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Are you ready to embark on a journey where the convenience of road travel meets the comfort of train transportation? Look no further than the daily Amtrak Auto Train – your ticket to adventures along the Eastern Seaboard. In this blog post, we’ll explore the Amtrak Auto Train and its schedule, offering insights into this unique service.

This article provides a guide to traveling between Virginia and Florida by train with your car. It covers accommodations, food, and the Auto Train schedule/timetable.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or embarking on your first Amtrak adventure, this blog post will serve as a guide to the Amtrak Auto Train schedule. Get ready to discover a new dimension of travel as we delve into the world of the Amtrak Auto Train.

Station Hours

The Auto Train operates between two stations, Lorton and Sanford. Each station is open from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, though these hours may vary due to delays.

The Amtrak Auto Train Stations address:

• Lorton Station: 8006 Lorton Road, Lorton, VA 22079
• Sanford Station: 600 South Persimmon Avenue, Sanford, FL 32771-2385
  • Road construction is currently taking place around this station.
  • For more information, please refer to Amtrak’s notice.

On-time performance of Amtrak’s Auto Train

The Auto Train runs on 839 miles of CSX track and 16 miles of Florida East Coast Railway track.

• Auto Train’s passenger on-time performance
  • For December 2024, the Auto Train was on time 40.2% of the time, with an average delay of 116 minutes.
  • From December 2023 to 2024, the train averaged 48.7% off on-time performance with an average delay of 109 minutes.

Major causes for delays include freight train interference, slow order delays, and commuter train interference.

Information for this section comes from the December 2024 Amtrak’s host railroad report.

Booking a Trip on the Auto Train

If you’re planning a trip along the East Coast, consider taking Amtrak’s Auto Train to start or end your journey.

Booking the Auto Train is easy and can be done in four ways: by visiting Amtrak’s Auto Train booking page, using the Amtrak App, stopping by the Auto Train Stations, or calling 1-877-SKIP-I-95, the dedicated phone number for the Auto Train.

If you book over the phone, use this number instead of the regular Amtrak number.

Can I Make an Auto Train Reservation Without a Vehicle?

To book a ticket on Amtrak’s Auto Train, you must include a vehicle, such as a car, truck, SUV, or motorcycle. If you don’t have a vehicle, you must be on a reservation with someone who does.

This requirement exists because the Auto Train doesn’t connect to other trains or public transportation, making it inaccessible to travelers without vehicles.

The Auto Train Vehicle Boarding Times

This train has two schedules: one for checking in your car and the other for your time on the rails!

Remember: You must get to the station early because there is a firm check-in cut-off!

Vehicle Type	Check-in begins	Check-in Ends
Standard Vehicles	11:30 am	11:30 am
Extended Vehicles	11:30 am	2:30 pm
Two-Wheeled Motorcycles	11:30 am	2:30 pm
Special and Prohibited Vehicles	11:30 am	2:00 pm

For more information, check out Auto Train Vehicle & Check-In Requirements.

Auto Train Schedule

If the Auto Train is ready early, CSX may allow the train to depart before the scheduled time.

South Bound Read Down	Stations	Miles	North Bound Last stop
4:00p	Lorton, VA – Auto Train Station (LOR)	0	8:59a
8:59a	Sanford, FL – Auto Train Station (SFA)	855	4:00p
Last Stop	Stations	Miles	Read Up

The Other Auto Train “Stop.”

The Auto train makes a service stop in Florance, SC, where the locomotives get refueled, and the conductors and engineers change.

This stop is usually a chance for passengers to stretch their legs, but before leaving the train, check with the conductors or attendants to find out how much time you have.

If you decide to step off the train, stay nearby. The train departs soon after the refueling and crew changes.

The engineer usually signals the departure with a horn toot, and the conductors give you the all-aboard before the train leaves. If you miss the departure, your car will travel without you, delaying your trip. You may even have to wait 24 hours for the next train and explain to Amtrak why you missed your ride. Your car could get lonely traveling without you.

Baggage on the Auto Train

The Auto Train does not offer checked baggage service, as your vehicle is your baggage car.

Therefore, I suggest bringing only essential items on board, such as medications, a change of clothing, toiletries, chargers, an extension cord, and some snacks and beverages. Additionally, bring extra cash to purchase refreshments from the café car and some entertainment to keep you occupied during the journey.

Coach Seating on the Amtrak Auto Train

Coach class on the Auto Train offers amenities designed for a comfortable journey.

Amtrak offers coach-class passengers a reclining seat with ample legroom, a fold-down tray, foot and leg rests, and individual reading lights. The back pocket of each seat houses 120v grounded (three-prong) outlets, and luggage storage is available overhead.

Upper- and lower-level seating options offer a pleasant and relaxing travel experience.

Coach passengers have access to a cafe car but not a dining car.

Sleeper Car (Rooms) on the Auto Train

There are several advantages to getting a room on the train; here are a few things to consider.

• Amenities: Enjoy meals, pillows, fresh linens, and towels as part of your reservation.
• Dedicated Service: A car attendant will assist you and your fellow passengers in the sleeping car throughout your journey.
• Convenient Room Features:
  • At least one outlet and a table between the seats.
  • Many tables include a built-in checkered board—bring chess or checkers pieces for entertainment.
  • There is room, reading, and nightlights in each room.
• Access to Showers: Bedrooms feature private, in-room showers, while other sleeping accommodations provide shared shower facilities.
• Storage Options: Rooms include spaces to hang jackets and clothes, with hangers provided for convenience.

