My Experience with the Auto-train
Why did I try the auto train? At 70 no longer enjoy 17 hours of driving the way I used to.
When, I drove to Canada in May of 2024 for a family emergency. We drove all the way because there was no lead time to book the Auto train and I can't fly due to my many health issues.
A month later on the way back to Florida, I booked the Auto train in advance reserving 2 seats with a standby upgrade request for a “roomette”. They loosely use the term room, since at 18 sq ft for 2 people it's like squeezing into our pantry at home. Although the pantry is bigger.
There are some advantages, dinner is included, and you get to share bathroom and shower with less than 30 people. There is an attendant who will bring your dinner and breakfast. I have great difficulty walking and this aspect is worth the extra cost.
The room is private with a door and curtain, a large window to see the limited scenery and electric outlets, however being built 50 plus years ago it predates today's tech, no USB ports and only 2 electric outlets. Bring a good power strip and you will be OK. BTW, the wifi is FREE but it goes in and out like a cuckoo clock. Somebody needs to tell them cruise ships solve this using Starlink.
The train departed Lorton, VA, a suburb of DC, at 4pm. It is scheduled daily but there could be some variation due to delays or time year. Our trip was the end of May. We arrived in Sanford,FL, a suburb of Orlando at 10am the next day. There are no other scheduled stops though the train stops some where in NC during the night so the seeing eye dogs can be walked. No animals are allowed except certain service animals. As far as I know emotional support alligators must stay home. Don't laugh my neighbor has one. You save 17 hours of driving , meals, and 2 tanks of gas plus a hotel night which help offset the train of cost.
The 17 hours ride is best described by my better half as long plane ride with a lot of turbulence. After a few hours you get used to it, or not. I slept off on about 8 of the 17 hours and was in great shape for the 30 minute drive from Sanford to Orlando to see our Son.