Updates added 1/2008
Recent Threads:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1694990
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1681559
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where are the Stations? Lorton VA and Sanford FL
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Question asked Regarding Lorton VA station:
How easy is it to get to the Autotrain from 95 south. Heading down there next week and was wondering if I need to find a local map or if there are signs on 95 and then the local roads that will direct us to the station.
Answer from Cherylp3
There is a sign on 95 before the exit (which is exit 163)
and a sign when you get off the exit
(They are green highway signs I believe. )
You should have brief maps in the booklet your tickets came in.
<b><u>Please note regarding the Sanford station:</b></u>
the exit number has changed but they will provide you with an updated map at the station.
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Train runs over night, there is 1 stop to switch crews
but there are no passenger stops.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Official website: www.amtrak.com
Sale: Railsale by Amtrak
If you are a flexible traveler or booking late - This may be for you
http://tickets.amtrak.com/Amtrak/ra...geID=main&railSaleFlag=true&externalCall=true
Amtrak hot deals page:
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conte...ls_Index_Page&c=Page&cid=1080072922226&ssid=8
Discounts: AAA and National Association of Railroad Passengers members get %10 off
NARP charges $30 for an individual membership and $38 for a Family membership.
---------------------------------------
What are the Vehicle requirements?
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conte...Copy_Page&cid=1080842091918&c=am2Copy&ssid=43
----------------------------------
How much to rent a Digi Player?
The digi player is $30 plus tax for a one way rental.
You can choose between adults movies or family/childrens movies.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Tips websites
Auto train tips
http://on-track-on-line.com/autotrain-tips.shtml
General tips
http://on-track-on-line.com/index.shtml
----------------------------------------------------------------
Closest Hotel to the Autotrain is Comfort Inn at Gunston Corner in Lorton VA
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Book in Advance: The cost is cheaper if you can book your trip in Advance.
Posted by Travellin' Tigger
The earlier you look into booking your trip by train, the cheaper it is. As the train fills up, the costs per ticket (or cabin) go up.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The Amtrak ebay store seems to have closed.
Posted by DC7800
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=377902
QUOTE: Auto-Train becomes relatively less expensive (compared to flying and renting a car) the longer you stay in Florida, since car rental charges catch up with A-T fares after a time. Someone staying two or three days might well find it cheaper to fly, but stay two or three weeks and having your own car (via Auto-Train) saves a bundle.
That said, Auto-Train's real market is people who would otherwise drive to Florida. Here, the train actually saves vacation time, when the alternative is a two day drive with an overnight motel stop. Price isn't necessairily the driving factor (pardon the pun) for many other A-T passengers, who avoid the increasing hassles of air travel and get to have their own car in Florida (makes packing easier - just toss it in the trunk). If you are looking for a less costly trip, one of Amtrak's conventional Florida trains is far less expensive anyway.
--------------------------------------------
Tipping Advice from DC7800
Tipping is customary for the car attendant and in the dining car, though many people find this issue uncomfortable. Some choose not to tip at all, some don't know what to do, and still others leave a dollar or two wondering just what the "appropriate" amount (if any) is.
This website, http://www.trainweb.com/travel/tipping.htm, has a comprehensive discussion on the topic. I don't believe it specifically mentions Auto-Train, but again you should tip just as you would on any other train or restaurant (where the prices are on the menu). The prices aren't there, but you can still roughly estimate what the meal is worth, with obvious allowances for superior (or sloppy) service. I don't think anyone will think less of you if you underestimate how expensive the diner is.
I've also seen people tip anything from fifty cents (or nothing at all) to $7-$8 in the dining car, but I've also witnessed the exact same behavior in full-service restaurants (including WDW).
-----------------------------------------
Other Questions
-----------------------------------------
Amtrak can also anwser your questions as well,
Below are some Questions and answers from other passengers.
-------------------------------------------------------
Q:Can I get my AAA discount (10%) after I have bought tickets?
Answer from Cherylp3: I don't think so and am unsure how Amtrak would credit you. Best Tip: Get your discount beforehand.
-----------------------------------------------
Q:What should I bring on the train?
Answer from Cherylp3:
Each passenger is allowed a carry on bag.
Also blankets and pillows are allowed.
For more details:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=4861066
-----------------------------------------------------------
Q: What is the difference between LL reserved coach and reserved coach?
