Travel Tips for the Amtrak Auto Train - Seats and Sleepers

Anyone who would prefer to take their car, smallor SUV can be up to 66 and 88 inches in height
van, or motorcycle with them on vacation (butwith 4 inches of ground clearance. Nothing can be
not necessarily drive the entire distance) wouldattached to the roof of the vehicle. However,
enjoy traveling with Amtrak's Auto Train. This is abicycles in bicycle racks can be attached to the
unique service available in the United States forrear of the vehicle. Motorcycles can be up to 57.5
those who like to travel along the east coast.inches in height (including the windshield) and needs
Amtrak, the Federally chartered corporation in theto have 5 inches of ground clearance. Only
United States that runs interstate passengerstandard factory-model two-wheel motorcycles
trains now operates the Auto Train, which waswith no sidecars please.
originally a private business.You will not have access to your vehicle during
There are some things to consider when travelingthe trip. Please remove all needed items from
on the Auto Train. Keeping these in mind andyour vehicle prior to checking it in to be loaded.
planning accordingly will make your trip morePlease do not leave valuables in your vehicle.
enjoyable.Vehicle alarm systems must be deactivated. If
When picking up your ticket and on the day thatyour alarm would go off during the journey, you
you depart from the station, please have photomight have a dead battery upon arrival. You may
identification on your person. Since Auto Trainpack luggage inside your vehicle. Amtrak does
tickets must be in hand prior to boarding, makeallow two carry-on bags per passenger, so bring
sure to pick up your tickets in advance. To thatwith you what you'll need for the trip.
end, arrive early to allow time for anyTrains sway and jiggle while in motion, so use the
unexpected challenges.provided handrails when moving about the train
If you are traveling from or through Washington,and wear shoes at all times.
DC or Orlando, Florida, plan for plenty of travelIf you are traveling in a sleeping car, your bedding
time since traffic can be especially heavy in theseand towels are provided for you, but considering
areas.bringing your own pillow to make your trip more
Auto Train will begin loading vehicles (yours) incomfortable. The beds in the sleeping cars
Lorton, at 11:30 a.m. on the day of yourconveniently convert to seats for travel during
departure. If you are driving an oversized vehiclethe day.
or a motorcycle, these must arrive on location noYou may bring your own snacks even though
later than 2 p.m. Cars must arrive no later than 3your meals are included in your fare. The rooms
p.m. We regret to say, there will be no exceptionshave limited space, so only bring essential items
to these guidelines.with you.
Automobiles, vans, SUV's and motorcycles areThere is a lot to see on the train! Ask a member
the only vehicles permitted on the Auto Train. Aof your crew for recommendations on what to
car should be no higher than 65 inches high andsee while you travel. Above all, enjoy your trip!
have at least 4 inches of ground clearance. A van