Auto Train to Florida

[Marauder]

Anyone ever taken the Auto Train? I'm thinking of taking a little trip with the MM to Florida this summer and was going to take the Auto Train...for a few resons. 1, reduced mileage on the car; 2, price is as cheap as flying and renting a car for a week; 3, I love taking trains. :D

Opinions? Recommendations?


If I decide to go, anyone wanna meet up while I'm there? I'm aiming to be in Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and possibly the Keys.

[Bluerauder]

Anyone ever taken the Auto Train? I'm thinking of taking a little trip with the MM to Florida this summer and was going to take the Auto Train...for a few resons. 1, reduced mileage on the car; 2, price is as cheap as flying and renting a car for a week; 3, I love taking trains. :D

Opinions? Recommendations?
I was all booked and ready to go on the Auto Train to Marauderville IV last November. Unfortunately I got sick and had to cancel the trip. Plan was to ride the train down and drive back. One way is pretty expensive. Better deal to go round trip. Our plans included 2 people, the MM and a sleepette compartment.

I considered the train for the same reasons that you did mileage, gas, and time. But, part of the consideration was just to do it and make it part of the overall "vacation" experience.

My son did an Auto Train down-and-back last summer for a Royal Carribbean Cruise. He recommended it highly ... although he said that he did have a little trouble sleeping on the train. His recommendation factored very heavily into my decision to take the train to MV IV. He's my travel and automotive advisor --- got the MM on his urging and recommendation. :D

The Auto Train is really convenient for me, since I live about 4 miles from the Virginia station.

[Hotrauder]

Marauder, you might PM MaLo03, Eggie works for Amtrac and can get you what ever info you might need. He is a great guy and will help. Dennis:D

[Badger]

I took the auto train with my E150 about 5 years ago. We got two sleeping compartments (two adults and two kids) which had a removable section between the rooms. Voila! One large room with toilet and shower!
Using the E150 had it's benefits even though we paid more for an oversized vehicle. Our van was the third car off when we got down to Orlando. We were on the road by 0900. Key Largo in the early afternoon with enough time to swim with the manatees :D

I'm traveling down there this next week...all the way down to Key West. Didn't do the autotrain because my V-Hicle is a rental and travel cost are already factored in.
The AutoTrain is expensive but I plan on doing it again for the experience. Much more relaxing then taking my &^#%* shoes off for the "security" at airports and trying to explain to security guards what a SCUBA regulator is...dumb a$$es and where is your knife. When on vacation I enjoy the process of gettin' there vs the instant I'm there feeling you get with air travel at least for East Coast CONUS travel.

[Marauder]

I took the auto train with my E150 about 5 years ago. We got two sleeping compartments (two adults and two kids) which had a removable section between the rooms. Voila! One large room with toilet and shower!
Using the E150 had it's benefits even though we paid more for an oversized vehicle. Our van was the third car off when we got down to Orlando. We were on the road by 0900. Key Largo in the early afternoon with enough time to swim with the manatees :D

I'm traveling down there this next week...all the way down to Key West. Didn't do the autotrain because my V-Hicle is a rental and travel cost are already factored in.
The AutoTrain is expensive but I plan on doing it again for the experience. Much more relaxing then taking my &^#%* shoes off for the "security" at airports and trying to explain to security guards what a SCUBA regulator is...dumb a$$es and where is your knife. When on vacation I enjoy the process of gettin' there vs the instant I'm there feeling you get with air travel at least for East Coast CONUS travel.

When I priced the auto train, the price was very close to flying and renting a car for a week and since I plan to be there two weeks, it should be cheaper.

[Drewstang]

Where can I find info on the Auto Train? This sounds like a great idea for a trip to Vegas. I don't do planes.

[Cobra25]

Please give us a shout before you come down so some of us can meet up with you. Your always Welcome Here!

[Cheeseheadbob]

The Auto Train only runs from Northern Virginia to Sanford, Florida.
Where can I find info on the Auto Train? This sounds like a great idea for a trip to Vegas. I don't do planes.

[Marauder]

Please give us a shout before you come down so some of us can meet up with you. Your always Welcome Here!

Thanks. :) I'm aiming for Late July into Early August.

Where in South FL are you?

[MENINBLK]

The Autotrain is a great ride.
I did it back in 2001 with my son.
He LOVED watching the cars getting loaded up
and the train being assembled.

GREAT EXPERIENCE !!!

You get Dinner, and Breakfast and there is a snack booth
on the lower deck of the Observation car.
Train departed at 4 pm from Lorton, Va.
Arrived at 9 am in Sanford, FL.

[Marauder]

The Autotrain is a great ride.
I did it back in 2001 with my son.
He LOVED watching the cars getting loaded up
and the train being assembled.

GREAT EXPERIENCE !!!

You get Dinner, and Breakfast and there is a snack booth
on the lower deck of the Observation car.
Train departed at 4 pm from Lorton, Va.
Arrived at 9 am in Sanford, FL.


Coooool. Looks like you guys made my decision. :banana:

[Cobra25]

Thanks. :) I'm aiming for Late July into Early August.

Where in South FL are you? West of Hollywood not far from Fort Lauderdale. Every Friday alot of us go to the Tower Shops in Davie, Please let us know when you in our neck of the woods! Your always welcome to Come Join us to hang out and dinner.

[Marauder]

West of Hollywood not far from Fort Lauderdale. Every Friday alot of us go to the Tower Shops in Davie, Please let us know when you in our neck of the woods! Your always welcome to Come Join us to hang out and dinner.

Coool....I just may join you guys.

[Haggis]

Thanks. :) I'm aiming for Late July into Early August.

Where in South FL are you?

Your going to miss MVV!!!! :eek:

[Marauder]

Your going to miss MVV!!!! :eek:

Oh crap...August 2-5.

Well, how 'bout this? Maybe I can take the auto train up on the 1st-2nd with the FL guys going up. I can move my trip up a bit so I can spend the last days of my vacation at MVV. :D

[Haggis]

Oh crap...August 2-5.

Well, how 'bout this? Maybe I can take the auto train up on the 1st-2nd with the FL guys going up. I can move my trip up a bit so I can spend the last days of my vacation at MVV. :D

Sounds good to me. ;)

[Cobra25]

Coool....I just may join you guys. The Door is always open !