Summer road trips often conjure images of family fun, but for our family of five, the long drive from central Florida to Pennsylvania had become a multi-day trek. Seeking a less conventional route, we decided to try the Amtrak Auto Train from Sanford, Florida, to Lorton, Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C. The promise of a 17-hour journey where we could bring our car along and the kids could sleep on a train was intriguing. Booking the right accommodations, however, proved to be a bit more complex, leading us to the Amtrak Family Room.
Initially, coach class seemed like the most budget-friendly option, but the idea of personal space was a priority. Upgrading to a private cabin became essential for our family’s comfort. Exploring the options, we found the roomette, designed for two adults, and the bedroom, also for two adults but with a private bathroom. This led us to consider the most spacious choice: the Amtrak family room. Although pricier, the family room was advertised to sleep two adults and two children. For our family of five, this presented a challenge.
To navigate the booking for five, we contacted Amtrak directly. The representative recommended booking two Amtrak family rooms. Adding the car transport fee, the total cost of our 17-hour Amtrak Auto Train adventure reached just over $3,100. While seemingly expensive, we were hopeful the experience would justify the cost. Arrival at the Sanford station, a short drive from Disney World, was required by mid-afternoon for a 5 p.m. departure. Dropping off our car was surprisingly smooth; we simply unloaded our train luggage and an attendant took care of the rest.
Upon boarding, we discovered that our two Amtrak family rooms, while adjacent in terms of train cars, were not connected. This meant our family of five was split, with my husband and older children in one room and my youngest and I in another. Navigating between cars, especially with kids, involved stairs and was less than ideal. However, stepping into the Amtrak family room itself, we were immediately struck by the spaciousness. Extending the width of the train car, the room boasted large picture windows on both sides, offering panoramic views.
While the Amtrak family room didn’t include a private bathroom, communal bathrooms were located conveniently within the train car. These were adequate for basic needs like brushing teeth and washing up, though we chose to forgo the showers due to the compact space. During dinner in the dining car, the room attendants transformed our Amtrak family rooms into sleeping configurations. The couch converted into a bed, slightly wider than a twin, and the armchair became a smaller bed, seemingly designed for a child. A final, identical bed pulled down from the ceiling as a bunk. Despite the train’s movements, the bunk beds included safety straps, which proved necessary for a secure night’s sleep. While I found the ride bumpy and sounds disruptive to my sleep, my children slept soundly through the night in their Amtrak family room bunks.
Meals were included with our Amtrak family room booking, encompassing both dinner and breakfast in the dining car. Dinner options ranged from steak and pork to fish and pasta, with kid-friendly choices like chicken tenders and mac and cheese. While the food quality was comparable to standard airplane fare, the complimentary hot chocolate was a hit with the kids. Breakfast before arrival was a quicker affair, with muffins and bananas available. Beyond meals, the onboard WiFi was surprisingly reliable, keeping everyone connected, and the passing scenery, especially sunset and sunrise, was beautiful.
Reflecting on the $3,100 Amtrak Auto Train trip and the Amtrak family room experience, it was undeniably more expensive than a traditional road trip involving gas, hotels, and meals. However, the train offered a unique adventure and saved significant travel time. In retrospect, booking two Amtrak family rooms for our family of five was unnecessary and costly. For future Amtrak Auto Train trips, opting for a single Amtrak family room combined with a roomette would likely provide sufficient space and save a considerable amount of money. Additionally, investing in priority off-boarding to expedite car retrieval would be worthwhile. Despite the cost and minor inconveniences, the Amtrak Auto Train and the Amtrak family room offered a memorable and faster alternative to driving. For families seeking a unique travel experience, the Amtrak family room provides ample space and comfort, but optimizing the booking strategy is key to balancing cost and convenience.
