I mean that's not really fair, you know as well as I do the autotrain is a specific service that will take longer given the cars. That's not to say the Japanese train wouldn't also be superior to regular Amtrak long haul routes, but at least compare apples to apples.
@johnbigelson7471 eh doesn't mean amtrak can't make it better particularly the loading phase. Maybe they can go over to the UK and see how theirs is handled.
I did this a few years ago when I moved from Maryland to Florida by myself. I am disabled and can’t praise the experience more! I had a little roomette, my food was brought to me, and when I woke up I was in Florida! I had none of the issues that this person experienced, thankfully.
@@sunkissed4261 If she has issues with walking, she might find the train just the ticket. Flying is quicker for me, but involves a lot of walking( or being pushed), being very uncomfortable on the plane, and being very stressed out. I’d much rather take the train where I have enough room and can spend my time relaxing or sleeping.
@@sunkissed4261 Tell her to pack snacks. Often I have been hungry on Amtrak because dining room was closed when I got on and cafe car is not 24 hours. A few times the train was cancelled causing me to buy a last minute ticket to make my overseas connections. His experience is typical. My only other advice is the stairs to upper deck are steep. Toilets are on lower deck. Must climb up to go to meal car and cafe car. You can reserve regular seats on lower level or get a room on lower level. I enjoy Amtrak and take it as much as possible. Once I took Greyhound from DC to Tampa in the early 90's. Greyhound was too rough!
I've been on the auto train many, many times. Sometimes, it can be like this. The tracks are owned by freight companies who get priority on the tracks. I've experienced major delays worse than depicted here, where we were provided box meals for dinner before we even boarded because we departed around 10 pm. Lunch was served the next day since we did not arrive in Sanford until late afternoon. NOTE always bring snacks with you just in case. I've also had smooth travel experiences where departure and arrival went off without a hitch. It has never been the fault of the amtrak personnel. They do the best they can with the circumstance they are given. What has changed through the years are the amenities offered. They used to have a wine and cheese gathering in the sleeper car lounge before departure, as well as movies in the lounge, etc. That's all a thing of the past. I agree that the most of the cars are showing their age.
My late husband and I took an amtrak train from Springfield IL to Chicago, it wound up being a 9 1/2 hour trip! Delay, delay, after delay. We got to Union Station and there were cops everywhere just down the block cause some lawyer had been shot.
Interesting. My dad had an experience on Auto Train even worse than this a few weeks before this trip, but then a problem-free one last week. And my train didn't arrive until late afternoon but we definitely didn't get any lunch. Couldn't even buy one. Weird
It's funny, but the major complaint from passengers on that trip that I recall was the fact that amtrak could not serve alcohol. 1) because the lounge never opened because we left too late. And 2) because alcohol could not be served the next day with lunch because Amtrak could not be responsible for a bunch of people getting in their cars and possibly driving under the influence when we arrived in the afternoon.
We did it years ago and loved it. We actually had an attendant that prepared the room when we went to dinner for the night and then again in the morning while at breakfast.
This guy spent a bloody fortune to get a third rate travel experience but at least he got to lie down overnight. I took the Amtrak Lorton to Sanford with our family and our car. It was HIDEOUS! The trip was many hours behind schedule, the bathrooms were revolting, and sitting up all night with our kids was tension filled to say the least. But the return trip a week later was WAAY WORSE! The train was stopped in Georgia for many hours and the passengers were in open revolt. Orient Express it was NOT!
@T1D Wanderer I've had similar experiences. It's late pretty often. I go to the Naples area, which is about 5 hours farther than Sanford. If I was on your train, then I'd have to spent the night in Sanford.
Oh for Christ's sake, you sound like the most entitled Karen. What do you mean when you say revolting? I took a sleeper car from Denver to San Francisco and it was a really nice experience. Everything was clean, the staff made up the bed. The passengers need to calm the fuck down. It's a train. it's not like you're all stuck on a bus, a plane, or on the highway. There bathrooms and a cafe car. The delays are a direct result of the lack of funding towards rail. I'd rather take the train any day than have to fly. Flying=hell on earth.
We did this once about 10 years ago. At the time we did it because of my fear of flying (air fare was considerably cheaper !). Even the standard “sleep-in seats” (which are terribly uncomfortable) were exorbitantly expensive; there was no way we could have afforded a sleeper car. Trying to sleep amidst crying babies and international guests calling their spouses overseas on speaker phone was impossible. We spent 17 sleepless hours. Never again. Never, never, never. Amtrak can keep this. Even driving all the way was better.
It looked as if most of those traveling were long retired. I enjoyed watching and was pleased to see you stay positive and honest about your experience. Thank you.
He was in line at 3 PM and got his car back more than 24 hours later, for a trip that would take 12 hours driving (not even considering the time to get to the station which may be out of your way should you be driving), so unless you want to try this for the experience, the market for this service must be older people with money to spare who are not comfortable driving long distances anymore.
I myself would say 'no thank you' to Amtrak Auto Train after watching this video. About 7 hours late, crappy dinner service. They close dinning early so you wouldn't have gotten lunch if you hadn't thought to get something extra at the breakfast bar. And so forth. You are a nice man and very easy going. I would have had steam coming out of my ears! And the price for all that! One might as well have left the car, traveled on regular Amtrak (or by plane) and rented a car in Florida! Thank you for the educational video! And so now we know!
I love trains, I regularly use one to get to facilities to inspect, as well as for international summits. The Auto Train may not have been perfect for your trip, but when the journey is smooth, it's a good alternative for snowbirds! The most famous motorail train is definitely the Eurotunnel Shuttle between Folkestone, UK and Calais, France. A LeShuttle train is about 775 meters (2,540 ft) long and is made from constructive stainless steel. If all nine Eurotunnel passenger shuttles were parked end-to-end, they would stretch for over four miles. The carriages used for the shuttle have a larger loading gauge than either British or French railways. As a result, they cannot travel outside the tunnel and the two terminals onto the national railways. The only trains that travel through the tunnel that can go onto the national railways of the two countries are of course Eurostar trains. The speed limit for trains through the tunnel is 160 kilometers per hour (99 mph). For the tunnel itself, it is 37.9 kilometers (23.5 mi) long. Nine million cubic meters of chalk was excavated from the tunnel during construction, and this was used to enlarge the British Isles by 30 hectares to create Samphire Hoe Country Park which is situated two miles west of Dover in Kent. Since it opened, the equivalent of six times the population of the UK has crossed through the Channel Tunnel. More than 80 million vehicles have boarded Le Shuttle since it opened (cars, trucks, motorcycles, coaches, etc)
The European experience in train travel, management, and efficiency is light years ahead of the US. There is simply no comparison. Trains in India have a better arrival/deprture record than American trains. I went everywhere by train in Europe, not speaking any languages except english and a bit of german. No problems. I needed no direction to my seating or help with when to get off. It seems that American AmTrak is just a public works project first, a passenger service second.
@@OutnBacker comparing Europe to the US is a futile exercise. The high population density of Europe (or India) makes train travel feasible, the high population density also makes traveling around destination cities affordable there. In the USA, even if you travel by train, you have no mode of transportation when you get to your destination train station to get to your end point unless you are a commuter in a metropolitan area and have it prearranged on a regular basis.
Wow, what an embarrassment in the global railroad industry! I’ve taken shorter Amtrak journeys to avoid holiday auto traffic and have been horrified by the lateness of the schedules. Your video is well done! You are a patient man.
In the last 6 months in 2022, I took Amtrak to NYC round trip every week for work. There were certainly bumps in the road, but there's a couple reasons why Amtrak seemed to be so disorganized: There was a rail worker strike. I'm not sure when this video was taken, but that made things pretty unpleasant to an already mildly annoying experience. Amtrak tends to pack their trains stupid. They run a pretty tight ship in Penn Station (most of the time), but it can be confusing to new folks who aren't used to the quirks. You handled this beautifully. Just trying to find the turn-off and waiting to pull into the train station that long would have given me major anxiety. Agree that there should be more signs and more guidance. If they are going to pack their auto train to the brim, then they should provide resources accordingly. Something I'm surprised that they don't do is send more meaningful and up-to-date text messages or app alerts to passengers. It might make things a bit easier. Thank you for sharing this. My husband and I are very interested in trying out the auto train as he is not a flyer, and we would love to bounce around in our own vehicle in Florida.
The US didn't get destroyed in World War II, which was great as civilian lives were preserved. However, we never built passenger rail lines (we share the freight) and President Eisenhower wanted to advance the interstate system (and for strategic reasons: our country is vast and every so many miles, the Interstate has a straightaway so planes can be landed--strategy. Also the oil industry had influence and the rail industry was in a bind with the unions demanding jobs be preserved that were no longer extant--"firemen" were obsolete as the US moved to diesel from coal locomotives. So our train experience is shabbier than Europe and since the more crowded (and potentially profitable) corridors like Maine to Florida are also densely built up, it's unlikely we'll ever develop rail lines.
Silly remark. This trip was a good experience . Those of us who travel by train regularly love all these ingenue remarks. Stickney your crowded, stuffy planes !
@@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401Are you trying to imply this wasn’t crowded or stuffy? Honestly, I really really wish we had high speed, efficient rail here. I love most european rail systems and others that I’ve experienced. I’m glad you get use and enjoyment out of Amtrak. I’d never do it again as it stands now. Too much money, but time is generally what I don’t have. I travel to the other side of the planet several times a year for a decade and am pretty impressed with the efficiency of air travel across a handful of international and Asian carriers. Things happen, of course. But it’s generally efficient. I’ve seen a couple Canadian “luxury” train videos that seem lovely. Or at least I’d do it if I had time and money to burn.
Amtrak needs to own their own tracks. Being at the mercy of the freight train companies schedules and paying them millions of dollars for use (since they actually own the overwhelming majority of rails in the US) is what's crushing passenger train service in this country.
That is not how it works. For decades, the popularity of passenger rail had been in decline. Air travel was becoming faster and cheaper, while cars were more convenient (since most trains don't bring your car for you, leaving you without one when you get to your destination), though with more effort, since you had to drive. Many of the major railroads had requested to end most or all of their passenger service. The combination of the reduced popularity and crushing government regulation (price controls) and the same kind of bad union deals that bankrupted Chrysler (twice) and GM once made it impossible to turn a profit on passenger rail. If the railroads were not obligated to keep providing passenger service as a condition of the right of way to build the track in the first place, they would have stopped, and they were pressuring the government to let them stop throwing money at passenger rail service that few wanted. Passenger rail was in trouble, so Amtrak was created to save it. Railroads that carried passengers could either join the system, partially funding Amtrak initially and allowing Amtrak to permanently use their trackage, with the maintenance burden on the railroads, or they could continue to offer passenger rail service. Nearly all railroads joined the system up front, and eventually all of the long distance railroads had joined the system and ceased their own passenger operations. Long-distance passenger rail is in a bad state in the US because few wanted it when it was offered by the railroads themselves, and because few want it now. The government keeps Amtrak around because discontinuing it would be like selling off America's national parks (their words), not because we have any special need for passenger rail as a mode of transportation. If there was enough demand for it, the railroads would still be doing it and making money. Now going Amtrak is a choice people make because they want to have a train ride experience, not because it is a cost-effective or time-efficient way to get anywhere. Plane tickets are cheaper, and you get there in hours instead of days. Riding for a multi-day trip in coach would be terrible, and while it would be a great deal of fun to get a roomette or the big room, it's more expensive than taking a plane. Planes are for when you just want to get there... Amtrak is for the experience. That's what makes shortcomings in Amtrak's service like shown in this video unfortunate... many people are willing to accept limited or no meal service on planes, because they just want to get to the destination cheaply, but taking a train instead of a plane is a conscious decision to slow down and enjoy the scenery, and things like the dining fiasco here just take the appeal out of it. But with Amtrak failing to break even every year since it was created 50 years ago, even though it was promised to be self-supporting, the level of funding to provide a solidly good experience is not there either. The prices, while already high compared to flying, have to be even higher to pay for a better experience. That is a hard sell when it is already perceived as overpriced.
There’s never been a passengers rail service that made money! Just like the Airlines and Bus Lines, they are partially funded by the government ! On a normal Amtrak passenger train for the bedroom patrons, they make lunch and dinner reservations ! Breakfast in the dining car is first come first served! If you prefer, you can have your dinner delivered to your bedroom, so you don’t even have to leave your room!
