How To Ship A Car Across Country By Train?

Have you ever dreamed of seeing the vast landscapes of America from the window of a train? While taking a vacation by rail can be a memorable way to travel, figuring out how to ship a car across country by train sounds like a headache.

Lugging your car thousands of miles by road would take forever, beating it up with miles. Flying is impractical when you have wheels to haul. Shipping by an auto carrier is expensive over long distances. But there is an affordable and relatively stress-free way to move your car from coast to coast via railway.

Yes, it is possible to load up your automobile and ride the rails from start to finish. In this guide, we’ll uncover the secrets to using Amtrak’s Auto Train transportation for cars. We’ll cover how to book cargo space, what types of vehicles qualify, and tips to save money on fares.

Why Some People Consider Transporting Vehicles By Train?

• Cost-Effective: Rail transport is often cheaper, especially for long distances.
• Safety: Trains significantly reduce the risk of accidents, damage, or theft.
• Lower Emissions: Rail transport is eco-friendly, with fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
• Speed and Efficiency: Trains provide faster and more reliable deliveries sans traffic jams or road construction delays.
• Size and Capacity: Trains can transport numerous vehicles simultaneously, which is ideal for car manufacturers or dealers.
• Time Efficiency: Overnight routes enable vehicles to be transported while owners rest.
• Predictability: Railways operate on set schedules, aiding businesses to stick to their timelines.
• Fuel Efficiency: Trains are more fuel-efficient than trucks, thus more cost-effective.
• Multimodal Transport: Rail transport can be integrated into a larger, multimodal transportation solution. For example, vehicles can be transported by train to a specific location and then further distributed by truck.

Here is a Step-By-Step Guide On How To Ship A Car By Train

• Book With Amtrak: If you’re wondering can I transport my car by train, then the only company that offers train shipping for vehicles to individuals in the US is Amtrak’s Auto Train. Besides them, companies like CSX, Union Pacific, and Sante Fe only cater to businesses like dealerships and car shipping companies. So call Amtrak or go to their website and make the booking.
• Prepare the vehicle : Clean out the car and remove any loose items and perishables. Disconnect the battery. Ensure the gas tank is nearly empty.
• Book your shipment With Auto Carrier : To ship a car by train, you first need to car shipping from your location to the train station, and then when it reaches the destination, you will need someone to move it from the destination station to the final drop point. Car transporters who have specialized haulers can help you with that. Contact the company to get a price quote and book your shipment dates. You’ll need details like year/make/model, dimensions, and weight.
• Get insurance : Purchase insurance to cover any potential damages during shipping. Amtrak provides basic liability, but more coverage can be added.
• Drop off the vehicle : Drive the car to the designated train depot on the scheduled drop-off date. Staff will inspect it, you’ll hand over keys, and sign paperwork.
• Relax during transit : Your car will be loaded onto an autorack railcar. The train trip from VA to FL takes about 1 day. You can track the status.
• Pick up the vehicle : Meet the train at the destination depot on the scheduled arrival date. Inspect your car, pay any remaining fees, and drive away.

Amtrak and Auto Train Routes for Car Shipping:

The main auto train route is from Lorton, Virginia, to Sanford, Florida, which is around 800 miles. And that’s about it. There’s no other train or route in the U.S that can move your car around, just car shippingby train to Florida from Virginia or vice versa. Beyond this line, you need a car shipping company like Easy Auto Ship for shipping your vehicle anywhere in the U.S.

How Much it Costs to Ship a Car Using Amtrak?

Many factors influence the cost to ship cars by train, but the general range falls between $200 to $500 depending on things like:

• The vehicle type (Standard, Extended, Motorcycle, and Special Vehicles)
• Day of booking
• Starting and ending location

Here’s a table to help you get an idea of the dimensions and vehicle types allowed:

“Besides these, special vehicles like small trailers, jet-skis, limousines, choppers, and trikes may also be shipped but for an additional fee.”

“Some vehicles that are not permitted on board include Can-Am motorcycles, Polaris Slingshots, and Rewarco trikes.”

Now that we’re clear with the specifics and technicalities, let’s discuss the money aspect or car shipping via train. Here’s how much it’s going to cost you for each vehicle type if you’re shipping it between Sanford, FL, and Lorton, VA, through the Amtrak auto train:

Now, this is just the cost for shipping the vehicle in the train; if you’re traveling as well, here’s what your ticket prices will look like:

Sanford, FL to Lorton, VA Passenger Ticket:

1. Coach:

• $114 for Value , where there’s a 25% cancellation fee on refund before departure, and no changes are allowed after booking.
• $124 for Flex , where you get a full refund on cancellation before departure and allow changes without any fee.

