Amtrak Auto Train Review 2025 | Sleeper Bedroom, Roomette, & Coach

Companion Article for the Amtrak Auto Train Review (with cost comparisons)
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We recently took the Amtrak Auto Train during our retirement travel adventures and it was our first retirement travel experience on the unique rail service. This Amtrak train allows passengers to transport their vehicles between Lorton, Virginia (just outside Washington, D.C.) and Sanford, Florida (near Orlando). This service, launched in 1971, primarily caters to travelers who want the convenience of having their car or motorcycle at their destination without driving the long distance themselves. The Auto Train covers approximately 855 miles, offering an overnight journey that typically lasts 16 to 18 hours. It can carry up to 650 passengers and 330 automobiles with a full train.

The Amtrak Auto Train is the longest passenger train in the world, stretching up to three-quarters of a mile long with its passenger cars, vehicle carriers, and staff quarters. It can carry up to 330 vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, SUVs, and even small boats. We thought the service offered a comfortable alternative to the rigors of a long drive, particularly for those heading to Florida for vacations, seasonal snowbirds, or other extended stays. In our companion article we review all the Amtrak Auto Train costs, schedule, and more.

Overall, we were expecting the worst on this journey based on some previous videos and reviews we had seen. We were a little shocked at how smooth everything ran, actually arrived early, the Amtrak staff was incredibly friendly and helpful and the overall experience was great. The Amtrak Coach seats were nice, but we do think the Amtrak bedroom sleeper is the best way to go for this trip, but we still had a good trip on the Amtrak roomette. We look forward to taking more Amtrak trains in the future.

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Video Number 178

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00:00 Introduction
00:12 Amtrak Auto Train Map
00:51 Retirement Travelers Channel
01:31 Amtrak Auto Train Virginia
02:02 Amtrak Auto Train Schedule
03:00 Amtrak Auto Train Review
03:30 Amtrak Auto Train Options
04:18 Amtrak Auto Train - Arriving in Lorton, VA
06:11 Amtrak Auto Train Roomette
08:12 Amtrak Auto Train Bedroom
09:07 Amtrak Auto Train Lounge
09:47 Amtrak Auto Train Dining
10:30 Amtrak Auto Train Coach
11:24 Amtrak Auto Train Staff
12:02 Amtrak Auto Train Florida Arrival
12:28 Amtrak Auto Train Summary

[RetirementTravelers]

Let us know if you've been on the Amtrak Auto Train and share your experience. If you want more information, here is the link to our companion guide on our website with more details.
Happy journeys,
John and Bev

[erinaustin]

When I was a kid (in the 70’s) my mom bought a vacation package to take Amtrak from Portland to LA (25 hour trip) to go to Disney and other sights. We only had chairs but we were loaded with sandwiches and snacks. It was a trip I’ll never forget.

[susanfakir]

Love Gerad your attendant, we see him often. Great guy. We often use this travel method and get some good deals!

[dianerivera]

We have done about 12 round trips on the AT. We do bedrooms now, but started in coach. The lower bunk in the bedroom is wider than a twin, but it's not as wide as a double. We do share the lower bunk and sleep head to foot as that gives us the most room so we're not shoulder to shoulder.

[jackstearns]

My late wife and I traveled the auto train about 10 times in the period 1998-2019 when we spent two weeks at WDW. She so loved this trip. Your video brings back some very fond memories.

[fredericheap]

My wife who uses a rollator have used the certain numerous times. We always stay on the ground floor and the last trip we stayed in a wheel chair room so we had complete bathroom . They brought the food for us, set up the bed as shown on the video. The service was great. For travelers in their eighties I recommend the car train as the only way to travel going and coming to Florida.

[carlaseier]

This was super interesting. As someone else said, when I was a 'tweenager my parents took out family on an Amtrak 'Disneyland Special ' from Vancouver to LA. We were in coach. For kids it was fine, and we got up to all kinds of fun. I'm sure it was less comfortable for my parents but we had a marvellous trip that we still remember. Thanks to Mom & Dad! 💕 Thanks for introducing us to this idea. We didn't even know there was an auto train.🚂

[kokoroforyou]