I went from Fullerton CA to Syracuse NY (and return ) in a bedroom. Great experience, I could have bought a car (used), but was worth every penny. Having grown up riding the train (pre Amtrak) a compartment trip was on my bucket list. My Dad worked for the Great Northern Railroad. We used to ride the "Fast Mail" train, between Whitefish Mt and Minot ND. It had just 1 passenger coach, mainly used by railway personal, deadheading home. Was great for us kids (5) as we each got our whole seat, and since it was a night train we could stretch out and sleep. There was a little confectioner stand in the corner where could purchase snacks and sodas. Mom always brought sandwiches and cookies. Great memories. Never minded delays as it meant more time on the train. Our greatest train adventure was one Christmas vacation from Whitefish Mt to Great Falls Mt to Bismarck ND, on the way home was a blizzard, and the snow reached the top of the train, and a snowblower engine preceeded the train to clear the track. Speeds were extremely slow and the iced up undercarriage of the coach creaked. We made the cover of either "Look" or "Life" magazine showing the snow to the top of the train.
My uncle, while attending high school, (in his mid-teens during early/mid 1940's) worked part-time after school (evening, weekends) for Great Northern at their Klamath Falls, Ore. freight hub. He was a tough, money-hungry high school kid (sober, with huge! work ethic). His job was to help unload, reload, and otherwise help manage the freight loads.. -Needless to say, he had great success with the railroad, and some great stories! Apparently the railroad operation there was having a lot!! of trouble with on-job (employee) alcohol consumption.
My sister took Amtrak from Sanford Fl to VA. She paid $600 to load her car and a sleeping car a must. She could have dinner in her sleeper or in the dining car. It was a pleasant experience and will do it again.
My boss did this last year and enjoyed it. The room and food service reminded me of a day cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Bahamas we took. At least your ride was peaceful. Thank you.
36 hours late from New York to Miami is typical on Amtrak and even before they eliminated the dining car and the snack car the food choices were extremely limited The snack car had only a few cans of beer and soda and a few Frozen sandwiches and even from New York to Albany they would run out of food before they even reached Albany and by Saratoga there was no food or drink left on the train to buy. When you contrast this with what we used to have with Penn Central and New York Central and Reading Railroad and Delaware and Hudson, they had full dining cars with full menus and they would pick up food in each City and have fully stocked snack cars and dinning cars
We really do. Re: food, I usually eat ahead of time and then just bring sandwiches/wraps/snacks on the train. Even when the train was packed, I had a system where I put my piece of fruit and wrap in my bigass purse and pulled it out when I was ready. I traveled Amtrak every week half of 2022, and I never once considered hitting up the dining car. Maybe if I had a longer trip, as my ride was only 2.5 - 3 hours... but I can still see myself bringing my own food.
My parents did this for years to travel to and from FL for the winter. I don’t recall them having big problems with it. As they were retirees, they were pleased not to have to make the long drive all the way from NY and, later, from NJ. This was some years ago, my mom passed in ‘05, but my father did his last trip in the winter of 2010-11. On the trip back, he was quite fragile. My brother traveled back with him, in a room made for disabled people. They needed assistance several times, and the staff were extremely helpful. I think doing the trip just once may not be representative of the experience.
I took this once and enjoyed the trip. I didnt get a private room but the train was not crowded so i had a row of seats to myself. I hung out at night in the bar and had a nice time. It was an enjoyable ride that saved me driving from NY to FL.
I have traveled the auto train frequently. 1ST ALWAYS BRING YOUR OWN FOOD DRINK AND BLANKETS. As anyone who travels delays occurs. I happy you made it safely. The trainride forces you to relax and take in tje experience. Enjoyed you video. Safe travels.
Agreed. I have had a cruise port of call cancelled, and airline flights cancelled... It is what it is... It doesn't even have to be Amtrak's fault, as all it takes to delay Amtrak several hours is a freight train ahead of your train with a hot bearing on one axle. Considering freight trains can be two miles long with more than 150 cars, that is a lot of axles and wheel bearings... Never mind engine and generator issues...
Years ago the auto train people were very nice to us. I had had surgery in VA and needed to get to FL. I was too sick to fly and just the thought of the long drive made me exhausted. They made a space for us. I don't remember a lot of the trip but I do not remember it being dirty or the toilets being bad. We had a safe ride to FL and it was a short way from Stanford to home.
Being retired I would look at this as 'the adventure'. I'm in no hurry these days but when driving on a long road trip, snacks are a must. Next time put some in your luggage just in case. The folks with Amtrak do the best with the hand they are given.
Right you are, I'm also retired and not really in a hurry at all. That's what being retired is all about and Amtrak lets you relax and take in the scenery.
I went on the auto train in March, no complaints other than after 10 they go pretty fast and the ride is kind of rough. But since I’m taking a train time really didn’t matter that much to me I wish they would’ve gone a little slower and taken a couple hours longer for a better nights sleep. I also had a small sleeper.
We had researched the food issue thoroughly beforehand and brought our little cooler with water and coke, plus two Jersey Mike subs, just in case we got hungry. 😊
I learned one very important thing from this video. Never have anything planned at the end of an Amtrak trip. At least nothing that you have o be there for at a certain time.
@@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401 I didn’t complain to anyone. I simply stated what I learned from this video. Not sure how you saw this as complaining but ok.
Last year I took Amtrak from the SF Bay Area to Westchester County NY. I did it first class, all the. way, in a room just like yours. We ran something like 12 hours behind, but I didn't mind it. I was enjoying the amazing view, seeing wild buffalo and antelope. The food was good. The service from the staff was amazing (of course, I have a policy of tipping - and tipping very well - upon first meeting the crew member assigned to me) and the bed was super comfy.
The tipping thing works.....I found out back in 80s when flying to order a drink, tip the flight attendant a $20 ( which most folks never do) and all the following drinks were free and service and attitude were impeccable....I always amazed any fellow travelers with this. I don't anymore except once every couple years as now retired so I don't know if this still works in post 911/coof times...😮
We have been mulling over using this service when going to my families condo in Florida. This video was all I needed to see that spending a little extra flying to Florida and renting a car is well worth it.
Took the Auto Train on Apr 25 and had no issues. Boarded about 3:30 PM and we actually pulled out of the station half hour early. Dinner at 6:00 PM was right on time and good conversation with fellow passengers. I only got a Roomette but it was fine for just me. Breakfast was simple and I took mine back to the room to watch the passing landscape. Would definitely do it again.
The Northeast Regional is actually Amtrak's most profitable service, but the AutoTrain is the most profitable LONG-DISTANCE service! Though it is indeed the only motorail in the US! But not the only one in North America as the Ontario Northland Railway in Canada has a thing called the Polar Bear Express that connects Cochrane with Moosonee in northern Ontario. There are no roads to Moosonee, so drivers there very much rely on the train. It operates five days per week year-round. During the summer months there is an additional train on Sundays and the train often includes a full-length dome car. I'm glad you acknowledged freight being a factor, because Amtrak gets a lot of smack for being late when most of the tracks in the US are owned by freight companies and thus freight companies have priority and final say. Not to mention most tracks are also not electrified. Amtrak owns the electrified Northeast Corridor between DC and Boston, which is why service is most reliable in the Northeast. Amtrak owns the Keystone Corridor between Philly and Harrisburg as well, which is also electrified.
Just curious, and correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that indeed, Amtrak works at an enormous financial deficit for all trains except for those in the Northeast corridor. This is the reason Amtrak gets massive federal funding and has for ages now.
I took this train in April 2010 and loved it. Left VA around 4pm and got into Sanford early the next morning around 730am. It was a comfortable ride with lots of friendly people and good service. I would do it again without hesitation.
@@jackieyoung3359@daveshore2641 EXACTLY! In 2010 things still worked, well enough. On the bright side, at least we have access to trains, planes, and automobiles!
Sorry to hear about all the issues you experienced on the auto train. Two years ago, my wife and I went across country (Norfolk, VA - Salem, OR) and absolutely loved it! Yeah, there were delays, but we found it very relaxing, met some wonderful folks and had some great views of our country. We don’t plan on ever taking the auto train though. Thanks for the great review!
We’ve traveled many many times on the Autotrain with our child and never had a problem. We did learn things along the way. Always get there early and get group 1 dinner and ask for room service breakfast. This gets you off the train fast and should your car be one of the first ones off then bonus! Bring a book and snacks. Don’t forget there is a movie and games to play for entertainment. I mean, there wasn’t wi fi in the past!
I didn't know you could request a dinner group. I didn't even know that's how it worked - they just gave me a ticket with "3". I found out what that meant! Thanks for your comments
@@T1DWanderer with the sleeper cars you have an attendant who will get the dinner or breakfast for you, but you have to ask them. Normally they tell you, but it sounds like so much went wrong on your trip. They’ll also fetch coffee and tea and will offload your luggage and place them in a carrier to make your exit faster. 💕🐝💕🇺🇸
@@T1DWanderer If you check in early enough you get to choose your dinner seating. You checked in so late that the third seating was probably the only one available.
We made this "memorable" trip in the 70's. No sleepers, no showers, and certainly no wifi 😂. Dinner wasn't a cattle call like that, and after dinner they showed a movie in the dining car. The temperature in our car could not be regulated and we spent the entire night adjusting the thermostat as one end of the train car would be freezing cold while the other end was sweltering hot. I'm glad we did it - so I know to never ever do it again.😅
This looks typical for Amtrak!! My wife and I traveled from Greensboro,NC, to Seattle, WA a few years ago. We were 12 hours late into Seattle. On the return trip, we were so late that we missed connection for Chicago. We were bussed from Champagne, I'll to Indianopolis. We connected with the train we missed out of Chicago. We were still nearly 8 hours late into Greensboro. I wouldn't recommend AMTRAK for any travel. As stated in the video, freight trains has priority. You are required to sideline if you meet a freight train. Good luck. If you ever choose AMTRAK, don't lock into a tight schedule.
Wow!, I had thought about using this service, but the cost and delay just to get on the train is crazy. I don't mind driving and since we are retired, it doesn't matter when we get there, we just plan it correctly. Thanks for the info, good video.
I had also thought about trying this train service out, and I found that the airplane tickets for my entire family of three and the rental car was cheaper than taking the train
It is cheaper if you sleep in couch. The expensive part is the sleeper (I would get the sleeper as it includes all of your meals) Also if you have to get up In the middle of the night you have your own bathroom, shower , toilet and sink. Your own window, and more. Privacy!!
I can only recommend this trip for two reasons - Novelty and necessity. If you are elderly or disabled this is a great way to be a snowbird. Train lovers aren't going to mind the delays , and may actually be fascinated by the logistics of navigating shared track with freight haulers. For the rest of us , paying someone to transport your car and taking a non-stop flight is a much better option.
Why can elderly and disabled not fly? My grandma flys all the time. It’s safer and easier, and airlines accommodate you every step of the way. What am I missing?
@@OCShortsMan You are missing two very conspicuous facts. First, not every disability is the same. Second, the elderly can have health-related issues that are not classified as "disabilities" that make airline travel and car travel more difficult, albeit for different reasons. I guess I am missing how you could ask such a question if you have ever interacted with either disabled individuals or the elderly. Just because it works for your grandma doesn't mean it does for everyone else's. In fact, that was his original point, which was a balanced assessment.
We have taken the Auto Train several times. I pack a really nice lunch and plan to arrive before the gate opens. I find a nice seat, read a book, eat my lunch, walk around, and stay relaxed. But I did some research before my first trip, so I was prepared. No sweat. And I don’t put my shoes on the seat. The trick is to manage expectations.
@@oliknow She said nothing close to what you interpreted. When you seek to post about talking points absent any data from sources, however, you will confirm what you already believe to be true.
My family did a round trip on the Auto Train back in the 80s. The wait to board wasn't that bad, but I remember we did pull out of the station about 30 minutes late. We checked in without drama, we were in the general seating (not a private compartment) and there wasn't any more confusion than what I've seen boarding planes. On the way south, we would catch an occasional slight whiff of diesel exhaust from the engines at the front of the train, but in general it was a pleasant trip. I don't really remember the food clearly, but vaguely remember it being OK. Our "nonstop" train stopped in what looked like the middle of nowhere during the wee hours of the morning in what a passing steward said was South Carolina... because a number of the train crew (several of whom I clearly saw walking off into the darkness) lived in the town we were passing through. After about 40 minutes, the same figures came back out of the darkness and the train was once again moving. Upon arrival in Sanford, it didn't seem like there were any real problems unloading although we had to wait around 30 minutes to retrieve our car (not bad, actually). Heading back north, we sat a bit farther back in the train so there were no passing whiffs of diesel... but most of the population of our car was truly geriatric and began arguing loudly over whose turn it was to use one of the two bathrooms around 4:00 o'clock in the morning despite several reminders that they were not the only ones in the car and some of us were trying to sleep. Overall, we were so impressed with our trip on the Auto Train that we never again used it for a number of other trips between the DC area and the Orlando area via car, train, or airplane.
