Hi,

I'm booked on the autotrain in June from Sanford, Florida, to Lorton, Virginia. I have never traveled by train in the US and hoping someone may have some tips to share. Thanks in advance for any info you might be able to share.

Kept your expectations modest.

And a lot will depend on whether you're in coach or bedroom/roomette, the latter of which is of course much more comfortable. Meals are included, but I'd still bring along some snacks. Also we like to bring some reading material. Don't make any tight schedules/connection upon arrival since Amtrak can often be late. Still it can be a pleasant experience.

Trains are often late and the food is poor to bad to nonexistent. I would bring your own except for snacks. Expect to see the back end of a lot of dreary towns.

Well, really I would fly instead - or drive.

Outside of the NE corridor (Boston down to DC) Amtrak is unreliable and often unpleasant.

We took the Auto Train (two words, helps with searches,) round trip, both this past winter, and the one before.

The first time, the train was late on both legs. This time, on time, both ways. One of the employees indicated that since the recession, the freight business has slowed. The Auto Train wasn't shuttled aside as often for priority freight trains.

We enjoyed it. We didn't get a sleeper (pricey), but managed to sleep on the seats at night. One word of warning: The seats lack lumbar support. If you're prone to back problems, bring something for lower back support, or roll up a jacket.

I've got an album, with pictures from our first (late-train) trip(s) at http://tinyurl.com/3srql3.

Advantages: No dealing with TSA (though they do have nominal jurisdiction,) and you can pack your vehicle full with all your stuff.

Did it in March. Must do: bring pillows for your back support, bring snacks, food passable and you sit with strangers, but good for easy conversation, bring a computer, portable dvd, ipod and/or good reading, bring duct tape and you can tape up blankets over your seat for a little privacy, use the larger dressing room(lavatories) rather than the regular small bathrooms. Ride comfortable and beats driving even if more expensive. I costed everything out since we always have driven to Fl from NJ staying over 2 nights, and this is better.