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We're planning a trip to southwest Florida in April and we're thinking of going by train. Has anyone done that route and what is your opinion of the experience? We would probably travel coach, so what are some of the most valuable comforts from home to bring? Thanks for any info!
Have no recent experience, but years ago when I was younger, my family once traveled from NYC to Florida by a mix of driving and the Amtrak Auto Train. The Auto Train goes from just outside DC to Sanford, FL, not far from Orlando. So you get to have your car with you, which can be packed with a lot of luggage, yet not have to drive/ put as much wear & tear on your vehicle or pay for gas. I remember the train offered different accommodations and all food was included in the price as well.
All of the Amtrak lines going into and out of NYC are single-level trains, as the tunnels into Penn can't accommodate the large trains. They're currently working on a tunnel project that'll allow for the superliners, but until then you're stuck with the smaller trains.
Coach is like first class on an airplane. Large, wide seats. They recline a bit, have pop-up leg rests, tray tables, and power outlets. Some of the trains have wifi, but I think that's only the Northeast corridor (DC-Boston). The food in the dining car is actually surprisingly good, but a bit pricy ($10-15 for breakfast, $15-20 for lunch and dinner). There's also a snack car that's a little cheaper, but still pricy. Microwaved personal pizzas, candy, chips, drinks -- that kind of stuff. If you want to go cheap, you're more than welcome to carry food onto the train. But keep in mind you'll have no refrigeration for the trip, so pack food accordingly.
The most important thing to bring: a blanket and pillow! You'll more than likely sleep in your coach seat, might as well be comfortable! I usually take a small throw blanket, and a travel pillow. Easy to include with luggage, and comfortable on trips. Wear comfortable clothes and dress in layers. Also, pack some form of entertainment. Books, a tablet with some movies loaded onto it... don't rely on cell service for Netflix or anything, you might lose it if you go into the mountains.
The train is a great way to travel. I like to compare it to driving, minus the stress and the wear on your car. You can sleep / drink / eat the whole way!
One quick side note: if you're a smoker (and this goes to anyone, not necessarily the OP) -- consider patches or gum. There's no smoking on trains, and smoking is only allowed at a few stops... and if the train is behind schedule and there's nobody planned to get on / off at those stops, the train will roll right through them to make up time. People try to get away with smoking in the doorways, but they're always found, and they're usually thrown off the train. Don't try it. I don't know the rules for e-cigarettes or vaporizers off-hand, but I don't believe they're allowed either.
As someone mentioned, consider Amtrak auto train. Since you're heading south in April, the rates should be fairly reasonable. The train leaves Lorton, VA daily at about 4:00 pm and normally arrives in Sanford, FL about 8:00 am the next morning. You can find info here.
Lorton is right off of I-95 south of the Washington DC beltway. Sanford is 30 minutes to Orlando and about 2 hours from Tampa.
I just looked up one-way rates for coach seats on 4/13/15 and the price was $106 each. The cost for car transport was $239. So for a family of 4, that's less than $700. Not bad. Meals are included and they are surprisingly decent.
We have taken the auto train several times over the past 5 years, and enjoy it.
Cab591 mentioned a blanket and pillows, as well as laying your clothing - all good ideas. Both train stations have free wireless service so while you wait to board, family members can use their smartphones or tablets.
Dining times are determined on a first come, first serve basis. Depending on total train passengers, dining times are at 5:00, 7:00, or 9:00 pm. So if dining times are important, plan on getting to the station by 1:00 pm. Boarding time is usually 3:00 - 3:30 pm.
If you're seriously considering taking the auto train, DM me and I can provide a lot more details.
I have used the wifi between Raleigh and DC, but it's pretty lousy service. They don't allow any streaming, and it's SLOOOOOW because so many people are using it.
Definitely have your entertainment options pre-loaded before getting on the train.
The trains I've been on have had outlets under the window of each row, so for that reason it's helpful to get a window seat. (but that's in business class. I can't speak to coach)
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