I ❤ trains, which is why I watched your video, also, my son (Navy) lived in Jacksonville, FL for several years. I always wanted to take the train from Virginia to Florida, so this was fascinating for me. Yeah, I guess you'd better be an "enjoy the journey" person and take food with you! Awesome video- subscribed 👍
Wow, that delay was brutal! My longest delay has been about 5 hours on the Silver Meteor. I have been lucky and have not experienced any delays on the auto train. Delays on the auto train can also lead to unfortunate timing in traffic. I usually have my meals delivered to my room. I haven't booked a bedroom but I actually love the radio in the normal sleeper rooms. There's something about listening to old music on a regular radio while riding the train. No phone, no ipad, no streaming, just an actual radio.
You have not lived! The Western trains (CZ, SWC and EB) have seen delays of over 24 hours on a frequent basis. It's actually normal for them to be at least 6 hours late.
We ordered a carry out Greek food from a local Greek restaurant before boarding Amtrak. After our Amtrak attendant introduced himself, we closed the door and enjoyed our dinner 🙂
That's how to do it! If you even a little concerned about meals, bring your own food. If I had to wait hours and hours for dinner, I would be so hangry that I'd probably get myself in trouble for being mean and obnoxious. I've got low blood sugar issues, so don't play with me and my food 😂
As a person who enjoys the destination, and not the journey, this sounds like a completely miserable trip! I’m also a diabetic, so if I would ever take the train, I would make sure that I have plenty of food with me. Thanks for sharing!
Somehow I'm not shocked that there were so many troubles with this. And 1k for the trip? I get that there's a car attached, but still... For all those issues, with such a teeny room, and additional charges ($2.50 for a can of soda and had no change so $3? I'm afraid to know what else was jacked up that badly)... If Amtrak wants to actually compete and showcase some of their more popular routes, maybe they should take pages out of other countries playbooks on them and actually make them worth the money. But that's just my thinking ^^;
I do organic so I always bring some food. That was helpful because we found they don't actually do meals in the winter in the north. 😮 A few microwave things. Terrible.
Train attendants get all excited if you fire up the gas camping stove or gas grill to do the steaks! Be sure to pull your curtain so other passengers, whos last meal was yesterday, don't hang around drooling and begging. When our conductor-liar told us they were short on cooks, our impromptu group of passengers ask for the kitchen keys so we could make everybody dinner. 3 of our group were professional chefs and we promised to do the dishes...no go, dammit!
Auto train check-in tip: arrive around 1PM or earlier. That way if the arriving train is late, you are not sitting in the car waiting for the train to be unloaded. Last time we boarded at Lorton in 2021, the train was late and didn’t leave until close to 7pm. We checked in around 1pm and thought the train was empty! Then we realized Amtrak had closed the station entrance for the off-loading operation.
@@T1DWanderer loved your report. Sorry it was such a delayed journey. I took the auto train 8 times in coach and had few, if any, delays. I now reside permanently in FL, but would use it again if needed. I love trains!
Excellent video, thanks to the gentleman recording. Terrible over all trip with the delays and constant waiting. I hope this experience will 100 times better for everyone one else. The service personnel all seemed pleasant and professional.
I looked at the delay and costs back in the 90s (it was bad then too, but not quite as bad) and decided to just drive down to Florida from Virginia. (I went down VA via I-81 and decided to come back via I-95). I made an overnight in Raleigh on the way down (had a late start with a full day). I did a non-stop drive coming back. All in all I think the decision to drive resulted in a much smoother (and way cheaper) trip than taking the auto train back then. It is sad to see the many delays and issues the system was notorious for back then have only gotten worse. I have known several Amtrak employees. Those delays are really hard on them too as if the train is late or delayed they don't often get to leave at the scheduled end of work day time. Those station people have to stay until the train actually leaves. The workers on the train are in for a super long day, etc. One of the reasons I avoided the auto train was I had a friend who took the auto train and when they got their car back it had a big dent in the side and there was a lot of hassle and denials in getting it fixed. No one had told any supervisor about hitting something, somehow while parking or removing the car. Surely it was dented before you gave up the keys, etc. I have also heard of items left in the car vanishing en-route. A car trunk is not a secure storage space for valuables if you give someone else the keys.
Ok, that does it for me. I've been thinking of taking my family to Florida on vacation. I've always worried about what would happen if something happened to my car when someone else was driving it. I also think about how secure my belongings would be if left in the car. I don't think I'll be taking the autotrain after all. Looks like driving to Florida for me.
Done this trip several times and always had a good experience. I’ve been in a seat, a roomette and a private room. No complaints as I chose to go this route vs driving and spending the night in a hotel. It’s your option to drive as well. It’s not a gourmet meal nor accommodations, but way easier than driving.
I worked at the Autotrain Station for 28 years and it was truly a wonderful experience 🥰 we have had our challenges but or goal was always to try and provide a wonderful experience. Late trains just like planes are no ones ideas of a good time 😒. Sorry for when things don't work out. Im a retirees now and take Amtrak and enjoy it 😊
This service has been running between Virginia and Florida for about 50 years. Like other modes of public transportation, there are good days and bad days. Taking the train is a great way to see the country and meet fellow travelers. There can be delays, but if you are not in a hurry and just want to see the sights, it's a great way to travel.
I've travelling on Amtrak train even before Amtrak became nationwide (formerly individual railroad passengers companies became no longer confused with many transfers) for over 55 years. I hopped once or twice a year acrossing any part of USA as I love it and no matter if the train is delays or on time because train travellings are blasting with wonderful socially different people from all over the places and a beauty by looking views passing different areas too. And I'm using mostly sleeper car that is including no extra cost eating in dining car is the best! And their real foods are great! Able to walk entire each cars or standing out of train car on platform if stop for 10 or more minutes (don't wonder away from platform then the train will left by catch up on schedule or be on-time a minute or two before). While monitoring the completely refueling in locomotives, done by exchanging suitcases in baggage car, finishing filling up water each car and less passengers hopping in or hopping out will be leaving early as a schedule. I used took Southern Pacific (SP) Peninsula Commuter trains for years. SP ran between San Francisco and San Jose, now called Caltrain extended to Gilroy (south of San Jose). For you guys are taking a short trip on any long distance Amtrak to see if you like the train before taking longer trip. Also, check train status (keeping repeating if a train is catch up) for the arrival to save your waiting. Enjoy!
I'm from the UK and have travelled around the world to many places. I have never been to the US and would love to go. We forget how big that place is and the scale is always lost on me. Can't wait to go. A massive country full of everything. Great video. Thank you.
When he said VA to FL in 16 hours and you can take your car this actually sounded like a trip I would try..... for over 1k and 3+ hour delays this is a complete joke
I took the auto-train many years ago. Fortunately, it was on time. I bought a coach seat. I don’t remember what I ate, but I enjoyed it. They had a movie car where they showed Forest Gump.
My family and I took the AutoTrain about 18 years ago, it seemed very similar to the author's experience. The sleeping berths are worth the money if you go.
Really enjoyed the trip with you. My father worked for the Clinchfield Railroad when I was young and we took some free trips. Riding on a train is an experience that can't be duplicated and it does have some advantages over cars, buses and planes. Of course, the disadvantages are pretty obvious.
I rode this same train a few months ago going north. The food was very good, everyone was nice and we departed and arrived on the minute. You can stay in the lounge car all night with wifi if you want to. My only complaint was there was a bad wheel under our car that thumped when the train was at speed, there was no sleeping during these parts.The staff will set your beds up for you anytime you want. I would ride the train again, no question. It was a good adventure. Also you pick your dinner service first, second, or third when you check in.Some people want to eat late, some early.
Sounds good. I didn't choose my dinner group, they just gave us "3" tickets. I didn't know what it even meant (maybe a section of the restaurant car??) until much later on board. But I've been on a few Amtrak trains since this and the meals went much more smoothly (usually)!
We took both our cars on the auto train back in 1978. We had a sleeper car for us and our pets too. I remember that they had a dog walk at 2am. They fed us dinner before the train departed,because my dad and I took our meals back to the sleeper to sit with our dog and cat,they were a bit frightened of the movement and noise. Wasn't a bad experience for me.
Enjoyed your account on Amtrak auto train. I have traveled on every western long distance Altrak train and have experienced similar delays. However, I have always been fed regardless of how late we were. I still enjoy the train immensely and since the superliner cars are all being upgraded, that should be nice till they totally replace them in about 10 years. I VERY MUCH appreciate your mentioning the cost of your trip. Rooms and roomettes are ridiculously expensive, unfortunately!! Thanks.
@@francescoavila6960when you are old and broken down like me it makes health sense Lol. I can’t handle drives over two hours anyone. And I95 traffic is usually awful these days and hotels have tripled in price since Covid. And with a room you avoid the cost of eating in many restaurants along the way. And no fuel costs and wear and tear on my car.
We've traveled the autotrain round trip yearly for the last 3 decades. This delay was out of the norm from our experience. Yes. Delays happen but amtrak keeps passengers updated by text if you provide cell # or by email. Travellers can also check their train status on the website or app. No need to put signs out on the street. In the sleeper cars, you have the choice of having your meal in your compartment or in the dining car, so he chose to wait for the 3rd dinner seating. In addition, you are welcome to bring your own food/snacks and beverages on board. Also, the video made it seem like he had to set up the beds. The car attendant always makes up the room for us. We last rode in march of this year.
You’re describing an ideal world. And if a driver doesn’t even know if he’s in the right kind of traffic, there should be signs and people giving directions. No excuse for late seating.
My best friend lived in Florida so I got in the habit of taking the Auto Train to visit him and love it in spite of any delays caused by the freight railroads Amtrak must use, freight railroads being probably the most common cause of delays. When my friend died unexpectedly in 2019, I used the Auto Train almost every one of my six roundtrips trips to and from Florida that year in settling his estate, eventually buying his house as my winter home. I still use the Auto Train and love the relaxation - even if we are late - as compared to sitting in a cramped airline seat or waiting in an airport for the next leg of my flights. Being relaxed and having some extra time, as well as a good book, helps a lot when traveling with Amtrak. Also, I book a private compartment for easier sleeping, which is worth every penny to me.
I'll admit that the last time I rode the Auto-Train was at least 40 years ago, before Amtrak took it over. But I've seen other Auto-Train videos and it usually leaves close to on schedule, so you had very bad luck. I've also eaten in numerous Amtrak dining cars and usually dinner service was also close to on schedule. But sometimes a late-arriving train means a late-departing train; that happened to me on the Sunset Limited in New Orleans back in September. We left 3 hours late as a result and arrived in L.A. 7 hours late. You just have to roll with the punches.
A lot of Amtrak's schedule problems are due to their dependence on the freight train schedule since the freight carriers own the tracks and won't give Amtrak priority clearance on any of their lines, including the auto train. This is why Obama wanted to invest in a passenger train only rail network.
As someone who lives in Jacksonville, I died laughing when you said they give priority access to the freight cars because there's like 5 trains with one being monstrously long that utilize that rail corridor. I figured you weren't getting from Jax to Palatka quickly at all.
I took an interest in Auto Train yesterday and Google took me (eventually) to your review here. I thought it was very good - fair and honest - and a pretty good reflection of how I would feel myself if I had that experience. Regretfully, I've come to the conclusion that the single overnight run wouldn't be worthwhile for all the aggravation of loading and unloading. I wish such auto-carrying trains existed for the 3 or 4 night cross-continental trains.
My parents took us on the auto-train when I was a teenager in the 80’s. I was so disappointed in the constant stopping and creeping slowness through ugly backwater towns after imagining beautiful scenery going by at 80 MPH. The windows were almost too cloudy to see through, and the air conditioning was broken, so we got free, warm sodas to sip sitting on the wool seats. I also remember waiting forever to get the car back. Boy, did I dread the return trip. Better to drive it.
I imagine the routes in the East are like that--the tracks are usually in the undesirable parts of cities. My trip (coach) was on the northern route across the country and had amazing scenery.
