The Auto Train: Five Planning Tips to Transport Your Car, Your Things and You by Amtrak to Florida

You want to go to Orlando to see the theme parks,the Auto Train.
entertainment and shopping.  But flying is such a 
hassle with airport security, full planes (full of kids) andThree:  You have a choice of a comfortable Coach
having to rent a car since the attractions are soseat or a private sleeping car room on the Auto
spread out in Orlando.  Driving I-95?  Forget it.  TheTrain.  Coach class on Amtrak is an upgrade from
congestion and stress of the interstate will significantlyregular airplane seating.  You will be seated in a wide,
reduce your ability to relax and unwind.comfortable, reclining seat with fold-down trays and
 individual reading lights.  There will be an electrical
The best alternative is to take the Amtrak Autooutlet at your seat.  If you choose sleeping
Train.  You load your things in your car, load your caraccommodations, your seat at the beginning of the trip
on the train and sit back and relax.  You may actuallybecomes your bed at night.  You will be provided
enjoy the journey as much as the destination!bottled water, morning wake-up service including
 coffee, tea and orange juice and all necessary
Here are five tips/hints for effectively traveling to/frombedding.  A wash basin, toilet and shower are either in
Florida by Amtrak Auto Train:your room or nearby in the car.  There are five types
 of accommodations ranging from two person
One:  The Auto Train runs from Lorton, Virginia toRoomettes to four people Bedroom Suites.  There
Sanford, Florida.  Lorton is 25 miles south ofare also Accessible Bedrooms that are designed for
Washington, DC.  The exciting Civil War sites andpassengers with mobility impairments and their
beautiful golf courses of Virginia and Maryland arecompanions.
within a couple of hours of the Lorton terminal.  
Historic Williamsburg, VA is only three hours away. Four:  You are encouraged to explore the train while
At the other end, Sanford is less than an hour froma passenger!  All passengers receive a
the Central Florida attractions and golfing.  You cancomplimentary, delicious sit-down dinner in the Dining
get to either the east coast or Gulf coast beachesCar that includes a choice of regional wines, vegetarian
within two hours from Sanford.  Either way you go,offerings and special meals for kids.  In the morning, a
the train leaves at 4:00 pm and arrives the nextcontinental breakfast is served in the Dining Car.  The
morning at 9:30 am.Lounge Car is open throughout the trip and offers
 snacks and drinks at an additional cost.  Also, the
Two:  The Auto Train carries more than cars andLounge Car offers feature movies on upgraded
people.  You can also put SUVs, motorcycles, andscreens!
trailer campers of limited size on the train.  Amtrak 
begins to accept vehicles at 11:30 am.  Regular carsFive:  It is extremely important to make advanced
must be checked in by 3:00 pm and oversizedreservations for transportation on the Auto Car.  For
vehicles and motorcycles must be checked in by 2:00families traveling together, children ages 2 to 15 always
pm.  Since there is no checked luggage on the Autoreceive a 50% discount on the lowest available adult
Train, you should put everything except your overnightfare.  Infants under two ride free!  By buying your
bag in your car before checking it in.  You can havetickets early, you may be able to receive discounted
two carry-on items per person.  Unfortunately, petsadvance purchase fares or special fares for students
that are not trained service animals are not allowed onand seniors.