Amtrak is the national passenger rail service in the United States. It offers a special way to transport vehicles across the country. The Amtrak Auto Train runs non-stop from Lorton, Virginia to Sanford, Florida. It lets passengers bring their cars, trucks, and even special vehicles along.
But, there are certain rules and limits to using this service. Travelers should know these before planning their trip.
This guide will cover the history and current operations of Amtrak’s car shipping. It will also look at other ways to move your vehicle across the country. Whether you’re moving, exploring, or avoiding long drives, this guide will help you choose the best way to transport your car.
Key Takeaways
- Amtrak offers a unique car shipping service on the Auto Train, which operates non-stop between Virginia and Florida.
- To use the Amtrak Auto Train, you must be a ticketed passenger and travel with your vehicle.
- Amtrak has specific vehicle requirements and dimensions for the Auto Train, including accommodations for specialized vehicles.
- Understanding the advantages and limitations of Amtrak’s car shipping service is crucial for planning your cross-country transportation needs.
- Exploring alternative auto transport methods, such as professional shipping companies, can provide more flexibility and door-to-door service options.
Understanding Amtrak’s Auto Transportation Services
Amtrak is the national passenger rail service in the United States. It has a long history of offering Amtrak auto train services. Since the start, Amtrak has made sure to provide easy and reliable car transport history options. This led to the creation of its vehicle shipping routes.
History of Amtrak’s Car Shipping Services
Amtrak’s car transport history began in the 1970s. It introduced its auto train service back then. This allowed passengers to take their cars on long trips. Amtrak has improved and grown its vehicle shipping routes over time.
Current Auto Transport Operations
Now, Amtrak’s Amtrak auto train service lets customers ship their cars while they travel. There are different transport options, like terminal-to-terminal and door-to-door delivery. This service is on select routes, covering many parts of the United States.
Service Coverage Areas
Amtrak’s Amtrak auto train service is in many areas. It offers car transport history options for many travelers. From the Northeast to the West Coast, and many places in between, Amtrak’s vehicle shipping routes make it easy to transport cars.
| Region | Amtrak Auto Train Services |
|---|---|
| Northeast | Available on select routes |
| Southeast | Available on the Amtrak Auto Train route |
| Midwest | Limited availability, select routes only |
| West Coast | Available on limited routes |
“Amtrak’s car shipping services have evolved significantly over the years, making it a convenient option for travelers who need to transport their vehicles long distances.”
Can Amtrak Ship My Car: Available Options and Limitations
Amtrak is a well-known passenger rail service in the United States. It offers vehicle transport options, but with some rules. It’s important to know what Amtrak can and can’t do for car shipping.
The Auto Train is Amtrak’s main way to ship cars. It runs from Lorton, Virginia, to Sanford, Florida. This service lets passengers take their cars with them, making it easy to move cars across the East Coast. But, the Auto Train only goes on this one route, leaving many areas without this service.
Amtrak also has a limited car shipping option. Passengers can ship their cars as cargo on some routes. But, this service is only available when there’s space, and it might cost extra. Amtrak can’t ship all types of cars, like RVs, motorcycles, and big or heavy vehicles.
| Amtrak Vehicle Transport Options | Limitations |
|---|---|
| Auto Train (Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL) | Limited to specific route; no other destinations |
| Car Shipping (Select routes as cargo) | Subject to availability; size and weight restrictions; additional fees |
Travelers should really look into Amtrak’s car shipping restrictions and auto train limitations before shipping their cars. Amtrak’s Amtrak vehicle transport options might be good for some. But, other ways, like using professional auto transport companies, might be better for moving cars across the country.
Alternative Auto Transport Methods for Cross-Country Travel
Amtrak might not be your only choice for moving your car across the country. There are many other ways to transport your vehicle, each with its own benefits and things to think about. Let’s look at some of the main options.
Professional Auto Shipping Companies
Using auto shipping companies is a popular choice. These companies focus on moving cars and offer services like door-to-door car transport and terminal-to-terminal shipping. They know how to handle long-distance car transport better than Amtrak.
Door-to-Door Services vs. Terminal-to-Terminal Options
Auto shipping companies usually have two main services: door-to-door and terminal-to-terminal. Door-to-door means the company picks up and drops off your car at your place. Terminal-to-terminal requires you to pick up and drop off your car at their terminals. Your choice depends on what you need and prefer.
Cost Comparison with Other Shipping Methods
When looking at other ways to move your car, comparing costs is key. Amtrak might be cheaper, but professional auto shipping companies might offer better services and prices for long trips or special cars.
To choose wisely, compare quotes from different auto shipping companies. This will help you find the best and most affordable way to move your car across the country.
Preparing Your Vehicle for Long-Distance Transport
When you’re moving your car a long way, you need to prepare it well. Before you let Amtrak take your car, make sure it’s ready. Follow a detailed checklist to get your car ready for the trip.
Start by checking your car for any damage or problems. Clean it inside and out. Remove any personal items or loose things that could move around.
Make sure the fuel tank is only a quarter full. Amtrak has rules about how much fuel cars can have during transport.
Turn off the alarm and put the car in neutral with the parking brake on. This makes it easy for the transport carrier to move it. Also, give Amtrak all your car keys. This includes the ignition key, door key, and any other keys you have.
FAQ
Amtrak has been shipping cars for a long time. It started offering this service many years ago. It helps people move their cars across the country.
Today, Amtrak offers many car shipping services. The Amtrak Auto Train lets people travel with their cars. There are also services for shipping cars without the owner on the trip.
Amtrak’s car shipping services cover a lot of ground. They reach many places across the United States. You can ship your car to and from Amtrak stations all over the country.
Amtrak has a few ways to ship your car. You can use the Auto Train or ship it from one terminal to another. But, there are some rules about the size, weight, and type of car you can ship.
Besides Amtrak, there are other ways to move your car across the country. You can use professional auto transport services, door-to-door services, or terminal-to-terminal options. Each has its own benefits and costs.
Getting your car ready for a long trip is important. First, check your car thoroughly. Make sure it’s clean and free of personal items. Follow the transport service’s guidelines to ensure a safe trip.