We traveled via AutoTrain 12-15 times (almost always at Thanksgiving time) and loved each trip. We never had the long wait on the highway, we drove right up to the station and handed over our car. We felt our vacation started when we entered the station, which is very nice. Our trains always left on time. We always booked a sleeper car with private bathroom. In the beginning they provided wine and cheese upon departure, unlimited oranges and bananas and bottled water, etc. These additions sadly disappeared one by one. I found the beds and pillows to be uncomfortable but always clean, personnel were always accommodating, and the trip was always a pleasant way to travel to Florida.
I took that train many years ago. From your video it has improved in terms of food and the sleeper. I would have enjoyed the trip. thanks for the video.
If You wannabe on time to not take an Amtrak train . After 3 times long distance on Amtrak .it's never been on time . But I did enjoy the ride and that was really important.
I have traveled on the Auto Train several times. On one occasion we were early and had to wait for the crew to arrive to remove the vehicles. 90% of all Amtrsk trains being late is because of CSX has priority over the tracks so Amtrak must wait.
...and that late arrival means delayed turnaround time, which is what you experienced up north. Sounds like that would be cumulative, unless they pull a prepared train out of their sleeves. Well, off to see the Japanese train now. 😀❤👍
Setting aside the late departure and arrival frustration, the $1k price at first glance seems high. Factor in saving: 1 night hotel ($150), 1 dinner for 2, & 1 breakfast for 2 ($100) , a few tanks of gas you would have spent driving for 20 hrs ($150+), the wear on your car and yourself by not driving for 20 hrs ($?), not having to rent a car while in Florida during your visit. I did this trip about 10 yrs ago (2 parents, 2 kids 8 & 5) and found the value proposition well worth it. Some tips: if you can, travel on less busy days as the dinner times were no problem; we found 2 "roomettes" across the hall from one another great value. These are 2 seats facing one another, no in-room toilet/shower, but common bathroom showers in the same car. As it wasn't that busy there was never a wait and the facilities were not so tight. The 2 seats converted into an upper and lower bunk. The wi-fi was decent (could stream audio but not video well). It would occasionally fade in and out as you were passed from tower to tower).
Too bad that you didn't tell Amtrak that you're a T1D cause they would have included you in the Group 1 dining. All you have to do is ask nicely and tell them it is imperative that you eat on time. I'm sorry the train ran so late but apparently it could not be helped. I like getting on the train when it is clean and hate it when it's the reverse and in deplorable condition. Thank you! Best wishes!
Just stumbled across this. Very informative video to watch. But after seeing this, I can't imagine I would ever partake. Unless I become incapable of driving long distances. But my wife and I make the trek from Dunedin, Florida to Rockwood, Michigan each summer, and even when driving straight through, we make better time than this train experience. Crazy!
Thanks for doing that for me. I will definitely cross it off my list and definitely the bucket list. I would probably end up in the bucket with all the setbacks of that trip.
I love train travel- have done it all over the world. I introduced trains to my granddaughters by taking the train from the west coast to Chicago 3 times- SW Flyer from Vegas, California Zephyer from Oakland and NW Flyer from Seattle. All great experiences for the girls, eating in dining car and sitting with and meeting other people and seeing the country from ground level. We booked sleeping cars. Staff were always good, dining was great, but schedule always late- every time, we waited about 4 hours for departure and every arrival was 8 hours late. Amtrak is hamstrung by antiquated rules regarding crew changes, lack of priority for the rails and a lot of other issues.
I can’t believe they didn’t make some sort of accommodations for all of those people to have access to food if they are going to be that late. I’m very glad I watched this. I seriously was considering taking a trip on the train, but I won’t now.
We took the auto train 25 years ago. It was late leaving and broke down at Quantico, no a/c, old people had to be removed… It’s the same train they use today. We got dinner back in the day.
This video confirmed my attitude towards Amtrak-third rate and mired in incompetent bureaucracy. I am reminded of a trip on Acela going north once, choosing the most expensive seat, which allegedly included breakfast. The attendant (with attitude) handed out menus and then proceeded to reject almost every selection I made-"we are out." I finally asked why a menu was given if all that was available was bad coffee and a stale donut. Her terse response was "because that is what I was told to do." American trains, even the semi-high speed ones, are a worldwide embarrassment. My train was staffed by ill-equipped and sullen staff who were poorly trained and could not survive in the private sector.
Its understandable that dinner would be late if boarding was late. Amazing that you was on a delayed train so people can see what happens and how best to adjust. Notice the people waiting to board their now late train, they will experience the same things that you did. Happy training
I’ve taken the auto train five times over the years. My best experience was the first one back in 1996 when they still had the old dome cars and played movies for the kids. The cars were of 50s or 60s vintage, which was really cool. The cars they have been using now for the past 20 years or so are in terrible need of an upgrade. New Viewliner cars at least.
I appreciate your honesty but I would definitely consider taking it. I took a train from Jax to Trenton, NJ when I was in the Navy in 1988 and wished I'd have sprung for the sleeper car. That looked to be money well spent. The only thing that would have bothered me would have been that line waiting to board. You're right: they do need signs. As for the rest of it, after raising a young man with autism I've learned to pick my battles and prepare ahead of time. Regarding the food situation, we learned to packed something in advance - as well as activities and additional clothing. We did this when driving our old minivan from Pittsburgh to Myrtle Beach. He'd probably love this trip since it goes to Orlando, which he has had lots of fun in. BTW, we also rent a tiny cabin instead of staying in a hotel. What can I say? We raised a vagabond!
We have traveled Amtrak numerous times. Sometimes pretty good, sometimes downright awful. But there’s no denying there’s a bit of magic every time you settle in and you start to roll.
It all comes down to expectations. If you can't travel without the maxim that getting there is half the fun, DO NOT take Amtrak. I learned years ago, by accident, that the best way to go is to stay a few days every time you change a train. I went from Houston-LA-San Fran-Seattle-Chicago-Houston and absolutely loved it. The trains are never on time and you WILL miss your connection. You can stress out and be angry or you can go with flow and really chill out. I wish more people travelled via train and more resources could be devoted to it to improve the experience.
I just took some Amtrak rides a couple weeks ago, and it was really ALL about the rides, not the destinations. It's just not like anything else - not driving or flying
The service on Amtrak isn’t poor due to lack of passengers. It’s due to incompetence and a lack of professionalism. This epidemic is rampant now in the US, but never used to be.
ive traveled the auto train at least a dozen times and everything you experienced happend to me numerous times the only thing ill add is my car on 1 trap was second to last to come off...2 hours after the first car came off...i always look at it as an adventure and dont plan too close to arriving when they say youll get there...otherwise i love the autotrain
I think part of the delay was due to an incident in Jacksonville that day, a man named Nick Stabile crashed an A1 Catering van on the tracks outside jacksonville and caused several delays
Thank you for doing this. It informed my decision to fly and rent a car rather than put up with delays, expensive but mediocre accommodations, and poor management that only government employees can provide.
I am on the auto train from Lorton VA to Sanford FL watching this. We got off on time, 600 passengers. The food in coach for dinner is heated in microwaves. Not much for the pallet. You pay in coach. The wifi works in coach but can be spotty, buffers alot. Europe and others are far ahead of the U.S. in mass transit. We're not catching up anytime soon.
We took Autotrain from FL to VA in 2018, and it was an excellent experience except for late arrival, which seems to be a chronic issue because of CSX freight operations. Late arrival was not a problem. We did not take again because to get home required a long drive and an overnight hotel stay. Employees were very helpful, both on train and in stations.
If you want your car early on & off the train then you pay or you patiently wait. It’s expected make adjustments for it. He just picked a busy time to travel. Can he be any more positive? Lol Stay awake night owls Group 3 will get your meal @ 11pm. If you need food for medical reasons bring your own. He found something he liked the shower, views out the window and the train rocking rhythm. 👍🏼 We have a winner. Make arrival day a free day. Don’t plan anything. This guy just rolled with it and liked the experience. I’m booking the auto-train.
Our Auto Train trip was good. It did leave late but was a pleasant trip. I would recommend over driving two days to Florida and staying in a motel on the way.
Back in 2017, we were heading back to Lorton, heading into Jacksonville and the train came to a stop. We found out a CSX freight train derailed ahead of us. We sat for ten hours and didn't move. Luckily I fell asleep for awhile. We were on the train for 27 hours altogether. Amtrak did give us each $100 toward another trip but we had to use it within a year. They did give us a free hot meal also. Staff was very nice and kept coming around to make sure we were all okay and didn't need anything.
Compare this to a Japanese train I recently rode: th-cam.com/video/C-f3Q6XzB0g/w-d-xo.html
I mean that's not really fair, you know as well as I do the autotrain is a specific service that will take longer given the cars. That's not to say the Japanese train wouldn't also be superior to regular Amtrak long haul routes, but at least compare apples to apples.
Get your feet off the furniture.
@johnbigelson7471 eh doesn't mean amtrak can't make it better particularly the loading phase. Maybe they can go over to the UK and see how theirs is handled.
@@The_Lone_Aesir Oh for sure, there's lots of room for improvement. I just didn't feel this specific comparison was fair.
I would just drive
I did this a few years ago when I moved from Maryland to Florida by myself. I am disabled and can’t praise the experience more! I had a little roomette, my food was brought to me, and when I woke up I was in Florida! I had none of the issues that this person experienced, thankfully.
The question I would have is how many years ago?
@@truckingwithatablet4489 “a few”
Ty, for your input. I moved from Maryland to Florida last yr. I'd like to have my mom ride the train down to visit.
@@sunkissed4261 If she has issues with walking, she might find the train just the ticket. Flying is quicker for me, but involves a lot of walking( or being pushed), being very uncomfortable on the plane, and being very stressed out. I’d much rather take the train where I have enough room and can spend my time relaxing or sleeping.
@@sunkissed4261 Tell her to pack snacks. Often I have been hungry on Amtrak because dining room was closed when I got on and cafe car is not 24 hours. A few times the train was cancelled causing me to buy a last minute ticket to make my overseas connections. His experience is typical. My only other advice is the stairs to upper deck are steep. Toilets are on lower deck. Must climb up to go to meal car and cafe car. You can reserve regular seats on lower level or get a room on lower level. I enjoy Amtrak and take it as much as possible. Once I took Greyhound from DC to Tampa in the early 90's. Greyhound was too rough!
Lessons noted. View Amtrak as an adventure. Arrive early to board. Don't have plans for you arrival day. Bring snacks. Bring a book. Enjoy the ride.
Plan and book your Amtrak ride to arrive at your destination a day early... Just doing that relieves a lot of STRESS with the train being LATE...
I've been on the auto train many, many times. Sometimes, it can be like this. The tracks are owned by freight companies who get priority on the tracks. I've experienced major delays worse than depicted here, where we were provided box meals for dinner before we even boarded because we departed around 10 pm. Lunch was served the next day since we did not arrive in Sanford until late afternoon. NOTE always bring snacks with you just in case.
I've also had smooth travel experiences where departure and arrival went off without a hitch. It has never been the fault of the amtrak personnel. They do the best they can with the circumstance they are given.
What has changed through the years are the amenities offered. They used to have a wine and cheese gathering in the sleeper car lounge before departure, as well as movies in the lounge, etc. That's all a thing of the past. I agree that the most of the cars are showing their age.
My late husband and I took an amtrak train from Springfield IL to Chicago, it wound up being a 9 1/2 hour trip! Delay, delay, after delay. We got to Union Station and there were cops everywhere just down the block cause some lawyer had been shot.
Interesting. My dad had an experience on Auto Train even worse than this a few weeks before this trip, but then a problem-free one last week. And my train didn't arrive until late afternoon but we definitely didn't get any lunch. Couldn't even buy one. Weird
😱
It's funny, but the major complaint from passengers on that trip that I recall was the fact that amtrak could not serve alcohol. 1) because the lounge never opened because we left too late. And 2) because alcohol could not be served the next day with lunch because Amtrak could not be responsible for a bunch of people getting in their cars and possibly driving under the influence when we arrived in the afternoon.
Partly correct, the rail lines are owned by other railroads and maintained by them but 90% of the time or more Amtrak will always have priority.
We did it years ago and loved it. We actually had an attendant that prepared the room when we went to dinner for the night and then again in the morning while at breakfast.
