Business & Finance
Amtrak Auto Train allows passengers, and their cars, to easily travel from Central Florida
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Published in Travel and Leisure on Monday, August 11th 2025 at 6:13 GMT by Florida Today🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Looking to get up north but don't want to drive or fly? Let the Amtrak Auto Train take you and your car. Where to get it, how long it takes.
Amtrak's Auto Train: A Hassle-Free Way to Travel from Florida to Virginia with Your Car
For travelers looking to escape the long, tedious drive from Florida to the Washington, D.C. area, Amtrak's Auto Train offers a unique and convenient alternative. Operating between Sanford, Florida, and Lorton, Virginia, this specialized rail service allows passengers to bring their vehicles along for the ride, eliminating the need to drive approximately 900 miles while still arriving with their car ready to go. The route, which has been in service for decades, caters especially to snowbirds, families, and anyone seeking a more relaxed journey without the stress of interstate highways, traffic jams, or fuel stops.
The Auto Train departs daily from Sanford, located just north of Orlando, and heads north to Lorton, about 20 miles south of Washington, D.C. The southbound trip follows the same schedule in reverse. Trains typically leave in the mid-afternoon, around 4 p.m., and arrive the following morning by about 9 a.m., making it an overnight adventure that covers the distance in roughly 17 hours. This timing is designed to maximize comfort, allowing passengers to board, settle in, enjoy dinner, and wake up refreshed at their destination. Unlike standard Amtrak routes, the Auto Train is dedicated solely to this service, with no intermediate stops, ensuring a direct and efficient trip.
One of the standout features of the Auto Train is its ability to transport vehicles. Passengers can load their cars, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, or even small boats onto specially designed auto carriers attached to the train. This is particularly appealing for those who want to avoid the wear and tear on their vehicle from a long road trip, not to mention the savings on gas, tolls, and potential hotel stays. Amtrak handles the loading and unloading process, with staff ensuring vehicles are securely fastened. There are size and weight restrictions—standard cars must be under a certain height and length to fit—but most personal vehicles qualify. For an extra fee, priority offloading can be arranged to get your car back faster upon arrival.
Onboard, the experience is more akin to a cruise than a typical train ride. The train consists of double-decker Superliner cars, offering a range of accommodations from coach seats to private sleeping rooms. Coach class provides spacious reclining seats with ample legroom, footrests, and large windows for scenic views of the passing countryside, including glimpses of rural Georgia and the Carolinas. For those seeking more luxury, roomettes and bedrooms come with convertible beds, private toilets, and showers in some cases. Family bedrooms can accommodate up to four people, making it ideal for groups. A dedicated attendant service ensures needs are met throughout the journey.
Dining is another highlight. Complimentary meals are included for sleeping car passengers, featuring a traditional dining car with white-tablecloth service for dinner and breakfast. Menus often include options like steak, salmon, or vegetarian dishes, accompanied by salads, desserts, and beverages. Coach passengers can purchase meals in the dining car or opt for lighter fare in the lounge car. Speaking of the lounge, it's a social hub with panoramic windows, comfortable seating, and a café offering snacks, drinks, and even wine tastings on select evenings. Entertainment includes movies shown in the lounge, and the overall atmosphere encourages mingling with fellow travelers, many of whom share stories of past trips or reasons for choosing the train over flying or driving.
Pricing varies based on accommodation type, travel dates, and whether you're bringing a vehicle. A one-way coach ticket for an adult might start around $100, plus about $200-$300 for a standard vehicle. Sleeping accommodations can push the total to $500 or more per person, but deals are often available, especially for seniors, military personnel, or through Amtrak's rewards program. Booking in advance is recommended, as the service is popular, particularly during peak seasons like winter when Floridians head north or summer vacations. Amtrak's website or app makes reservations straightforward, with options to select specific rooms or vehicle spots.
Travelers should note a few practical tips. Arrival at the station is required several hours early—typically by 2 p.m. for a 4 p.m. departure—to allow time for vehicle inspection and loading. Baggage is limited, but since your car is with you, extra items can be stored there. Pets are not allowed in passenger areas but can travel in vehicles under certain conditions. The train is accessible for those with disabilities, with wheelchair-friendly cars and assistance available.
Beyond convenience, the Auto Train promotes sustainability by reducing the number of cars on the road, cutting emissions compared to individual drives. Riders often praise the scenic route, which winds through less-traveled areas, offering a glimpse of America's heartland that highways bypass. For families, it's a fun novelty—kids love the idea of "sleeping on a train"—and for retirees, it's a low-stress way to relocate seasonally without the fatigue of driving.
In recent years, Amtrak has invested in upgrades to the Auto Train, including refreshed interiors and improved Wi-Fi, though connectivity can be spotty in rural areas. The service faced disruptions during the pandemic but has rebounded strongly, with high demand reflecting a growing interest in alternative travel modes amid rising fuel costs and environmental concerns. Whether you're heading to D.C. for sightseeing, visiting family in the Northeast, or simply avoiding I-95 traffic, the Auto Train provides a blend of nostalgia, comfort, and practicality that's hard to beat.
For those new to the experience, passenger reviews highlight the camaraderie onboard, with many forming temporary friendships over shared meals. One rider described it as "like a moving hotel where your car tags along." Another noted the relief of arriving rested, ready to drive the final short leg to their destination. If you're planning a trip between Florida and the mid-Atlantic, consider ditching the driver's seat for a train berth—it's a journey that turns travel time into leisure time.
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