Amtrak is offering East Coast travelers a stress-free alternative to driving this holiday season with discounted fares for its Auto Train. The sale, available until November 27, features ticket prices starting at $39 for adults, plus vehicle fees, plus half-price fares for children aged two to 12.
This limited-time sale applies to both Northbound and Southbound travel along the Auto Train’s route between Lorton, Virginia (near Washington, D.C.) and Sanford, Florida (near Orlando). Travelers can book Northbound journeys from December 2 through March 26, 2025, at a bargain, while reduced-rate Southbound travel is available from January 16 through June 30, 2025.
“Amtrak guests can pack their bags and vehicles, eliminate nearly 900 miles of stressful driving on I-95, and save on their travel with the new Auto Train Flash Sale,” the rail company wrote in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. “The Auto Train offers daily, non-stop service offering guests the unique opportunity to travel with several types of vehicles—including cars, vans, motorcycles, SUVs, small boats, jet skis and more. This is the only such service in the U.S. and allows customers the convenience of having a vehicle at their destination and traveling by train is one of the most efficient modes of transportation.”
Coach Class passengers enjoy a comfortable and laid-back journey, with spacious reclining seats, plenty of legroom and no middle seats. Large picture windows provide scenic views along the way. Meals, snacks and beverages are available for purchase through Cafe Service, and a complimentary continental breakfast is served before reaching the destination.
For travelers seeking added comfort and seclusion, Amtrak offers First Class private rooms, which include priority boarding, complimentary meals, a dedicated First Class attendant, and such upgraded amenities as refreshed bedding, towels and linens. Passengers can choose between a Roomette, which transforms from two daytime seats into upper and lower beds, or a Bedroom, which offers double the space, along with a private sink, restroom and shower.
The non-stop route between Virginia and Florida last about 17 and a half hours. Amtrak has updated its Auto Train schedule to make travel more convenient for passengers, especially those aiming to avoid peak traffic hours on their way to the station. The train will now depart an hour earlier, leaving both Lorton and Sanford at 4:00 p.m. instead of 5:00 p.m., with an expected arrival time of 8:59 a.m. the following day.
This promotional offer aligns with predictions of record-high Thanksgiving travel this year, with millions of Americans hitting the roads. According to AAA, 71.7 million people are expected to travel by car and an estimated 5.84 million people will fly, while 2.3 million will opt for trains, buses and other modes of transportation.
Specific terms and conditions apply to Amtrak’s special Auto Train promotion this season, and certain blackout dates apply. Visit amtrak.com/autotrainsale for details of the offer.
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