This guy spent a bloody fortune to get a third rate travel experience but at least he got to lie down overnight. I took the Amtrak Lorton to Sanford with our family and our car. It was HIDEOUS! The trip was many hours behind schedule, the bathrooms were revolting, and sitting up all night with our kids was tension filled to say the least. But the return trip a week later was WAAY WORSE! The train was stopped in Georgia for many hours and the passengers were in open revolt. Orient Express it was NOT!
Sounds like a particularly bad one. Thanks for the comment
@T1D Wanderer I've had similar experiences. It's late pretty often. I go to the Naples area, which is about 5 hours farther than Sanford. If I was on your train, then I'd have to spent the night in Sanford.
Looks like we had the same experience 😂
If I were you I would have pooped on the floor and then blamed it on the captain of the train.
Oh for Christ's sake, you sound like the most entitled Karen. What do you mean when you say revolting? I took a sleeper car from Denver to San Francisco and it was a really nice experience. Everything was clean, the staff made up the bed.
The passengers need to calm the fuck down. It's a train. it's not like you're all stuck on a bus, a plane, or on the highway. There bathrooms and a cafe car. The delays are a direct result of the lack of funding towards rail.
I'd rather take the train any day than have to fly. Flying=hell on earth.
We did this once about 10 years ago. At the time we did it because of my fear of flying (air fare was considerably cheaper !). Even the standard “sleep-in seats” (which are terribly uncomfortable) were exorbitantly expensive; there was no way we could have afforded a sleeper car. Trying to sleep amidst crying babies and international guests calling their spouses overseas on speaker phone was impossible. We spent 17 sleepless hours. Never again. Never, never, never. Amtrak can keep this. Even driving all the way was better.
Thus concludes your secret initiation😢
"Even driving all the way was better."
Just fly, much cheaper, much faster. The flight is only two hours. 🙂
@@neutrino78x And statistically safer, too!
@@Claudia-lq3ns
" And statistically safer, too!"
Flying is by far the safest way to travel, yes. 🙂
@@neutrino78x smh
It looked as if most of those traveling were long retired. I enjoyed watching and was pleased to see you stay positive and honest about your experience. Thank you.
He was in line at 3 PM and got his car back more than 24 hours later, for a trip that would take 12 hours driving (not even considering the time to get to the station which may be out of your way should you be driving), so unless you want to try this for the experience, the market for this service must be older people with money to spare who are not comfortable driving long distances anymore.
I myself would say 'no thank you' to Amtrak Auto Train
after watching this video. About 7 hours late, crappy dinner
service. They close dinning early so you wouldn't have gotten lunch
if you hadn't thought to get something extra at the breakfast bar.
And so forth. You are a nice man and very easy going. I would have had steam
coming out of my ears! And the price for all that! One might as well have left the
car, traveled on regular Amtrak (or by plane) and rented a car in Florida! Thank you
for the educational video! And so now we know!
I love trains, I regularly use one to get to facilities to inspect, as well as for international summits. The Auto Train may not have been perfect for your trip, but when the journey is smooth, it's a good alternative for snowbirds! The most famous motorail train is definitely the Eurotunnel Shuttle between Folkestone, UK and Calais, France. A LeShuttle train is about 775 meters (2,540 ft) long and is made from constructive stainless steel. If all nine Eurotunnel passenger shuttles were parked end-to-end, they would stretch for over four miles. The carriages used for the shuttle have a larger loading gauge than either British or French railways. As a result, they cannot travel outside the tunnel and the two terminals onto the national railways.
The only trains that travel through the tunnel that can go onto the national railways of the two countries are of course Eurostar trains. The speed limit for trains through the tunnel is 160 kilometers per hour (99 mph). For the tunnel itself, it is 37.9 kilometers (23.5 mi) long. Nine million cubic meters of chalk was excavated from the tunnel during construction, and this was used to enlarge the British Isles by 30 hectares to create Samphire Hoe Country Park which is situated two miles west of Dover in Kent. Since it opened, the equivalent of six times the population of the UK has crossed through the Channel Tunnel. More than 80 million vehicles have boarded Le Shuttle since it opened (cars, trucks, motorcycles, coaches, etc)
Really interesting, thanks
@@T1DWanderer A homogenous society is alot more orderly, efficient, prosperous and safe. There is none of that in the USA.
The European experience in train travel, management, and efficiency is light years ahead of the US. There is simply no comparison. Trains in India have a better arrival/deprture record than American trains. I went everywhere by train in Europe, not speaking any languages except english and a bit of german. No problems. I needed no direction to my seating or help with when to get off. It seems that American AmTrak is just a public works project first, a passenger service second.
@@OutnBacker comparing Europe to the US is a futile exercise. The high population density of Europe (or India) makes train travel feasible, the high population density also makes traveling around destination cities affordable there. In the USA, even if you travel by train, you have no mode of transportation when you get to your destination train station to get to your end point unless you are a commuter in a metropolitan area and have it prearranged on a regular basis.
@@skapur Those are factors, for sure.
Wow, what an embarrassment in the global railroad industry! I’ve taken shorter Amtrak journeys to avoid holiday auto traffic and have been horrified by the lateness of the schedules. Your video is well done! You are a patient man.
Patient! Yeah right.
Thank you!
In the last 6 months in 2022, I took Amtrak to NYC round trip every week for work. There were certainly bumps in the road, but there's a couple reasons why Amtrak seemed to be so disorganized:
There was a rail worker strike. I'm not sure when this video was taken, but that made things pretty unpleasant to an already mildly annoying experience.
Amtrak tends to pack their trains stupid. They run a pretty tight ship in Penn Station (most of the time), but it can be confusing to new folks who aren't used to the quirks.
You handled this beautifully. Just trying to find the turn-off and waiting to pull into the train station that long would have given me major anxiety.
Agree that there should be more signs and more guidance. If they are going to pack their auto train to the brim, then they should provide resources accordingly.
Something I'm surprised that they don't do is send more meaningful and up-to-date text messages or app alerts to passengers. It might make things a bit easier.
Thank you for sharing this. My husband and I are very interested in trying out the auto train as he is not a flyer, and we would love to bounce around in our own vehicle in Florida.
Embarrassment? By Amtrak standards this was first class.
The US didn't get destroyed in World War II, which was great as civilian lives were preserved. However, we never built passenger rail lines (we share the freight) and President Eisenhower wanted to advance the interstate system (and for strategic reasons: our country is vast and every so many miles, the Interstate has a straightaway so planes can be landed--strategy. Also the oil industry had influence and the rail industry was in a bind with the unions demanding jobs be preserved that were no longer extant--"firemen" were obsolete as the US moved to diesel from coal locomotives. So our train experience is shabbier than Europe and since the more crowded (and potentially profitable) corridors like Maine to Florida are also densely built up, it's unlikely we'll ever develop rail lines.
For as bad as flying is right now, it's always good to see that Amtrak is still finding ways to make their travel options even worse.
bruh 🥲😂😂😂😂
Silly remark. This trip was a good experience . Those of us who travel by train regularly love all these ingenue remarks. Stickney your crowded, stuffy planes !
@@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401Are you trying to imply this wasn’t crowded or stuffy?
Honestly, I really really wish we had high speed, efficient rail here. I love most european rail systems and others that I’ve experienced. I’m glad you get use and enjoyment out of Amtrak. I’d never do it again as it stands now. Too much money, but time is generally what I don’t have. I travel to the other side of the planet several times a year for a decade and am pretty impressed with the efficiency of air travel across a handful of international and Asian carriers. Things happen, of course. But it’s generally efficient.
I’ve seen a couple Canadian “luxury” train videos that seem lovely. Or at least I’d do it if I had time and money to burn.
Stop whining.
Amtrak needs to own their own tracks. Being at the mercy of the freight train companies schedules and paying them millions of dollars for use (since they actually own the overwhelming majority of rails in the US) is what's crushing passenger train service in this country.
Excellent point.
The Government can't run the trains efficiently. Owning the tracks would be a catastrophic and poorly run. No thanks.
That is not how it works.
For decades, the popularity of passenger rail had been in decline. Air travel was becoming faster and cheaper, while cars were more convenient (since most trains don't bring your car for you, leaving you without one when you get to your destination), though with more effort, since you had to drive.
Many of the major railroads had requested to end most or all of their passenger service. The combination of the reduced popularity and crushing government regulation (price controls) and the same kind of bad union deals that bankrupted Chrysler (twice) and GM once made it impossible to turn a profit on passenger rail. If the railroads were not obligated to keep providing passenger service as a condition of the right of way to build the track in the first place, they would have stopped, and they were pressuring the government to let them stop throwing money at passenger rail service that few wanted.
Passenger rail was in trouble, so Amtrak was created to save it. Railroads that carried passengers could either join the system, partially funding Amtrak initially and allowing Amtrak to permanently use their trackage, with the maintenance burden on the railroads, or they could continue to offer passenger rail service. Nearly all railroads joined the system up front, and eventually all of the long distance railroads had joined the system and ceased their own passenger operations.
Long-distance passenger rail is in a bad state in the US because few wanted it when it was offered by the railroads themselves, and because few want it now. The government keeps Amtrak around because discontinuing it would be like selling off America's national parks (their words), not because we have any special need for passenger rail as a mode of transportation. If there was enough demand for it, the railroads would still be doing it and making money.
Now going Amtrak is a choice people make because they want to have a train ride experience, not because it is a cost-effective or time-efficient way to get anywhere. Plane tickets are cheaper, and you get there in hours instead of days. Riding for a multi-day trip in coach would be terrible, and while it would be a great deal of fun to get a roomette or the big room, it's more expensive than taking a plane. Planes are for when you just want to get there... Amtrak is for the experience.
That's what makes shortcomings in Amtrak's service like shown in this video unfortunate... many people are willing to accept limited or no meal service on planes, because they just want to get to the destination cheaply, but taking a train instead of a plane is a conscious decision to slow down and enjoy the scenery, and things like the dining fiasco here just take the appeal out of it. But with Amtrak failing to break even every year since it was created 50 years ago, even though it was promised to be self-supporting, the level of funding to provide a solidly good experience is not there either. The prices, while already high compared to flying, have to be even higher to pay for a better experience. That is a hard sell when it is already perceived as overpriced.
There’s never been a passengers rail service that made money! Just like the Airlines and Bus Lines, they are partially funded by the government !
On a normal Amtrak passenger train for the bedroom patrons, they make lunch and dinner reservations !
Breakfast in the dining car is first come first served!
If you prefer, you can have your dinner delivered to your bedroom, so you don’t even have to leave your room!
That frikin bizarre 😮
I went from Fullerton CA to Syracuse NY (and return ) in a bedroom. Great experience, I could have bought a car (used), but was worth every penny. Having grown up riding the train (pre Amtrak) a compartment trip was on my bucket list. My Dad worked for the Great Northern Railroad. We used to ride the "Fast Mail" train, between Whitefish Mt and Minot ND. It had just 1 passenger coach, mainly used by railway personal, deadheading home. Was great for us kids (5) as we each got our whole seat, and since it was a night train we could stretch out and sleep. There was a little confectioner stand in the corner where could purchase snacks and sodas. Mom always brought sandwiches and cookies. Great memories. Never minded delays as it meant more time on the train. Our greatest train adventure was one Christmas vacation from Whitefish Mt to Great Falls Mt to Bismarck ND, on the way home was a blizzard, and the snow reached the top of the train, and a snowblower engine preceeded the train to clear the track. Speeds were extremely slow and the iced up undercarriage of the coach creaked. We made the cover of either "Look" or "Life" magazine showing the snow to the top of the train.
Loved reading your very cool story. Thanks!
Wow, did you ever get screwed by Amtrak! Did they ever explain exactly what delayed the train so much?
My uncle, while attending high school, (in his mid-teens during early/mid 1940's) worked part-time after school (evening, weekends) for Great Northern at their Klamath Falls, Ore. freight hub. He was a tough, money-hungry high school kid (sober, with huge! work ethic). His job was to help unload, reload, and otherwise help manage the freight loads.. -Needless to say, he had great success with the railroad, and some great stories! Apparently the railroad operation there was having a lot!! of trouble with on-job (employee) alcohol consumption.
Great story, thanks!
The arriving train had been late, and that pushed us back too
My sister took Amtrak from Sanford Fl to VA. She paid $600 to load her car and a sleeping car a must. She could have dinner in her sleeper or in the dining car. It was a pleasant experience and will do it again.
My boss did this last year and enjoyed it. The room and food service reminded me of a day cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Bahamas we took. At least your ride was peaceful. Thank you.
