Post by M2JRA on Jun 7, 2023 10:36:06 GMT -5
PSA for those who may want to try the AutoTrain: Amtrak is running a promo where coach fares are as low as $19 each way. You do have to pay for the vehicle separately (that's how they always do their pricing: you select the number of travelers and the accommodations, then add the vehicle). Sorry I'm sending this so late, as tomorrow (6/8) is the last day to purchase and it's for trips through Sept. 4.
The AT has its pros and cons, which could be discussed in a separate thread. My family has travelled by AT a number of times over the past 15 years and generally we have seen a decline in service with an increase in cost. Nevertheless, we have used it on occasion, depending on circumstances. Most recently, DH and I took the AT to FL in April in a roomette and DH could not sleep in the upper bunk (he could get into it ok, but once up there could not get comfortable enough to sleep), so we have decided no more roomettes for us. Our trip in July we are driving with one DD from NY, picking up a second DD in Bethesda, MD along the way. When this sale came out, we decided to book AT as an opportunity to try Lower Level Coach. We travelled in Upper Level Coach once and did not like it (too many people sneezing, snoring, etc. and walking through the car, as the cars connect on the upper level). So we will try lower level and see how that goes. It's half as many people (due to the other half of the lower level of each car being storage and restrooms), and no one should be passing through. The rail fare for four adults round-trip is $152 - can't beat it! Buuuuut, then we have to add our car, which is an Infiniti crossover and thus "oversized," so the car alone is $550.
Still pretty good, though, as the all-in for four adults round-trip is $702 ($175.50pp).
Here's a link (I hope this is ok): www.amtrak.com/promotions/auto-train-sale.html?cmp=eml-29327591-June2023-MayJuneAutoTrainFlashSaleLastChance-Hero-AGR
The AT has its pros and cons, which could be discussed in a separate thread. My family has travelled by AT a number of times over the past 15 years and generally we have seen a decline in service with an increase in cost. Nevertheless, we have used it on occasion, depending on circumstances. Most recently, DH and I took the AT to FL in April in a roomette and DH could not sleep in the upper bunk (he could get into it ok, but once up there could not get comfortable enough to sleep), so we have decided no more roomettes for us. Our trip in July we are driving with one DD from NY, picking up a second DD in Bethesda, MD along the way. When this sale came out, we decided to book AT as an opportunity to try Lower Level Coach. We travelled in Upper Level Coach once and did not like it (too many people sneezing, snoring, etc. and walking through the car, as the cars connect on the upper level). So we will try lower level and see how that goes. It's half as many people (due to the other half of the lower level of each car being storage and restrooms), and no one should be passing through. The rail fare for four adults round-trip is $152 - can't beat it! Buuuuut, then we have to add our car, which is an Infiniti crossover and thus "oversized," so the car alone is $550.
Still pretty good, though, as the all-in for four adults round-trip is $702 ($175.50pp). Here's a link (I hope this is ok): www.amtrak.com/promotions/auto-train-sale.html?cmp=eml-29327591-June2023-MayJuneAutoTrainFlashSaleLastChance-Hero-AGR
