Amtrak Autotrain

Our first trip on the autotrain was much less than what we had anticipated. A lot of sitting around and waiting, food was not good, overpriced and poor quality wine, terrible coffee. Took about a half hour before we were let off the train after arrival and then another hour to get our car. All in all it was a very unsatisfying experience. Save your money and drive.

I took the Autotrain from Florida to Dc (Lorton, VA). The customer service was excellent from Christy at the ticket counter (in Sanford, Fl) to Michael the bartender on the train, everyone was friendly, helpful and customer service oriented. The food was much better than expected and the seats were comfy, although tough for me to sleep on. My biggest complaint is that the (free) WiFi was not working. Nobody could access it. It’s a very long ride, and I wound up chewing through so much data on my phone that I had to order more!

Took the Autotrain on Sunday, 11÷29÷15 from Sanford, FL to Lorton, VA. This is my second time taking the train. I previously took it from Lorton to Sanford. The trip was as I expected it to be for the most part: On Time, Friendly Staff and Good Service overall. I made it to Sanford from Homestead, FL just in time at 2:08PM. Thanksgiving Holiday Traffic was significant and it delayed me somewhat. Next time, I’ll have to leave earlier because the train does not wait! Must admit, I was concerned the train would leave without me. I would’ve had to overnight it in Sanford and take the next train because AutoTrain only runs once per day. The alternative: Driving up to Virginia via I-​95, which was not an option, as I dislike driving overnight. I did it plenty of times when I was younger while in the Navy, but now it’s just not the most efficient and safest option given the AutoTrain’s reliable service. Driving over 17 hours, even if I’d overnight it in a hotel, would still take me the same time except with more effort. Driving would’ve been exhausting, notwithstanding traffic tickets, traffic delays, or worse: a car accident.
The train boards at 2:30PM sharp and leaves as soon as all the cars and people are onboard between 3:30PM and 4:00PM. If you get there late, you’re out of luck. The train ride was smooth and uneventful. I rode Coach and got Seat # 33 Window. While no one sat next to me, which was a plus, I sat right across the stairs down to the lower level, exit and lavatory. Hence, I had a bright white light EXIT sign shining on me all night long. If you can avoid sitting at #33 do it, unless you’re a night owl. The seats are comfortable for the most part. They recline and have lower leg rests and foot rests, so one can sleep somewhat. I recommend bringing comfy pillows to avoid the bumps that will inevitably occur throughout the trip. I had WiFi the whole trip, except sometimes it’s spotty, so I alternated with my iPhone Hotspot when the WiFi was out. Note: there are two outlets per row, so if someone is sitting next to you and you have a window seat, you may have accommodate a wire crossing your space for your neighbor.
I opted for the 5PM Dinner since I was very hungry from my previous non-​stop 4+ hour trip. The food was tasty and I enjoyed it. I’ve always ridden alone so during dinner I’ve gotten to meet retired couples on both my trips who were very pleasant and engaging. Introverts beware there are no tables for one, so if that’s what you’re looking for, I suggest packing something to eat and forgoing dinner and breakfast. An alternative for dinner could be perhaps waiting until the end of the night as the last meal time is at 9PM.
There are plenty of families with kids on the train, so if you have kids they’ll perhaps make new friends. The AutoTrain usually accommodates families with kids in the same train cars. The train car I rode in were all adults, so I had no problem sleeping, except of course for that white light Exit Sign! I was hoping it would turn red like the lights on the Navy ships when lights out occurs; however, it was not to be, so I endured. In all it was a good trip to Alexandria, which is practically around the corner from Lorton, VA. It was pouring rain when the train arrived at the Lorton Amtrak Station right next to I-​95. I didn’t get wet picking up the car though, as the attendants drive the car up to the porte-​cochère. As for Priority Vehicle Offloading, save your money, there’s not much value in waiting 10 versus 20 minutes. I’ve never paid it and my car was out in less than 20 minutes. When your number is called, head to the car immediately, everyone is eager to get up and go!
I’m doing it again next summer. Happy Travels!