36 hours late from New York to Miami is typical on Amtrak and even before they eliminated the dining car and the snack car the food choices were extremely limited
The snack car had only a few cans of beer and soda and a few Frozen sandwiches and even from New York to Albany they would run out of food before they even reached Albany and by Saratoga there was no food or drink left on the train to buy.
When you contrast this with what we used to have with Penn Central and New York Central and Reading Railroad and Delaware and Hudson, they had full dining cars with full menus and they would pick up food in each City and have fully stocked snack cars and dinning cars
And they lost a lot of money, went bankrupt. Even now, Amtrak is highly subsidized. So is auto travel. We love to complain.
Not like it used to be, huh
We really do. Re: food, I usually eat ahead of time and then just bring sandwiches/wraps/snacks on the train. Even when the train was packed, I had a system where I put my piece of fruit and wrap in my bigass purse and pulled it out when I was ready.
I traveled Amtrak every week half of 2022, and I never once considered hitting up the dining car. Maybe if I had a longer trip, as my ride was only 2.5 - 3 hours... but I can still see myself bringing my own food.
My parents did this for years to travel to and from FL for the winter. I don’t recall them having big problems with it. As they were retirees, they were pleased not to have to make the long drive all the way from NY and, later, from NJ. This was some years ago, my mom passed in ‘05, but my father did his last trip in the winter of 2010-11. On the trip back, he was quite fragile. My brother traveled back with him, in a room made for disabled people. They needed assistance several times, and the staff were extremely helpful. I think doing the trip just once may not be representative of the experience.
We're going to start charging you for the amount of commas that you use
@@SupaEMT134 😂🤣
2011 was 12 years ago....
Its become very common.
AMTRAK HAS NEVER BEEN GOOD. THEY HAVE REPUTATION TO KEEP UP
I took this once and enjoyed the trip. I didnt get a private room but the train was not crowded so i had a row of seats to myself. I hung out at night in the bar and had a nice time. It was an enjoyable ride that saved me driving from NY to FL.
I have traveled the auto train frequently. 1ST ALWAYS BRING YOUR OWN FOOD DRINK AND BLANKETS. As anyone who travels delays occurs. I happy you made it safely. The trainride forces you to relax and take in tje experience. Enjoyed you video. Safe travels.
Agreed. I have had a cruise port of call cancelled, and airline flights cancelled... It is what it is... It doesn't even have to be Amtrak's fault, as all it takes to delay Amtrak several hours is a freight train ahead of your train with a hot bearing on one axle. Considering freight trains can be two miles long with more than 150 cars, that is a lot of axles and wheel bearings... Never mind engine and generator issues...
Years ago the auto train people were very nice to us. I had had surgery in VA and needed to get to FL. I was too sick to fly and just the thought of the long drive made me exhausted. They made a space for us. I don't remember a lot of the trip but I do not remember it being dirty or the toilets being bad. We had a safe ride to FL and it was a short way from Stanford to home.
Being retired I would look at this as 'the adventure'. I'm in no hurry these days but when driving on a long road trip, snacks are a must. Next time put some in your luggage just in case. The folks with Amtrak do the best with the hand they are given.
Agreed - overall I enjoyed this trip and knew the risks of delays. The food thing though; proactive backup options are a must
Right you are, I'm also retired and not really in a hurry at all. That's what being retired is all about and Amtrak lets you relax and take in the scenery.
I went on the auto train in March, no complaints other than after 10 they go pretty fast and the ride is kind of rough. But since I’m taking a train time really didn’t matter that much to me I wish they would’ve gone a little slower and taken a couple hours longer for a better nights sleep. I also had a small sleeper.
We had researched the food issue thoroughly beforehand and brought our little cooler with water and coke, plus two Jersey Mike subs, just in case we got hungry. 😊
@@nys1emt Smart move with your small cooler ! And Jersey Mikes Subs is another GREAT idea, they are the best !!
I learned one very important thing from this video. Never have anything planned at the end of an Amtrak trip. At least nothing that you have o be there for at a certain time.
I plan and book Amtrak to arrive at my destination a day early, in case there are delays... Usually there are delays...
True train buffs do not worry about time...if it is an issue with you, drive or fly. Please do not complain to everyone.
@@sarahhearn-vonfoerster7401 I didn’t complain to anyone. I simply stated what I learned from this video. Not sure how you saw this as complaining but ok.
Last year I took Amtrak from the SF Bay Area to Westchester County NY. I did it first class, all the. way, in a room just like yours. We ran something like 12 hours behind, but I didn't mind it. I was enjoying the amazing view, seeing wild buffalo and antelope. The food was good. The service from the staff was amazing (of course, I have a policy of tipping - and tipping very well - upon first meeting the crew member assigned to me) and the bed was super comfy.
The tipping thing works.....I found out back in 80s when flying to order a drink, tip the flight attendant a $20 ( which most folks never do) and all the following drinks were free and service and attitude were impeccable....I always amazed any fellow travelers with this. I don't anymore except once every couple years as now retired so I don't know if this still works in post 911/coof times...😮
We have been mulling over using this service when going to my families condo in Florida. This video was all I needed to see that spending a little extra flying to Florida and renting a car is well worth it.
Took the Auto Train on Apr 25 and had no issues. Boarded about 3:30 PM and we actually pulled out of the station half hour early. Dinner at 6:00 PM was right on time and good conversation with fellow passengers. I only got a Roomette but it was fine for just me. Breakfast was simple and I took mine back to the room to watch the passing landscape. Would definitely do it again.
Sounds great; my Amtrak experience before this one was about the same, all good and on time
The Northeast Regional is actually Amtrak's most profitable service, but the AutoTrain is the most profitable LONG-DISTANCE service! Though it is indeed the only motorail in the US! But not the only one in North America as the Ontario Northland Railway in Canada has a thing called the Polar Bear Express that connects Cochrane with Moosonee in northern Ontario. There are no roads to Moosonee, so drivers there very much rely on the train. It operates five days per week year-round. During the summer months there is an additional train on Sundays and the train often includes a full-length dome car.
I'm glad you acknowledged freight being a factor, because Amtrak gets a lot of smack for being late when most of the tracks in the US are owned by freight companies and thus freight companies have priority and final say. Not to mention most tracks are also not electrified. Amtrak owns the electrified Northeast Corridor between DC and Boston, which is why service is most reliable in the Northeast. Amtrak owns the Keystone Corridor between Philly and Harrisburg as well, which is also electrified.
Just curious, and correct me if I'm wrong, but I was under the impression that indeed, Amtrak works at an enormous financial deficit for all trains except for those in the Northeast corridor. This is the reason Amtrak gets massive federal funding and has for ages now.
Thanks for the comments. I'm intrigued about those Canadian trains!
No such thing as a profitable passenger train. They are abject wastes of taxpayers money
@@drewschumann1 Could not agree more.
I took this train in April 2010 and loved it. Left VA around 4pm and got into Sanford early the next morning around 730am. It was a comfortable ride with lots of friendly people and good service. I would do it again without hesitation.
Things functioned in 2010. That’s along time ago now.
@@daveshore8671😂 I was thinking the exact same thing!
@@jackieyoung3359@daveshore2641 EXACTLY! In 2010 things still worked, well enough. On the bright side, at least we have access to trains, planes, and automobiles!
Sorry to hear about all the issues you experienced on the auto train. Two years ago, my wife and I went across country (Norfolk, VA - Salem, OR) and absolutely loved it! Yeah, there were delays, but we found it very relaxing, met some wonderful folks and had some great views of our country. We don’t plan on ever taking the auto train though. Thanks for the great review!
We’ve traveled many many times on the Autotrain with our child and never had a problem. We did learn things along the way. Always get there early and get group 1 dinner and ask for room service breakfast. This gets you off the train fast and should your car be one of the first ones off then bonus! Bring a book and snacks. Don’t forget there is a movie and games to play for entertainment. I mean, there wasn’t wi fi in the past!
I didn't know you could request a dinner group. I didn't even know that's how it worked - they just gave me a ticket with "3". I found out what that meant! Thanks for your comments
@@T1DWanderer with the sleeper cars you have an attendant who will get the dinner or breakfast for you, but you have to ask them. Normally they tell you, but it sounds like so much went wrong on your trip. They’ll also fetch coffee and tea and will offload your luggage and place them in a carrier to make your exit faster. 💕🐝💕🇺🇸
@@T1DWanderer If you check in early enough you get to choose your dinner seating. You checked in so late that the third seating was probably the only one available.
We made this "memorable" trip in the 70's. No sleepers, no showers, and certainly no wifi 😂. Dinner wasn't a cattle call like that, and after dinner they showed a movie in the dining car. The temperature in our car could not be regulated and we spent the entire night adjusting the thermostat as one end of the train car would be freezing cold while the other end was sweltering hot. I'm glad we did it - so I know to never ever do it again.😅
A friend of mine (now deceased) did Auto Train for years, never had a complaint that he told to us. He loved it.
This looks typical for Amtrak!! My wife and I traveled from Greensboro,NC, to Seattle, WA a few years ago. We were 12 hours late into Seattle. On the return trip, we were so late that we missed connection for Chicago. We were bussed from Champagne, I'll to Indianopolis. We connected with the train we missed out of Chicago. We were still nearly 8 hours late into Greensboro. I wouldn't recommend AMTRAK for any travel. As stated in the video, freight trains has priority. You are required to sideline if you meet a freight train. Good luck. If you ever choose AMTRAK, don't lock into a tight schedule.
Wow!, I had thought about using this service, but the cost and delay just to get on the train is crazy. I don't mind driving and since we are retired, it doesn't matter when we get there, we just plan it correctly. Thanks for the info, good video.
I had also thought about trying this train service out, and I found that the airplane tickets for my entire family of three and the rental car was cheaper than taking the train
It is cheaper if you sleep in couch. The expensive part is the sleeper (I would get the sleeper as it includes all of your meals) Also if you have to get up In the middle of the night you have your own bathroom, shower , toilet and sink. Your own window, and more. Privacy!!
@@bookbakery coach being standard public area seats? as opposed to private cabin with beds?
I can only recommend this trip for two reasons - Novelty and necessity. If you are elderly or disabled this is a great way to be a snowbird. Train lovers aren't going to mind the delays , and may actually be fascinated by the logistics of navigating shared track with freight haulers. For the rest of us , paying someone to transport your car and taking a non-stop flight is a much better option.
Why can elderly and disabled not fly? My grandma flys all the time. It’s safer and easier, and airlines accommodate you every step of the way. What am I missing?
@@OCShortsMan You are missing two very conspicuous facts. First, not every disability is the same. Second, the elderly can have health-related issues that are not classified as "disabilities" that make airline travel and car travel more difficult, albeit for different reasons.
I guess I am missing how you could ask such a question if you have ever interacted with either disabled individuals or the elderly. Just because it works for your grandma doesn't mean it does for everyone else's. In fact, that was his original point, which was a balanced assessment.
We have taken the Auto Train several times. I pack a really nice lunch and plan to arrive before the gate opens. I find a nice seat, read a book, eat my lunch, walk around, and stay relaxed. But I did some research before my first trip, so I was prepared. No sweat. And I don’t put my shoes on the seat. The trick is to manage expectations.
expectations are set by what is communicated. what you say is to accept unreliability which is a BIG BIG NO ...
If you know amtrak you know to expect that @@oliknow
@@oliknow She said nothing close to what you interpreted. When you seek to post about talking points absent any data from sources, however, you will confirm what you already believe to be true.
My family did a round trip on the Auto Train back in the 80s. The wait to board wasn't that bad, but I remember we did pull out of the station about 30 minutes late. We checked in without drama, we were in the general seating (not a private compartment) and there wasn't any more confusion than what I've seen boarding planes. On the way south, we would catch an occasional slight whiff of diesel exhaust from the engines at the front of the train, but in general it was a pleasant trip. I don't really remember the food clearly, but vaguely remember it being OK. Our "nonstop" train stopped in what looked like the middle of nowhere during the wee hours of the morning in what a passing steward said was South Carolina... because a number of the train crew (several of whom I clearly saw walking off into the darkness) lived in the town we were passing through. After about 40 minutes, the same figures came back out of the darkness and the train was once again moving. Upon arrival in Sanford, it didn't seem like there were any real problems unloading although we had to wait around 30 minutes to retrieve our car (not bad, actually). Heading back north, we sat a bit farther back in the train so there were no passing whiffs of diesel... but most of the population of our car was truly geriatric and began arguing loudly over whose turn it was to use one of the two bathrooms around 4:00 o'clock in the morning despite several reminders that they were not the only ones in the car and some of us were trying to sleep. Overall, we were so impressed with our trip on the Auto Train that we never again used it for a number of other trips between the DC area and the Orlando area via car, train, or airplane.