Types of Rooms Offered on Amtrak’s Auto Train

The following information provides details about the different types of rooms available for travelers:

• Roomette: a room type that is great for solo travelers or a cozy fit for two people.
  • It is available on both the upper and lower levels.
• Bedroom: The bedroom is on the upper level and can accommodate up to two people.
  • A suite is also available.
• Family Bedroom: A room on the lower level can accommodate two adults and two children.
• Accessible Room: A room for travelers with mobility issues and their companions.
  • If you require an accessible room, please call to reserve it in advance.

The Auto Train is the only train that has regular and deluxe sleepers.

Amtrak Auto Train Sleeper Car Layout

Deluxe Sleeper on the Auto Train

Accessibility on This Train

If you have mobility issues, you have two options on this train.

If you want to ride coach class, lower-level seats are on the same level as the bathrooms. However, if you need something from the cafe, you may need help.

Those who want a sleeper room have a few options depending on their needs. If you do not have a scooter, you could get a lower-level roomette or reserve the Accessible bedroom, depending on your needs. You will need to call Amtrak to reserve an accessible room, and they are limited.

When booking, make sure Amtrak knows you need assistance and make sure you review the Amtrak accessible service page.

See Where Your Room or Coach Car is on the Auto Train.

Couch passengers receive seat assignments on the day of travel, while those with sleeping accommodations receive their room and car number upon reservation completion.

Food on the Amtrak Auto Train

The food options available during your train journey will depend on your accommodation.

If you are a coach passenger, you can access the cafe car but not the dining car. Sleeping passengers can access both.

Cafe Car

One of my favorite activities on a train journey is walking to the cafe car for a special treat, meal, or beverage. 

You can bring your food and drinks on board the train. However, Amtrak cannot store or heat the food your food, so please plan accordingly. 

Please note that you can only consume alcohol that you brought on board in your sleeping accommodation. If traveling in a coach, please leave the alcohol in your car.

The cafe car offers hot and cold meal options, snacks, and a variety of hot, cold, and alcoholic beverages. Playing cards can also be a fun way to pass the time on your journey.

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Meals for Auto Train sleeper car passengers

Passengers traveling in sleeping cars on Amtrak trains can enjoy traditional dining meals prepared by the chef. They can eat in the dining car in their rooms. 

The meals include non-alcoholic beverages and hot and cold breakfast options. The dinner menu comprises a main course, a roll, a salad, and a dessert. Additionally, the first adult beverage is on Amtrak.

DIRECTION	CITY SECTIONS	Sleeper Meals
#52 Northbound	Sanford, FL – Lorton, VA	Dinner & Breakfast
#53 Southbound	Lorton, VA – Sanford, FL	Dinner & Breakfast

Vehicle Requirements for Amtrak Auto Train

The family car will fit on the train if it is average-sized, but there are auto restrictions, and every vehicle needs a reservation.

Factory-model automobiles, vans, trucks, SUVs, and two-wheel motorcycles can ride on the Auto Train. Dual-wheel vehicles, gull wings, or scissor doors are prohibited. Unique cars are allowed with some limitations.

Special Vehicles

Each Auto Train allows for a limited number of specialized vehicles for a fee. Amtrak may accept small trailers, limousines, jet skis, trikes, and choppers.

Can-Am motorcycles, Rewaco trikes, and Polaris Slingshots are not permitted.

To book a trip with a unique vehicle, call 1-877-SKIP-I-95 (1-877-754-7495).

Does your vehicle include a rack on the roof or at the rear?

Roof-mounted racks are permitted if they are factory-installed and remain empty during the trip. Temporary luggage or bicycle racks attached to the roof are not allowed. Roof-mounted ones will count toward your vehicle’s maximum height requirements.

Bicycle racks must be attached to the back of the vehicle only. Bicycles are not allowed on board. Amtrak requires you to sign a loss or damage waiver for bicycles transported on the car’s rear. Bikes and racks count toward your vehicle’s maximum length and width requirements.

Luggage racks must be removed by you from the top of your vehicle and stored inside the car before check-in.

Tips from Amtrak For You And Your Car

Amtrak suggests a few things for you to make a better trip.

• Give yourself enough time to arrive at the station, considering traffic considerations surrounding D.C. and Orlando. The check-in times are not exceptions.
• Pack a carry-on bag with your valuables, medication, and what you need for the night.
  • Leave your suitcase in the car, but bring a carry-on bag for your trip.
  • The Auto Train has no checked baggage service.
  • You will not have access to your car during the journey.
• Deactivate the car alarm system before you drop off your car.
  • Failure to do so may result in a dead battery if your alarm goes off en route.
• Consider Priority Offloading, ensuring your vehicle will be one of the first 30 off the train upon arrival.
  • Subject to availability,
  • Priority Offloading is available when you purchase your ticket or during check-in at the station.

Check the official Amtrak Auto Train page for the most up-to-date vehicle information.

First-time Rider Tips!

If this is your first time traveling on the Auto train, there are a few times to remember.

You must be early! There is a firm cut-off when loading cars on this train, and if you are not in line, you may get turned away. Also, check to make sure your vehicle meets the requirements.

Leave things in your truck.

Since this is a single-night train, you only need a small overnight bag with a change of clothing, toiletries, chargers, entertainment, and a great attitude.

Different accommodations provide different dining options. Passengers in sleeper accommodations can access traditional dining, while coach passengers must bring money for the cafe car. While it’s okay for all passengers to get extra food or drinks, only those in sleeper cars can consume alcoholic beverages in their rooms.

Auto Train Quick FAQs

Why doesn’t the Auto Train have a baggage car? Passengers can keep their luggage in their vehicles, so checking bags is unnecessary.

What type of rail car does Amtrak use? Amtrak uses standard auto rack cars to transport vehicles. These cars are not climate-controlled but covered and have ventilation holes.

If You Have Questions About the Amtrak Auto Train

If you have questions about the schedule, please call Amtrak’s Auto Train hotline at 1-877-SKIP-I-95 (1-877-754-7495).