I really wanted to this more. it was my first trip Sanford to lorton. I brought my car and stayed in the smaller sleeper. To actually sleep and change clothes sync… better suited to one. If I go again I will get the bigger sleeper… twice as big and has a bathroom with shower!
Food was about as expected from government run train…
Now the bad part it was unbelievably bumpy… no matter be I talked to could sleep… I asked the attendants who seemed to think it was result of going too fast… it also was a little unnerving. The point of the train rather than drive was to sleep. Auto Train you made the extremely difficult this time… ill give u one more chance though… I love the concept!

I absolutely LOVED the auto train and would recommend it to anybody trying to avoid a big chunk of the long & dreadful drive from NY to FL.(or vice versa) I booked a roomette. which I would recommend a million times over. because I couldn’t imagine spending all of that time cooped up & trying to sleep in one little seat. I know it’s more expensive but it’s beyond worth it. Yes, the roomette is small and a bit cramped but just to be able to shut the door and have my own little space made all of the difference to me. And when the attendant switched my room from two seats into a bed at the exact time I requested. I was beyond pleased. It was so comfortable. I was able to walk to the lounge car whenever I pleased to grab a drink or a snack and than sneak back to my private little room to relax. (Where I also was able to sleep for 9 hours!!! And I didn’t even expect to sleep at all…) so the ride flew right by. Yes, there were a few cons. The bathrooms could most certainly be updated, dinner wasn’t exactly the meal I had hoped for, and the ride was a bit bumpy. But overall, I have to give it 5 stars. because from check-​in to checkout, everything went quickly and smoothly. Of course, having my own pillow, kindle, and snacks helped a bit. But again. If you ever want to skip a big chunk of I-​95 and also have your car with you, this is 100% the way to go! P. s. When we arrived at the final destination, even without paying the extra money to have my car off the train first, my brand new car was brought to me quickly and in perfect condition :)

Took auto train to Florida and back again. When we went to board they said they had three eating times, 5 pm, 7 pm and 9 pm. Be aware that sometimes, if you pick to eat at 9 pm they may tell you that the 9 pm session is closed out and you need to pick another time. That after you are already on the train. When I mentioned that to someone at check-​in they told me «They are always pulling that scam. If it happens again tell them you want to speak to the conductor». I wanted 9 pm. Once underway they said I would have to eat at 5 pm as the 7 pm was closed out. I had eaten recently and didn’t want to eat at 5 pm. A real pisser. And when we were getting off the train my wife was almost to the car and some porter raced up to the car and said it had to be moved to the front of the line. I yelled at him that my wife was on crutches but he said it didn’t make any difference and he moved the car anyway. My wife had to quickly go sit to recover. Oh yes, their blankets are paper thin. To stay warm I needed a bunch of them. I should have taken my sleeping bag and I could NOT regulate the room temperature as they had a blower which could not be shut off. I can’t complain about the ride as I guess I slept through it.

Used the auto train round trip for our annual trip north from Florida. Looks like we were lucky to book it for the days we did as the tropical storm must have halted service. Had a roomette. Decent train grub for dinner and continental style breakfast. Some of the tracks need to be upgraded, some rough spots for sure. Did not like having to pay for dinner wine. It used to be at no extra cost. All in all it beat driving I-​95. That being said, we will probably fly and rent a car the next trips north.

I’ll never use Amtrak again! I scheduled my trip back in March for Oct 10 and I am dIsgusted that Amtrak cancelled service for the AutoTrain from DC — Sanford, FL without providing an alternative… There has to be rails to the west of SC that Amtrak could use due to flooding in SC. Instead of providing an alternative route Amtrak cancelled service for numerous days. Amtrak would not double up service (2 Trains a day) to help with back log.

