The Auto Train is a popular Amtrak service that runs from Sanford, Florida to a suburb of Washington, DC, covering approximately 900 miles. Each family or individual on board is required to have a vehicle with them. The route is popular for its convenience and personal freedom, and no expansion has yet taken place.
The Auto Train, short for automobile train, is a service operated by the American rail service known as Amtrak. Service runs from Sanford, Florida, which is near Orlando, to a suburb of Washington, DC. This is the only route for the Auto Train. It is considered one of Amtrak’s most popular routes.
The purpose of the Auto Train is to help facilitate travel along the East Coast of the United States. The route runs for approximately 900 miles (1,448 km). Each family or individual on board is required to also have a vehicle with them. The Auto Train leaves the stations every afternoon and arrives at its destination every morning. The entire route takes approximately 16 hours to complete one way.
The route is very popular as it straddles a major metropolitan area, or at least serves as a gateway to the densely populated Northeast United States, and a premier vacation destination. The Auto Train’s southern terminus is a 45-minute drive from some of the world’s most popular theme parks at Disney World, SeaWorld, and Universal Studios Florida, as well as some popular beaches, including Daytona and New Smyrna.
Many families choose to take the Auto Train to Florida, and back on it, to help take the pressure off driving all the way. Plus, it’s convenient, sometimes more convenient than flying, simply because when the family arrives at the destination, their personal vehicle is there too. This saves money that would otherwise be spent on car rentals and also offers another level of personal freedom once in the destination.
The fact that a daily service is offered provides another convenience that many families choose to take advantage of. This rivals the convenience of flying from some airports, although it is often possible to choose between several daily flights from major airports. In addition, transportation by Auto Train gives the family the opportunity to experience rail travel, which is a rarity in the United States, since most travel by car or by plane.
The Amtrak Auto Train is very popular, but no expansion has yet taken place, even after being in operation for nearly two decades. Other routes have been considered, such as one between Chicago and Florida as an example, but general financial weakness in rail service has never allowed such expansion to take place. If ever offered, the route would be substantially longer than the one currently in operation, by up to an additional 50 percent.
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