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.
- Amtrak Auto Train vehicle costs start at $285–$450 depending on size, plus a required passenger ticket from $95–$120.
- The 855-mile Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL overnight route takes 16–18 hours, with vehicles loaded into dedicated enclosed rail carriers.
- Vehicles must be operable, have no fluid leaks, carry no personal items, and meet a maximum height of 6'6" for acceptance.
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?
As of August 7, 2026, a standard car plus one coach passenger on Amtrak Auto Train costs roughly $265-$400 one way at currently advertised rates. Standard vehicle charges are about $225-$300 in current 2026 listings, while coach commonly starts near $95 outside special promotions. Busy dates and private rooms can raise the total substantially. A1's car shipping rates guide explains how road-carrier quotes are structured if you want a same-route comparison.
What route does the Amtrak Auto Train operate on?
Amtrak Auto Train runs daily between Lorton, Virginia, near Washington, DC, and Sanford, Florida, near Orlando, with no passenger boarding stops between them. The current timetable schedules a 4:00 p.m. departure and 8:59 a.m. arrival the next day, or 16 hours 59 minutes. The rail trip covers roughly 855 miles. If either terminal does not fit your move, an interstate car shipping service can move a vehicle on other U.S. routes.
What vehicles can be transported on the Amtrak Auto Train?
Amtrak Auto Train accepts factory-model standard vehicles, extended vehicles such as trucks and three-row SUVs, and two-wheeled motorcycles within its published size limits. Standard vehicles can be up to 192 inches long, 85 inches high, and 84 inches wide; extended vehicles can be up to 216 inches long with the same height and width limits. Ground clearance must be at least 4 inches for standard and extended vehicles. Vehicles over 18 feet require special arrangements, and several door or wheel configurations are prohibited.
Can you send a car by train without traveling on the Amtrak Auto Train?
No. Amtrak Auto Train is a passenger-and-vehicle service, so your vehicle travels on the same train as you rather than as an unaccompanied shipment. If you plan to fly or relocate separately, cross-country car shipping allows the vehicle to move independently. Auto Train instead links your trip to the Lorton-Sanford passenger service, with the traveler and vehicle making the same journey.
How early should I arrive for Amtrak Auto Train vehicle check-in?
Standard and extended vehicles must be checked in at least 1 hour 30 minutes before the 4:00 p.m. departure, while several special vehicle categories close two hours before departure. Check-in opens at 11:30 a.m.; oversized vehicles, motorcycles, trailers, and Priority Offloading vehicles must be checked in by 2:00 p.m., and standard or extended vehicles by 2:30 p.m. Amtrak does not make exceptions to these cutoffs, so allow extra time for traffic around the Washington, DC and Orlando areas.
How do you prepare your car for transport on the Amtrak Auto Train?
Prepare your car for Amtrak Auto Train by confirming its dimensions, removing prohibited racks, deactivating the alarm, and packing an overnight carry-on before check-in. Amtrak allows baggage and personal effects to remain in the vehicle, but you cannot access the car during the trip, and those items remain your responsibility. Keep valuables, medications, and overnight necessities with you. Temporary roof racks are not permitted, while factory-installed roof racks must remain empty and count toward the vehicle's height limit.

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