Amtrak Auto Train: An Option to Consider

For Disney College Program (DCP) participants traveling from the Northeast, getting to Florida with a car can be one of the bigger planning challenges. Flying is fast, driving is familiar, and somewhere in between sits an option many people overlook: the Amtrak Auto Train.

Navigator takes a neutral approach here. The Auto Train isn’t for everyone, but for some CPs it can be a practical way to arrive in Florida with both yourself and your vehicle in one trip.

What Is the Amtrak Auto Train?

The Amtrak Auto Train is a nonstop passenger train that transports both travelers and their vehicles between Lorton, Virginia (just south of Washington, DC) and Sanford, Florida, which is about an hour from Walt Disney World.

Instead of driving the full distance, you ride the train while your car is loaded onto a specially designed auto carrier. The scheduled travel time is approximately 17.5 hours and runs overnight in both directions.

Why Some CPs Look at This Option

For CPs coming from the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic states, the Auto Train can reduce the stress of a long drive while still allowing you to have your own car available during the program.

It’s most often considered by participants who already plan to bring a car, want to avoid multiple days of driving, or prefer not to fly and then arrange transportation separately once they arrive in Florida.

Accommodations Onboard

Once your vehicle is booked, you’ll choose how you want to travel onboard. The Auto Train uses two-level Superliner cars and offers both standard seating and private sleeping accommodations.

Coach passengers are assigned a seat similar to other long-distance Amtrak routes. Seats recline, but many travelers bring a pillow and blanket for comfort.

Roomettes are private spaces designed for one or two people. During the day they function as seating, and at night an attendant converts them into sleeping berths. Restrooms and showers are located nearby in the car.

Bedrooms provide additional space and include a private restroom and shower. These rooms convert from seating to sleeping arrangements in the evening with assistance from an attendant.

Meals, Wi-Fi, and Luggage

Meal service depends on your accommodation. Sleeper-car passengers receive meals as part of their fare, while coach passengers can purchase snacks and grab-and-go items from the lounge or café car.

Wi-Fi is available but often slow and unreliable due to the rural areas the train travels through. Downloading entertainment ahead of time is strongly recommended.

One advantage of the Auto Train is luggage flexibility. Because your belongings stay in your vehicle, you’re not limited by airline baggage restrictions.

Check-In, Boarding, and Arrival

Check-in takes place at the Auto Train terminals in Lorton and Sanford and typically runs from late morning through early afternoon. After arriving, your vehicle is tagged and staged while you proceed to passenger check-in.

Upon arrival, vehicles are unloaded and released by number. Because of how the auto carriers are arranged, unloading is not strictly first-in, first-out, and it can take up to 90 minutes for all vehicles to be available.

How This Connects to the Disney College Program

For CPs who plan to bring a car to Florida, the Auto Train is one option worth researching. It doesn’t replace flying or driving for everyone, but for those traveling from the Northeast, it can simplify the journey by combining travel and vehicle transport into one step.

Resources & Useful Links

Amtrak Auto Train – Official Site
Auto Train Experience Details