We boarded the Autotrain at the Lorton VA station. We arrived at around 1:50PM. We were checked right in with no wait.
They started boarding at 2:30PM and that went smooth. The train was scheduled to depart at 4PM but it in fact left the station at 3:35ish.
We got the family suite and I must say that for me and my wife is was quite comfy. However, I can’t imagine being cooped up in the room with more than one child. Also, beyond outdated, it seemed dirty and dusty. The bathrooms –although clean– were also outdated which made them feel dirty.
The ride itself was very bumpy which kept waking me up in the middle of the night. It felt as if the train was going to de-​rail.
The food was ok, not bad for a train. There’s no wifi except for the lounge area so bring your cells and personal hotspots and even on cells the coverage is spotty.
Its more expensive than flying but considering we had to bring our car down, it beats driving. We arrived on time, showered, rested and saved about 900miles on our vehicle.
Overall it was a ver pleasant experience. My only complaint would be that the train is VERY outdated.
The other option would have been to stop at a hotel on the way down but we would’ve still arrived tired from the trip.
Would have given it 5 stars but the trains are just too outdated and they had no WIFI!
Overall, I think It’s worth every penny!

First time on the Autotrain.
Check-​in was very simple with surprisingly little in the way of security (which is good, but potentially bad). You need to be there 2hrs or so prior to departure if you’re taking your car— this means that you will be sitting in the station (which is really just a big room with seating) with pretty much nothing to do for a few hours.
Because this is an overnight train, I decided to get a roomette which, regrettably, did not include a bathroom. I say this because the public lavatories were surprisingly small and rather poorly maintained; I did not try the public showers included on sleeper cars. Overall, the condition of the roomette and public areas were clean, but in dire need of an update.
The ticket included a dinner service which was convenient and tasty, but served on plastic plates with paper napkins. The servers seemed rushed. Seating is based on the time you choose to eat and the number of people traveling in your party (if you’re going it alone, get ready to dine with total strangers— Im fine with that, but I’m sure some people aren’t). The lounge car includes a bar, but it is reminiscent of a jersey diner (but without the good food/​deserts). Drinks were basic and there are a few snacks available for purchase as well. I guess I was expecting something from the more romantic era of rail travel, thus my disappointment.
Given that this train ends at Orlando, get ready for kids. Lots and lots of kids. Running kids, yelling kids, kids taking up seats at the bar and occupying lounge booths. Kids clogging toilets with paper towels (which completely incapacitates the entire car’s toilets) and kids occupying most of the charging stations to stream movies. This is important because Wifi is free, but only available in the lounge and dining cars and has a VERY limited number of log-​ins. Cell coverage can be very spotty during some parts of the journey and that should be better advertised prior to departure.
With regard to your car, be sure to pay the extra $ 50 for «priority unloading» or you’re going to be waiting up to 2hr to get your car in the morning. It is certainly the most eco-​friendly and economic way of getting your car from the Northeast to Florida, but I would still fly over taking this train again if I didn’t need to bring a car.

I am writing this review as I ride. I’m moving to FL from RI so this concept is great! However, I will call Amtrak and suggest an adult only (no one under the age of 18) quiet car option for people who would like a quieter ride, but can’t afford a room or for when rooms are no longer an available option (my case).
Wifi is only in the dining lounge car, so I suggest a hotspot or bring something that doesn’t require wifi.
Why didn’t I book a room or roomette? I was more than willing to buy one but they were all sold out and given my time restraints I had to board this train. I asked if there was any availability up to the time the train pulled out of the station. No joy.
I would love to say you get what you pay for but $ 500 is a bit much for having to tolerate a screaming 8 year old boy and his 3 sisters running up and down the aisle barefoot for 12 hours.
If you don’t mind having loud kids excited to go to Disney World running up and down the aisles and yelling as you try to dose on this long train ride then book and go coach. However if you don’, t book it early and get a room or just fly.
Next time, I’m getting a room.