I ❤ trains, which is why I watched your video, also, my son (Navy) lived in Jacksonville, FL for several years. I always wanted to take the train from Virginia to Florida, so this was fascinating for me. Yeah, I guess you'd better be an "enjoy the journey" person and take food with you! Awesome video- subscribed 👍
Thanks, glad you're here!
Wow, that delay was brutal! My longest delay has been about 5 hours on the Silver Meteor. I have been lucky and have not experienced any delays on the auto train. Delays on the auto train can also lead to unfortunate timing in traffic. I usually have my meals delivered to my room. I haven't booked a bedroom but I actually love the radio in the normal sleeper rooms. There's something about listening to old music on a regular radio while riding the train. No phone, no ipad, no streaming, just an actual radio.
You have not lived! The Western trains (CZ, SWC and EB) have seen delays of over 24 hours on a frequent basis. It's actually normal for them to be at least 6 hours late.
@@mapguy32 oh holy cripes! Now I know why they say to always leave a day leeway when taking the train!
That sounds great, the radio signal through the darkness on the train
do you get am and fm or just am?
We ordered a carry out Greek food from a local Greek restaurant before boarding Amtrak. After our Amtrak attendant introduced himself, we closed the door and enjoyed our dinner 🙂
That's how to do it! If you even a little concerned about meals, bring your own food. If I had to wait hours and hours for dinner, I would be so hangry that I'd probably get myself in trouble for being mean and obnoxious. I've got low blood sugar issues, so don't play with me and my food 😂
At least take food that doesn't stink up the car for everyone else.....jeez
You just can't go wrong with Greek food. I ate train fare, but I did bring my favorite snacks.
@@whiskeywhiskeyromeo3730 I love it when people do that on a plane
@@vmmurphy3918 arseholes for sure!!!
As a person who enjoys the destination, and not the journey, this sounds like a completely miserable trip! I’m also a diabetic, so if I would ever take the train, I would make sure that I have plenty of food with me. Thanks for sharing!
Bringing backup food, definitely a smart idea for us
Somehow I'm not shocked that there were so many troubles with this. And 1k for the trip? I get that there's a car attached, but still... For all those issues, with such a teeny room, and additional charges ($2.50 for a can of soda and had no change so $3? I'm afraid to know what else was jacked up that badly)... If Amtrak wants to actually compete and showcase some of their more popular routes, maybe they should take pages out of other countries playbooks on them and actually make them worth the money.
But that's just my thinking ^^;
I do organic so I always bring some food. That was helpful because we found they don't actually do meals in the winter in the north. 😮 A few microwave things. Terrible.
@@DSDragonAmtrak is subsidized by the US government so they have no financial incentive to improve services.
Train attendants get all excited if you fire up the gas camping stove or gas grill to do the steaks!
Be sure to pull your curtain so other passengers, whos last meal was yesterday, don't hang around drooling and begging.
When our conductor-liar told us they were short on cooks, our impromptu group of passengers ask for the kitchen keys so we could make everybody dinner. 3 of our group were professional chefs and we promised to do the dishes...no go, dammit!
Auto train check-in tip: arrive around 1PM or earlier. That way if the arriving train is late, you are not sitting in the car waiting for the train to be unloaded. Last time we boarded at Lorton in 2021, the train was late and didn’t leave until close to 7pm. We checked in around 1pm and thought the train was empty! Then we realized Amtrak had closed the station entrance for the off-loading operation.
You might get lucky but we arrived early and still was in the last 1/3rd of cars unloaded in FL.
yes this, i got there 2+ hrs before scheduled departure and it was great
YES YES YES I arrived the night before !!! stayed at their Holiday Inn and was on train by 1pm.
Good idea - I figured I'd just stroll up after 2 pm and waltz into the station, but next time I'll get there earlier
@@T1DWanderer loved your report. Sorry it was such a delayed journey. I took the auto train 8 times in coach and had few, if any, delays. I now reside permanently in FL, but would use it again if needed. I love trains!
Excellent video, thanks to the gentleman recording. Terrible over all trip with the delays and constant waiting. I hope this experience will 100 times better for everyone one else.
The service personnel all seemed pleasant and professional.
I looked at the delay and costs back in the 90s (it was bad then too, but not quite as bad) and decided to just drive down to Florida from Virginia. (I went down VA via I-81 and decided to come back via I-95). I made an overnight in Raleigh on the way down (had a late start with a full day). I did a non-stop drive coming back. All in all I think the decision to drive resulted in a much smoother (and way cheaper) trip than taking the auto train back then. It is sad to see the many delays and issues the system was notorious for back then have only gotten worse.
I have known several Amtrak employees. Those delays are really hard on them too as if the train is late or delayed they don't often get to leave at the scheduled end of work day time. Those station people have to stay until the train actually leaves. The workers on the train are in for a super long day, etc.
One of the reasons I avoided the auto train was I had a friend who took the auto train and when they got their car back it had a big dent in the side and there was a lot of hassle and denials in getting it fixed. No one had told any supervisor about hitting something, somehow while parking or removing the car. Surely it was dented before you gave up the keys, etc. I have also heard of items left in the car vanishing en-route. A car trunk is not a secure storage space for valuables if you give someone else the keys.
Ok, that does it for me. I've been thinking of taking my family to Florida on vacation. I've always worried about what would happen if something happened to my car when someone else was driving it. I also think about how secure my belongings would be if left in the car. I don't think I'll be taking the autotrain after all. Looks like driving to Florida for me.
Done this trip several times and always had a good experience. I’ve been in a seat, a roomette and a private room. No complaints as I chose to go this route vs driving and spending the night in a hotel. It’s your option to drive as well. It’s not a gourmet meal nor accommodations, but way easier than driving.
I worked at the Autotrain Station for 28 years and it was truly a wonderful experience 🥰 we have had our challenges but or goal was always to try and provide a wonderful experience. Late trains just like planes are no ones ideas of a good time 😒. Sorry for when things don't work out. Im a retirees now and take Amtrak and enjoy it 😊
Thank you for your amtrak service. Autotrain crew, station attendants and car valets are some of the best people.
This is what the Amtrak Auto Train experience is really like. On this ONE trip. On this particular day.
True. It is also often on time and smooth
Wasn’t aware of this service conceptually it’s a great idea, hopefully it improves and expands in the future
This service has been running between Virginia and Florida for about 50 years. Like other modes of public transportation, there are good days and bad days. Taking the train is a great way to see the country and meet fellow travelers. There can be delays, but if you are not in a hurry and just want to see the sights, it's a great way to travel.
Agree - despite the delays, it's still really fun
Nice video. This should be required viewing for Amtrak reps. Glad no one let the line cutter in at the beginning of the video.
Not. On. My. Watch.
I've travelling on Amtrak train even before Amtrak became nationwide (formerly individual railroad passengers companies became no longer confused with many transfers) for over 55 years. I hopped once or twice a year acrossing any part of USA as I love it and no matter if the train is delays or on time because train travellings are blasting with wonderful socially different people from all over the places and a beauty by looking views passing different areas too. And I'm using mostly sleeper car that is including no extra cost eating in dining car is the best! And their real foods are great! Able to walk entire each cars or standing out of train car on platform if stop for 10 or more minutes (don't wonder away from platform then the train will left by catch up on schedule or be on-time a minute or two before). While monitoring the completely refueling in locomotives, done by exchanging suitcases in baggage car, finishing filling up water each car and less passengers hopping in or hopping out will be leaving early as a schedule.
I used took Southern Pacific (SP) Peninsula Commuter trains for years. SP ran between San Francisco and San Jose, now called Caltrain extended to Gilroy (south of San Jose).
For you guys are taking a short trip on any long distance Amtrak to see if you like the train before taking longer trip. Also, check train status (keeping repeating if a train is catch up) for the arrival to save your waiting. Enjoy!
Thanks for the comments! That's the way to be - love the train trip, even if it's late or whatever. Sounds like you've had some good times
I'm from the UK and have travelled around the world to many places. I have never been to the US and would love to go. We forget how big that place is and the scale is always lost on me. Can't wait to go. A massive country full of everything. Great video. Thank you.
When he said VA to FL in 16 hours and you can take your car this actually sounded like a trip I would try..... for over 1k and 3+ hour delays this is a complete joke
I took the auto-train many years ago. Fortunately, it was on time. I bought a coach seat. I don’t remember what I ate, but I enjoyed it. They had a movie car where they showed Forest Gump.
Movie car! Hadn't heard of that. Interesting
Amtrak is like a box of chocolates.
My family and I took the AutoTrain about 18 years ago, it seemed very similar to the author's experience. The sleeping berths are worth the money if you go.
😊 at first i thought you would be in the car sitting on a train 😊
It's cool 😊
Really enjoyed the trip with you. My father worked for the Clinchfield Railroad when I was young and we took some free trips. Riding on a train is an experience that can't be duplicated and it does have some advantages over cars, buses and planes. Of course, the disadvantages are pretty obvious.
I rode this same train a few months ago going north. The food was very good, everyone was nice and we departed and arrived on the minute. You can stay in the lounge car all night with wifi if you want to. My only complaint was there was a bad wheel under our car that thumped when the train was at speed, there was no sleeping during these parts.The staff will set your beds up for you anytime you want. I would ride the train again, no question. It was a good adventure. Also you pick your dinner service first, second, or third when you check in.Some people want to eat late, some early.
Sounds good. I didn't choose my dinner group, they just gave us "3" tickets. I didn't know what it even meant (maybe a section of the restaurant car??) until much later on board. But I've been on a few Amtrak trains since this and the meals went much more smoothly (usually)!
We took both our cars on the auto train back in 1978. We had a sleeper car for us and our pets too. I remember that they had a dog walk at 2am. They fed us dinner before the train departed,because my dad and I took our meals back to the sleeper to sit with our dog and cat,they were a bit frightened of the movement and noise.
Wasn't a bad experience for me.
Enjoyed your account on Amtrak auto train. I have traveled on every western long distance Altrak train and have experienced similar delays. However, I have always been fed regardless of how late we were. I still enjoy the train immensely and since the superliner cars are all being upgraded, that should be nice till they totally replace them in about 10 years. I VERY MUCH appreciate your mentioning the cost of your trip. Rooms and roomettes are ridiculously expensive, unfortunately!! Thanks.
You're welcome, thanks for watching!
@@T1DWandererMy opinion..At only 855 miles,I don't think putting a car on a train makes much financial sense..
@@francescoavila6960when you are old and broken down like me it makes health sense Lol. I can’t handle drives over two hours anyone. And I95 traffic is usually awful these days and hotels have tripled in price since Covid. And with a room you avoid the cost of eating in many restaurants along the way. And no fuel costs and wear and tear on my car.
@@T1DWanderer think how nice it was to travel 100 years ago if you were very wealthy you got your own private car vs the closet sized “room” you got.
We've traveled the autotrain round trip yearly for the last 3 decades. This delay was out of the norm from our experience. Yes. Delays happen but amtrak keeps passengers updated by text if you provide cell # or by email. Travellers can also check their train status on the website or app. No need to put signs out on the street.
In the sleeper cars, you have the choice of having your meal in your compartment or in the dining car, so he chose to wait for the 3rd dinner seating. In addition, you are welcome to bring your own food/snacks and beverages on board.
Also, the video made it seem like he had to set up the beds. The car attendant always makes up the room for us. We last rode in march of this year.
You’re describing an ideal world. And if a driver doesn’t even know if he’s in the right kind of traffic, there should be signs and people giving directions. No excuse for late seating.
My best friend lived in Florida so I got in the habit of taking the Auto Train to visit him and love it in spite of any delays caused by the freight railroads Amtrak must use, freight railroads being probably the most common cause of delays. When my friend died unexpectedly in 2019, I used the Auto Train almost every one of my six roundtrips trips to and from Florida that year in settling his estate, eventually buying his house as my winter home. I still use the Auto Train and love the relaxation - even if we are late - as compared to sitting in a cramped airline seat or waiting in an airport for the next leg of my flights. Being relaxed and having some extra time, as well as a good book, helps a lot when traveling with Amtrak. Also, I book a private compartment for easier sleeping, which is worth every penny to me.
