Auto Train discussion 2023 Q4 - 2024

Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum

Help Support Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum:

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, and others.
Just an update. Amtrak gave us $400 credit on the sleeper A room change issue. Better than nothing.
I would consider that as much more than “fair compensation”, as you also received a fare discount when you yourself instituted the modification to your original reservation…🤷‍♂️
 
Have to add our return Autotrain trip arrived 3 1/2 hrs late. Regardless of the fair fare next time we will drive.

Just wanted to add. With our late arrival the waiting departure train passengers have already filled the station. All the luggage carts are taken, no seats left. People everywhere, screaming kids. Noise is so loud you can’t hear the car numbers. It’s insane
 
Just caught the "DIP" in AutoTrain prices for our return trip -
NB in March of 2025 as low as $517-Roomette & $727-Bedroom 😍
Have you previously booked at a higher price. If you did call Amtrak Customer Service and they will adjust the price and give you and e-credit.
In November on Black Friday the price will be even lower when they have their annual sale.
 
Just caught the "DIP" in AutoTrain prices for our return trip -
NB in March of 2025 as low as $517-Roomette & $727-Bedroom 😍
What date in March, if you’d like to share?
All the dates I checked for mid to late March show the full fare prices. Thanks.
 
Have you previously booked at a higher price. If you did call Amtrak Customer Service and they will adjust the price and give you and e-credit.
In November on Black Friday the price will be even lower when they have their annual sale.
Yuup - last year I noticed the Black Friday prices, but you risk availability sometimes. I booked on POINTS so, unless it's a significant difference, I'll probably stick with what I have. Although, one year I found a better deal after booking with points, and I re-booked to get the points credited back. When you do that there's also a risk, since you must first cancel the original, and then hope that there's still availability to what you want at the new point level (We actually were re-assigned cars, and lost a C Bedroom for an A bedroom (a little smaller footprint)
 
For those taking the Autotrain I would caution you not to go during "snowbird months. I would guess that's Oct-Nov.-Jan going south and April-May going North. The train frequently sells out and the wait for meals can be significant. From past experience May was a good travel month on that route. We have taken that train when it was less than half full.
 
For those taking the Autotrain I would caution you not to go during "snowbird months. I would guess that's Oct-Nov.-Jan going south and April-May going North. The train frequently sells out and the wait for meals can be significant. From past experience May was a good travel month on that route. We have taken that train when it was less than half full.
Hahaha - but who wants to go to Orlando when it’s hot and stay in the Northeast when it’s cold !?😂😂
Yes - Southbound AutoTrain in December is pricey and iften crowded. However, it’s still better than driving and much cheaper than flying and renting a car for several weeks. We usually check in early to get the first dinner seating, then go across the street for lunch and return before 3 with our car.
 
Just caught the "DIP" in AutoTrain prices for our return trip -
NB in March of 2025 as low as $517-Roomette & $727-Bedroom 😍
For those who have been following this particular post, the NB Auto Train prices for late March 2025 (as of today 5/17/24) for 2 travelers are now $171 coach, $514 roomette, $829 bedroom.
Booking early (for the AT) doesn’t necessarily guarantee the lowest pricing. You should constantly monitor pricing, and also look for flash sales.
 
Nice article in the Orlando Sentinel about a coach trip northbound on AutoTrain. Generally favorable with only negatives being a restless sleep, about an hour late arrival, and waiting two hours for his auto.

“Despite the wait, the Amtrak Auto Train proved a worthwhile experience that I would consider again. It saved wear and tear on my car, gas and hours of stress on the road, allowing me to nap or do work instead of fighting traffic.”
 
For those who have been following this particular post, the NB Auto Train prices for late March 2025 (as of today 5/17/24) for 2 travelers are now $171 coach, $514 roomette, $829 bedroom.
Booking early (for the AT) doesn’t necessarily guarantee the lowest pricing. You should constantly monitor pricing, and also look for flash sales.
Bedroom on 3/2 just went up to $916 !!
 
Funny you mention that. When we booked, I selected seniors, and it yielded a discount of about 5%.
If it’s the full 10% now, that will be great!
I noticed the today that the seniors discount of 10% now applies to the Auto Train. Not sure if it is temporary or a new permanent thing.
Check the math on that discount. It looks like Senior rate gets a 4% to 7% discount, varying by room selection..................
 

Attachments

  • Screen Shot 2024-06-02 at 8.28.48 AM.png
    Screen Shot 2024-06-02 at 8.28.48 AM.png
    916.9 KB
Funny you mention that. When we booked, I selected seniors, and it yielded a discount of about 5%.
If it’s the full 10% now, that will be great!

Check the math on that discount. It looks like Senior rate gets a 4% to 7% discount, varying by room selection..................
I am a coach type passenger and it works out to 10%
 
typically, the senior discount applies to the rail fare, not the accommodation, so 10% of the rail fare will result in a varying percentage discount if you include the room. but it is 10% of the rail fare regardless
Ahhh - Got it! Thanks for clarifying.
 
I am a coach type passenger and it works out to 10%
Do you always go coach??
We traveled in Coach on 2 round trips, and we probably won’t do ir again. We didn’t get any sleep; the seats are not that comfortable, and the noise from the doors and orher passengers was incessant. And that was when Coach also got meals.
You are more resilient than us😂😂
 
Do you always go coach??
We traveled in Coach on 2 round trips, and we probably won’t do ir again. We didn’t get any sleep; the seats are not that comfortable, and the noise from the doors and orher passengers was incessant. And that was when Coach also got meals.
You are more resilient than us😂😂
We tried the roomette once and was not enjoyable. The upper bunk was too close to the ceiling and neither one of us could sleep up there. We ended up folding up the beds and sleeping in the seats. The bedroom prices are outrages as far as I am concerned. I am looking for a economical way of getting to Florida. Have taken coach for 17 years now, as you said you get little sleep from all the goings on. It is only 1 night and you can recover when you arrive in Florida.
 
Back
Top