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Post by rwethereyet on Jan 17, 2023 17:24:44 GMT -5
I posted this over in MO's but thought I would ask here as well.
I have been watching a lot of YouTubes on the AutoTrain from Lorton, Va to Sanford, Florida, and it had really piqued my interest. My problem is that I would have to drive North to Lorton (about 3.5 - 4 hours) to board a train that would then take me south. That sounds a little counter intuitive, but I am looking at it more for the experience than anything else--well and to save the stress of driving about another 5 hours or so. I would like to arrive in Fl feeling refreshed, not worn out.
Anyone done this trip before?
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Post by M2JRA on Jan 17, 2023 17:36:44 GMT -5
Yes! We have taken the AutoTrain several times over the past 10 years. We have been in coach (upper level), family bedroom, bedroom, and roomette. Generally speaking, the AT does not save time over driving, nor does it save money over flying, but it can have its benefits. We tried it as a way to save a good chunk of driving (from upstate NY), being that we wanted to have our vehicle with us in WDW. And, trains are fun! However, we have seen a general decline in services over the years, along with an increase in price. This has been disappointing, and we've not used it in a couple of years. DH and I are giving it another chance this April, though (one-way, roomette). Feel free to ask questions and I'll do my best to answer!
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Post by helenabear on Jan 17, 2023 18:48:11 GMT -5
My in-laws did when they moved to Tampa. Granted they lived in Alexandria at the time (after living in Lorton for years). It was slow. It was delayed. They got there, but they really weren't relaxed at all. Not sure I'd want to do it if I had a 4 hour drive prior to that. That was them though.
And please post duplicates here. With the spam bots coming in and taking over 10 year old usernames I am honestly thinking of changing my password and logging out entirely there soon.
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Post by richviii on Jan 17, 2023 21:54:29 GMT -5
The last time my family did it. I think we all envisioned it more like riding the rails, enjoying the scenery and relaxing. It was just okay. It’s not the romantic picture I think we all imagine. I take the train to NYC and it serves a great purpose. The other thing is the time around getting there to get your car loaded and unloaded on the backend. And rail car dining is well… not glamorous.
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Post by rwethereyet on Jan 18, 2023 9:49:33 GMT -5
Well, I will be retired whenever I do this, so the time factor is not an issue for me. I think I also see this as a deciding factor if I wish to take a more "scenic" train trip on down the road.
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Post by bakerworld on Jan 18, 2023 10:27:13 GMT -5
The auto train is a great assist for people relocating whose belongings will fit in the car. When our eldest moved to Florida twice, once for the College Program and then to become a teacher, she was only taking clothes with some mementos so the auto train worked well both times. The biggest program, for us, with the auto train is to access it we have to go thru the worst part of the drive to Florida so DH would just prefer to drive with a stopover for the night.
We used the auto train once. The ticket includes - or did before covid - beverages, snacks, dinner and breakfast, and an evening movie. However, just to travel to Florida there's no incentive, in our opinion.
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Post by Brian5581 on Jan 18, 2023 13:09:32 GMT -5
The auto train is a great assist for people relocating whose belongings will fit in the car. When our eldest moved to Florida twice, once for the College Program and then to become a teacher, she was only taking clothes with some mementos so the auto train worked well both times. Exactly what I used it for to get down here from New Jersey. Served the purpose but not something I would typically choose for the future if I could avoid it. Of course definitely helps not to ever ride again with mandatory masking (other than eating/drinking or "eating/drinking"...) so I'd give it another shot for fairness. Perhaps... |
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