AutoTrain
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Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 8,244
Likes: 850
From: Hamilton Square NJ, Ocean City N. J. Key Biscayne Fla.
I've did this on Memorial Day weekend in 2005 on my motorcycle, and will also co-sign the experience was MAGNIFICENT. I can only laugh at those who say they would not do it, because they clearly have no idea what they are missing or are talking about. The cars/bikes are loaded into a *enclosed* carrier train and locked down so they cant move. The train ride is absolutely smooth, there is little to no chance for your vehicle to be damaged in anyway and they professionals loading the vehicles take great care of them. Vettes are FAR from the most expensive cars to ride on the autotrain.. I saw a couple of Ferrari's using the train myself.
My trip was a bit cheaper though, I believe between $350-400 roundtrip. And I had a private room sleeper. In the private room there are two couches that basically fold into a bed. Theres also electric outlets all thru out the train, which is awesome when you consider you can use your phone, laptop, tablet, etc to communicate, surf the web, videochat or watch movies. The trip is 16 hours long. It leaves at 4pm and arrives at 8am the next morning. You sleep overnight on the train, and can take showers on the train if so desired. You eat all of your meals at a real dining table, are served real meals (that are cooked on stove/oven/grill) and served white or red wine free of charge.
When I was searching for my Vette earlier this year, I was hoping that I would find one in Southern Florida as I could catch the autotrain home to bring it back (I live in Northern, VA). My dad also hates to fly, but loves the train. It would be well worth the price for him and I to share such an experience.
My trip was a bit cheaper though, I believe between $350-400 roundtrip. And I had a private room sleeper. In the private room there are two couches that basically fold into a bed. Theres also electric outlets all thru out the train, which is awesome when you consider you can use your phone, laptop, tablet, etc to communicate, surf the web, videochat or watch movies. The trip is 16 hours long. It leaves at 4pm and arrives at 8am the next morning. You sleep overnight on the train, and can take showers on the train if so desired. You eat all of your meals at a real dining table, are served real meals (that are cooked on stove/oven/grill) and served white or red wine free of charge.
When I was searching for my Vette earlier this year, I was hoping that I would find one in Southern Florida as I could catch the autotrain home to bring it back (I live in Northern, VA). My dad also hates to fly, but loves the train. It would be well worth the price for him and I to share such an experience.
All true.
Supporting Lifetime
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 4,273
Likes: 1,516
From: Syracuse NY
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I've taken the AutoTrain both ways many, many times with my "other" car, it's a great way to travel. Rates vary widely - if your dates are flexible and you can book far enough ahead, you can do very, very well. I was always a little leery of taking the Corvette on the train, despite my good experiences otherwise . . . but as Daekwan06 pointed out, I've seen everything from Ferraris to Rolls-Royces on the train. I'll have to give it a try.
7th Gear
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Jupiter FL
I am driving to Carlisle from south Florida, and taking the auto train back. Of course I am driving my 65 c2 Vette, with no A/C, so I will be ready for the auto train.
FYI, price goes way up after Labor day.
FYI, price goes way up after Labor day.