I took the Autotrain from Sanford Fl to VA in September 2024. I reserved a handicap room because it had its own bathroom and due to mobility issues, I had difficulty climbing steps to the dining room on the upper level. I was quite happy with the entire experience. Check in was flawless, the station agent even took me to a train car to see the difference between the family car and the handicap room. The waiting area was clean, well lit and spacious. My room on the train was on the lower level and boarding was easy with no steps. The car was self-contained, in that you could not walk through to another car. My room was the width of the train car and situated at one end of the car. My room had 2 seats that opened up to a single bed. There was also a fold up tray table. I had a sink and toilet on the opposite side of the room. Both sides of the room had windows with curtains that I closed at night. There was also a curtain to pull across the toilet area. I had an awesome cabin attendent who took my dinner and breakfast orders as well as the time to turn down my bed. My meals were brought to my room and were great and bottled water was readily available. I also paid for Priority Offloading for my car...that shortened wait time after leaving the train but I am not sure I would do that again. My only complaint is that the train left later in the day, and it became dark quickly, so I missed a lot of the landscape. One final note...I would recommend calling Amtrak to reserve rather than do it online. I had issues with room assignment with my online reservation and despite talking to 2 agents for clarification, there was a mixup. It was the station agent who secured the handicap room for me.

[dmac]

A good review. We just returned home from a round trip to and from Florida. We have ridden coach, roomette and a bedroom over the years are are satisfied with all. Like the bedroom best because of the bathroom However would note that the bed is not a double width, although we both slept on it it was tight. Important thing is that the bedroom has a ladder whereas the roometts has the step/shelf setup. Also would note that the family br does not have a bathroom, but it is next to the downstairs bedroom. As you note the staff is outstanding. All happy anr proud to be working for amtrak. Also believe that trains are washed only in Sanford which may explain the dirt on the windows.

[mikevale]

Aussie here, having travelled and enjoyed travelling on many of Amtrak's long distance trains. You being glass half full people makes all the difference. An obviously happy outlook on life counts for a lot in travel reviews. Some people are never satisfied with anything in their lives, consequently...

[jeffcook]

One of the more explicitly produced and informative AmTrak Auto-Train YouTube videos on the platform. Your couple presentation method was fluid and professional. Extraordinarily explicit without leaving out significant important options and details...would love to use the Auto-Train but we travel with a pet that prevents our access to the service...safe retirement and event free travels.

[chewar]

Great video, and thank you for no background music!!! Very informative, would have never thought about taking my vehicle. What a fantastic idea, and I would definitely want a bedroom.

[compimagaol]

We have taken the auto train a few times with the roomette and really liked it. Staff was very friendly and helpful. It's really nice to be able to sight see and not have the hassle of where to stay / eat if you drove on the two day journey. Thanks for sharing your journey.

[hedycohen]

Thanks for the great information. I rode the auto train, sitting in coach, quite a few years ago. It was impossible to get any sleep.

[backyardrailroader]

I traveled on Amtrak twice years ago. Once was just a round trip from home to Richmond VA. The second was on the Auto Train.
The Auto Train was enjoyable when I rode it in 1998. I purchased a Roomette. I enjoyed the whole ride, except for...my mistake on this... I purchased red wine for the meal. Did not get much sleep because of it.
The Auto Train operated on frieght Railroad CSX, which is a bit bumper than Amtrak's own lines. Although the train does get priority statis, unforeseen delays may occur.
It should be a whole lot better now than when I rode it.
Many times, the issues on passenger trains are not because of the train but of other passengers who don't know how to behave properly. That can affect the conductor on that particular car.

[greylady]

My mother & I took this train when we did a road trip to Canada. Your review is spot on. I didn't realize you could bid on an upgrade but I will keep that in mind.

We had the roomette also. I slept in the top bunk, and I am 5"9", 200+ pounds, and at the time, I was 60 years old. I agree getting up and down (several times of the night for bathroom breaks) was challenging. That said, I would do it again but maybe with two people, have 2 roomettes across the hall from each other.

[angelaterranova]

Have taken the auto train numerous times when w lived in the northeast. Back in the day (early 2000’s) you boarded to a happy hour with wine and soft drinks included plus snacks in the lounge. Later movie time included cookies and othr snacks. Our young family loved taking this travel journey to central FL and added bonus we had our car with us all packed up!

[Bluebell-nq]

I'm considering taking Amtrack from Houston to New Orleans, coach since it's not a long trip. I plan to ask a friend or family member to take me to the train station. Amtrack coach ticket is around $43 per person each way. Cheaper than gas to get there and I won't have to pay to park my vehicle in New Orleans.

[joaquinpinon]

Thanks for sharing your experience. I went on the auto train in the late nineties and really enjoyed it. I've been wanting to take it again just for kicks. After listening to your comments, I truly want to go again. God bless and thanks 🙏

[normawright]

Me and my family traveled on the Auto Train several years ago - we had a blast. I think it was half the fun of the trip to Florida. We had roomettes and found them very comfortable. I'm planning another trip to Florida next year and more than likely go Auto Train!!!