Answer from Cherylp3
LL Reserved coach is primarily for Handicapped Passengers.
It is the Lower Level, on the same level as the restrooms.
The LL compartment seats approx 20 people and if you are traveling at a slow time you may be able to spread out.
Also note in lower level each compartment is seperated so in order to walk you have to go upstairs to the main coach and walk through.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Q: How are Lower Level seats assigned?
Answer from Cherylp3:
In 2001, 2002 and 2003 - With lower level, you are not assigned specific seats until you check in at the train station. When you check in, you can request what seats you'd like.
If you don't - the person checking you in assigns your seats. Based upon how full the train is and if others have checked in before you will decide if your request can be met.
-------------------------
Q: Are the sleeper doors key locked?
-------------------------------------------------------------
Answer from DC7800
The doors latch from the inside only; there is no way to lock the door from the outside, and there is no key in any case. Though you should have nothing to worry about regardless, I suggest leaving everything possible in the (locked) car trunk, and keep anything of value out of sight in your carry-on luggage (or the trunk). Remember everyone is going the same place you are on a moving train, so it's not like someone can run off with your camcorder.
Answer from kbeverina
We were able to lock ours from the inside, but not by key.
-------------------------------------------------------
Ques. Did you notice if they offerred kid meal options?
-------------------------------------------------------
Answer from DC7800 - Yes
Answer from kbeverina
They don't specifically offer kid meal options, but in both coach and first class they offered chicken tenders and mac and cheese as an option. In coach they had meatloaf, country-fried chicken, and stuffed pasta shells as well. They also have ice cream and cakes, etc. to choose from for dessert. In first class they offered beef tenderloin tips, some other type of pasta, salmon, and roasted chicken with a sauce (they will serve without the sauces, though). They also had a salad in first class and I don't think they had one in coach. They had ice water on the table and my husband also had wine. They offered the kids milk or apple juice to drink. Later in the evening they had cookies, bananas and oranges set out for snacks--that was about 8:30. In the morning it was the same in first class and coach--orange juice, bagels, cereal, muffins, bananas.
----------------------------------------------------------
Ques. Did you have a difficult time arranging for a dinner seating?
----------------------------------------------------------
Answer from DC7800
You will do this before boarding, upon check-in. Of course, it is possible for one or more seatings to fill-up by the time the last passengers arrive at the terminal. So, if this is important to you try to arrive reasonably early (good advice in any case). You don't have to worry about not getting a seating at all, just that the more popular meal-times naturally go first, and (obviously) those dining cars carry a finite number of diners at one time.
Answer from kbeverina
Not at all. In fact we arrived at 2:45 on our return trip and were still able to get the earlier dining time. In coach they had 5pm, 7pm and 9pm, but ended up cancelling the 9pm because they could fit everyone in to the first two. In first class they had 5:30pm and 7:30pm.
-------------------------------------------------------
Q: Would you feel safe leaving a sleeping nine year old alone in the sleeper? My mom will be with him, and was wondering if she could go somewhere to read or just watch the scenery.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Answer from kbeverina
I guess it would depend on the 9 year-old and the location of the sleeper. The lounge cars are on the upper level and we were able to request what level when we checked in. I could explain to my son that I might be going down the hall to the lounge to read and that if he woke up and needed me to come down and get me--if your son wouldn't get panicky if he woke up alone, I personally would be fine with it. She should make sure he's comfortable with the doors going train to train if he would have to do that--it's a little intimidating for the kids at first. You walk up to the door, push a big button, and the door opens. Then you essentially hop between the cars and push another button to open the door to the next car. It's really loud and if you look down you can see daylight.
---------------------------------------------------
Q: Was the ride too bumpy? I've seen some complaints
-----------------------------------------------------
Answer from DC7800
It could probably be better, but there is almost nothing Amtrak can do about the conditon of the tracks over which Auto-Train operates. Most complaints seem to center on "side-to-side" motion of the train. You tend to get used to this, at least somewhat, after a short time on the train, and people sometimes exaggerate how bad it really is (I was just on the Silver Meteor (same route as Auto-Train) a few weeks ago. While far from the smoothest railroad I've seen, it was completely comfortable).
---------------------------------------------------
Answer from kbeverina
I personally am one who can sleep at the drop of a hat in the car--it didn't bother me at all. We had upper level on the way down and lower level on the way back. It seemed to me the upper level was bumpier.
