Auto Train Experience???

[Vtx_Ray]

Hi All,
I've been mainly a lurker up to now but I have gotten a tremendous amount of good information reading all the posts. Thanks for sharing!

Now, I'm planning my first trip - The Florida Keys in March!

I'm seriously considering using the Auto Train. I've read whatever information I can find but haven't found anything that explains how they deal with camping gear strapped to the bike. I have the usual T-bags and saddlebags. Do they make you remove it all or can it ride as strapped to the bike? What about saddlebags? If you have to remove it, what accommodations do they make for it?

Any information you can provided would be greatly appreciated.

Ray

[Black and Blue]

Welcome to the site Vtx Ray! Must have missed you when you joined.

Never thought about train transport, but it sounds like a fun way to get to your destination.
Train rides and motorcycles-what a great combo!

Let us know what you find out.

[Flashdog]

My wife and I took it about 11 years ago. We showed up at the station, were moved past all of the cars, the bike immediately strapped down on a special alluminum pallet, a porter took our ALL of our luggage onto the train. This all took under 3 minutes.
Drank a lot of wine. Then we watched a movie in the bar car while drinking more wine. Went back to our room and had the porter turn down the beds and slept through the night. Once in florida we were unloaded first and on our way.

$750 for two people, a bike, and a private cabin with no toilet/shower. Very expensive for 16 hours but worth it to do one time.

[Vtx_Ray]

Thanks Flash Dog,
That was exactly the information I was looking for. Sounds like you took the luxury package. No private cabin for me; just a regular Amtrak reserved seat - $350 R/T.

[Flashdog]

Vtx Ray, although I loved the auto train and all it's amenities I would only use it one way. By taking it you are really missing out on some of the best riding out there although saving a bit of time. Getting even the smallest cabin give you access to a white linen dinner with all the free wine you can drink and a comfy bed. Riding in the cattle car is like a really long flight with turbulance. Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, and even northern Florida are beautiful. Once in Sanford Florida the riding is less than ideal. Orlando traffic, a lot of Snowbirds, and long flat streaches of nothing until you get to the hell we call Miami. The slow drive down to Key West is nice but traffic can be brutal.