Roundtrips trips?
Most were roundtrips, yes.@@trwent
@@stephenkistler9651 Roundtrips, not "roundtrips trips".
Thanks for sharing your experience for folks like me who have never been on a train trip. I appreciate you taking the time to document and share this.
I'll admit that the last time I rode the Auto-Train was at least 40 years ago, before Amtrak took it over. But I've seen other Auto-Train videos and it usually leaves close to on schedule, so you had very bad luck. I've also eaten in numerous Amtrak dining cars and usually dinner service was also close to on schedule. But sometimes a late-arriving train means a late-departing train; that happened to me on the Sunset Limited in New Orleans back in September. We left 3 hours late as a result and arrived in L.A. 7 hours late. You just have to roll with the punches.
I did build an extra day into my itinerary, just in case. Turns out, I needed it
ARRIVE EARLIER (I arrived the night before; by 1 pm in my second floor suite). 10/10
A lot of Amtrak's schedule problems are due to their dependence on the freight train schedule since the freight carriers own the tracks and won't give Amtrak priority clearance on any of their lines, including the auto train. This is why Obama wanted to invest in a passenger train only rail network.
As someone who lives in Jacksonville, I died laughing when you said they give priority access to the freight cars because there's like 5 trains with one being monstrously long that utilize that rail corridor. I figured you weren't getting from Jax to Palatka quickly at all.
There is only 1 consist in each direction so once the train is late it takes several days for it to get back on schedule
Yeah, I wonder when this particular situation was finally resolved
I took an interest in Auto Train yesterday and Google took me (eventually) to your review here. I thought it was very good - fair and honest - and a pretty good reflection of how I would feel myself if I had that experience. Regretfully, I've come to the conclusion that the single overnight run wouldn't be worthwhile for all the aggravation of loading and unloading. I wish such auto-carrying trains existed for the 3 or 4 night cross-continental trains.
My parents took us on the auto-train when I was a teenager in the 80’s. I was so disappointed in the constant stopping and creeping slowness through ugly backwater towns after imagining beautiful scenery going by at 80 MPH. The windows were almost too cloudy to see through, and the air conditioning was broken, so we got free, warm sodas to sip sitting on the wool seats. I also remember waiting forever to get the car back. Boy, did I dread the return trip. Better to drive it.
I imagine the routes in the East are like that--the tracks are usually in the undesirable parts of cities. My trip (coach) was on the northern route across the country and had amazing scenery.
We traveled via AutoTrain 12-15 times (almost always at Thanksgiving time) and loved each trip. We never had the long wait on the highway, we drove right up to the station and handed over our car. We felt our vacation started when we entered the station, which is very nice. Our trains always left on time. We always booked a sleeper car with private bathroom. In the beginning they provided wine and cheese upon departure, unlimited oranges and bananas and bottled water, etc. These additions sadly disappeared one by one. I found the beds and pillows to be uncomfortable but always clean, personnel were always accommodating, and the trip was always a pleasant way to travel to Florida.
That sounds pretty great! Wine and cheese, they should bring that back
I guess some people like yourself lead beautiful perfect lives what a blessing.
You must work for Amtrak
I believe you must have been hallucinating
@@T1DWanderer. We took our own wine and cheese on board to enjoy when they stopped providing it.
I took that train many years ago. From your video it has improved in terms of food and the sleeper. I would have enjoyed the trip. thanks for the video.
If You wannabe on time to not take an Amtrak train . After 3 times long distance on Amtrak .it's never been on time . But I did enjoy the ride and that was really important.
Yep, I do it for the ride on a train
I have traveled on the Auto Train several times. On one occasion we were early and had to wait for the crew to arrive to remove the vehicles. 90% of all Amtrsk trains being late is because of CSX has priority over the tracks so Amtrak must wait.
This experience is exactly the opposite of the 4 trips i have taken on autotrain. I would recommend.
...and that late arrival means delayed turnaround time, which is what you experienced up north. Sounds like that would be cumulative, unless they pull a prepared train out of their sleeves. Well, off to see the Japanese train now. 😀❤👍
8:37, "That's when things can get out of hand"? Things got there when you got in that line of traffic!
Ha
Setting aside the late departure and arrival frustration, the $1k price at first glance seems high. Factor in saving: 1 night hotel ($150), 1 dinner for 2, & 1 breakfast for 2 ($100) , a few tanks of gas you would have spent driving for 20 hrs ($150+), the wear on your car and yourself by not driving for 20 hrs ($?), not having to rent a car while in Florida during your visit. I did this trip about 10 yrs ago (2 parents, 2 kids 8 & 5) and found the value proposition well worth it.
Some tips: if you can, travel on less busy days as the dinner times were no problem; we found 2 "roomettes" across the hall from one another great value. These are 2 seats facing one another, no in-room toilet/shower, but common bathroom showers in the same car. As it wasn't that busy there was never a wait and the facilities were not so tight. The 2 seats converted into an upper and lower bunk. The wi-fi was decent (could stream audio but not video well). It would occasionally fade in and out as you were passed from tower to tower).
Too bad that you didn't tell Amtrak that you're a T1D cause they would have included you in the Group 1 dining. All you have to do is ask nicely and tell them it is imperative that you eat on time. I'm sorry the train ran so late but apparently it could not be helped. I like getting on the train when it is clean and hate it when it's the reverse and in deplorable condition. Thank you! Best wishes!
Thanks Paula, yes I bet that would have helped
Just stumbled across this. Very informative video to watch. But after seeing this, I can't imagine I would ever partake. Unless I become incapable of driving long distances. But my wife and I make the trek from Dunedin, Florida to Rockwood, Michigan each summer, and even when driving straight through, we make better time than this train experience. Crazy!
It isn't logical to base an opinion based one event. I have had plenty of great trips.
Thanks for doing that for me. I will definitely cross it off my list and definitely the bucket list. I would probably end up in the bucket with all the setbacks of that trip.
I love train travel- have done it all over the world. I introduced trains to my granddaughters by taking the train from the west coast to Chicago 3 times- SW Flyer from Vegas, California Zephyer from Oakland and NW Flyer from Seattle. All great experiences for the girls, eating in dining car and sitting with and meeting other people and seeing the country from ground level. We booked sleeping cars. Staff were always good, dining was great, but schedule always late- every time, we waited about 4 hours for departure and every arrival was 8 hours late. Amtrak is hamstrung by antiquated rules regarding crew changes, lack of priority for the rails and a lot of other issues.
I can’t believe they didn’t make some sort of accommodations for all of those people to have access to food if they are going to be that late. I’m very glad I watched this. I seriously was considering taking a trip on the train, but I won’t now.
We took the auto train 25 years ago. It was late leaving and broke down at Quantico, no a/c, old people had to be removed…
It’s the same train they use today. We got dinner back in the day.
This video confirmed my attitude towards Amtrak-third rate and mired in incompetent bureaucracy. I am reminded of a trip on Acela going north once, choosing the most expensive seat, which allegedly included breakfast. The attendant (with attitude) handed out menus and then proceeded to reject almost every selection I made-"we are out." I finally asked why a menu was given if all that was available was bad coffee and a stale donut. Her terse response was "because that is what I was told to do." American trains, even the semi-high speed ones, are a worldwide embarrassment. My train was staffed by ill-equipped and sullen staff who were poorly trained and could not survive in the private sector.
Its understandable that dinner would be late if boarding was late. Amazing that you was on a delayed train so people can see what happens and how best to adjust. Notice the people waiting to board their now late train, they will experience the same things that you did. Happy training
Good to know the person who was talking over the PA system still works there, over a year later.
I’ve taken the auto train five times over the years. My best experience was the first one back in 1996 when they still had the old dome cars and played movies for the kids. The cars were of 50s or 60s vintage, which was really cool. The cars they have been using now for the past 20 years or so are in terrible need of an upgrade. New Viewliner cars at least.
I appreciate your honesty but I would definitely consider taking it. I took a train from Jax to Trenton, NJ when I was in the Navy in 1988 and wished I'd have sprung for the sleeper car. That looked to be money well spent. The only thing that would have bothered me would have been that line waiting to board. You're right: they do need signs.
As for the rest of it, after raising a young man with autism I've learned to pick my battles and prepare ahead of time. Regarding the food situation, we learned to packed something in advance - as well as activities and additional clothing. We did this when driving our old minivan from Pittsburgh to Myrtle Beach. He'd probably love this trip since it goes to Orlando, which he has had lots of fun in. BTW, we also rent a tiny cabin instead of staying in a hotel. What can I say? We raised a vagabond!
Sounds good. Yeah I would do this trip again myself, but maybe in a roomette rather than the whole expensive bedroom
We have traveled Amtrak numerous times. Sometimes pretty good, sometimes downright awful. But there’s no denying there’s a bit of magic every time you settle in and you start to roll.
Agreed!
It all comes down to expectations. If you can't travel without the maxim that getting there is half the fun, DO NOT take Amtrak. I learned years ago, by accident, that the best way to go is to stay a few days every time you change a train. I went from Houston-LA-San Fran-Seattle-Chicago-Houston and absolutely loved it. The trains are never on time and you WILL miss your connection. You can stress out and be angry or you can go with flow and really chill out. I wish more people travelled via train and more resources could be devoted to it to improve the experience.
I just took some Amtrak rides a couple weeks ago, and it was really ALL about the rides, not the destinations. It's just not like anything else - not driving or flying
The service on Amtrak isn’t poor due to lack of passengers. It’s due to incompetence and a lack of professionalism. This epidemic is rampant now in the US, but never used to be.
ive traveled the auto train at least a dozen times and everything you experienced happend to me numerous times the only thing ill add is my car on 1 trap was second to last to come off...2 hours after the first car came off...i always look at it as an adventure and dont plan too close to arriving when they say youll get there...otherwise i love the autotrain
That was my fear - being last to get the car, like you were. Luck of the draw!
@@T1DWanderer You can always pay for Priority offload and be one of the first 30 cars unloaded.
Went on the autotrain in March 2024. Got there early with no issues. Was an adventure. Dinner and breakfast was great.
I think part of the delay was due to an incident in Jacksonville that day, a man named Nick Stabile crashed an A1 Catering van on the tracks outside jacksonville and caused several delays
Thank you for the video. Very interesting.
Thank you for doing this. It informed my decision to fly and rent a car rather than put up with delays, expensive but mediocre accommodations, and poor management that only government employees can provide.
I am on the auto train from Lorton VA to Sanford FL watching this. We got off on time, 600 passengers. The food in coach for dinner is heated in microwaves. Not much for the pallet. You pay in coach. The wifi works in coach but can be spotty, buffers alot. Europe and others are far ahead of the U.S. in mass transit. We're not catching up anytime soon.
Cool, great that you were able to watch it on board!
@@T1DWanderer I did see some cars drive on to the rail cars, although mine was not one.
We took Autotrain from FL to VA in 2018, and it was an excellent experience except for late arrival, which seems to be a chronic issue because of CSX freight operations. Late arrival was not a problem. We did not take again because to get home required a long drive and an overnight hotel stay. Employees were very helpful, both on train and in stations.
That looks like an awful trip for the price you paid. So much time wasted.
Always wondered what it was like - thanks for the detailed video, thoroughly enjoyed it!
If you want your car early on & off the train then you pay or you patiently wait.
It’s expected make adjustments for it. He just picked a busy time to travel.
Can he be any more positive? Lol
Stay awake night owls Group 3 will get your meal @ 11pm.
If you need food for medical reasons bring your own.
He found something he liked the shower, views out the window and the train rocking rhythm. 👍🏼 We have a winner.
Make arrival day a free day. Don’t plan anything. This guy just rolled with it and liked the experience. I’m booking the auto-train.
Our Auto Train trip was good. It did leave late but was a pleasant trip. I would recommend over driving two days to Florida and staying in a motel on the way.
Back in 2017, we were heading back to Lorton, heading into Jacksonville and the train came to a stop. We found out a CSX freight train derailed ahead of us. We sat for ten hours and didn't move. Luckily I fell asleep for awhile. We were on the train for 27 hours altogether. Amtrak did give us each $100 toward another trip but we had to use it within a year. They did give us a free hot meal also. Staff was very nice and kept coming around to make sure we were all okay and didn't need anything.
That's insane
We made our first trip on the Auto Train in December of 1983. It was nearly empty the first few times we road it.