Auto Train Tickets

The Auto Train connects Lorton, Virginia, with Sanford, Florida, and allows travelers to take eligible cars, SUVs, motorcycles and other qualifying vehicles along with them.

For many travelers, the biggest advantage is simple: you can travel overnight while your vehicle is transported separately, allowing you to avoid driving the entire distance yourself.

Before purchasing Auto Train tickets, it is important to understand how fares are calculated, what is included and what additional charges may apply.

Auto Train Fare

There is no single fixed Auto Train fare for every traveler.

The price can change depending on:

• Travel date
• Direction of travel
• Number of passengers
• Vehicle type
• Vehicle size
• Coach or private accommodation
• Roomette or bedroom availability
• Seasonal demand
• Promotional fares
• How far in advance you book

The total price is generally made up of the passenger portion of the trip plus the applicable vehicle transportation charge. Choosing a private room can increase the total fare, although meals are generally included with private accommodations.

This is why two passengers traveling on different dates can see very different prices even when taking the same Auto Train route.

How Much Are Auto Train Tickets?

The cost of Auto Train tickets depends on the details of your trip.

A basic coach reservation can be less expensive than a private roomette or bedroom. Similarly, transporting a standard car may have a different vehicle charge than transporting a larger SUV or another qualifying vehicle.

Rather than relying on an advertised starting price, look at the complete fare for your specific travel date.

For example, your reservation may include:

• Passenger fare
• Vehicle transportation fee
• Accommodation charge
• Applicable taxes and fees

The final amount shown before payment is the figure you should use when comparing the Auto Train with driving or other transportation options.

What Is Included in an Auto Train Ticket?

What is included depends on the type of reservation you choose.

Coach

Coach is generally the most economical accommodation option.

You receive a passenger seat for the journey, but meals are not generally included in the same way they are with private sleeping accommodations.

Roomette

A roomette provides a private space and is designed for overnight travel.

Private accommodations generally include meals as part of the accommodation fare.

Bedroom

A bedroom provides more private space than a roomette and is a higher-cost accommodation option.

It can be particularly attractive to travelers who want more privacy and comfort during the overnight journey.

Vehicle Transportation

If you are taking a vehicle, the vehicle transportation charge is an additional part of the overall trip cost.

The required vehicle charge is not necessarily included in promotional passenger fares.

Buy Auto Train Tickets

When you are ready to buy Auto Train tickets, start by deciding your route and travel date.

The Auto Train operates between:

• Lorton, Virginia
• Sanford, Florida

You should then enter:

• Departure station
• Destination
• Travel date
• Number of passengers
• Vehicle information
• Preferred accommodation

Once the available options are displayed, compare the total prices rather than looking only at the initial passenger fare.

If you are traveling with a car, SUV or motorcycle, make sure the vehicle is included in the reservation.

How to Buy Auto Train Tickets

Buying an Auto Train ticket generally involves several simple steps.

1. Choose Your Route

Select either:

Lorton, VA → Sanford, FL

or

Sanford, FL → Lorton, VA

2. Select Your Travel Date

Enter the date you want to travel.

If your schedule is flexible, compare nearby dates because fares can vary considerably depending on demand and remaining inventory.

3. Add Passengers

Enter the number of adults, children or other eligible passengers traveling with you.

4. Add Your Vehicle

If you are bringing a car, SUV, motorcycle or another eligible vehicle, provide the applicable vehicle information.

5. Choose Your Accommodation

Depending on availability, you may be able to select:

• Coach
• Roomette
• Bedroom
• Accessible accommodation

6. Review the Total Fare

Before paying, carefully review the complete price.

Make sure the total includes the vehicle transportation charge if you are traveling with a vehicle.

7. Complete the Reservation

Enter the required passenger and payment information and complete the booking according to the provider's current booking process.

Auto Train Ticket Information

Understanding the basic Auto Train ticket information can help avoid surprises when booking.

The most important thing to remember is that an Auto Train reservation is not necessarily just a passenger ticket.

Your total cost can include multiple components.

The exact price depends on your travel date and the availability of each fare category.

Auto Train Fare for Car and Driver

If you are traveling with a car, your total fare will generally include the passenger fare plus the applicable vehicle transportation charge.

For example, if two adults are traveling with one standard car, the booking will be based on the two passengers and the vehicle.

If you choose a private room, the accommodation cost is added to the overall fare.

This is why it is better to compare the total reservation price rather than comparing only the price shown for one passenger.

