Understand the two-terminal route before planning the drive to and from each station.
Auto Train provides nonstop passenger-and-vehicle service between Lorton, Virginia, south of Washington, DC, and Sanford, Florida, north of Orlando. Travelers drive to one terminal, load an eligible vehicle, travel overnight, and continue by road after unloading.
The service is not a conventional multi-stop passenger route. The terminal locations and surrounding highways are therefore central to trip planning.
The route connects two vehicle-loading stations
Lorton, Virginia
Washington, DC area terminal with access from the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
Sanford, Florida
Central Florida terminal serving the Orlando area and onward Florida drives.
Think beyond the rail line
- Calculate the drive to the departure terminal.
- Review tolls, fuel stops, and traffic patterns.
- Plan the onward drive after arrival.
- Identify backup hotels near both terminals.
- Allow flexibility for unloading and road conditions.
Use this practical checklist.
Having the right details ready makes it easier to compare options, verify current rules, and avoid preventable delays.
- Confirm the correct terminal.
- Map the drive to station.
- Review traffic and tolls.
- Plan onward destination.
- Save station address offline.
Quick answers for travelers.
Does the Auto Train stop between Lorton and Sanford?
It is marketed as nonstop service between the two terminals for passengers traveling with vehicles.
Is Lorton in Washington, DC?
Lorton is in Virginia, approximately 25 miles south of Washington, DC.
Is Sanford in Orlando?
Sanford is north of Orlando and serves the Orlando/Central Florida area.
Can I board at another station?
The Auto Train vehicle-loading service uses the Lorton and Sanford terminals.
Why is a route map useful?
It helps plan the road segments before and after the overnight train trip.
Continue planning your journey.
Need help organizing your Auto Train travel questions?
Call AutoTrainTrips at 1-888-566-8603 for independent travel information and planning assistance. We are not Amtrak and cannot guarantee official fares, inventory, refunds, or schedule changes.