Anonymous wrote:Anyone take the new Amtrak from DC to Orlando, where you can bring your car?

yes we did it and it was great. only about 14-16 hours and you get on at dinner time so most of it you are sleeping. eat, watch tv/movies, play games if you are with kids or family, sleep, wake up and you are there. agree it is expensive ($3500 round trip if you get the bedroom which is funny because people not in the know make comments assuming one would take train to save money). def recommend it.

We took the Auto Train last year to help move my senior mother back up to Northern Virginia.
Loading and boarding was a bit challenging for first-timers, but I think it would be easier on subsequent trips where you knew exactly where to go and what to do. Trip felt like an adventure at first, then got very boring.
I'd do it again under very specific circumstances, but it's not worth it if you're just trying to avoid a car rental or your kids are just excited about a train.

The last time we rode the Autotrain, dinner was a sit-down meal with real plates and cutlery, and a bottomless carafe of wine. Our steward even gave us go-cups to take back to our seats. Breakfast was equally nice — tablecloths, bread basket, juice, hot entrees.

All of that made the loading and unloading parts tolerable. If it’s now just like flying Spirit, but even longer, no thanks.

I’d only take it if I were going to Florida for an extended period of time and wanted my car.

It simply takes too long and you have to arrive very early before departure. I disliked sitting around for 3 hours in Lorton waiting to board the train.

Amtrak employees are also often rude and entitled. From the reminders about tips to people being rude to me, I wouldn’t take the train again.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Longest night of my life.

Why? We are considering an overnight train in Europe this summer but reviews on this thread have me questioning that.

I love the comfort of European trains.

As mentioned, Amtrak issues cargo train lines in most places. European trains are much, much better.

Flying is much easier and quick. I just tuck my car in my pocket next to the Visa.