Auto Train Fare for SUV

SUV transportation is also available when the vehicle meets the applicable Auto Train requirements.

The total fare depends on the vehicle category and the travel date.

A standard SUV and a larger SUV may fall into different vehicle categories, so travelers should provide accurate vehicle information when booking.

If your SUV is unusually large, modified or oversized, check its eligibility before purchasing your ticket.

Auto Train Fare for Motorcycle

Eligible motorcycles can also be transported on the Auto Train.

The motorcycle transportation charge is added to the passenger portion of the reservation.

Motorcycle owners should check the current vehicle requirements before booking because specific size and configuration rules apply.

The total cost can vary depending on the travel date, passenger accommodation and applicable motorcycle transportation charge.

Auto Train Tickets With Roomette

A roomette is one of the popular accommodation choices for overnight Auto Train travel.

Instead of spending the entire journey in a coach seat, passengers can choose a private sleeping accommodation.

Private room fares generally include meals, making them different from standard coach travel.

A roomette can be particularly appealing for:

• Couples
• Solo travelers
• Senior travelers
• Overnight travelers
• Passengers who value privacy

However, roomette availability can be limited, especially during busy travel periods.

Auto Train Tickets With Bedroom

A bedroom provides more space than a roomette and is designed for travelers who want a more comfortable private accommodation.

Because bedrooms cost more than coach seats, they are generally chosen by travelers who place greater importance on privacy and comfort.

When comparing the price, remember that private-room fares generally include meals.

Are Auto Train Tickets Cheaper If You Book Early?

Booking early can be helpful because Auto Train fares are based on available inventory and different pricing levels.

As lower-priced options sell, the remaining fares may become more expensive.

AutoTrainTrips' pricing guidance also recommends comparing dates and booking earlier when possible to improve the chances of finding lower-priced options.

However, booking early does not guarantee the lowest possible fare on every date.

If your travel dates are flexible, comparing several nearby dates can sometimes be more useful than simply booking the earliest available date.

Auto Train Tickets for Families

Families can travel on the Auto Train together and bring an eligible family vehicle.

For families, the total fare depends on:

• Number of adults
• Number of children
• Vehicle type
• Accommodation
• Travel date
• Availability

A family traveling with children may want to compare coach and private accommodation.

Although a private room costs more, the additional privacy and included meals may make it attractive for an overnight trip.

Auto Train Tickets for Seniors

Senior travelers may find the Auto Train convenient because it avoids a long-distance drive.

When checking fares, eligible discounts should be reviewed before completing the reservation.

Discounts can have specific eligibility requirements and may not apply to every part of the trip. Current promotions and fare rules should therefore be checked at the time of booking.

Auto Train Discounts

Auto Train fares can sometimes be reduced through promotions or eligible passenger discounts.

Depending on the current offer, discounts may apply to certain passenger fares, accommodations or travel dates.

However, a discounted passenger fare does not necessarily eliminate the vehicle transportation charge.

For example, current Auto Train promotional terms state that required vehicle charges are not included in certain promotional fares.

Always review the complete fare before assuming that a promotional price represents the final cost.

Auto Train Ticket Prices and Travel Dates

Your travel date can have a significant effect on the fare.

Prices may be higher during periods when demand is strong, including:

• Holidays
• Summer travel periods
• Popular weekends
• School vacation periods
• Other high-demand dates

Traveling on a less popular date may provide more fare choices.

If possible, compare a few dates before purchasing.

Is Auto Train Cheaper Than Driving?

This depends on the specific trip.

When comparing Auto Train tickets with driving, don't compare the train ticket with gasoline alone.

For a fair comparison, calculate:

• Fuel
• Tolls
• Hotels
• Meals
• Vehicle wear and tear
• Driver fatigue
• Additional travel time
• Rental car costs, if applicable

For families traveling with their own vehicle, the Auto Train may be attractive because the vehicle arrives with the passengers.

For solo travelers, driving or flying may sometimes be less expensive depending on the circumstances.

Auto Train Ticket Cancellation and Changes

Before purchasing, review the current fare rules for your specific ticket.

Cancellation and change policies can vary according to the fare type, accommodation and booking conditions.

Some promotional fares have specific cancellation or change restrictions. For example, current Auto Train promotional terms include different cancellation conditions for coach and private-room fares.

Because these rules can change, always check the conditions shown with your reservation before completing payment.

