Drive or take Amtrak?

[jen2009]

Our trip is in December and we check-in on the 13th and check-out on the 20th. My question is should we drive from Virginia Beach or take the train from Richmond. Its about 12 hours to drive and 15 for the train. I have a severe fear of flying after last flight a few years ago. DH doesn't care either way. We would leave about 4am if we drive and arrive around 5pm. If we take the train we leave at 930pm on Dec. 12th and arrive at 1230pm on Dec. 13th. It would cost about $300 in gas for car and $500 for train (this includes transportation form station to POFQ). We are just trying to figure out what we should do? I have no clue and I would be doing most of the driving, because I like to drive. Any ideas?

 

[sbkline]

I'd say drive. In this case, it sounds like driving is cheaper and quicker, and, in my opinion, the road trip is part of the fun. Seeing the sights, making different stops if you want, that's all part of the fun for me when we go somewhere.

 

[corey154]

I would drive, but that's just me. I'm all about what's cheaper and also you'd have your own car if you need it. I've never taking a bus though so I can't give a good opinion. Good luck!

 

[Master Yoda]

As long as you have a car in good shape I would drive. Less time, less money, and you will have access to a car while at WDW. It is win, win, win.

 

[rock_doctor]

Actually you can do both. I believe the auto train leaves from Va and ends in north Florida. You drive your car onto the train, ride in a train car and drive your car off. That way you are only driving a couple of hours total and you have your car to run around in Disney plus trips to walmart and so on. If it wasn't for the fact we have all trucks (which won't fit on the train) this is the way we would go.

 

[Phonedave]

Remember, $300 in gas is not the total cost of drving.

People tend to forget the wear and tear, loss of value, and accellerated maintenance schedule that comes from driving.

There is a reason that the IRS allows you to deduct 55 cents per mile (24 for medical reasons)

55 cents per mile is the totaly loaded rate per mile - fuel, wear and tear, maintenance, insurance, etc.

24 is the rate with certain things such as insurance removed (because you would be paying insurance anyway, its not an incrimental cost)

Use 24 cents per mile to get a more accurate cost for driving.

Of course money is not the only factor

-dave

 

[Phonedave]

I would drive, but that's just me. I'm all about what's cheaper and also you'd have your own car if you need it. I've never taking a bus though so I can't give a good opinion. Good luck!

I HAVE taken a bus from NJ to Florida (Newark NJ to Datoyna Beach FL)

Lets just say, even if it was free - NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER again.

-dave

 

[cemeb4dk]

I would drive, extra money arrive at your desired time, no public transportation needed, and have your car at your disposal. We live just west of Chicago and we have drove the last two trips and I plan on just doing this from now on.

If you drive see if you can borrow a travel bubble for the roof top makes the ride much more comfortable with all the stuff out of the way.

We had this decsion last fall, and after adding up the price for 3 plane tickets verses driving it was substantially cheaper for us to drive even with the purchase of the $200 travel bubble. I believe gas was approx $150 or so each way maybe a bit less. We are 1135miles from WDW, and we took my wifes trailblazer. Plus I am a straight thru driver, we leave about 2:30 in the afternoon and get there sometime mid morning the next day.

 

[nolatron]

Take a look at Google at see where the Amtrak route takes you.

One of neat things about taking a train sometimes getting a scenic view you'd normally wouldn't see while driving. Plus you could actually enjoy the scenery and the ride with your family instead of concentrating on the road for 13 hours.

Got go to the bathroom? Simply get up and go. Hungry? Head to the diner car. Want to stare out a big scenic window for hours? Head to the lounge car. You can even take a shower if you wanted too (Amenities vary by train).

If the Sunset Limited kept running past New Orleans to Orlando I'd be on it in heartbeat.

 

[GOT2SAMMIES]

Our trip is in December and we check-in on the 13th and check-out on the 20th. My question is should we drive from Virginia Beach or take the train from Richmond. Its about 12 hours to drive and 15 for the train. I have a severe fear of flying after last flight a few years ago. DH doesn't care either way. We would leave about 4am if we drive and arrive around 5pm. If we take the train we leave at 930pm on Dec. 12th and arrive at 1230pm on Dec. 13th. It would cost about $300 in gas for car and $500 for train (this includes transportation form station to POFQ). We are just trying to figure out what we should do? I have no clue and I would be doing most of the driving, because I like to drive. Any ideas?

