Question 1

How much does the Amtrak Auto Train cost?

Accepted Answer

Auto Train tickets usually cost $89 for coach class, one way. This price occasionally goes higher when availability is scarce or when booking at the last minute. There are also a number of sleeper car options but these tend to be significantly more expensive - expect to pay upwards of $300 per person for a roomette.
Vehicle fees make up a significant portion of the fare. Note that you are actually required to bring a vehicle in order to ride the Auto Train. Typically, each car costs $208 while each motorcycle costs $146 to bring onto the train.
Priority vehicle offloading is an optional feature that costs $65 per vehicle and ensures that your automobile will be among the first 30 vehicles to be loaded on and off the train.

Question 2

What kind of vehicles are allowed on the Auto Train?

Accepted Answer

Cars, vans, SUVs, trucks, and motorcycles are accepted on the Auto Train.
Amtrak policy states that all automobiles should be standard factory models at their originally manufactured lengths. The maximum height is 85 inches; the maximum width is 84 inches, including mirrors. The maximum tire width is 14.5 inches and the vehicle must have at least 4 inches of ground clearance. Cars with gull wing or scissor doors are not allowed.
Motorcycles must adhere to a maximum length of 102 inches, maximum height of 72 inches, maximum wheelbase of 51 inches, maximum tire width of 7 inches and maximum tire depth of 2.5 inches. Motorcycles must have at least 5 inches of ground clearance.

Question 3

How many stops are on the route?

Accepted Answer

The Amtrak Auto Train is a non-stop train. Technically, it makes a brief stop in Florence, South Carolina for rewatering, refueling, and a crew change. But for all intents and purposes, it's a straight shot from Virginia to Florida (and vice versa), covering almost 900 miles in 17 and a half hours.

Question 4

Where do you put your luggage?

Accepted Answer

There is no checked baggage with the Auto Train. You should plan on bringing any immediately needed items (medication, snacks, phone, laptop, etc.) in a small carry-on bag. Larger luggage should be stored in the trunk of your car.

Question 5

Is there WiFi on the train?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Auto Train offers free WiFi onboard. The onboard WiFi uses 4G LTE towers when possible, but can lose its connection in some rural areas. We recommend you bring a book or download a movie just to play it safe. Amtrak WiFi is generally best used for surfing the web, checking emails and chatting with friends; you shouldn’t count on the WiFi to binge watch your favorite show.

Question 6

Are there power outlets or USB plugs on the train?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are power outlets on the Auto Train. You can generally find one or two sockets per row of seats, so be a good traveller and check if your seat neighbor might want to charge up their devices as well. With the onboard power outlets, you can charge both a computer and USB devices with a USB power adapter that typically comes with most phones and tablets.
Since Amtrak Auto Train might sometimes use replacement vehicles, not all trips are guaranteed to have power points. We recommend to bring a power bank to charge your phone for all trips over 2 hours, just in case.

Question 7

What is the Auto Train's schedule?

Accepted Answer

The Amtrak Auto Train follows the same schedule every day. Each one-way trip takes 17.5 hours in total. There are two daily trains, one headed in each direction, that follow this schedule:
11:30 am: The Auto Train begins accepting vehicles into the station's staging area
2:00 pm: Cutoff time for motorcycles and trailers
2:30 pm: Cutoff time for all vehicles
2:30 pm: Passengers begin boarding
4:00 pm: The Auto Train leaves the station
9:00 am the next day: The Auto Train arrives at its destination

Question 8

Can you pick up will call tickets at the station?

Accepted Answer

No, Amtrak Auto Train does not offer will call tickets. You should purchase your tickets online and make sure you have everything you need to board before you arrive at the station.

Question 9

Do you need an ID to get on the train?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Amtrak Auto Train requires you to present an ID to an agent to be allowed to board the train. Make sure you have identification issued by a government agency that meets the carrier’s requirements. Alternative IDs, such as a college ID, won’t work.

Question 10

Does the Auto Train have bathrooms?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there are bathrooms on the Auto Train. The bathrooms are pretty basic and include a toilet, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. As you will be using a bathroom on a moving vehicle, please use caution and hold on to a rail at all times.

Question 11

Are meals or beverages available?

Accepted Answer

Amtrak Auto Train provides snacks to satisfy your hunger during your travels. Be sure to pack a credit card and some cash in case you get hungry.

Question 12

Do you have to print your Amtrak Auto Train ticket?

Accepted Answer

Amtrak Auto Train does not require a printed ticket to board the train. Instead, an eTicket is sent to you by email when you make your reservation. You can use your smartphone to show this eTicket to the ticketing agent as you board.

Question 13

Does Amtrak Auto Train offer any premium features like extra legroom or movies?

Accepted Answer

Amtrak Auto Train goes the extra distance to deliver premium features to its customers.
Do you find yourself squished in a regular seat or just love having extra room to sprawl out? Well you’re in luck as Amtrak Auto Train offers extra legroom seating. Since there is no standard of what extra legroom is, the extra space you get may vary between train lines, but getting extra is always good.