| The Auto Train offers a unique opportunity for | | | | through Richmond, Virginia (the state capital) and you |
| travelers. You can bring your car along with you while | | | | can see the James River. |
| you travel in the comfort of a train. The Auto Train is | | | | Types of Vehicles Permitted on Auto Train |
| an 855-mile long train service for passengers and their | | | | According to the Amtrak website, vehicles must be |
| vehicles, which is operated by Amtrak. While there are | | | | checked in at least one hour before scheduled |
| similar services in other countries, Amtrak is the only | | | | departure time. Oversized vehicles and motorcycles |
| service of its kind in the United States. The Auto Train | | | | need to be checked in at least two hours before |
| travels from Lorton, Virginia (near Washington, D.C.) to | | | | departure time. Vehicles must meet certain dimension |
| Sanford, Florida (near Orlando). | | | | requirements, which can be found on Amtrak's |
| Perks of Traveling on the Auto Train | | | | website. |
| The Auto Train leaves Lorton, Virginia around 4:00 p.m. | | | | Types of vehicles permitted include: |
| and arrives in Sanford, Florida at approximately 8:30 | | | | Cars |
| a.m. Passengers ride either in wide coach seats or | | | | Vans |
| private sleeping car rooms while their vehicles are | | | | SUVs |
| carried in enclosed automobile-carrying freight cars, | | | | Trucks |
| called autoracks. The train also includes lounge cars | | | | Motorcycles |
| and dining cars. The Auto Train service helps | | | | Limited number of: |
| passengers avoid the long drive on busy Interstate 95 | | | | Small enclosed trailers |
| in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and | | | | Trailers for boats |
| Florida, and expense and of a rental car. | | | | Jet skis |
| The Auto Train also offers the perk of being able to | | | | Tips for Traveling on the Auto Train |
| enjoy the scenery. From the Civil War battlefields of | | | | Be sure you have all travel-related documents |
| Virginia to the South Carolina lowlands to the Palm | | | | together before you leave for the train station. Be sure |
| trees in Florida, you will see some of the most | | | | to bring your tickets and identification. |
| interesting sights in the southeast. Some points of | | | | Carry-on baggage is limited to two pieces per |
| interest are the Potomac River in Lorton, Virginia. | | | | passenger (with few exceptions). Checked baggage |
| Quantico, Virginia is home to the famous FBI training | | | | service is available on certain services. You may pack |
| facility. In Fredericksburg, Virginia the train crosses over | | | | as much as you like in your car but keep any |
| the Rappahannock River, which is the river that | | | | valuables with you. You will not have access to your |
| George Washington tossed the silver dollar across. It is | | | | car during the trip so plan on taking what you will need |
| also here that General Lee's army repelled Union | | | | for the overnight trip on board with you. |
| forces in 1862 in the bloodiest battle of the Civil War. | | | | On most Amtrak trains, seating is on a first-come, |
| Next is Ashland, Virginia where you take a trip down | | | | first served basis. Once onboard, the conductor may |
| the middle of Main Street. You can also see | | | | assign seats. |
| Randolph-Macon College. Your journey continues | | | | |