I am reporting live from the train! :)
This is my second time on the train (from FL to VA). I am taking the train to avoid the long drive from Miami to NY. I also had a pleasant experience the first time and thought, «Why not?» Now I’m second guessing that.
The checking in & boarding process is pretty easy. They provide you with a time for dinner. Since I got there late (at 2:30– some people show up at 10AM… No thanks!), I didn’t have a choice for a dinner time. I was totally fine with that– they assigned me to the first one (5PM). Dinner is mediocre, at best. It almost tastes as if it’s microwaved, but a little better. The rolls are awesome. I took one (sneakily) to my seat while getting bewildered looks from guests LOL.
The seats are made of cloth — so if you have kids — no, you can not wipe them down. I always bring my pillow and a blanket. It’s best if you wear very comfy and loose clothing. There is plenty of space in the overheard for carry on– if needed.
The seats do not recline much. Think reclining in coach on an airplane– it is able to recline a tad bit further than that… but nothing fascinating. Your back will hurt… Just try your best to stretch out.
Currently — We are about three hours behind schedule & I don’t think they are planning to feed us lunch. I kept waking up in the middle of the night because people were walking through the doors… Other than that, my experience has been pretty decent. Update… They just came on the speaker and said it will be another 45 minutes… So that’s puts us at 4 hours delayed (apparently there was a broken rail in NC– must have happened over night because I didn’t notice). I’m starving, and I will have to wait for my car… My car was one of the last loaded so I am hoping that it will be one of the first unloaded… Hey! It happened last time. A girl can dream.
Ah, another delay. Crew members shift are over… and apparently they feel the need to stop the train when we are 15 minutes from the station… So that they can switch… HUH. Amtrak… Really? I am going to 3 stars now.
Now, let’s see how fast they unload my car today…
You know… If we ever get to VA…
Update: Made it to VA at 1:30PM… Was suppose to get there at 9AM. So of course, I will be stuck in crazy traffic.
My theory was correct. If you load your car last, you’ll be one of the first to receive it (after priority of course).

Good Lord people like to complain, don’t they? It’s a train people, guess what? There are whistles. Lol. How can you ride a train and complain about the whistles? How can you ride in coach and complain about the comfort? Have you ridden in coach for 8 hours on an airplane? Amtrak is like a night at the Four Seasons. Get the cabin. The engine noise is loud on an airplane and the tire noise is loud in a car. Shut up, already. And you complain about the food and lack of free alcohol? Really. You rather want peanuts And tiny wine for $ 7 at 38,000 feet? Lines at security, brutal boarding processes, 12 inch wide seats for your 18inch wide butts? Come on. Shut up already and enjoy the train.

I won’t confide in the Auto Train again. I traveled by myself which was a commitment considering most passengers are families (lots of kids). When I’m traveling via plane or public transport I’m not trying to make friends, but everyone wanted to be friends and tell you about their lives on this train which was a bit frustrating for a girl just trying to relax.
The WORST part about this trip was that we left Lorton, VA a little after 4pm and didn’t arrive in Sanford, FL until 12:30pm! There was a slew of unfortunate comings on behalf of Amtrak such as an emergency stop in Richmond, VA for mechanical issues and a long stop in Jacksonville to bring on a new crew. I am just so lucky that as soon as I got off of that forsaken train my car was called within 25 minutes. I tried to get the priority unloading service but they were sold out as they only offer it to 24 vehicles. So I guess if you arrive at 11am you can probably get that service but I cannot comprehend why you would want to be in a train station for all that time beforehand.
I brought a blanket and pillow so I was able to sleep with the help of some sedatives but I couldn’t help but think about all the germs amongst me. The bathrooms are airplane small and aren’t kept up with as much as they should be. The food was okay but it was awkward to have to sit with other people (weirdos) to eat. They serve water from the toilet bowl in a carafe at dinner and unsweetened iced tea. I paid $ 2.25 for a can of Sierra Mist.
I wouldn’t recommend traveling alone if annoying kids bother you and you don’t feel like introducing yourself to a bunch of strangers who want to tell you all about themselves and know all about you.
I also wouldn’t recommend the auto train. 1000 miles on your car is far less severe than 22 hours on a train with rambunctious children and abnormal conversation with strangers.

