Amtrak Offers Auto Train Sale For Relaxed Holiday Travel

Holiday travel can be stressful as families travel to spend time with loved ones, but there is an alternative to driving while booking via the Amtrak Auto Train sale at fares as low as $39. Leave that car in the garage this Christmas by boarding an Amtrak train for the holidays.

East Coast travelers can enjoy discounts on the Amtrak Auto Train

Running until November 27, Amtrak will offer a stress-free alternative to driving for the holidays with discounted fares for its Auto Train. Moreover, during the sale, ticket prices start at $39 for adults and half-price tickets for children aged two to 12.

Meanwhile, the sale applies to Southbound and Northbound rail journeys running between Lorton, Virginia and Sanford, Florida, close to Orlando. Southbound travel can benefit with a reduced rate from January 16 through June 30, while Northbound travel can enjoy discounts from December 2 through March 26, 2025.

In a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure, Amtrak said of the offer:

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 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.

What can you expect from Amtrak’s Auto Train?

Those traveling in Coach Class can experience a laid-back and comfortable journey with is reclining seats, no middle seats and plenty of legroom. Moreover, the train’s large picture windows offer guests beautiful scenic views as they travel.

Snacks, meals and beverages are available to purchase on board through Café Service, while a complimentary continental breakfast is on offer before the train reaches its destination.

For those passengers wishing for seclusion, Amtrak offers First Class private rooms. For the price, priority boarding, a dedicated First Class attendant and complimentary meals. Moreover, they enjoy upgraded amenities like refreshed towels, linen and bedding. Travelers have a choice of a Roomette, which transforms from two daytime seats into upper and lower beds, or a Bedroom, which has twice the space, with a private sink, shower and restroom.

Traveling non-stop between Virginia and Florida takes around 17 and a half hours. Moreover, Amtrak has updated its Auto Train schedule to make travel more convenient, especially when aiming to avoid peak traffic hours on the way to the station. It will now leave the station an hour earlier, leaving both Lorton and Sanford at 4:00 pm instead of 5:00 pm, with an expected arrival time of 8:59 am the following morning.

Preparation for a record Thanksgiving travel

Amtrak’s offer comes at a time when record-high Thanksgiving travel is predicted with millions of Americans hitting the roads. The AAA expects around 71.7 million people expecting to travel by car. Meanwhile, an estimated 5.84 million will take to the air, while 2.3 million will choose trains and buses.

Meanwhile, specific terms and conditions apply to the Amtrak special Auto Train promotion and certain blackout dates apply. Visit Amtrak’s website for more details of the offer.