This article describes the “Auto Train” route of Amtrak, which carries passenger cars.
Amtrak’s “Auto Train” is an 855-mile daily train service between Lorton, Virginia and Sanford, Florida, serving passengers and their automobiles. It is the only motorail service in the United States, offering coach seats or private sleeping car rooms and enclosed freight cars called autoracks. The train can carry up to 340 vehicles and includes lounge and dining cars. Passengers who bring their own vehicles can avoid driving Interstate 95 in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. The service has the highest revenue of any train in Amtrak’s Long Distance Service Line. It operates non-stop between its Virginia and Florida terminals, except for a brief stop in Florence, South Carolina for servicing and crew changes.
This is not Amtrak’s official website and is not affiliated with Amtrak; this is just for the reader’s guide.
Amtrak Auto Train Schedule Highlights
The Auto Train provides daily nonstop service from Washington, DC to Sanford, FL, allowing passengers to move their autos from Lorton, VA to Orlando, FL. The Auto Train schedule is the same every day, with one northbound and one southbound train. All trains depart in the early evening and arrive the next morning.
If you want to view the latest schedules and timetables see on Amtrak.com.
Amtrak Auto Train Stops & Stations
The Auto Train has only two stations:
- Lorton, Virginia (near Washington D.C.)
- Sanford, Florida (near Orlando)
Lorton, Virginia Station (near Washington D.C.)
The southern terminus is in Sanford, Florida, which is roughly a half-hour drive north of Orlando. The original facility was older and smaller than the Lorton Terminal. The Auto Train loads passengers on two tracks at Sanford since one track is not long enough to accommodate all of the passenger railcars. Sanford’s operation is distinctive in that a railroad crossing runs through the center of the rail yard.
This complicates various switching procedures and necessitates a three-person yard conductor team (conductor, assistant conductor, and utility conductor), whereas operations at Lorton require only a conductor and assistant conductor. Both yards use the same engineer. Auto Train’s main mechanical and maintenance facility is in Sanford, which also houses diesel and automobile shops to service the fleet. The city of Sanford offers a free shuttle service to the historic area every 20 minutes between noon and 2:00 pm on all days except Sundays and major holidays.
Sanford, Florida Station (near Orlando)
The Auto Train uses Amtrak’s bi-level Superliner equipment for western US trains, which cannot pass through Baltimore Penn Station or the North River Tunnels for New York Penn Station access. The train consists of two GE Genesis locomotives, a transition sleeper car, three sleeping cars, a sightseer lounge car, a full-service dining car, five sleepers, a cafe dining car, four coaches, and up to 33 autoracks. Sleeping cars have deluxe bedrooms, roomettes, family bedrooms, and accessible bedrooms. Coach cars have reclining seats on both levels. The Sightseer Lounge car has wrap-around windows and an informal café.
Amtrak Auto Train Booking
The process of Booking an Amtrak Auto train is easy and straightforward. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- First, go to Amtrak’s website.
- Then select auto train.
- After this, you need to enter your “Origin”.
- Then enter your “destination”.
- If you add all this information then the last thing you need to select your departure date.
- Now press on “Find your train” and book your favorite train.
Amtrak Auto Train Booking Recommendations:
Book early: Book at least 3-4 months in advance for peak travel times like holidays, spring break, and summer.
Be flexible with dates: Travel during off-peak days or weeks for deals.
Sign up for alerts: Receive email notifications for fare sales and special offers.
Monitor Cancellation Policies: Understand Amtrak’s cancellation policy for tickets to avoid potential fees.
Consider Multiple Options: Explore alternative travel options like traditional flying or car driving with strategically timed rest stops.
Amtrak Auto Train Cost
The Auto Train offers various options for booking coach seats, roomettes, or bedrooms. Coach seats are the cheapest, costing $100- $200 per one-way ticket. Roomette prices range from $500 to over $700, while bedrooms cost over $1,000 and include a private shower, sink, toilet, and two beds. Maximum occupancy is two adults. There are family bedrooms for two adults and two children, and bedroom suites. Prices for roomettes and bedrooms include meals and coffee. Additionally, transportation fees for each vehicle range from $150- $300 per vehicle.
Amtrak Auto Train Vehicle Transport
To travel nonstop between Lorton, VA, and Sanford, FL, you must reserve space and check in each vehicle. Check-in starts at 12:30 pm on the departure day and must be completed by 3:00 pm. No exceptions are allowed.
Auto Train Vehicle Dimensions Guidelines
The Auto Train accepts factory-model conventional vehicles, extended vehicles (trucks, vans, and three-row SUVs), as well as two-wheel motorbikes. No vehicles with twin wheels, gull wings, or scissor doors will be accepted. We also allow some unusual vehicles (see below).