2. Private Rooms:

• Roomette $422 (1 room) for up to 2 adults, access to restroom and shower.
• Bedroom $580 (1 room) p to 2 adults, 2x the space of Roomette, restroom, shower, and in-room sink.
• Family Room $535 (1 room) up to 2 adults, 2 children; the room spans the width of the train’s car and has a restroom and shower.

Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL Passenger Ticket:

1. Coach:

• $142 for Value , where there’s a 25% cancellation fee on refund before departure, and no changes are allowed after booking.
• $155 for Flex , where you get a full refund on cancellation before departure and allow changes without any fee.

2. Private Rooms:

• Roomette $592 (1 room) for up to 2 adults, access to restroom and shower.
• Bedroom $1308 (1 room) p to 2 adults, 2x the space of Roomette, restroom, shower, and in-room sink.
• Family Room $1190 (1 room) up to 2 adults, 2 children. The room spans the width of the train’s car and has a restroom and shower.

Total Cost to Ship a Vehicle And Your Train Ticket:

Let’s take the lowest end of auto transport costs for each of the type and calculate the total cost along with the fare for your own travel on the same train:

How Long Does It Take to Ship a Car Using Train?

The train has a nonstop rail route from Lorton, VA, to Sanford, FL, so it takes 17 hours and 30 minutes to cover the distance of 800 miles. This means it takes less than a day to move cars via train.

Auto Train Travel Guidelines Directly From Amtrak:

Reservations and Check-In

For auto transport, including automobiles, vans, SUVs, trucks, and motorcycles, smoothly between Lorton, VA, and Sanford, FL, please ensure you make a reservation in advance.

Check-in starts at 12:30 p.m. on your departure day. It’s essential to complete vehicle check-in by 3:00 p.m. without exceptions.

Vehicle Specifications

Factory-model standard vehicles, extended vehicles (such as trucks, 3-row SUVs, and Vans), and two-wheel motorcycles are welcome on the Auto Train. Please note that dual-wheel vehicles, gull wings, or scissor doors are not accepted.

Specialized vehicles have limited availability. Check-in for these vehicles closes at 3:00 p.m.

Some specialized vehicles, such as small trailers, limousines, jet skis, trikes, and choppers, may be accepted with an additional fee. For specific vehicle requirements and bookings, please contact Amtrak at 1-877-SKIP-I-95 (1-877-754-7495).

Prohibited vehicles include Can-Am motorcycles, Rewaco trikes, and Polaris Slingshots.

Rack Information

Roof-mounted racks are allowed if they are factory-installed roof racks and remain empty during the journey. Temporary luggage racks or bicycle racks that are attached to the roof are not allowed. Roof-mounted racks count towards your vehicle’s maximum height requirements.

Bicycle racks attached to the rear of the vehicle are acceptable. However, bicycles cannot be brought on board. A loss or damage waiver is required for bicycles transported on the back of the vehicle, and these racks count toward the vehicle’s max width and length requirements.

Vehicle Responsibility

Any personal belongings and baggage left in your vehicle during transit are your sole responsibility. Amtrak does not assume responsibility for any of these things.

If there’s some damage to your vehicle during transit, loading, or unloading, Amtrak will accept responsibility only if the damage is reported to an authorized Amtrak representative before leaving the terminal. The damage must be verified while the vehicle was in Amtrak custody.

Helpful Tips

• Plan your trip carefully, considering traffic conditions around DC and Orlando. Strict adherence to our check-in times is required.
• Prepare a carry-on bag for your journey, as the Auto Train doesn’t have checked baggage service, and you won’t have access to your vehicle during the trip.
• Deactivate your car alarm system before dropping off your vehicle to avoid potential battery issues if the alarm is triggered en route.
• Consider Priority Offloading, which guarantees that your vehicle will be among the first 30 off the train upon arrival. Subject to availability, you can opt for Priority Offloading when purchasing your ticket or during check-in at the station.

Auto Transport Via a Truck vs Train:

Cost:

Let’s take the 800-mile distance as the measure because Amtrak doesn’t go anywhere else with your car.

• So, from Lutron, Virginia, to Sanford, Florida, Amtrak costs $450 to $550 for a standard vehicle.
• The truck will cost $650 (open carrier) to $850 (enclosed carrier) for the same shipping.

Benefits:

• The train is much faster, taking less than a day to ship the 800-mile distance, but a truck will take 3-5 days for the same.
• The truck delivers to your door, and the train will leave it at the station, so you need to have it shipped to your home or drive from the station.

Limitations:

• The truck is much slower and a bit more expensive.
• The train is limited to just a single route from Lutron, VA, to Sanford, VA only.

Parting Words:

The best way do car shipping from one place to another is through a reliable car shipping company that has a massive fleet of carriers ready to move on a moment’s notice.

Easy Auto Ship is that company, and we’ll help you transport your ride anywhere you want in the U.S, not limited by the FL to VA route that the train has.

So call us, talk to one of our agents, get a free, no-obligation quote, and then decide.