How To Ship A Car By Train: Costs, Pros, Cons And More

You can ship a car by train by utilizing the Amtrak Auto Train. This train runs along the east coast between Washington, DC and Orlando, FL, and it’s unlike any other train or shipping option in the country.

The Amtrak Auto Train allows customers to purchase tickets and then have their vehicles loaded onto shipping cars. Once the car is loaded, passengers also board the train and enjoy the ride. Coach seats are available as are rooms and comfortable suites so folks can make the most of the 17-hour trip they’re embarking on.

The challenging factor? Amtrak’s Auto Train only travels between the District of Columbia and Orlando, FL. It doesn’t make any stops along the way, and it doesn’t offer connections or transfers. In fact, no other train in the United States ships vehicles for private customers. So, if you’re north of DC and heading to the Orlando area, it might make sense. Similarly, if you’re south of Orlando and heading to the DC area, it’s a good fit.

The process of shipping a car by train is relatively simple. But, there are a couple of important things to know.

First, you’ll have to purchase a ticket (or tickets) for you and your travel partners. Everyone needs a ticket, regardless of whether they sit in a coach or in a private room. Additionally, the cost of shipping the vehicle is not included in the ticket. Passengers will have to pay an additional fee to ship their vehicle.

If you’re catching the train in Washington, DC, you’ll drive to the Amtrak Auto Train station in Lorton, Virginia. There, the company will load your vehicle onto the train and take you and your car south. If you’re jumping on in Orlando, you’ll go to the Amtrak Auto Train Station in Sanford, FL.

It’s also helpful to know that Amtrak allows customers to load their vehicles with as many belongings as they like, as long as it’s still possible to see out of the front and back windows. For folks that are mid-move, this can be a huge advantage over car traditional shipping which typically requires an empty vehicle.

How to Purchase a Passenger Ticket

Purchasing a passenger ticket is simple. Just head to the Amtrak website and choose “Auto Train” from the menu. Since there are only two stations on the Auto Train route, all you’ll have to do is make sure the stops are in the right order.

After you ensure that you’re leaving from the right station, it’s time to select travelers. Ticket pricing is determined based on age. Individuals who are 16 and older are considered adults. Seniors are 65 and older, youths are 13 to 15, children are two to 12 and infants are under two. Select how many passengers you have of each type.

Finally, select your departure and return dates, if applicable, and submit your request. From there, you’ll receive prices for coach and private rooms. Those selecting coach can choose select the upper or lower level as well as the value or flex option. The value package allows for full refunds for cancellations and ticket changes without fees. For private rooms, customers can select a family room, roomette or a bedroom.

There are plenty of reasons to choose to ship a car by train and maybe just as many reasons not to. The following pros and cons should help potential customers make their decisions.

Pros

If you go this route, you won’t be responsible for driving to your destination. Rather than dealing with traffic, road work, accidents or pit stops, you can just board the train and relax. If you get tired, you can retire to your seat or room and get some rest.

The Auto Train also allows passengers to fill their vehicles with as many belongings as desired, as long as the team can see through the front and back windows. Personal or irreplaceable items shouldn’t be left in the vehicle, but otherwise, passengers can pack it to the brim.

The cost of the ticket and vehicle transport can be considerably less than the cost of airfare and a rental car. For those vacationing in either Florida or the Washington DC area, not having to rent a vehicle when upon arrival can provide peace of mind.

Coach tickets come with a free continental breakfast. While some of the more expensive rooms include complimentary meals and drinks.

Cons

The Auto Train isn’t primarily a vehicle shipping train. It’s a passenger train that also takes passengers’ vehicles. This means you can’t simply load your vehicle and send it off to someone in Orlando. Passengers must accompany their vehicle on the trip.

As the Auto Train only goes to Washington DC and Orlando, FL, it isn’t practical for those wishing to travel to other parts of the company or internationally. This method is only a viable solution for a very select group of travelers and vehicle shippers.

If you’re weighing out the options, truck shipping may be a better, more flexible option than shipping a car by train. However, if you’re traveling from the DC area to Florida, or from southern Florida to the northeast, train shipping could be a great fit.

If you don’t want to accompany your vehicle to its new destination, the Auto Train is not a good fit. As mentioned, it’s not really a vehicle transportation solution as much as it is a passenger train that also transports passengers’ vehicles.

Truck shipping is typically easier and may even be more affordable, depending on the options. Shipping companies can deliver a vehicle anywhere in the country, not just two stops on the East Coast.

There isn’t much to do before shipping your car by train. You can fill the gas tank, load the interior and trunk if you’d like, but there aren’t any weight restrictions, fuel levels or other rules to adhere to.

It’s not a bad idea to have your car washed and cleaned in addition to removing any exterior decorations and personal items.

There are plenty of other ways to ship a vehicle besides rolling it onto a train car. Truck-driven transporters, for example, will pick vehicles up at the customer’s door and drop them off at the doorstep of almost any destination address.

Overseas transport can be accomplished with a plane or boat. Planes are very fast but very expensive. A boat is likely the most affordable option for international transport.