The Midlife

Greetings! I’m bringing you my Spring Break breakdown about my first experience on the Amtrak Auto Train.

My original plan was to drive down with my daughter to sunny Florida to visit my mom and sister. Since I don’t generally enjoy driving, my dear friend recommended Amtrak’s Auto Train, and I am sharing some details, in case you are interested in checking it out for yourself.

Amtrak will take your vehicle with you on its route from Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL. On the trip to Sanford, we arrived a little too early at 12:30 pm and the check-in process was pretty seamless. Check in is from 12:30-3 pm and consists of you pulling up to a booth, giving your name, and they assign a number for your vehicle, which is affixed to your car on a magnet. You leave your bags in the car, with the exception of any carry-on bags or items, keys in the car, and driver-side windown rolled down.

The station itself has the equivalent of a Hudson News (found in most airports, so keep that in mind). We had a big breakfast before arriving, which was helpful, and I saw many smart folks who packed coolers with sandwiches. (Sorry, I’m Cuban and if I’m not concerned about snacks and meals, then I’m not living. LOL.)

Boarding was about 90 minutes before departure, and we sat in Coach seating. The seats are roomy and recline back pretty far, so it is possible to sleep comfortably, although I could not get a real restful sleep; however, my daughter reminded me that I do – in fact – snore. And I did giggle at the various nose whistles I heard throughout the night.

The train departed right on time, and with large windows and a pace of about 35-40 miles per hour, we enjoyed a very relaxing and scenic trip. Throughout the night and early morning, we received updates about landmarks and area facts, so that will appeal to those interested in a touristy or historical experience.

There is a dining cart with snacks, beverages (both non-alcoholic and booze), and light meals. We enjoyed a so-so dinner with lovely views of the local landscape half expecting some sort of Agatha Christie character may show up.

All in all, the Auto Train is a great experience if you don’t mind waiting and have a certain level of patience. It helps if you like reading or watching movies, because they make fun ways to pass the 17 hours it will take to get to your destination each way.

I found there is a bit of a camping element to the Auto Train. If you’re riding coach, you are forgoing an evening shower, and with our bathroom located downstairs, you are making a small trek to use the facilities.

Any regrets? My only one is not drinking enough water. I think my anxiety prevented me from drinking too much because I didn’t want to walk to the bathroom too much. As a result, I arrived in Sanford with a tremendous headache. And as far as cost savings, the experience evened out. For what I would pay in hotel costs and gas or flights and car rentals, we broke about even. Except on the way back, when we splurged on a Roomette, for my daughter’s benefit. Roomettes are private rooms the size of a large pantry, with two seats facing each other and which form a bed (with a fold-down upper bunk for an extra passenger).

So, tell me, dear readers: Did you travel over Spring Break or enjoy some sort of staycation? Please leave me a comment and subscribe, if you haven’t already. It’s free and a fantastic way to support this blog.

In the meantime, be well!