It took me a while, but I’d finally convinced my wife and daughter to try The Amtrak Auto Train on our trip to Disney World. The trip down went well, we left the station on time, the wife and I spent some time in the lounge car chatting over a beer. Dinner was ok, nothing great, but it was still dinner on a train (A novelty). When it was time for some shut eye, we tried to sleep in the seats which proved very difficult (the rooms were completely sold out). The seats recline, and have some nice leg/​foot rest features, but are simply uncomfortable at best. The next morning we arrived in Sanford FL on-​time but un-​rested.
The return trip was where things got interesting. After a week at Disney we arrived in Sanford at 1:00pm for our return trip to Lorton, VA. We boarded the train at 2:30 (it took a little while because there was some construction happening). Once aboard we got situated and were going to head to the lounge car, but it was absolutely packed with a line extending into the adjacent car, so we headed back to our seats and cracked one of the beers we brought on board with us. The evening went ok, we had the same meal as before, and got ready to sleep. Around 10:30 or 11pm the train stopped… No communication, no information, no visible Amtrak crew. Just a stopped train… I called the Amtrak 800 number and was advised that our train had struck a tree that had fallen across the tracks and that we would be moving shortly. Well. I called the 800 number again at 5:40am and was told that we were waiting for a new «Engine» to be delivered by the southbound AutoTrain and that our engine was too damaged and unservicable. We began moving around 6am (8 Hours late). We then had 2 separate medical emergencies on board which required us to stop the train 2 separate times to meet with the local ambulance, but each stop took no more than 10 minutes. Once I thought we were going to make up some time, we stopped again… This time we were told that we had to change out the Engineer and Conductor since they had worked their allotted amount of time and a fresh crew was needed… No problem, except for the fact that the fresh crew was nowhere near the train, we stopped for almost 2 hours waiting for the crew to arrive. Once the fresh crew was on board, we continued this train ride from hell to Virginia, arriving 10 hours late. I still had to complete the 8 hour drive back to New England so my daughter could make it to school. We arrived home at 4:38am.
During our extensive train ride we had the opportunity to discuss the service with others who have taken or have known people who have taken the Auto Train, and the stories of incompetence were appalling (one time they forgot one of the auto carriers in Sanford, arriving in Lorton to «oops, we forgot your car (s) in Florida, we will attach them to tomorrows train»…
Needless to say, I called Amtrak the next morning to complain, and was told that I would receive a $ 200 coupon good for future rail travel… After I finished laughing, I told the agent I would settle for nothing less that a full and immediate refund and that I had already called my credit card company to contest the charge since the product delivered differed substantially from the product I paid for… He put me on hold and returned with an offer to refund the fare I paid for my family, but not the fare for the car, since «The Car Didn’t Suffer» I laughed out loud, and took the refund…
If you choose to use this service, choose it at your own peril.
Amtrak = No Way!

