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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsWaiting for the Amtrak Auto Train in Sanford, FL.
Boarding has been delayed. No additional information at this time.
At least everyone in the station is masked up and friendly.
I wish the app showed more information.
Fortunately, were in no rush.
At least Im enjoying the ride (or hope to be soon).
flamingdem
(39,313 posts)for you. Might try it too. Enjoy!
Freddie
(9,259 posts)Took sons car to Florida.
Nice experience. We got a sleeping room or whatever they call it. Comfortable, good food. Got to pack the car full of stuff for him so luggage wasnt an issue. Id do it again.
RamblingRose
(1,038 posts)wryter2000
(46,032 posts)For various reasons, there will be delays. If you're in a rush, forget it.
However, if you're happy taking things easy, it's great. Amtrak people are wonderful, and so are people on the train generally. We all get on with a laid-back attitude. The food in the dining car is very good, and it's free if you get a sleeper. The train rocks you to sleep.
I took the California Zephyr from Emeryville (Oakland) to Denver once. It was amazing.
RamblingRose
(1,038 posts)First time on the Auto Train. I wish wed invest more in train travel. Im hoping Mayor Pete can deliver.
wryter2000
(46,032 posts)You're making me want to get on the train. lol
RamblingRose
(1,038 posts)Tracks fall over the cliff
COL Mustard
(5,897 posts)I think its owned by CSX so their freight takes precedence sometimes.
wryter2000
(46,032 posts)That's it for the most part. My train going into Denver had to go slowly because it was hot outside. When that happens, the tracks get soft-ish, and it's easier for the train to derail if it goes too fast.
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)I've never took a train ride.... I've got nothing but time.....
Need to check to see where I'd want to go and prices.
wryter2000
(46,032 posts)If you post on DU, you'll get lots of tips. I only know the California Zephyr and what I've heard about the Coast Starlight, but there are serious railroad people here.
Lady Freedom Returns
(14,120 posts)wryter2000
(46,032 posts)What a great trip that will be.
Fla Dem
(23,645 posts)Was relocating from Philly area to Fl. Got a sleeper car. Yes it was more expensive, but had privacy, quiet and didn't have to sleep in in a passenger seat. If I remember correctly dinner was excellent. It was quite enjoyable and would recommend it.
RamblingRose
(1,038 posts)We have a roomette. Even with the delays its much better than flying.
They said meals will be served in the rooms cause the train is late. At least I was able to sign up for first seating
Fla Dem
(23,645 posts)wryter2000
(46,032 posts)Not much room up there.
RamblingRose
(1,038 posts)And can sleep anywhere. LOL
RamblingRose
(1,038 posts)No normal size person can sleep up there!!!
wryter2000
(46,032 posts)Luckily, she bowed out. One of us would have had to go sleep in a regular seat.
CloudWatcher
(1,846 posts)I can't count the number of times I've been on long-distance road trips, watching the empty tracks next to the highway, wishing I could be on an auto train instead of having to drive myself.
Our transportation infrastructure is insane. It's 2021 ... where's our high-speed cross-country rail?
wryter2000
(46,032 posts)Having a pleasant dinner while watching an unending line of cars slink down the road near the tracks. We were at dinner because the train was late, but I honestly didn't care. I was enjoying myself.
The trip from Oakland to Reno on the Zephyr is a wonderful day trip. In Sacramento, a docent from the rail museum gets on and gives an running commentary to the viewing car about the history of the railroad. I only wish they'd change the script after years.
AllaN01Bear
(18,138 posts)riden the zep many times back east. i have a fused back since i was age 16. after a fashion i couldnt sleep and or sit in a chair car seat. we did mostly roomettes and yes , the food was yummy nummy. when we rode the zep the docents had quit the train .
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wryter2000
(46,032 posts)Originally, they used to play the docent's talk throughout the train. These days, it's only in the observation car and the snack bar downstairs. I've heard it many times, though.
COL Mustard
(5,897 posts)Its 2021 I want my flying car!!! 😀
Tomconroy
(7,611 posts)Me a solution to the travel hassle. Thanks!
AllaN01Bear
(18,138 posts)miss them
yes its important to pack patience in your travel kit . and if u are a radio enthuasiat. bring a radio scanner with railroad frequencies plugged in. u learn a lot that way.
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RamblingRose
(1,038 posts)Train said the delay was because a car was parked on the tracks somewhere.
mahatmakanejeeves
(57,391 posts)RamblingRose
(1,038 posts)totally useless.
Theyre still unloading the cars from the incoming train. I think they said itd be 2 hours once theyre done unloading.
I dont mind the delay if theyd just communicate to the passengers. They should use their app!
mahatmakanejeeves
(57,391 posts)Let's try this again.
Earlier today, after reading your post, I went to look up the northbound Auto Train's schedule. At that time, there was no entry for Train 52. There is now. Now the departure and arrival times can be filled in. When your train departs, that time will be shown at the website.
HTH.
Best wishes.
wryter2000
(46,032 posts)I used to call a phone number, and it was pretty good about keeping you up to date.
RamblingRose
(1,038 posts)The conductor said he didnt want to disappoint us if we were late. He did say they would be serving lunch.
mahatmakanejeeves
(57,391 posts)You can expect to arrive in Lorton at about 1:45 or 2:00 p.m.
http://dixielandsoftware.net/cgi-bin/gettrain.pl?seltrain=52&selyear=2021&selmonth=10&selday=07
RamblingRose
(1,038 posts)at 3:04p. We have a 4.5 hour drive after arriving. Dont know if well make dinner tonight
https://asm.transitdocs.com/train/2021/10/07/52
RamblingRose
(1,038 posts)Havent left the station yet
I wonder what the new ETA is
jcgoldie
(11,631 posts)Amtrak frequently gets delayed when there are freight trains on the tracks but they will get moving it usually doesnt cost much time. One drawback to train travel is no passing! But you cant drive with a cooler of beer!
RamblingRose
(1,038 posts)another Amtrak train pass us (in Viginia)
mahatmakanejeeves
(57,391 posts)RamblingRose
(1,038 posts)Thanks
Mad_Dem_X
(9,555 posts)This past summer. She really liked it. Next time I go down to visit her, I may try it.