Flying vs. Amtrak: Atlanta to DC

[Gil3]

Originally Posted by Lindsey_Mcfarren

I have been thinking that one of these days I want to contract nurse in the Boston area. I had thought about taking the Auto Train from here in Sanford, Florida to Baltimore and then driving from there. Yes it would be costly but they have some amazing service, they bill it as being like the Orient Express, it would be an awesome way to get there. They can load my car on the train so I would have it there once I arrive.

Lindsey,

The auto Train doesn't go all the way to Baltimore, but it's still a very convenient wat to travel.

[Lindsey_Mcfarren]

Originally Posted by Gil3

Lindsey,

The auto Train doesn't go all the way to Baltimore, but it's still a very convenient wat to travel.

Oh I see from their website they say Lorton Virginia which is closer to DC. From there it would only be a days drive to where I grew up in Mass.

[tremontpa]

The train is a very relaxing way to travel. Just sit back and watch America roll by.

[JuniusBugg]

I'd say Amtrak if you aren't pressed for time (in which case, fly) and don't need a car when you get there (otherwise drive).

Granted, I haven't done an overnight trip on Amtrak, just day trips around NC. But they've been enjoyable trips. So what if the train is a couple hours late?

(just be aware - I have seen the Crescent as much as a half a day late! Not common, but it has happened. This is why I say fly if you're pressed for time. Then again, that's subject to flight cancellations and all that garbage. My sis ended up missing somebody's wedding in Chicago because her flight got cancelled and they couldn't put her on another in time).

[RainyRainyDay]

A couple of members of my family are booked to take Amtrak all the way from Montreal to Atlanta, early in the New Year. They'll be taking the Adirondack to NYC, overnighting there, then taking the Crescent the following afternoon to Atlanta. We've never taken Amtrak before (although we've taken Via across Canada), so this experience is being awaited with much interest. I'll try to remember to post a report.

About fares - Amtrak counts youth as a child fare up to age 15, which is helpful in our case. Also the party is going to suck it up and endure coach on the Crescent. The extra cost of a sleeper was just too much.