We'll be there a month or so. I'll check out WAZE.

I avoid the GWB at all costs. But that's just me. Always take the TZ.

If you are interested in the Auto Train, I would suggest you go to Trip Adviser and read the reviews first. Some of them are pretty bad.

Auto train is great. Non-stop (with the exception of one stop in the middle of the night for crew change). Your car is safe in the back and it will save it wear and tear driving it for 1000+ miles. If you chose a roomete you'll be enjoying free wine until ~10 pm, lounge with movies, complimentry menu dinner and breakfast in the morning.

We took 2 R/Trips in the last few years. Yes 3 out of 4 trains were little late but nothing significant.

Don't listen to the critics.

Hi, never listen to random rants. We're booked. Taking the TZ and just hoping 8 hours is good. AAA says 6 hr 35 min. One gas stop for us and probably one more for a restroom. I've got ez pass, so that will help. And we got the roomette.
Jay

I think the AutoTrain depends on the kind of traveler you are. I have friends who always do the Auto Train and absolutely LOVE it. But I have others who did it once and say "never again".

One complaint I've heard? "We couldn't sleep at all so when we got to Washington we ended up getting a motel and slept half the day". As a result we spent the same amount of time, but a lot more money taking the train, as we would have been more comfortable just spending a full night in a motel somewhere".

Admittedly I've never done it, but that has been by choice. For me. I'm kind of with those who mention their preference for driving by day and stopping to get a good meal and a nice full night's sleep in a real bed in a motel along the way.

I have spent nights on European trains, and I HATED every one of them.