Lorton - Lorton, Virginia

David Lieu

Update Dec 2024: We rode the auto train again in Dec 2024. They have had a slight schedule change where the train leaves and arrives an hour earlier. Last check-in is now 2PM for motocycles and 2:30PM for vehicles. We arrived around 2PM on a Thursday before winter break and had no problems. maybe 5 cars in front of us. We were lucky and our car was first 10 off after priority again in Sanford. Also on the southbound trip we stopped in the middle of the night for a smoke break (Florence, SC) which some people used for service pets to go to the bathroom and we used to just stretch our legs. No similar trip was offered on our northbound trip. I added more photos to my review including the shop within the Lorton terminal so you know what snack and food options you have incase you forgot to pack some or didn't want to buy on the train. We arrived in Sanford about an hour late the next morning. Our return trip to Lorton on New Years eve we arrived an hour early but limited staff at terminal meant cars came out very slowly. There is a sweet spot to purchase tickets which I think was 30 days after tickets opened up for a date and before 60 days after the opening, the price then went back up. Not sure if it random or not but keep checking prices on different days for different trip dates and you can find patterns. We paid $705 southbound (Thursday before winter break) and $635 northbound (arriving home new years eve) for 5 passengers in coach and extended vehicle (mini van).

• Arrived around 2:30 for 3PM check-in deadline on a Thursday evening in late December 2023.
• Facility was packed indoors when we arrived but weather was nice we waited outside.
• Small play area for younger kids (toddlers).
• You can watch cars be loaded on as well.
• Staff record video of cars before loading incase there are any damaged caused by the ride down.
• We stayed in coach class. Seats were very nice.
• Not very full of capacity. All 5 of us could have our own 2 seats which helped immensely with bedtime. Arm rest are surprisingly comfortable for head if you sleep sideways.
• Bathrooms are all different sizes and not created equal. So, try different ones if you need some more space. There is one for breast feeding babies as well.
• We also noticed they put all the kids together on the same train car furthest from the dining car (front of train). Not big deal for us as we’re used to it. But you may have other babies crying at night etc. which could be issue if you’re a light sleeper. Wife couldn’t sleep at night in general but I got 2-3 hr stretches and would wake up to rearrange myself.
• Spoke to someone who had ridden more than once and got the sleeper room last time and said it was NOT worth it.
• Internet was nice but did go in and out with cell phone service so be aware more rural areas you’re passing you may have internet hole. Our oldest had an online class meeting which worked well.
• Breakfast was included and tip is to go early as we noticed later some items ran out and that was it.
• We arrived about 20 mins late the next morning. Not too bad. We hit traffic in GA/FL.
• We were lucky as we didn’t pay for priority off boarding of vehicle, but we were in the first 10 cars off the train after all 30 priority cars. They said it would be up to 90 mins for the last car to be unloaded. We were super lucky. Staff was very efficient and professional getting all the cars off.
• We would take the auto train again. We didn’t ride it back up from FL because the cost of tickets in between Christmas and new years was 2-3 times the price. Making flying and rental car much cheaper. We decided to do a fun road trip back up the coast and stop at other points of interest.

GuyWithACameraNJ

The station is neat and clean, has restrooms, bathrooms and gift shop with friendly staff. The lines were too bad and I was seated quickly, however returning on spring break the station lost power and everything got delayed and it was cold! For those riding coach I'd suggest bringing something for your head and back because it may be uncomfortable to sleep in.

Loretta Stanish

Got to station at 12:15 for my 4 pm departure. Was immediately informed departure would be closer to 6 pm. Not too bad, but woke up to the train completely stoped at 5 am and to find out our original 9 am arrival would be closer to 2:30! Currently sitting at a dead stop near Jacksonville with no estimate of how much more we’ll be delayed. And, no food, because they ran out of snack boxes.

DON’T TAKE THE AMTRAK AUTO TRAIN!

Waylon Jones

I can't say enough about the auto train. Love not flying (even though this thing gets close) and overnight from VA to Florida is fantastic. Lounge car was good for snacks and beer. Overall fun ride. We will be back.

maru

Picking up the Auto Train in Lorton, you drive up to the station and everything is well labeled. The station is solely for the auto train, and the train makes no other stops - it just ferries between FL and VA. If you’re ready to have your car loaded into the train, then follow the “departing vehicles” signs. You will then proceed to take your stuff out of the car and they will tell you to enter the station. There, you can check in and get your seating assignments. Dropping off your car and checking in, can be done in any order. The last time you can check in your vehicle by is 2:30pm. The auto train station itself doesn’t have much, it’s a one-room station - it’s like a very small airport, it has restrooms, waterfountains, and a small snack kiosk thing. I suggest you grab lunch before heading to the auto train station. Boarding started at 2:45 and they called you to board by wagon number (given at check-in). We didn’t actually start moving till 4pm, and it’s supposed to arrive in Florida by 9am.