What Information Do You Need to Buy Auto Train Tickets?

Have the following information available before starting your reservation:

• Travel date
• Departure station
• Destination
• Passenger names
• Number of passengers
• Vehicle type
• Vehicle dimensions, if required
• Accommodation preference
• Contact information
• Payment information

Providing accurate vehicle information is especially important when traveling with a large SUV, truck, motorcycle or another non-standard vehicle.

Auto Train Ticket Tips

Compare Different Travel Dates

If your schedule is flexible, check several nearby dates before booking.

Compare Coach and Private Rooms

Don't automatically choose coach without checking the roomette price. The included meals and additional privacy can affect the overall value.

Check the Vehicle Fee

If you are bringing a vehicle, make sure you understand the vehicle charge before completing the reservation.

Book Before Popular Dates Sell Out

Holiday and peak travel periods can have fewer lower-priced options available.

Review the Final Price

Always look at the complete fare before payment rather than relying on an advertised starting price.

Check the Rules

Vehicle requirements, ticket rules, schedules and fares can change. Confirm the latest information before traveling.

Auto Train Ticket Information for First-Time Travelers

If this is your first Auto Train trip, the most important thing to understand is that your travel day starts well before the train's scheduled departure.

The current published schedule lists a 4:00 PM departure and 8:59 AM scheduled arrival the following morning in both directions.

However, passengers traveling with vehicles need to complete vehicle check-in earlier.

Therefore, don't plan your arrival at the station based only on the train's departure time.

You should also keep an overnight bag with you because you will not have access to your vehicle during the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much are Auto Train tickets?

Auto Train ticket prices vary depending on the travel date, number of passengers, accommodation, vehicle and availability. There is no single fixed fare for every trip.

Does Auto Train fare include the car?

The vehicle transportation charge is part of the overall reservation cost but may be shown separately from the passenger fare. Current promotional fares may specifically exclude the required vehicle charge.

How do I buy Auto Train tickets?

Select your route, travel date, passengers, vehicle and accommodation, then review the complete fare and follow the current booking process.

Can I buy Auto Train tickets online?

Yes, Auto Train reservations can be searched and booked through the applicable online booking system. Travelers should review the complete fare and booking conditions before payment.

Is the Auto Train fare the same every day?

No. Fares can vary depending on travel date, demand and remaining availability.

Is Auto Train cheaper on weekdays?

Weekday travel can sometimes offer better pricing than high-demand weekends, but there is no guarantee. Compare the actual fares for your dates before booking.

Does a private room cost more than coach?

Yes. A roomette or bedroom generally costs more than standard coach accommodation, although private accommodations generally include meals.

Does Auto Train charge separately for vehicles?

Yes. Vehicle transportation is a separate component of the overall Auto Train cost, and the charge can depend on the vehicle category.

Can I take an SUV on the Auto Train?

Yes, eligible SUVs can be transported, subject to the applicable size and vehicle requirements.

Can I take a motorcycle on the Auto Train?

Yes. Eligible motorcycles can be transported, subject to the current motorcycle requirements.

Are Auto Train tickets refundable?

Refundability depends on the fare and applicable ticket rules. Always review the cancellation conditions attached to your specific reservation before purchasing.

Can I change my Auto Train travel date?

Changes may be possible depending on the fare rules and availability. Any difference in fare or applicable fees should be checked before changing the reservation.

How far in advance should I buy Auto Train tickets?

Booking early is generally a good idea if you want more choices of fares and accommodations, particularly for popular travel dates.

Do Auto Train tickets include meals?

Meals are generally included with private room accommodations such as roomettes and bedrooms. Coach passengers generally do not receive the same meal inclusion.

Are there Auto Train discounts?

Promotional fares and discounts may be available for certain travelers and dates. Eligibility and conditions vary, so check current offers before booking.

Plan Your Auto Train Ticket

Buying Auto Train tickets is easiest when you look at the complete trip cost rather than just the advertised passenger fare.

Your final price can depend on the travel date, passenger count, vehicle, accommodation and availability. A coach ticket with a standard vehicle will generally have a different total cost from a private room with a larger vehicle.

If you are flexible with your travel dates, compare multiple dates before booking. Also check the vehicle charge separately and review the final fare before payment.

Auto Train schedules, fares, availability and ticket rules can change, so travelers should verify the latest information with the official transportation provider before making a final reservation. AutoTrainTrips is an independent travel information and assistance website and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Amtrak.