Auto train to Florida
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,018
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From: Front Royal, Virginia
Auto train to Florida
It's cold in Virginia. I want to get away for a week. Checked the Amtrak Auto train and the fare ( One way ) seems reasonable at $298. That's 2 passengers and the bike. I'll be riding back as the return fare is $486. Anyway, my question is, has anybody taken the train and if so can you comment on the train and do they take good care of the bike.
Gary
Gary
I've taken the Auto Train several times by cage, but never by bike.
I can tell you one thing though, don't leave anything valuable on it.
My parking meter change has disappeared on two different trips, out of sight in the console.
It may not be as bad with a bike since you will be loading it on the train yourself instead of
one of their people. At least that's how it was done a couple of years ago.
Enjoy your trip.
I can tell you one thing though, don't leave anything valuable on it.
My parking meter change has disappeared on two different trips, out of sight in the console.
It may not be as bad with a bike since you will be loading it on the train yourself instead of
one of their people. At least that's how it was done a couple of years ago.
Enjoy your trip.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 30,875
Likes: 32,917
From: King George, VA
Seeing as the trains leaves Lorton, VA in the afternoon and arrives shortly after day break in FL. You are traveling mostly at night. Your biggest concern would be securing the bike so it doesn't fall over while on the autocarrier.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 702
Likes: 2
From: Florida
I took the train in July and would do it again.
They furnish the tie downs and they do a good job of securing the bike.
When you get to Lorton there will be cars lined up waiting to load, go around them (to the left I think) and look for the bike ramp. They will tie it down with you present so you will know that it is secure. I tipped the guys who tied it down $10.
Got an alarm? Either disable it or throw a key fob in a saddlebag. Of course you should lock your saddlebags.
I think it is worth every penny to upgrade to a roomette. The sleeping is tight with two people but much more comfortable than coach, even the food is better. If you do get a roomette tip the girl who makes up the bunks and generally takes care of you $10 per person.
They furnish the tie downs and they do a good job of securing the bike.
When you get to Lorton there will be cars lined up waiting to load, go around them (to the left I think) and look for the bike ramp. They will tie it down with you present so you will know that it is secure. I tipped the guys who tied it down $10.
Got an alarm? Either disable it or throw a key fob in a saddlebag. Of course you should lock your saddlebags.
I think it is worth every penny to upgrade to a roomette. The sleeping is tight with two people but much more comfortable than coach, even the food is better. If you do get a roomette tip the girl who makes up the bunks and generally takes care of you $10 per person.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,018
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From: Front Royal, Virginia
Thanks for the feedback. Talked to Amtrak today and they said they handle everything including tie down. I will however ask if I can be there when they strap her down. Speaking of tying things down, has anyone ( I'm sure there is ) taken the "CAT" to Nova Scotia? First time I went, I worried to death all the motorcycles would end up jumbled together. Left on the kick stand with one strap over the seat wasn't a confidence builder.
Gary
Gary
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