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Florida Auto Train reservation guidance

Planning Auto Train travel between Lorton, Virginia and Sanford, Florida? Get independent guidance reviewing passenger, vehicle and reservation details before booking.

Independent service: Train Reservations Desk provides independent rail travel guidance and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Amtrak or any rail carrier. Carrier schedules, fares, rules and availability control the final trip.

Lorton, Virginia ⇄ Sanford, Florida

Auto Train carries travelers and eligible vehicles nonstop between Northern Virginia and Central Florida. It is designed for passengers who want to take their vehicle between the Washington, DC and Orlando areas.

Northern VirginiaLorton, VAWashington, DC area terminal
⇄
Central FloridaSanford, FLOrlando area terminal

Plan the passenger and vehicle together

Auto Train is different from a normal passenger-only rail reservation because your vehicle details matter too. Before booking, be ready to review the vehicle category as well as passenger and travel information.

Vehicle type

Know whether you are taking a standard car, larger SUV/van/truck, motorcycle or another eligible vehicle type. Carrier dimensions and restrictions apply.

Passenger details

Prepare the traveler count and names, plus any accommodation preference you want to compare.

Terminal timing

Plan enough time for the applicable vehicle check-in process. Current deadlines depend on carrier rules and vehicle type.

Need Auto Train reservation details?

Call with your travel date, passenger count and vehicle type.

What to have ready before you call

  • Travel direction: Lorton to Sanford or Sanford to Lorton
  • One-way or round-trip travel dates
  • Passenger count and traveler names
  • Vehicle make/model and approximate type or size category
  • Whether you want to compare coach seating or available private-room options
  • Any existing reservation details if you need a change or cancellation

Vehicle rules matter

The operating carrier publishes vehicle dimension, clearance, prohibited-vehicle and check-in requirements. Those rules can change. If your vehicle is unusually long, wide, low, modified or carries racks or attachments, verify the current carrier requirements before travel.

Dimensions

Length, width, height, tire and ground-clearance rules may apply depending on vehicle category.

Special vehicles

Some oversized or specialized vehicles can require special handling or may not be accepted.

Check-in

Vehicle check-in is part of the trip. Arrive according to the current instructions for your vehicle type.

Frequently asked questions

Where does Auto Train operate?

Auto Train operates nonstop between Lorton, Virginia, near Washington, DC, and Sanford, Florida, near Orlando, subject to the carrier's current schedule.

Can I take a car or motorcycle?

The carrier accepts several eligible vehicle types, including many standard and extended vehicles and motorcycles, but dimension, clearance and other restrictions apply. Verify the current vehicle rules before booking.

Do vehicle check-in deadlines apply?

Yes. Auto Train has vehicle check-in requirements and deadlines that can vary by vehicle type or service. Review the current carrier rules for your travel date.

Can you review passenger and vehicle details?

Yes. Train Reservations Desk can provide independent assistance reviewing passenger, vehicle and reservation details before you authorize a booking.

Is Train Reservations Desk Amtrak?

No. Train Reservations Desk is an independent reservation assistance service operated by Train Reservations Desk and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Amtrak.

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Want details on your train trip?

Have your route, date and passenger details ready and speak with an independent travel advisor.

☎ Call 1-803-769-6763