---------------------------------------------------
Q: Was the experience as awesome as it sounds?
---------------------------------------------------
Answer from DC7800
There is an old saying that this is the only civilized way to travel. Oh, there are a few people who just can't seem to relax long enough to take 18 hours to get somewhere, but far more seem to enjoy the experience. Most people are familair with travel by car or plane and know what to expect, but far fewer really know what a train is anymore. Hence, they get upset when problems occur unique to the railroad. They are sometimes surprised by the size of the accomodations (that goes in both directions, by the way - larger than airline seats, but bedrooms the size of a twin bed), how the train moves, that they not only can get up and walk around the train anytime - they have to if they want to eat, or why "late trains get later" (it happens, unfortunately). But yes, it is certainly a wonderful experience, not to be missed.
----------------------------------------
Answer from kbeverina
We really enjoyed it and all would do it again if we needed to have our car with us. In this case, we were attending a conference and knew we would be bringing back a ton of stuff and we also wanted to try out Universal and go to Sea World. We have always flown before. Now that we've done sleepers, we are spoiled and would want to do that again. But if it was outrageously more expensive, we would be fine doing coach. The thing with coach, we were very lucky and had a nice group of people around us, very quiet, and lots of space to spread out--we each had two seats to ourselves. In fact, the kids were able to sleep very well because the foot rests that come up like a lazy-boy chair actually come up to the point that they're pointing upwards--we put them both that way to prevent them from rolling out while they were sleeping and they were able to stretch across the two seats--they looked so comfortable!
Personally, I didn't get much sleep in coach because I kept looking out the window, trying to figure out where we were. I was way too excited!
---------------------------------------------------
Links to Other threads with Autotrain information:
Mikelan6 wrote a trip report with pictures.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1077041
Pictures of the Auto Train thread
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=418974
<b>Discussing Sleepers</b>
Upgrading to Sleepers
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=417763
Discusses first or send level
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=417241
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=392942
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=405339
Discussing Seat Configuration
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=349931
<b>Other Past threads</b>
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=373963
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=363678
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=401705
Recent Threads:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1694990
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1681559
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
Where are the Stations? Lorton VA and Sanford FL
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Question asked Regarding Lorton VA station:
How easy is it to get to the Autotrain from 95 south. Heading down there next week and was wondering if I need to find a local map or if there are signs on 95 and then the local roads that will direct us to the station.
Answer from Cherylp3
There is a sign on 95 before the exit (which is exit 163)
and a sign when you get off the exit
(They are green highway signs I believe. )
You should have brief maps in the booklet your tickets came in.
<b><u>Please note regarding the Sanford station:</b></u>
the exit number has changed but they will provide you with an updated map at the station.
---------------------------------------------------------------
The Train runs over night, there is 1 stop to switch crews
but there are no passenger stops.
--------------------------------------------------------------
Official website: www.amtrak.com
Sale: Railsale by Amtrak
If you are a flexible traveler or booking late - This may be for you
http://tickets.amtrak.com/Amtrak/ra...geID=main&railSaleFlag=true&externalCall=true
Amtrak hot deals page:
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conte...ls_Index_Page&c=Page&cid=1080072922226&ssid=8
Discounts: AAA and National Association of Railroad Passengers members get %10 off
NARP charges $30 for an individual membership and $38 for a Family membership.
---------------------------------------
What are the Vehicle requirements?
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conte...Copy_Page&cid=1080842091918&c=am2Copy&ssid=43
----------------------------------
How much to rent a Digi Player?
The digi player is $30 plus tax for a one way rental.
You can choose between adults movies or family/childrens movies.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Tips websites
Auto train tips
http://on-track-on-line.com/autotrain-tips.shtml
General tips
http://on-track-on-line.com/index.shtml
----------------------------------------------------------------
Closest Hotel to the Autotrain is Comfort Inn at Gunston Corner in Lorton VA
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Book in Advance: The cost is cheaper if you can book your trip in Advance.
Posted by Travellin' Tigger
The earlier you look into booking your trip by train, the cheaper it is. As the train fills up, the costs per ticket (or cabin) go up.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The Amtrak ebay store seems to have closed.
