If you’ve ever dreamed of skipping the long drive down I-95 and instead letting a train carry both you and your car overnight, the Amtrak Auto Train might just be your answer. It’s the only train service in the U.S. where you can take your personal vehicle with you. Recently, I travelled on it from Lorton, Virginia (just outside Washington, D.C.) to Sanford, Florida (near Orlando) — and it was an adventure filled with delays, discoveries, and some unforgettable moments.
What is the Auto Train?
- Route: Lorton, VA ↔ Sanford, FL
- Distance: 855 miles
- Schedule: Departs once daily at 5:00 p.m. and arrives around 10:00 a.m. the next day
- Stops: None (nonstop service)
- Classes: Coach seats, roomettes, bedrooms, and deluxe options
- Meals: Dinner and breakfast included for sleeper passengers
It’s Amtrak’s most profitable service and also the longest passenger train in the U.S., often stretching nearly three-quarters of a mile.
Checking In: A Long Wait Before Boarding
I arrived in Lorton in plenty of time — or so I thought. You’re supposed to check in your car by 3:00 p.m. for the 5:00 p.m. departure. Instead, I was met with a half-mile traffic jam of cars waiting to enter the station.
No signs, no guidance, just confusion. At one point, desperate passengers even abandoned their vehicles to find bathrooms. By the time I handed over my keys, it was well past 5:00 p.m. — and we hadn’t even boarded yet.
Watching My Car Roll Onto the Train
Finally, just before 6:00 p.m., I spotted an Amtrak employee driving my car onto one of the specialized auto carriers. It was surreal seeing it roll away, knowing the next time I’d drive it would be in Florida.
My Private Bedroom on the Train
I splurged on a bedroom accommodation — Amtrak’s largest and most expensive option. Here’s what it included:
- A sofa that converted into a bed plus a fold-down upper bunk
- A small private bathroom with shower, sink, and toilet
- A closet, power outlets, and fold-out table
- Bottled water, towels, and basic amenities
Yes, it felt a bit dated and worn, but surprisingly comfortable. The shower was tight, but hot water and good pressure made it worthwhile.
Departure Delays
Instead of leaving at 5:00 p.m., our train finally pulled out closer to 9:00 p.m. Delays are common because the Auto Train shares freight tracks, and freight trains often get priority. That meant our scheduled 10:00 a.m. arrival in Florida was already out the window.
Dinner on the Auto Train
Here’s where things really went off the rails (pun intended). Dinner is served in the dining car, but it’s done in staggered seatings by groups. My ticket was for “Group 3.”
- Group 1 ate around 7:30 p.m.
- Group 2 didn’t get called until after 10:30 p.m.
- My group? We weren’t seated until nearly midnight.
By then, I was starving. The options were steak, chicken, salmon, or pasta. I ordered the salmon, which was surprisingly tasty — but the service system was painfully slow. For a train carrying 500+ passengers, this setup just doesn’t work well.
Overnight on the Train
Despite the rocky start, once I settled in, the ride was quiet, smooth, and surprisingly cozy. The rhythmic sound of the rails rocked me to sleep, and the bed was comfortable enough. I even tried the shower before bed — not easy in such a small space, but manageable.
Breakfast and the Morning Ride
By 7:00 a.m., announcements for breakfast began. Unlike dinner, breakfast was grab-and-go style or sit-down in the dining car. Coffee flowed endlessly, which helped make up for the late-night dinner fiasco.
By mid-morning, we were rolling through the swamps of South Carolina and Georgia. Watching the scenery drift by while sipping coffee was one of the highlights of the trip.
Arrival in Florida (Seven Hours Late)
We were supposed to arrive in Sanford at 10:00 a.m. Instead, we rolled in around 5:00 p.m. — over seven hours behind schedule. And then came another wait: retrieving the car. Passengers are given numbered tags, and vehicles are unloaded one by one. Mine didn’t appear until about an hour later.
When the tag finally came off my car, it was almost exactly 24 hours since I had handed over the keys in Virginia.
Final Thoughts on the Auto Train
Would I do it again? Yes — but with lower expectations.
Pros:
- Unique experience (only train in the U.S. that carries cars)
- Comfortable private rooms with beds and showers
- Scenic, relaxing ride compared to I-95 traffic
- Meals included with sleeper accommodations
Cons:
- Long delays are common (arrival was 7+ hours late)
- Dinner service is inefficient and painfully slow
- Outdated cabins (functional, but well-worn)
- Car retrieval adds more waiting time after arrival
For me, it was worth it just to avoid driving 855 miles and to enjoy the novelty of taking my car on a train. But if you’re in a rush or expect flawless service, you’ll likely be frustrated.
In the end, the Auto Train is a quintessential Amtrak experience: a little chaotic, sometimes exasperating, but also memorable, charming, and uniquely American.
Ready to Book Your Amtrak Auto Train Reservation?
Skip the long drive and travel in comfort with your car on board. Call (888)-862-2075 now to book your Amtrak Auto Train reservation today!