Bringing your own vehicle is one of the main reasons travelers choose the auto train over flying, but the vehicle transport fee is a separate cost from your passenger fare — and understanding what shapes that fee helps you budget accurately before booking.
How Vehicle Transport Pricing Works
The vehicle fee is calculated independently from your passenger ticket, based primarily on the size and type of vehicle you're bringing. This means two passengers on the same departure can pay different vehicle fees depending on whether they're transporting a compact sedan or a full-size SUV.
Factors That Affect Vehicle Transport Cost
Vehicle Size and Type
Standard passenger cars generally fall into the most affordable vehicle transport category, while larger vehicles like SUVs and trucks typically cost more due to the additional space and weight capacity required.
Route and Direction
Similar to passenger fares, vehicle transport costs can vary by route direction and specific travel date, reflecting overall demand for that departure.
Season and Demand
Vehicle transport space is limited on each departure, so fees can rise during peak travel periods when demand for vehicle space is highest.
Number of Vehicles
If you're transporting more than one vehicle, each one is charged its own separate fee based on its size and category.
Cars vs SUVs vs Motorcycles vs EVs: Cost Considerations
- Standard cars: Typically the most economical vehicle category to transport.
- SUVs and larger vehicles: Usually cost more due to increased size and weight.
- Motorcycles: Often fall into their own pricing category, generally distinct from standard car pricing — see our motorcycle transport guide for specifics.
- Electric vehicles: May involve additional preparation steps related to battery charge level, which is worth reviewing ahead of time in our EV transport guide.
What's Included in the Vehicle Fee
The vehicle fee generally covers the transport of your vehicle from the departure station to the arrival station, including loading and unloading. It does not typically include vehicle preparation tasks, which remain your responsibility before arriving at the station.
Vehicle Prep Costs to Consider Separately
- Removing loose or valuable items from the vehicle beforehand, since transport doesn't cover personal belongings left inside.
- Ensuring your vehicle meets any size, weight, or condition requirements ahead of arrival.
- Fuel level requirements, which can affect how you plan your drive to the station.
- Any temporary storage or parking costs if you're leaving a second vehicle at the station.
Ways to Reduce Vehicle Transport Costs
- Book as early as possible, since vehicle transport space is limited per departure.
- Travel during shoulder-season dates when demand for vehicle space is lower.
- Confirm your vehicle's category ahead of time to avoid unexpected fee adjustments at check-in.
- Compare travel dates a few days apart, since vehicle fees can shift with overall demand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the vehicle fee the same regardless of how much I pack inside?
A: Generally, yes — the fee is based on vehicle size and category rather than contents, provided you stay within standard packing and safety guidelines.
Q: Do I pay the vehicle fee separately from my ticket?
A: The vehicle fee is typically included in your total reservation cost but calculated and itemized separately from your passenger fare.
Q: Can I transport a trailer or additional cargo attachment?
A: Trailers and special attachments often have specific requirements or may not be accepted, so it's best to confirm directly with the official provider before booking.
Q: Does an empty vehicle cost less to transport than a full one?
A: No, the fee is based on the vehicle itself rather than what's loaded inside it, within standard guidelines.
For details on preparing your vehicle before drop-off, see our vehicle preparation guide, and check our cars, SUVs, and motorcycles pages for category-specific requirements.