Long overdue review of a great experience. Once round trip and the second time, one way.
Sure beats flying or driving, no security hassles nor the drone of I-​95. Boarding is efficient as is booking and registration including dinner reservations, costs is about on par with driving when you consider gas, wear and tear on the vehicle and driver, hotel and meals. For us, it was zero costs thanks to my Amtrak Rewards!
We opted for a Deluxe Roomette with private bath and shower. Forget the latter, you sit on the commode and pull a string for your shower. Pack a light shag bag with toiletries and a change of clothes. If you want, bring along some of your favorite libations. They do supply your cabin with bottled water throught the journey and complimentary wine with dinner. There is also a wine and cheese welcome hour with other beverages and snacks. Each car has a beverage center and a car with fruit, so with drinks and juices that is constantly replenished.
The cabin includes two large chairs with a table to relax and enjoy the scenery while the Conductor describes the towns and history as you travel. There is a berth that is converted into two bunks at dinner, the bottom being slightly larger than a twin bed and the top being twin size with only about six inches to the ceiling. On our first trip, I took the top and the second time, my husband who is a big guy took the top. Plenty of blankets and pillows are provided and more are available upon request. Don’t forget your electronic devices as I had no difficulty connecting.
Dinner is served in the Dining Car and includes a salad, entrée, wine or soft drinks and dessert. Dinner has always been good, better than airline food and on par with Acela a First Class. Portions are generous and desserts are yummy. You will be seated at a table of four so be prepared to make some new friends. We have met some of the met some interesting people with tips on resorts and restaurants. Breakfast is served by in the same car and consists of juice, cereal, fruit, pastry and coffee. While you are at breakfast, the porter makes up your room.
For about the next two hours, you complete the ride to Sanford where you and your vehicle on retrained. Once again, they have this down to a science. Just be patient, as it may take awhile for your car. The first time, we took my convertible sports car so I was a little anxious. No issues. Easy exit from the facility. On our return, we checked in and went to a great German place for lunch as well as browsed some galleries, antique shops and other stores in the downtown.
Overall, happy with the experience, we always take the Cape May-​Lewes Ferry from our shore place so we feel like it is a mini-​Autotrain experience. Wish they had more auto trains in the country. My husband said he would never fly to Florida again. This is the way to go, we slept well, had some wine without worrying about driving and good food.
As they say in the old cereal commercial… Try it you will Like It!!!

«An upper berth is a lovely place to go when it’s your time to go.» Alfred Hitchcock, Trailer from North by Northwest.
Mrs. M and I decided to try it as we were traveling to Florida and not looking forward to I95 and the long drive. Mrs. M probably was thinking of a nice cocktail in the lounge car, followed by a wonderful dinner in the dining car and a great night’s sleep. Kerr was thinking more along the lines of Cary Grant meeting Eva Marie Saint on the 20^th Century Limited.
She got two out of three and I struck out.
I’m not saying don’t take it. The staff is great, the food is good and you aren’t driving a car on I95. We also met some nice folks and enjoyed our conversations with them. That’s all good. It’s also a memorable experience.
But, forget the good night’s sleep and don’t even think of romance. The roomette we had was fine, while we were sitting together and enjoying the view, but once it turned into our bedroom there was nothing left to do but fight the claustrophobia and pray for morning.
So my advice is take an extra few days, drive an alternate route, stay in a couple of nice places and arrive well rested.
Next time I’ll be Clark Gable and she’ll be Claudette Colbert.

It’s that old airplane joke:
People in first class — What the HELL? I could have bought 3 dinners in NYC for the price of first class.
People in coach — Man, I HATE coach! The next time we travel, we’re flying first class.
Me? I fly business class so none of these silly rules apply. I’m actually typing this review on the auto train. I’m the man on the scene giving you real, up to date coverage.
The train is supposed to boggie at 4pm. I can not stress this enough, if your taking the auto train (with your auto) then you have to be here no later than 2:30. The train boarded and left after 3pm when all cars and passengers were accounted for. Wowza!
I’m in coach and have a roomy reclining seat. I have my shoes off and my wifi hotspot. I’m in the zone baby!
For years I always expressed to my wife, when we go to our Disney timeshare, lets take the auto train so we’ll have our car. My Brooklyn-​French-​Canadian wife looks at me and says, Um. no. Why should I go by train when I can fly fabulously, get to the airport and have Magical Express whisk me away with no concern for luggage?
Yes dear…
What if your going to Florida and not on vacation? Lets talk auto train baby.
If you have a hot rod and/​or motorcycle and want it down south for the winter? What better way to bring it to Florida than by rail? Do you know how jammed I95 was this afternoon? Ugh. Take the auto train to Virginia and wake up in Orlando (Close to it)
All these past reviewers: Amtrak no longer offers pillows and blankets, Amtrak no longer offers a free beer when you check in, Oh boo hoo! All I care about is my hot rod not getting scratched .
When I board, I have my own pillow/​blanket as well as a bottle of wine, cheese and chocolate to keep me entertained.
Amtrak also offers you dinner! And don’t think your getting your own table. I’m traveling solo and was put at a table with a nice family from Richmond VA. Very old school Americana happening here folks. How did people traveled 100 years ago? By rail!
The only thing to consider. How are you taking a shower once your off the train?
I got a plan, I always have a plan.
I’m getting off the train in a few hours and driving to South Beach. Not in a crappy rental car, MY car. And I’m driving back to New York and hitting lots of cool spots on the way up north. So far, so good. The train is quite, fast and efficient.
If you have to drive to Florida, consider the Auto Train as an alternative. I’m a fan of this transportation method. If you drove and spent $$ for a hotel, gas and food, it works out the same. Except I’m relaxing in a recliner seat: D

