Can I Ship My Car By Train?

Reader Questions Answered: Can I Ship My Car By Train?

Can you move your car by train? The simple answer is “yes,” but it’s a little more complicated than that. For one, not many vehicles are shipped by train anymore, especially when it comes to moving them for the general public. Vehicles shipped by railway are generally delivered to commercial customers and transported in bulk.

There are occasions when extra space is left on the convey trains to accommodate additional vehicles, and that’s when it’s easiest to find a spot on a railway. Some services, such as Amtrak, also offer over-the-vehicle moving services, although there are limitations on the size and types of vehicles they can haul.

If you do decide to deliver a car by railway, it’s essential to consider that you’ll be limited in terms of your destination city. While the U.S. still has a healthy railroad infrastructure in place, there are not many railway stops and junctions outside of major cities. Because this is the case, you may have to arrange shipment to the nearest major city, rather than your final destination, when dispatched by rail.

Advantages of Moving a Vehicle

As with any type of service option, there are advantages and disadvantages to having a vehicle delivered by railway. In the section above, we outlined one of the primary drawbacks of car delivery by railway: there are limited routes. That means you’ll have to have your car first delivered (or driven) to the train depot and then from the drop-off point to the final destination.

However, there are also some advantages. For one, the cost is comparable to, or even less than, standard car transport methods. Especially if you’re taking the train yourself and have some luggage with you, it can make a lot of sense to bundle that all into one ticket for savings.

In addition to being relatively affordable, hauling a vehicle by rail is also a very efficient method of delivery in environmental terms. It emits less harmful waste than typical moving vehicles and, as a result, contributes significantly less to the transport industry's ecological footprint than other sectors.

Most, if not all, cars shipped in the U.S. are covered during transportation. There may be the occasional “open-air” transport train, but they are very few and far between. This means your vehicle will be protected from the sun, rain, dirt, dust, snow, and any other weather elements that could damage it.

Cost to Ship a Car by Train

When it comes to railroad auto transport pricing, the cost to ship a car by train can vary based on several key factors. While it’s not as common as truck-based delivery, rail transport can be a cost-effective option, especially for long-distance moves or routes serviced by major rail corridors.

Factors That Affect the Price

• Distance Between Terminals: As expected, the farther your car needs to travel, the more you’ll pay. However, train transport can be more economical over long distances compared to trucks, especially if you’re moving coast to coast.
• Vehicle Size and Weight: Larger automobiles, such as SUVs or trucks, may cost more than compact models because they occupy more space on the carrier railcar.
• Rail Availability and Route Access: Unlike door-to-door truck services, rail delivery operates between established terminals. If there is limited rail availability near your pickup or drop-off location, you may need to make additional arrangements, which can affect the final quote.

How Much Does It Cost to Transport a Car by Train?

For most domestic routes in the U.S., the average cost to ship a car by train typically ranges between $400 and $1,200. This range depends on route length, vehicle type, and whether you’re using a standard open rail carrier or a covered/secure rail option.

Amtrak, for example, offers Auto Train services that run from Lorton, Virginia, to Sanford, Florida. On this route, Amtrak car shipping coststypically range from $300 to $600, depending on seasonal demand and the timing of your reservation.

Ship Car by Train Quotes vs. Truck Transport

If you're comparing options, it’s worth noting that shipping a car by train is often comparable or slightly cheaper than traditional open-carrier truck transport. However, truck hauling has the advantage of door-to-door delivery and broader route coverage.

Here’s a quick cost comparison for typical long-haul routes:

To get an exact price tailored to your move, it’s best to request ship car by train quotes from licensed providers who offer access to rail terminals. These quotes often include handling fees, scheduling specifics, and the rail service’s availability in your area.

Amtrak Auto Transport: What You Need to Know

Thinking about skipping the long drive and letting a train handle it instead? That’s precisely where Amtrak auto transport comes in. If you're heading between the Northeast and Florida, this could be one of the easiest ways to move your motorcar without putting any extra miles on it.

What Is the Amtrak Auto Train?

The Auto Train is Amtrak’s specialized service that allows you to ride in comfort while your automobile travels along. It runs one main route, Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL, making it ideal for snowbirds, seasonal travelers, or families relocating up or down the East Coast. It’s not a cross-country service, but for this stretch, it’s a game-changer.

Who Can Use Amtrak Car Delivery?

Amtrak car delivery is available to private individuals who wish to transport a personal vehicle. Here’s what qualifies:

• Sedans and small automobiles
• SUVs, pickup trucks, and minivans (within height/length limits)
• Motorcycles (book early, they go fast)

Unfortunately, lifted trucks or anything oversized probably won’t fit. Amtrak car carrier cars have strict clearance requirements, so it’s always a good idea to check the latest vehicle specifications before booking.

What’s the Process Like?

It’s surprisingly smooth. You’ll check in at the terminal, drop off your vehicle, and then board the passenger section. Your automobile is loaded into a train car transport system, enclosed, protected, and moved right alongside you. You’ll arrive the next day, refreshed and ready to drive off.

And yes, your car is safe. Unlike open trailers on highways, Amtrak’s auto carriers are covered and shielded from the elements.

Pros and Cons of Shipping a Car via Train

Shipping a car via train can be a convenient and eco-friendly option; however, like any method of transportation, it has both advantages and disadvantages. Let’s break it down, so you know exactly what to expect when considering railroad auto transport for your car.

Pros of Shipping a Car by Train

Eco-Friendly Transportation

One of the standout benefits of shipping a car by train is the positive environmental impact. Trains are far more energy-efficient than trucks, producing fewer emissions per mile. If you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint while moving your motorcar, choosing train transport can be an environmentally responsible choice. Rail transport emits less pollution compared to other vehicles, making it an eco-friendly alternative in the field of vehicle transport by train.

Weather Protection

Another significant advantage of using train car transport is the weather protection it provides. Unlike open-air truck transport, most trains that transport cars come with covered railcars. This means your car stays safe from damaging sun rays, rain, snow, dust, or dirt during the journey. Whether it's Amtrak auto transport or another rail service, your vehicle gets the protection it needs from the elements.

More Affordable Than Some Alternatives

In many cases, rail auto transport can be more affordable than traditional truck transport, especially when considering long-distance travel options, such as shipping a car across the country. The cost-effectiveness of rail shipping is a significant advantage for anyone seeking a balance between price and convenience.

Cons of Shipping a Car by Train

Limited Destination Options

One of the main downsides of transporting cars by train is the limited number of destinations. While Amtrak car delivery offers a convenient route, it primarily services a few cities along the East Coast. If you need to ship a car to a town that's not along the train transport car route, you'll likely need to make other arrangements for your vehicle after it arrives at the nearest railway station.

Less Scheduling Flexibility

Compared to other auto transport services, train transport car options can have a more rigid schedule. Depending on the train route and demand, fewer departure times may be available. This could make it more challenging to fit shipping a car by rail into your timeline, especially during peak travel seasons when the trains fill up quickly. You'll want to book in advance to secure a spot for your car.

Size Restrictions

Another limitation is the size of the vehicles that can be shipped. Amtrak auto transport and other train car transport services may have restrictions on the types of vehicles that can be transported. Larger vehicles, such as lifted trucks or oversized cars, may not fit within the train's required loading limits. It’s essential to double-check size and weight specifications before booking your vehicle transport by train.