Waiting for the Amtrak Auto Train in Sanford, FL.

[RamblingRose]

‘Boarding has been delayed. No additional information at this time.

At least everyone in the station is masked up and friendly.

I wish the app showed more information.

Fortunately, we’re in no rush.

‘At least I’m enjoying the ride’ (or hope to be soon).

[flamingdem]

1. Curious to know how this works out

for you. Might try it too. Enjoy!

[Freddie]

2. Did the Auto Train a few years back

Took son’s car to Florida.
Nice experience. We got a “sleeping room” or whatever they call it. Comfortable, good food. Got to pack the car full of stuff for him so luggage wasn’t an issue. I’d do it again.

[RamblingRose]

3. Found a nice local brewery about a mile away :)

[wryter2000]

4. You have to be patient with Amtrak

For various reasons, there will be delays. If you're in a rush, forget it.

However, if you're happy taking things easy, it's great. Amtrak people are wonderful, and so are people on the train generally. We all get on with a laid-back attitude. The food in the dining car is very good, and it's free if you get a sleeper. The train rocks you to sleep.

I took the California Zephyr from Emeryville (Oakland) to Denver once. It was amazing.

[RamblingRose]

5. I love taking the train. I've taken the Empire Builder & Coastal Starlight

First time on the Auto Train. I wish we’d invest more in train travel. I’m hoping ‘Mayor Pete’ can deliver.

[wryter2000]

9. The Coast Starlight is my next goal

You're making me want to get on the train. lol

[RamblingRose]

11. The scenery is amazing! I'd highly recommend it before the

Tracks fall over the cliff

[COL Mustard]

23. Unfortunately They Don't Own The Track

I think it’s owned by CSX so their freight takes precedence sometimes.

[wryter2000]

25. Yup

That's it for the most part. My train going into Denver had to go slowly because it was hot outside. When that happens, the tracks get soft-ish, and it's easier for the train to derail if it goes too fast.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

37. Humm, we got an Amtrak station here....

I've never took a train ride.... I've got nothing but time.....

Need to check to see where I'd want to go and prices.

[wryter2000]

38. I think you'll enjoy it

If you post on DU, you'll get lots of tips. I only know the California Zephyr and what I've heard about the Coast Starlight, but there are serious railroad people here.

[Lady Freedom Returns]

39. I'm Tucson so I'll be able to get to the ocean. Never seen it.

[wryter2000]

41. That's wonderful!

What a great trip that will be.

[Fla Dem]

6. Took the AmTrak auto train from Lorton Va to Sanford Fl about 20 years ago .

Was relocating from Philly area to Fl. Got a sleeper car. Yes it was more expensive, but had privacy, quiet and didn't have to sleep in in a passenger seat. If I remember correctly dinner was excellent. It was quite enjoyable and would recommend it.

[RamblingRose]

7. I'm traveling with my 89 year old mom. Taking her to see family

We have a roomette. Even with the delays it’s much better than flying.

They said meals will be served in the rooms cause the train is late. At least I was able to sign up for first ‘seating’

[Fla Dem]

10. Have a great trip and visit with family. So good of you to do that with your Mom.

[wryter2000]

13. You're going to end up in the upper bunk

Not much room up there.

[RamblingRose]

14. Yup! Fortunately I'm 5' 96 lbs. Mom has narcolepsy

And can sleep anywhere. LOL

[RamblingRose]

27. I forgot how little room there is on the top bunk! It seemed bigger 15 years ago.

No normal size person can sleep up there!!!

[wryter2000]

30. A friend was originally supposed to share the room with me

Luckily, she bowed out. One of us would have had to go sleep in a regular seat.

[CloudWatcher]

8. Auto-trains

I can't count the number of times I've been on long-distance road trips, watching the empty tracks next to the highway, wishing I could be on an auto train instead of having to drive myself.

Our transportation infrastructure is insane. It's 2021 ... where's our high-speed cross-country rail?

[wryter2000]

12. I was on the Zephyr one evening

Having a pleasant dinner while watching an unending line of cars slink down the road near the tracks. We were at dinner because the train was late, but I honestly didn't care. I was enjoying myself.