Posted by DC7800
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=377902
QUOTE: Auto-Train becomes relatively less expensive (compared to flying and renting a car) the longer you stay in Florida, since car rental charges catch up with A-T fares after a time. Someone staying two or three days might well find it cheaper to fly, but stay two or three weeks and having your own car (via Auto-Train) saves a bundle.
That said, Auto-Train's real market is people who would otherwise drive to Florida. Here, the train actually saves vacation time, when the alternative is a two day drive with an overnight motel stop. Price isn't necessairily the driving factor (pardon the pun) for many other A-T passengers, who avoid the increasing hassles of air travel and get to have their own car in Florida (makes packing easier - just toss it in the trunk). If you are looking for a less costly trip, one of Amtrak's conventional Florida trains is far less expensive anyway.
--------------------------------------------
Tipping Advice from DC7800
Tipping is customary for the car attendant and in the dining car, though many people find this issue uncomfortable. Some choose not to tip at all, some don't know what to do, and still others leave a dollar or two wondering just what the "appropriate" amount (if any) is.
This website, http://www.trainweb.com/travel/tipping.htm, has a comprehensive discussion on the topic. I don't believe it specifically mentions Auto-Train, but again you should tip just as you would on any other train or restaurant (where the prices are on the menu). The prices aren't there, but you can still roughly estimate what the meal is worth, with obvious allowances for superior (or sloppy) service. I don't think anyone will think less of you if you underestimate how expensive the diner is.
I've also seen people tip anything from fifty cents (or nothing at all) to $7-$8 in the dining car, but I've also witnessed the exact same behavior in full-service restaurants (including WDW).
-----------------------------------------
Other Questions
-----------------------------------------
Amtrak can also anwser your questions as well,
Below are some Questions and answers from other passengers.
-------------------------------------------------------
Q:Can I get my AAA discount (10%) after I have bought tickets?
Answer from Cherylp3: I don't think so and am unsure how Amtrak would credit you. Best Tip: Get your discount beforehand.
-----------------------------------------------
Q:What should I bring on the train?
Answer from Cherylp3:
Each passenger is allowed a carry on bag.
Also blankets and pillows are allowed.
For more details:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&postid=4861066
-----------------------------------------------------------
Q: What is the difference between LL reserved coach and reserved coach?
Answer from Cherylp3
LL Reserved coach is primarily for Handicapped Passengers.
It is the Lower Level, on the same level as the restrooms.
The LL compartment seats approx 20 people and if you are traveling at a slow time you may be able to spread out.
Also note in lower level each compartment is seperated so in order to walk you have to go upstairs to the main coach and walk through.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Q: How are Lower Level seats assigned?
Answer from Cherylp3:
In 2001, 2002 and 2003 - With lower level, you are not assigned specific seats until you check in at the train station. When you check in, you can request what seats you'd like.
If you don't - the person checking you in assigns your seats. Based upon how full the train is and if others have checked in before you will decide if your request can be met.
-------------------------
Q: Are the sleeper doors key locked?
-------------------------------------------------------------
Answer from DC7800
The doors latch from the inside only; there is no way to lock the door from the outside, and there is no key in any case. Though you should have nothing to worry about regardless, I suggest leaving everything possible in the (locked) car trunk, and keep anything of value out of sight in your carry-on luggage (or the trunk). Remember everyone is going the same place you are on a moving train, so it's not like someone can run off with your camcorder.
Answer from kbeverina
We were able to lock ours from the inside, but not by key.
-------------------------------------------------------
Ques. Did you notice if they offerred kid meal options?
-------------------------------------------------------
Answer from DC7800 - Yes
Answer from kbeverina
They don't specifically offer kid meal options, but in both coach and first class they offered chicken tenders and mac and cheese as an option. In coach they had meatloaf, country-fried chicken, and stuffed pasta shells as well. They also have ice cream and cakes, etc. to choose from for dessert. In first class they offered beef tenderloin tips, some other type of pasta, salmon, and roasted chicken with a sauce (they will serve without the sauces, though). They also had a salad in first class and I don't think they had one in coach. They had ice water on the table and my husband also had wine. They offered the kids milk or apple juice to drink. Later in the evening they had cookies, bananas and oranges set out for snacks--that was about 8:30. In the morning it was the same in first class and coach--orange juice, bagels, cereal, muffins, bananas.
----------------------------------------------------------
Ques. Did you have a difficult time arranging for a dinner seating?
