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NYEXPAT · 03-12-2018, 08:25 AM

We are coming up to the USA for a bit in the summer. Basically fly into Florida and then up to NYC and back before returning to Peru. We have plenty of time but really do not want to drive up and back. Anybody have experience with the auto train between Washington and Orlando? We will rent a car in Florida to take with us for the trip back. Is there anything to do on the train. I know they used to have an "Observation car" but heard that is long gone.

harley · 03-12-2018, 08:34 AM

http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...ida-89415.html

Sunset · 03-12-2018, 10:33 AM

Why would you not rent a car in FL, then return it, and fly or train to NY, and rent a car there which you return there before going back to FL (or drive back to FL and hand in the NY car in FL) ?

NYEXPAT · 03-12-2018, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harley

http://www.early-retirement.org/foru...ida-89415.html

Thank you for that and my apologies for not searching beforehand!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sunset

Why would you not rent a car in FL, then return it, and fly or train to NY, and rent a car there which you return there before going back to FL (or drive back to FL and hand in the NY car in FL) ?

Numerous reasons for me although "all options are on the table"!

My top 5 reasons are:
5. Getting to and waiting in airports especially with "mucho" luggage and young children.
4. Need a car the entire time, and it is cheaper to rent for longer periods and my aggregator (European based) will include full insurance coverage at little cost and my car company in FL will give me an Audi Q7, which my wife and kids adore.
3. One way rental is about $300 more.
2. Need to stop in Virginia (at some point) to visit the illegal relatives and the auto train is nearby, plus we can leave the car with them and train it into DC for a few days of sightseeing.
1. It will make my young wife happy!

I was hoping to find out fun things to do on the train as they do not have TV's. They do have wifi but it cannot stream. We looked at the stateroom option but it is $900 more for a closet to sleep in.

From our trip up a few weeks ago, I have learned that any car trips of more than 30-45 mins will result in all passengers other than myself sleeping for hours on end.

donheff · 03-13-2018, 05:57 AM

Synchronicity. I am leaving St Pete’s in a couple of hours to drive up to Sanford and catch the auto train home. We came down in business class seats and popped for a room for today’s trip. DW has RLS and couldn’t sleep comfortably in the seat. I will try to remember to report back tomorrow on the room.