- 1). Visit the Amtrak website to reserve your tickets or call the Amtrak reservation and customer service line at 800-USA-RAIL (800-872-7245). The Auto Train departs Lorton, Virginia, every day at 4 p.m. and arrives in Sanford, Florida, at 9:30 the next morning. On the northbound trip, the train departs Sanford headed for Lorton on the same schedule. All passengers on the Auto Train are required to have a vehicle with them at time of boarding. Acceptable vehicles include cars, vans, SUVs, small boats, motorcycles, jet skis and other small recreational vehicles.
- 2). Select your seating arrangements from several options. Coach seating is available in large reclining chairs for the lowest rate. Roomettes are small compartments designed for one or two travelers that consist of two opposing recliners and a sliding glass door that can be closed for privacy. The recliners fold into a lower bed, and a second bed can be opened above. Bedrooms are larger, with private bathrooms and showers and room for four. Family accommodations are also available if you require a bit more space.
- 3). Drive or tow your vehicle to the Auto Train station boarding area in Lorton or Sanford. Present your ticket to the train staff located throughout the check-in area. If you have opted for "Auto Train Ticketless Check-In," present your printed reservation confirmation page to the train staff in the check-in area. If you have opted for ticket pickup at the station, enter the station building and print your ticket from one of the automated machines located inside.
- 4). Check in your normal size vehicle at least one hour before departure and your oversize or special vehicle at least two hours in advance. You may begin vehicle check-in at 11:30 a.m. every day. Pack all baggage inside your checked vehicle, because there is no baggage check-in on the Auto Train. Remember to disengage any alarms, or they may drain your battery in transit.
- 5). Disembark the train upon arrival in Sanford or Lorton. Vehicles will be unloaded from the train in the reverse of the order in which they were loaded. This means that the first car on will be the last car off, which is a reason that many people prefer to check in their vehicles closer to departure. Wait for your vehicle and present your check-in information and ticket to reclaim it.
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