Amtrak Car Transport for Convenient Vehicle Shipping by Train
Amtrak: Ship Your Vehicle with Us
Shipping your vehicle via Amtrak is quite a unique method of transport, but it is far from unheard of. It is usually utilized by those in destinations on the East Coast area (most often by snowbirds) because the Amtrak Auto Train has a good network of train stations and links there. However, other cities and regions of the United States can also benefit from Amtrak vehicle shipping.
In terms of convenience, as long as your starting point and destination are both along the route, it can’t be beaten. However, if your stops are not located along the path of the Auto Train, it may not be a feasible option for you.
If you find Amtrak car transport or Auto Train a good fit, you can take advantage of several great benefits.
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Ride Along.
While Amtrak is still primarily a people mover and not a vehicle carrier, you can take your automobile with you the whole way. There is nothing much in terms of requirements; you can just drive up to the station, where you can generally get a passenger ticket, and have your car or motorcycle picked up, and then wait for it at your destination until it arrives at its scheduled time. Even while door-to-door service is available from many traditional auto moving firms, you will still need to arrange for transportation to the airport or train station. When riding the Auto Train, this is never an issue.
Comfortable Ride.
Rather than a long, stressful road trip behind the wheel, putting so much wear and tear and countless miles on your vehicle, the Amtrak transport provides a relaxing journey from point A to point B. Not only do you receive world-renowned Amtrak treatment, but you also have your choice of accommodations, free wi-fi, and all meals automatically included. Imagine sitting back, relaxing, or working, or sleeping, all while in motion, avoiding traffic to get you and your vehicle safely to your final destination.
Upgrades Available.
If you so choose, you can upgrade to business class when using the Auto Train Service and enjoy all the additional amenities this higher-level service provides. Certain additional benefits include:
- You can cancel free of charge up until departure.
- Point bonus for rewards members with an Amtrak account.
- Complimentary water and comfort kit.
- Meal delivery (in-train food and dining)
- Station lounges for individuals and families, and other member benefits
- And other varieties of good services with no exceptions
Auto Train also has another upgrade option, which allows you priority boarding and offloading, so your vehicle can be one of the first to be offloaded from the train. This is a major time saver and definitely an option to explore if you can afford the fares.
Amtrak Auto Train is really a great option for vehicle transportservices, as long as you have a standard-size vehicle, truck, or SUV, AND your starting and ending points fall conveniently along the route (from Washington D.C. to Florida). However, if this does not work out for your personal situation, there are plenty of reputable auto transport companies willing to help you out and get you and your vehicle where you want to go. Rest assured that this city can ship different types of vehicles and has cargo insurance coverage for all vehicles and items shipped on it. However, you can procure additional insurance just to have peace of mind when shipping vehicles with Amtrak.
Relevant Statistics
- Amtrak shifted over 100,000 vehicles annually through its vehicle shipping service.
- The average distance a vehicle travels using this city's car shipping is approximately 800 miles.
- More than 90% of customers who use Amtrak vehicle shipping report high satisfaction with the service.
- Amtrak's car shipping service operates in over 30 major cities across the United States.
- Shipping a standard-sized vehicle with Amtrak averages around $500-$700, depending on the distance and specific route.
General Facts
- Amtrak offers vehicle shipping services for customers who want to move their vehicles by train.
- Amtrak car shipping is a convenient and cost-effective way to shift vehicles over long distances.
- The process generally involves dropping off the vehicle at a designated Amtrak station and picking it up at the destination station.
- Amtrak ensures the safety of the vehicles during transportation, taking necessary precautions such as secure loading and unloading.
- Some restrictions may apply, such as limitations on the size and weight of vehicles eligible for Amtrak vehicle shipping services.
While you can ship your vehicle using trucks and trailers nationwide, Amtrak provides an alternative shipping method (rail transport) that is also worth your consideration. However, if you still want to ship your vehicle on the road or in the ocean, A1 AT provides the best vehicle shipping services that are also affordable. We have all-year-round availability, and our team is all over the country to help facilitate your vehicle shipping from start to finish. Contact us today for a stress-free shipping process.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to put your car on the Amtrak Auto Train?
The cost to move a vehicle on the Amtrak car train typically starts around $285–$350 for standard cars and $325–$450 for SUVs, trucks, or larger vehicles, plus a required passenger ticket starting near $95–$120. Final pricing depends on vehicle size, travel date, cabin type, and seasonal demand, especially during winter travel to Florida. Because train routes are limited, many customers compare prices using a car shipping rates guide to evaluate nationwide carrier options.
What vehicles can be transported on the Amtrak Auto Train?
The train accepts most cars, SUVs, vans, and pickup trucks, but vehicles must meet strict limits. The maximum height is about 6 feet 6 inches, width must remain under 8 feet 4 inches, and the vehicle must be operable with no fluid leaks. Motorcycles are also accepted with special handling. Oversized vehicles, trailers, or heavily modified trucks usually require a professional vehicle carrier instead of rail transport.
What route does the Amtrak Auto Train operate on?
The Amtrak auto train route runs exclusively between Lorton, Virginia (near Washington, DC) and Sanford, Florida (near Orlando). The trip covers about 855 miles and typically takes 16 to 18 hours overnight. Travelers ride the train while their vehicle is transported in specialized rail carriers. Because this service only operates on one corridor, drivers moving vehicles to other regions usually rely on nationwide vehicle transport through an interstate car shipping service instead.
Is sending a car by train cheaper than auto transport carriers?
Sometimes. Using the Amtrak auto train can be economical if you are already traveling the Virginia to Florida corridor, since the vehicle and passenger travel together. However, train shipping becomes less practical for other routes because rail service is limited to one line. Nationwide auto transport carriers often provide competitive pricing, flexible scheduling, and multiple delivery options such as door-to-door auto transport, which many customers prefer for cross-country vehicle moves.
How do you prepare your car for transport on the Amtrak Auto Train?
Preparation is straightforward but important. Your vehicle should have no more than 1/4 tank of fuel, be clean for inspection, and contain no personal items inside. Staff will photograph and document the vehicle before loading it onto rail carriers. Arriving 2–3 hours before departure helps ensure smooth check-in and loading. Similar preparation steps apply to most professional vehicle shipping services, including inspections and condition reports before transport begins.
Can you send a car by train without traveling on the Amtrak Auto Train?
No. With the Amtrak auto train, passengers must travel on the same train as their vehicle. Amtrak does not offer standalone vehicle shipping services. If you need to ship a car while flying or relocating separately, a professional vehicle transport company is typically the better option. Services like cross country car shipping allow vehicles to move independently while you travel by plane or other transportation.
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