On Track On Line - Amtrak Auto Train Tips Fares and Costs
Costs and Other Things
Cost Matters
The Auto Train is not inexpensive, although it can be cost-effective when compared with the price of flying and renting a car at your destination. Coach is a pretty good deal; a sleeping compartment, while quite comfortable, runs the price up considerably. Your fare will include a charge for your automobile, a charge for you and any other members of your party, and if you've reserved a compartment, a single charge for that.
Auto Train fares are complex and highly variable, based on your travel date and direction, and when you purchase your ticket. In general, purchase your ticket early for the least expensive fare. Visit Amtrak's website and you will be able to obtain exact fares for any Auto Train trip you are planning. To give you a rough idea of typical fares, for November 2020 Amtrak was quoting a round-trip price in coach of about $800 for two adults with one child and one standard-size car. Adding a private family bedroom compartment added about another $1,800 to the price.
If you are willing to pay an extra $120 round-trip when you make your reservation, Amtrak guarantees that your vehicle will be one of the first to be unloaded at your destination terminal. This perk is limited to the first 30 people to reserve it for that day. It can be booked when you order your ticket.
If you think you may become a regular Amtrak passenger, it's worth your while to enroll in Amtrak's Guest Rewards program, which operates similar to the airline frequent flyer programs, awarding you free trips and other incentives based on your purchases of Amtrak tickets.
The Auto Train offers a discount on rail fare to members of the National Association of Railroad Passengers and to members of any American Automobile Association (AAA) auto club. Be aware that Amtrak's normal senior citizen discounts do not apply to travel on the Auto Train. Other discount fares may occasionally be available, particularly when traveling against the predominant flow of east coast traffic (for instance, traveling north in January may result in a less expensive fare). Check Amtrak's website and look under the heading "Deals" for Weekly Specials to see if any discounts are available for the period when you plan to travel
Amtrak Vacations operated by a private travel agency on Amtrak's behalf, offers complete packages that include Amtrak travel, hotels, rental cars, planes, and travel insurance. You can call Amtrak Vacations at 1-800-AMTRAK2 (1-800-268-7252) or visit them at the Amtrak Vacations Web Site.
Tipping is not required, but is a nice touch. A $10 tip for dinner would be thoughtful; a $2 tip for breakfast should be sufficient. These tips are shared between the dining car attendants. Your car attendant, particularly in first class, should also receive a tip. Around $10-$20 is fine for sleeper car passengers who receive good service.
Reservations
You can reserve and pay for your trip on the Amtrak website, www.amtrak.com, or by calling Amtrak at 1-800-USARAIL.
Other Things You Should Know
No pets are permitted on board the Auto Train, with the sole exception of service dogs that are clearly assisting a passenger with special needs. This rule is strictly enforced. Also, do not leave a pet in your car-- the auto carriers are typically frigid in the winter and steamy hot in the summer.
Next page discusses some information for serious railfans and asks for your comments.
Amtrak does not endorse this page and other associated On Track On Line pages, nor does it sponsor this or any other On Track On Line page. Amtrak sources were used to compile or confirm some of the information here, but this does not represent official Amtrak information, nor is this information endorsed by Amtrak.
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