Just got back from a few weeks in Key Biscayne, Florida. I wanted to have my Vette on vacation with me. But, didn't want the ordeal/hassle of driving 1,200 plus one way, boring, exhausting miles down and back on I-95. Dodging "missles", trucks, speed traps, etc, etc. And, generally, beating up/wearing down my Car.

I can say in all honesty it was well worth it. AMTRAK staff took very good care of the Car. Not a scratch. And, I took the Train down and back. I still managed to put 1,500 miles on the Car which was about half of what I would have driven both ways. And, they were fun, "Florida" miles.

Just posting this to let my Corvette brothers know about a great way of getting to Florida with your Car with no/minimal hassles or negatives.

 

Price ? I seem to remember it was pretty salty when I check a couple of years ago.

 

Me, my GF. And, the Vette = $850.00 round trip. Cheaper than flying. And, I had the Vette.

 

not bad....

 

Not a bad price overall.

 

I'd drive the Vette. That's what it's for. That is why you get one. Much more fun!

 

Where do you have to go to board the auto train?

 

Not when I am dodging God knows what every mile of the way. You would know what I mean if you have ever driven from NJ to Florida on I-95.


PS- I have daily driven all my Vettes during the past fourty four years.

 

You board the Train in Lorton, Va. about 15 miles South of Washington, DC. You get off the Train in Sanford, Florida about 20 miles from Orlando. You save approximately 850 brutal, boring I-95 miles each way. Very well worth it!

 

Wow! Me and the wife contemplated taking our GS to Miami during a recent trip but when the wife looked into it she said it was $500 each way from DC to Miami for the car only! Must look into this again...

 

Driving my Corvette on any highway in the US is a great way to spend a vacation. I wouldn't put my C6 on a train for any price. Glad you enjoyed it.

 

That is what I was quoted. They must be running a special.

 

At 1200 miles one way it would be somewhere around $600 given one night in a motel each way. A lot of people would actually spend two nights in motels each way so the price would be $800. That makes the train very competitive for two people.

Bill

 

Exactly! Also, they give you a Dinner and Continental Breakfast on the Train. I think booking departure/return during weekdays lowers the price. Maybe, seasonal also. I don't know. All I know is that I am doing this again next Winter. And, staying down there with my Vette a longer time. My only reason for posting this is to give some information back to the Forum. You guys sure have given me enough.

 

It's AMTRAK. And, they transport you from DC to Orlando.

 

Planning to do the same thing in late October. Rate is $754 round trip.

 

I wish Am trac went from sanford fl. to vegas. But , then again I'm tired after a 5 hour flight

 

I could do this, sounds like fun say in February--eddie

 

Also you were fresh not a zombie from the drive and able to enjoy your time there, and if you flew you would have had a rental car bill also.

 

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.