I took the auto train from Fl to VA several months ago. This was defiantly an experience I hope to do again, esp now that I know what to expect. The reason I don’t give this 5 stars, is because originally I planned to sit in coach thinking it can’t be that bad, might as well save some money. I was wrong.
Take my advice and get the sleeper, don’t make the same mistake. I literally went sat in coach for less than 30 seconds, and I don’t know if it was the smell of ppls food, lack of privacy, or baby that was already crying. but the thought of being stuck there for so many hours made me wanna jump out of my skin… I was done with coach. I went back to the ticket counter and got a sleeper. I didn’t care that I had to pay 150 more than had I gotten the sleeper to begin with.
After that it was amazing… the entire experience was just such an escape from the real world. Can’t say this enough… It is only worth it if you do the sleeper, you won’t regret it. otherwise might as well just take a plane.

Lots to share about my Southbound trip on the auto train on Dec 20.
Pros:
1– the staff in the phones, in the stations, and on the train were professional, friendly and helpful.
2– The roomette, though cozy, was worth the upgrade because you didn’t have to deal with the noise and hustle and bustle of coach. I found the bottom bunk cozy. My teenager thought the bottom bunk was a bit too close to the ceiling. When the bunks were put away, the seating was fine for two ppl. And the sleeper car was quiet.
3 — it was nice to go to sleep and wake up at your destination without the mind numbing drive on I-​95.
4– boarding and de-​training were smooth.
Getting car at Sanford didn’t take as long as I expected– about 30 minutes.
Cons:
1– the staff was ill equipped to deal with a full packed train and 200 cars. It was a hot mess. We sat in line at Lorton for over 2 hours before cars started boarding.
2 — because the train was late, all the meals were late. We had the 4^th seating which should have been 9pm, but didn’t happen until 11pm. (We were asleep by this time, so we had no dinner.)
3– the same thing happened at breakfast. The dining cars stayed packed, and by the time the announced there were seats and you walked through 5 cars to get there, you would find yourself in line. And then they would make an announcement admonishing riders for standing in the vestibule!!! WTH!!! You told me to come, I came, now you’re pissed cause my party is standing in line???
4– the bathrooms are horrible. There has got to be a better flush system, or have them cleaned throughout the trip or something. In our car 5346, there was actually sewage overflowing into the hallway by the time we reached Sanford.
Suggestions:
1– have ppl select their choice for dinner when they make their reservation and have a BOXED option that you can eat in your room/​seat.
2– if you cannot accommodate passengers for dinner, they should be allowed to use their dinner ticket to get a sandwich in the lounge. Why should I pay for a second meal, when I didn’t get the first meal I already paid for?
3– breakfast was just bagels, juice, cereal, and fruit. Box it up and let people pick it up in the lounge or have porters deliver like they do on a plane. It is ridiculous to wait 2 hours to get into a dining car for a bagel? Why are you making it harder than it has to be?
Not sure that I would take this train again, but if I do, I will pack meals for my family to take with us.