Standard Vehicles
- Maximum length: 192 inches (16 feet)
- Maximum height: 85 inches
- Maximum width: 84 inches, including mirrors
- Ground clearance: 4+ inches
- Maximum tire width: 14 1/2 inches
Extended Vehicles
- Maximum length: 216 inches (18 feet)
- Maximum height: 85 inches
- Maximum width: 84 inches, including mirrors
- Ground clearance: 4+ inches
- Maximum tire width: 14.5 inches
Two-Wheeled Motorcycles
- Maximum length: 102 inches
- Maximum height: 72 inches
- Maximum width: 51 inches
- Ground clearance: 5+ inches
- Tire maximum: 7 inches wide, 2 1/2 inches deep
Special and Prohibited Vehicles
Each Auto Train departure has a restricted number of places to accommodate specialist vehicles.
Check-in for special cars closes at 3 p.m.
Small trailers, limousines, jet skis, trikes, and helicopters may be permitted.
Special vehicles may incur additional fees.
To book a journey with a special vehicle, call 1-877-SKIP-I-95 (1-877-754-7495).
Prohibited vehicles include Can-Am motorbikes, Rewaco trikes, and Polaris Slingshot.
Rack Information
Roof-mounted racks are allowed if they are factory-installed and remain empty during the trip. Temporary luggage racks or bicycle racks attached to the roof are not allowed. Roof-mounted racks count towards the vehicle’s maximum height requirements. Bicycle racks are attached to the back of the vehicle and cannot be brought onboard. Bicycles and their racks count towards the vehicle’s maximum length and width requirements. Luggage racks must be removed from the top and stored inside the vehicle before check-in.
Vehicle Responsibility
Personal effects and baggage in your vehicle during transit are your responsibility, and Amtrak cannot accept responsibility for these items. If your vehicle is damaged during transit or loading or unloading, Amtrak will only accept responsibility if you report the damage to an authorized representative before leaving the terminal, ensuring the damage occurred in Amtrak custody.
Passenger Experience
Traditional Dining in First Class
- Chef-prepared dinner with table service in the Dining Car
- Selections for the kids
- First alcoholic drink at dinner on us
- A continental breakfast served prior to arrival
- Complimentary room service
Onboard Facilities
Café Service in Coach
Coach passengers can buy meals, snacks, and beverages at the Cross-Country Café. Additionally, a full continental breakfast is provided before arrival.
Free WiFi
Auto train also offers free WiFi so enjoy free basic WiFi throughout your journey — including at the departing station, onboard, and upon arrival.
Roomette
Roomettes are designed for customers who want both privacy and savings in First Class. They consist of two comfy seats during the day that transform into higher and lower beds at night. Each room has a large picture window, recently improved bedding, pillows, towels, and linens, and access to the lavatory and shower down the hall.
Every passenger in private rooms is given priority boarding, a complimentary dinner and hot breakfast, access to the First Class lounge onboard, and a dedicated First Class attendant who will provide turndown service, meal assistance, and luggage assistance.
Bedroom
First Class rooms offer extra comfort and space, with double the space of Roomettes. They feature a sofa, a separate chair, and upgraded bedding, pillows, towels, and linens. Private rooms offer priority boarding, complimentary dinner and hot breakfast, access to the lounge, and a dedicated First Class attendant for turndown service, meal assistance, and luggage assistance.
Bedroom Suite
The Bedroom Suites offer a First Class experience with two adjoining bedrooms, two sofas, and two chairs, transformed into four beds at night. Each suite has two big-picture windows, upgraded bedding, pillows, towels, linens, and two in-room sinks, restrooms, and showers. Private rooms provide priority boarding, complimentary dinner and hot breakfast, access to the First Class lounge, and a dedicated First Class attendant. To book, call 1-800-USA-RAIL.
Family Room
Family Rooms are available for First Class passengers with children, accommodating two adults and two children. These rooms have daytime seating, nighttime beds, large windows, and upgraded bedding. Private rooms offer priority boarding, complimentary dinner, and hot breakfast, access to the First Class lounge, and a dedicated First Class attendant for turndown service, meal assistance, and luggage assistance.
Accessible Bedroom
Accessible Bedrooms are available for First Class customers with disabilities on the train’s entry-level, providing ample space for wheelchairs. These rooms feature day seating, night beds, a large picture window, upgraded bedding, pillows, towels, and linens. Private rooms offer priority boarding, complimentary dinner, and hot breakfast, access to the First Class lounge, and a dedicated First Class attendant for turndown service, meal assistance, and luggage assistance.
Coach
Coach class has large, reclining seats with plenty of legroom, no middle seat option, and in-seat trays, reading lights, and an electric outlet. Away from your seat, take advantage of the onboard Café service, which offers a large selection of meals, snacks, and beverages for purchase.
Additional Resources:
Official Amtrak Auto Train website:
1. https://www.amtrak.com/auto-train
Wikipedia