----------------------------------------------------------
Answer from DC7800
You will do this before boarding, upon check-in. Of course, it is possible for one or more seatings to fill-up by the time the last passengers arrive at the terminal. So, if this is important to you try to arrive reasonably early (good advice in any case). You don't have to worry about not getting a seating at all, just that the more popular meal-times naturally go first, and (obviously) those dining cars carry a finite number of diners at one time.
Answer from kbeverina
Not at all. In fact we arrived at 2:45 on our return trip and were still able to get the earlier dining time. In coach they had 5pm, 7pm and 9pm, but ended up cancelling the 9pm because they could fit everyone in to the first two. In first class they had 5:30pm and 7:30pm.
-------------------------------------------------------
Q: Would you feel safe leaving a sleeping nine year old alone in the sleeper? My mom will be with him, and was wondering if she could go somewhere to read or just watch the scenery.
-----------------------------------------------------------
Answer from kbeverina
I guess it would depend on the 9 year-old and the location of the sleeper. The lounge cars are on the upper level and we were able to request what level when we checked in. I could explain to my son that I might be going down the hall to the lounge to read and that if he woke up and needed me to come down and get me--if your son wouldn't get panicky if he woke up alone, I personally would be fine with it. She should make sure he's comfortable with the doors going train to train if he would have to do that--it's a little intimidating for the kids at first. You walk up to the door, push a big button, and the door opens. Then you essentially hop between the cars and push another button to open the door to the next car. It's really loud and if you look down you can see daylight.
---------------------------------------------------
Q: Was the ride too bumpy? I've seen some complaints
-----------------------------------------------------
Answer from DC7800
It could probably be better, but there is almost nothing Amtrak can do about the conditon of the tracks over which Auto-Train operates. Most complaints seem to center on "side-to-side" motion of the train. You tend to get used to this, at least somewhat, after a short time on the train, and people sometimes exaggerate how bad it really is (I was just on the Silver Meteor (same route as Auto-Train) a few weeks ago. While far from the smoothest railroad I've seen, it was completely comfortable).
---------------------------------------------------
Answer from kbeverina
I personally am one who can sleep at the drop of a hat in the car--it didn't bother me at all. We had upper level on the way down and lower level on the way back. It seemed to me the upper level was bumpier.
---------------------------------------------------
Q: Was the experience as awesome as it sounds?
---------------------------------------------------
Answer from DC7800
There is an old saying that this is the only civilized way to travel. Oh, there are a few people who just can't seem to relax long enough to take 18 hours to get somewhere, but far more seem to enjoy the experience. Most people are familair with travel by car or plane and know what to expect, but far fewer really know what a train is anymore. Hence, they get upset when problems occur unique to the railroad. They are sometimes surprised by the size of the accomodations (that goes in both directions, by the way - larger than airline seats, but bedrooms the size of a twin bed), how the train moves, that they not only can get up and walk around the train anytime - they have to if they want to eat, or why "late trains get later" (it happens, unfortunately). But yes, it is certainly a wonderful experience, not to be missed.
----------------------------------------
Answer from kbeverina
We really enjoyed it and all would do it again if we needed to have our car with us. In this case, we were attending a conference and knew we would be bringing back a ton of stuff and we also wanted to try out Universal and go to Sea World. We have always flown before. Now that we've done sleepers, we are spoiled and would want to do that again. But if it was outrageously more expensive, we would be fine doing coach. The thing with coach, we were very lucky and had a nice group of people around us, very quiet, and lots of space to spread out--we each had two seats to ourselves. In fact, the kids were able to sleep very well because the foot rests that come up like a lazy-boy chair actually come up to the point that they're pointing upwards--we put them both that way to prevent them from rolling out while they were sleeping and they were able to stretch across the two seats--they looked so comfortable!
Personally, I didn't get much sleep in coach because I kept looking out the window, trying to figure out where we were. I was way too excited!
---------------------------------------------------
Links to Other threads with Autotrain information:
Mikelan6 wrote a trip report with pictures.
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1077041
Pictures of the Auto Train thread
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=418974
<b>Discussing Sleepers</b>
Upgrading to Sleepers
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=417763
Discusses first or send level
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=417241
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=392942
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=405339
Discussing Seat Configuration
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=349931
<b>Other Past threads</b>
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=373963
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=363678
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=401705