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.

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.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

DD & friends have taken it several times to get to/from college. No complaints.

Where do they go to school that this made sense?

I’m afraid of flying too. I would do the train or rent a car and drive down.

Anonymous wrote: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.

Personally, I’d be happy to try the train because I have plenty of time to relax.

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.

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.

Anonymous wrote: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.

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.

Anonymous wrote: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.

DD & friends have taken it several times to get to/from college. No complaints.

Anonymous wrote: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.

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.

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.

Unless you have an issue where you physically can't fly or drive why would you do this?

I've only taken the Auto Train. Are you thinking about doing a sleeper car?

Anyone takin an Amtrak from FL to DC? Not the auto train. Thinking about taking it but it’s 17 hours.