrens menu. Select Executive Amtrak Guest Rewards members get one free priority offloading coupon per year. It does save having to deal with driving on I-95 and provides a more peaceful way of getting to and from Florida. Additionally, youll avoid the stress and wear and tear that comes with driving yourself. Private sink and vanity Yes, I can see how the one bedroom is a better option for more than one. Amtrak policy states that all automobiles should be standard factory models at their originally manufactured lengths. An email with password reset instructions is on the way. Our researchers, writers and editors are dedicated to investigating providers and analyzing customer feedback and insights so you can choose with confidence. You could drive this route in 12 hours, so taking the train does not save time. All vehicles must be checked in by 3:00 pm. The Auto Train is easily accessible from its two stations in Lorton, Virginia (approximately 30 minutes from Washington, D.C.) and Sanford, Florida (approximately 30 minutes from Orlando) and departs daily from each station at 4 PM with an arrival of 9 AM the following morning. I did a bit of research, and this is what I came up with. : Cost can be difficult to compare between providers because so many factors impact auto shipping rates. It only takes about 12 hours to drive from one city to the other, making Amtrak car shipping a somewhat slow process. Does Amtrak Auto Train offer any premium features like extra legroom or movies? When fully booked, the Auto Train holds 650 passengers and 330 vehicles in 18 passenger cars and 33 auto rack cars. That said, you must follow some simple steps and stick to the schedule to make it a success: Auto Train tickets for drivers riding the train are typically $95 for one-way trips in coach class, though rates on Amtraks website may increase as spaces fill up. Enter the email address or member number associated with your account. Here's How. No dual wheel vehicles, gull wingsor scissor doors will be accepted. On the day of your departure, check-in begins at 12:30 pm. Schedule The Auto Train schedule is the same each day with one northbound and one southbound train. There was another window from the top bunk, plus curtains for both sets and a (lockable) door, ensuring darkness and privacy when needed. Prices range from $150 to $300 per vehicle. Earn points toward reward travel, upgrades and more. Learn More. : Even including the cost of passenger rail tickets, youll have a hard time finding cheaper auto transport rates between Washington, D.C. and Orlando. Sherpa Auto Transport has an. If you can be flexible with your travel date, you can also get cheap tickets by traveling on weekdays instead of weekends. 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. An upgrade to a Bedroom offers a trip with twice the space as a . More than 24 hours after purchase, the cancellation policy and change fee structure for Amtrak bookings depend on the type of fare you purchased: Saver Fare tickets: A 25% fee applies for any changes. Its difficult to get a good photo of the compartments because they are so small. By using this site you agree to the Learn More Thanks for reading. National Railroad Passenger Corporation, https://www.amtrak.com/content/amtrak/en-us/route-content/auto-train-boarding-and-vehicle-requirements. To answer your questions, yes, you can ask to have your meal in your roomette. Motorcycles cost $146 and there is a $60 charge for priority offloading. Its important that a car shipping provider is able to deliver your vehicle in a safe and timely manner. Riding the Auto Train for your vacation is a good way to save money. DC is a city you could spend a lifetime in and not get bored. If youd like a bit more space on your journey, try booking a bedroom for your next trip with us. You can read, get some work done on the trains Wi-Fi network or just look out the window during your vehicles journey. * Only dogs and cats are allowed to travel as pets. travelswithtalek.com also participates in other affiliate programs and may receive commissions through purchases made through each link at no cost to you. Passwords should be at least 10 characters long and include 1 uppercase and 1 lowercase alpha character, 1 number and 1 special character. Prices vary depending on how far in advance you book your ticket and other factors. $258 plus passenger fare for a standard vehicle. The trip takes 17 hours and 29 minutes. for the route from Washington, D.C., to Florida, Amtrak car shipping comes at a competitive rate. The regular starting price for a coach class ticket is $89 and the sleeper car rooms start at $301. Typically, each car costs $208 while each motorcycle costs $146 to bring onto the train. Tickets are non-refundable and non-exchangeable after the train has departed, so be sure to make your updates as soon as possible if your travel plans change. 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Even if Amtrak car shipping isnt the right option for your needs, there are plenty of ways to quickly and effectively ship your car. A standard, two-wheel motorcycle costs $143. What kind of vehicles are allowed on the Auto Train? The company also works with government agencies, vehicle manufacturers, and retailers to deliver outsourced logistics services and shipping on a large scale. 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. Those using train shipping services to move specialized vehicles such as these can expect to pay an additional fee. Its a difficult question to answer, as Amtraks Auto Train provides affordable transport for a very specific group of drivers. Portable charger- For long trips, this is perfect to make sure your phone stays charged. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Note that prices for roomettes and bedrooms include meals and coffee.