| Anyone takin an Amtrak from FL to DC? Not the auto train. Thinking about taking it but it’s 17 hours. |
| I've only taken the Auto Train. Are you thinking about doing a sleeper car? |
| Unless you have an issue where you physically can't fly or drive why would you do this? |
| I won’t have a car. Flying is a hassle and makes me anxious, thought I’d try the train but it seems like a long ride so don’t know if it’s a crazy idea. |
| I've only heard horrible things about the train to FL, including that it often runs long and has delays and a 17 hour trip turns into a 25+ hour trip. Just fly--it's so much easier. |
Or just drive if flying makes you anxious. It's not a hard drive, just long. |
DD & friends have taken it several times to get to/from college. No complaints. |
Just keep in mind there are tons of flights between the DC region and Florida, and the flight is under two hours. We considered taking the train, but it adds 2 full days to travel if you count the round trip, and I think it was even more expensive than flying, especially if you want to do a private room. The ride is more like 18-20 hours, and there are typically only 2 routes you can take each day. |
| The train is only $111 but you sleep in the seat. Not ideal. Flight is around $250. But it’s not about the money really. I don’t want to drive because it’s just me. But 19+ hours seems long, maybe it will feel fast if I read a book and get some rest. |
| It's often delayed because of freight traffic. My friend took the AutoTrain....was supposed to be 20+ hours and it took over 32 hours with the delays. And two very hyperactive boys. |
Personally, I’d be happy to try the train because I have plenty of time to relax. |
| I’m afraid of flying too. I would do the train or rent a car and drive down. |
Where do they go to school that this made sense? |
| A friend took it because of a medical condition that prohibited them from flying. They had a sleeper car and enjoyed it. There were no delays and the compartment had a small bathroom and bunk. |
| We did it once, to Jacksonville, in the sleeper car. We got on at Union Station around 7 pm and arrived in Jacksonville around 9 or 10 am. No significant delays. It cost more than flying with the sleeper car but I thought it would be a fun experience for DC (and we flew home to keep costs a little lower). I don't know that I would do it sitting up in the seats, though. |