Amtrak Auto Train for Seniors: 11 Things Nobody Tells You

My friend Bob took the Amtrak Auto Train for the first time. The train arrived on time, and more than an hour later he was still sitting in the station in Sanford, waiting for his car. Here are eleven things about the Auto Train that nobody tells you, before you find them out the hard way. I'm Stanley Pike, a lifelong Amtrak rider from Omaha (not an Amtrak employee). In this video: - the strict check-in deadline, and why the arrival time isn't when you drive away - the overnight bag, your valuables, and why you can't reach your car - the width rule (mirrors included), roof boxes, and getting your car ready - dinner times, choosing a seat or room for an overnight ride - pets, the midnight stop, and planning for delays CHAPTERS [00:00] Bob, the station, and the missing car [00:50] What the Auto Train is [01:36] Two trips on one ticket [02:09] 1. Check in by two, not four [03:06] 2. Arrival time isn't drive-away time [04:12] 3. You can't reach your car [05:04] 4. Valuables, and the seat belt rule [05:45] 5. Your car has to fit [06:42] 6. Get your car ready [07:39] A quick word about my guide [08:09] 7. Dinner is decided at check-in [09:31] 8. Pick a seat or room for the night [10:48] 9. No pets on the Auto Train [12:00] 10. The midnight stop and a bumpy night [13:07] 11. Plan for the train to be late [14:08] All eleven in one minute [14:46] Bob's second trip [15:25] The honest part [16:01] Your driveway job this week Not affiliated with Amtrak. Check-in times and vehicle rules are from Amtrak's Auto Train boarding and vehicle requirements page; meals, rooms and the Florence service stop from Amtrak's Auto Train experience page. Unloading times are rider reports, not promises. Times, rules, meals and pet policies change, so check Amtrak.com or call Amtrak before you book. If a night on a moving train is hard for you, talk to your doctor before you go. My guide to planning and pricing an Amtrak trip, How I Saved $5,000 on Amtrak After 65: https://stanleypike.com #amtrak #autotrain #seniortravel