The train itself was really nice. I got a coach seat, and they are roomy and recline quite a lot. Think airplane seat but nicer. I do suggest bringing a pillow and blanket with you on the train. The train has two levels, the upper level has a good view, and the lower level looked like a very quiet and peaceful level (the bathrooms are also on that level). Also some of those sleeper cabins looked really nice. Think Harry Potter Hogwarts Express style. After testing out the coach seats during the night, I must say that while they were great to sit on, they were not nice to sleep on. The incline is uncomfortable on your back and your legs can’t really stretch out well - it was just overall not comfortable. I suggest that, if you have back problems or don’t sleep well unless you’re comfortable, you get a sleeper car. I’m definitely going to do that next time.

It looked worth it to get the sleeper cabin, though unfortunately I don’t know if they would seat you with strangers? That’s something I’d be interested in knowing.

There are two chargers per set of two seats, under the window. And the wifi is pretty trashy, so I suggest downloading those Netflix episodes and kindle books ahead of time. Forget about streaming. Spotty cell signal. But hey! Just prepare for no wifi haha.

The bathrooms are pretty small, but there are like 5 per wagon. Maybe smaller than the average airplane bathroom.

There is a dining cart where you can eat breakfast and dinner (both included in auto train prices). Right before the dining cart there is a lounge area too (bring a sweater!). At any time you can purchase food, drinks or alcohol (if over 21) at a small stand within the train. I will post a picture of the dining menu available during my trip. The dining booths are 4 people booths, and they will fill em up with strangers if they must. I met some nice people though so I can’t complain. The Lasagna was not bad, you can’t go wrong with lasagna. The dining times during my trip were 5pm, 7pm and 9pm. You choose when you will dine when you’re checking in and getting your seating assignment. Had we checked in later, the 7pm time would have been full and we would have had to choose another time to dine.

Breakfast is a continental breakfast (think, hotel breakfast), from 6-8am, and it’s like a buffet style thing. It’s a pretty bad breakfast. The orange juice was good, there was 2% milk and decent jam but the coffee was watery, the bagels were gummy, the cereal didn’t taste good, and the crumb cake was not great either. My stomach didn’t feel great after the food. I suggest byob - bring your own breakfast if you can and save yourself! Alternatively if you don’t save yourself, the earlier you go to breakfast, the more mediocre options you will have!

As for picking up the cars, it’s random. Unless you paid the $60 fee to be one of the first 30 cars off the train (honestly I’m doing that next time). The staff said if you were very unfortunate and your car was the last one out, it could take up to an hour and a half to get your car once in FL.

Joann S.

Convenient means to take the vehicle on the trip (ours is a SUV). We were in a sleeper car. We’ve done the auto train a few times, in each direction. It’s a great alternative to flying, and the long drive. Shower and toilet is European and Asian style where it’s a combo unit. It does the job for what it is. As long as you know what’s provided, it’ll meet general expectations. They provide food, which is average as expected (it is a train, so don’t expect gourmet).

Math The Lauriers

A scenic review of an Amtrak station: The surroundings boast an abundance of trees, providing a picturesque setting. There's an expansive parking area for visitors from afar. Families with young ones can enjoy a playground on-site, all set amidst plentiful shade from the trees. Moreover, the service at the desk is notably kind and accommodating.

Marizia

Ok Amtrack! All I can say is thank you! Thank you for the ease in the booking experience. Thank you for the easy check in experience. Thank you for the ride! Here’s the story…

I convinced my sister to fly to Massachusetts's from Florida with me, to pick up my 2nd car, in the hopes that my 21 year old son would finally get his license. The license thing is another story lol! Being a veteran, Amtrack had really great discounts on their auto train, which made this the ideal road trip. Planes! Trains! and Automobiles!

The agent was extremely helpful during the booking process. When we got to the station, it was well organized and I literally only had to drive up, put my keys in the cup holder and make sure I didn’t forget my snacks for the train. Loved it! The train ride was comfy and we had plenty of room to stretch out. It was a long trip, so between getting in some work on my laptop and binge watching Prison Break on Netflix, I was all set. Oh, the Wfi was awesome! Thank you for that too, because I still had to host my staff meeting on the go. Fast forward to arriving… pick up of my vehicle was just as simple. They brought my car out a very short time after arrival. Again, I’m someone who loves organization and instruction. Amtrack, you nailed it!!! Thanks again!