Thanks goes to NRPax for this latest article on what it’s like to take the Auto Train
We just got back from vacation, and I wanted to report on the experience while it’s still relatively fresh. This time around, we decided to try the Auto Train as something different.
The train itself is impressive. It’s about one mile long and capable of hauling up to 320 vehicles. You arrive at the station starting at noon and over the next three hours, the vehicles are loaded up while you wait to board. Typical departure is around 5 and the trip itself takes about 17 hours. With those basic facts out of the way…
Cons
When I do reviews, I prefer starting with the bad parts. It’s easy to hype up the trip while glossing over the rough parts and I would rather avoid that.
1. The cost.
We had a room which did boost the ticket price. But after sitting down and looking things over, the cost of driving to an airport, flying to your destination and getting a rental car is about the same.
2. Travel time.
Seventeen hours with no stops. Your best bet is get a book or two and pass the time that way.
3. A bit cramped.
We had the family room which is the width of the car and even then, it felt a bit small.
4. No security.
You cannot lock your room from the outside. And obviously if you are sitting in coach, you don’t have a secure place for valuables. If you’re as paranoid as I am, plan accordingly.
5. The car conditions.
This is going to make me sound a bit snobbish but hear me out. This line is one of the most profitable on Amtrak’s services. Having seen videos of first-class train service out in Japan, the cars in America are a bit of a letdown. The cushions and the beds are quite hard, there was one outlet in the room to FL and that was at chest level. The interior and the carpets are showing their age, but the staff is very good at keeping them clean.
Pros
But despite all those concerns, there were a lot of good things.
1. Travel was smooth.
If you have ever been on 95 at any time, you know that it is hell to travel on. The train removes that problem and even though the average speed is 50 mph, you’re doing better than the folks stuck on the road.
2. The attendants.
As I said, we got a room for the trip. More on that later. One of the nice things about it is that it comes with an attendant for the car. From the turn down of the beds to answering your questions, they are on standby for you.
3. The food
Trains and planes have really improved the food service and it shows. The seating mashes you close together but you do have limited space to work with.
4. The arrival.
Things are pretty efficient when you get to the stations. The auto haulers get decoupled, and you wait in the station for your vehicle to arrive. Some rough spots in VA, but it was still pretty well done. You aren’t dealing with the hassle of a rental car and you’re on the road quickly.
Final thoughts.
I recommend it for the experience and as a neat way to travel but there are few things you should consider before trying it.
1. Get a room.
Seriously, I can’t stress this enough. You’re on a train for that long, you’ll want some comfort. The offerings are roomette (Smallest offering that supposedly fits two, but I’d recommend only one person at a time), the room (More spacious, can fit two. But the beds are one upper bunk and one lower.) and the family room (Fits up to four, a lot more privacy but see my comments about the bed.). If you’re a vet, use the discount without shame.
2. Choose priority boarding.
There are 30 slots available for vehicles that will get offboarded first. Splurge on that because otherwise you will be waiting up to two hours for your car to be delivered.
3. You can bring food and alcohol.
For those of us who indulge, you can bring your own alcohol on the car if you have a room. Take advantage of it.
4. Make sure your carry on has everything you need.
Obviously, you aren’t getting back to your car once it’s loaded so make sure you have what you need. As I said, it was fun. We’re debating whether or not we do this again or fly out but at least we know what it’s like.