The trip from Oakland to Reno on the Zephyr is a wonderful day trip. In Sacramento, a docent from the rail museum gets on and gives an running commentary to the viewing car about the history of the railroad. I only wish they'd change the script after years.

[AllaN01Bear]

16. how long ago was your trip with the sacremento docent?

riden the zep many times back east. i have a fused back since i was age 16. after a fashion i couldnt sleep and or sit in a chair car seat. we did mostly roomettes and yes , the food was yummy nummy. when we rode the zep the docents had quit the train .


/revision/latest?cb=20090729102006

[wryter2000]

20. The last time would have been my trip to Denver a couple of years ago

Originally, they used to play the docent's talk throughout the train. These days, it's only in the observation car and the snack bar downstairs. I've heard it many times, though.

[COL Mustard]

24. The Heck With High Speed Rail!!!

It’s 2021…I want my flying car!!! 😀

[Tomconroy]

15. Planning a trip to Florida in the spring. I think you just gave

Me a solution to the travel hassle. Thanks!

[AllaN01Bear]

17. never rode the auto train. with afib and other heart problems , travelling days are done.

miss them
yes its important to pack patience in your travel kit . and if u are a radio enthuasiat. bring a radio scanner with railroad frequencies plugged in. u learn a lot that way.
/revision/latest?cb=20090729102006

[RamblingRose]

18. The train from Lorton finally arrived! A lady getting off the train

Train said the delay was because a car was parked on the tracks somewhere.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

19. You're on the board.

http://dixielandsoftware.net/cgi-bin/gettrain.pl?seltrain=52&selyear=2021&selmonth=10&selday=07

[RamblingRose]

21. What is this and where'd you find it??! Their app is

totally useless.

They’re still unloading the cars from the incoming train. I think they said it’d be 2 hours once they’re done unloading.

I don’t mind the delay if they’d just communicate to the passengers. They should use their app!

[mahatmakanejeeves]

22. It works for me.

Let's try this again.

Earlier today, after reading your post, I went to look up the northbound Auto Train's schedule. At that time, there was no entry for Train 52. There is now. Now the departure and arrival times can be filled in. When your train departs, that time will be shown at the website.

HTH.

Best wishes.

[wryter2000]

31. Before I had the app

I used to call a phone number, and it was pretty good about keeping you up to date.

[RamblingRose]

28. We're still rolling around the bend. I don't see no sunshine. They haven't given any new ETA

The conductor said he didn’t want to disappoint us if we were late. He did say they would be serving lunch.

[mahatmakanejeeves]

29. You left Sanford 4 hours and 50 minutes late.

You can expect to arrive in Lorton at about 1:45 or 2:00 p.m.

http://dixielandsoftware.net/cgi-bin/gettrain.pl?seltrain=52&selyear=2021&selmonth=10&selday=07

[RamblingRose]

32. Using the link you sent I found where it shows the train arriving

at 3:04p. We have a 4.5 hour drive after arriving. Don’t know if we’ll make dinner tonight

https://asm.transitdocs.com/train/2021/10/07/52

[RamblingRose]

26. FINALLY ON BOARD! n/t

Haven’t left the station yet

I wonder what the new ETA is

[jcgoldie]

33. Freight trains own the tracks

Amtrak frequently gets delayed when there are freight trains on the tracks but they will get moving it usually doesnt cost much time. One drawback to train travel is no passing! But you cant drive with a cooler of beer!

[RamblingRose]

34. I expected there to be delays but not a 5 hour one. Crazy thing is i think we pulled over to let

another Amtrak train pass us (in Viginia)

[mahatmakanejeeves]

35. If you were passed by an Amtrak train, it was probably 92.

http://dixielandsoftware.net/cgi-bin/gettrain.pl?seltrain=92&selyear=2021&selmonth=10&selday=07

[RamblingRose]

40. I wonder why they'd let another train pass?

Thanks

[Mad_Dem_X]

36. My sister took that train to visit me in Delaware.

This past summer. She really liked it. Next time I go down to visit her, I may try it.