The Auto Train

[Mike Haslam]

End of June 2012, we took a trip to visit friends down in Florida and rather than fly (too much hassle) or drive ( a very long way) we took the 'Auto Train'.

The Auto Train runs from Lorton, Virginia, just South of Washington DC, to Stanford, Florida, a distance of around 900 miles. Investigation of prices revealed that the price of tickets for two for a sleeper compartment, meals and transportation of our car on the same train was very competative with the cost of driving the distance with petrol costs, roadside meals and hotel bills and of course, being on the train, no driving required. I just like trains too, which is a bonus. Pity it was not a steam locomotive, but then there would have been a problem for the crew keeping me off the footplate.

You have to be at Lorton at least an hour before departure and having being stuck in traffic on the highways around Washington DC, it was a pleasure to arrive at the station where we received our compartment tickets, took out on-board luggage with us as our car was taken away for loading.

Before the actual departure, we were invited for wine and cheese tasting in the dining car. The 'conductor' made sure we were comfortable in our compartment and departure was on time. However, just like Hermanstad - we must have had to wait for the yard departure signal as there was a wait before gliding smoothly out onto the main line.

Dinner was served on a choice of three timings. We too the 7pm slot. The meal was tasty and generous. Meanwhile our beds were laid down and we arrived back to our compartment set up for our night's rest. The compartment is small, but adequate, the beds are double bunk-type.

The advantage of the overnight trip was that it put us ahead of a schedule which by driving would have meant a hotel stop for us overnight and also that we arrived fresh, and on-time arrival, in Stanford. I have been very impressed with Amtrack's timekeeping on the few journeys I have made here.

Rather like waiting for your luggage at an airport, we had to wait for our car to be unloaded and of course ours is always unloaded last. Well, not quite, but it seemen like a long time when you are waiting to get off on your holiday!

A very nice experience. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to have a comfortable ride between DC and Florida. According to the on-board announcement our train was carrying 175 autos and 590 people. It is possible to take the train without a car and also to have sitting accommodation rather than a sleeper at a cheaper price. I rather liked being able to lie down and sleep.

Attached are some photos. Unfortunately the windows do not open so no nice views going around curves and alas, no run-pasts :-(

Turtle

[Kevin Wilson-Smith]

Splendid pics Mike! I enthuse!

Wish I was there. Anyway, nice to see pics of things as they are (rather then in magazines)!

More please!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(PS if you are travelling back can you take more of the compartment pse).