Drive! Unless you drive the 2.5 hours north to get to the auto train in Lorton, that's the train you can bring your car for a price. It is a little pricey but well worth it! I WOULD NOT TAKE THE TRAIN FROM RICHMOND. Why? Well I live in Chesapeake (howdy neighbor!) and for spring break we were moving my mom to florida, so we took the auto train (it's a non-stop train!) because we need to get her car and all her stuff down there) But since it was just me and my son coming back we hopped on at Deland and that train stopped/go..and it stopped/go .... was not very comfortable! Plus the times your arrive in RVR then you have to wait FOREVER to get the train to newport news and you would have to get picked up in NPN or take a bus to VA Beach! NOT COOL! We got dropped in RVR at 4:00am to wait for a 10:00 am train to NPN AND everytime the train was LATE! ARRR. I understand the flying thing, but is you can't fly,drive! BUT if you do fly Newport News is so much nicer than the norfolk airport (we flew airtran in August when we went back for a visit)
Oh as far as the food thing..the auto train includes your dinner and breakfast... the other train the prices are ridiculous! No scenic route because the train does move along rather fast...got to get to the next stop! Oh may I add you would have to bring blankets and pillows for the RVR train, all they give you is one measly little pillow AND NO BLANKET! i had to buy a $25 blanket because we got cold! Also I brought my laptop for entertainment..no movie! Oh ONE MORE THING. May I suggest on taking the auto train down (with your car) and just drive back up? It would save you from being so tired the next day at WDW AND you won't spend twice as much on train tickets.
ENJOY!:sohappy:

 

[GOT2SAMMIES]

Okay check this out

OKAY, I couldn't resist. Now this is for a sleeper for two that includes dinner and breakfast (last time we had steak and potatoes...yummy) AND this includes your car. BUT this is ONE WAY PRICE. Just add thr price for gas on the way back up

Please review the fare summary for the route indicated below.

Please Note: All Amtrak trains (except the Auto Train) are non-smoking.

To continue making your reservation with the current route and accommodations, click the "Next" button below. Your rail fare may change based on the upgrades you select. Fares are not guaranteed until we provide you with a reservation confirmation.
2 Passengers: Passenger 1: AAA AdultPassenger 2: AAA Adult Rail Fare:$167.40 Accommodations/
Vehicle Price: $276.00

Total:$443.40

Departing: Lorton - Auto Train Only, VA (LOR) To Sanford - Auto Train Only, FL (SFA) Service

Departs

ArrivesDurationAmenitiesSeats/
Rooms53 Auto TrainLorton, VA
- Auto Train Only
(LOR)
4:00 pm
12-DEC-09 Sanford, FL
- Auto Train Only
(SFA)
9:29 am
13-DEC-09 17h 29mDining car, Lounge, Entertainment, Onboard wheelchair ramp 1 Superliner Roomette
+ 1 Regular Vehicle

 

[GOT2SAMMIES]

one way down w/ sleeper and car plus dinner and breakfast

Please review the fare summary for the route indicated below.

Please Note: All Amtrak trains (except the Auto Train) are non-smoking.

To continue making your reservation with the current route and accommodations, click the "Next" button below. Your rail fare may change based on the upgrades you select. Fares are not guaranteed until we provide you with a reservation confirmation.
2 Passengers: Passenger 1: AAA AdultPassenger 2: AAA Adult Rail Fare:$167.40 Accommodations/
Vehicle Price: $276.00

Total:$443.40

Departing: Lorton - Auto Train Only, VA (LOR) To Sanford - Auto Train Only, FL (SFA) Service

Departs

ArrivesDurationAmenitiesSeats/
Rooms53 Auto TrainLorton, VA
- Auto Train Only
(LOR)
4:00 pm
12-DEC-09 Sanford, FL
- Auto Train Only
(SFA)
9:29 am
13-DEC-09 17h 29mDining car, Lounge, Entertainment, Onboard wheelchair ramp 1 Superliner Roomette
+ 1 Regular Vehicle

 

[mickey7879]

Drive

 

[Sassagoula]

I HAVE taken a bus from NJ to Florida (Newark NJ to Datoyna Beach FL)

Lets just say, even if it was free - NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER again.

-dave

I have not made the same bus trip, but have (unfortunately) made a train/bus trip from the midwest to Orlando and agree 100% with Dave's post above. Both were HORRIFYING, and would NEVER consider either one again, no matter the distance or price. Trains are really only a decent mode of transportation for a very, very limited area (NY, mostly). They do not follow a reliable schedule, despite what they may tell you, so your departure/arrival time could be anything. They're hot, stuffy, uncomfortable, and the food is bad. And if the train is really off-schedule, they may put you on a bus, which is even hotter, more uncomfortable, and you'll have to rely on gas station stops for food. Best of all, there's no guarantee of a seat!

I hate flying too, so I understand. However, driving is really the only sane option.

 

[slappy magoo]

Last December, we did the auto train, which wouldn't be my mode of choice, but it was fine. We also sprung for a private room, which you don't necessarily need to do. The cost of going there with your own car is more than most rental cars. But the advantage of going by train is someone else is doing the driving, and the advantage of going in the Auto train is, if you choose, you can stock your car with everything you need and everything you think you might need. We went with our li'l Slapperina, who turned 5 months while we were in WDW. We packed her own Pack n Play, bouncy seat, her own stroller, PLENTY of diapers, etc. And on the way back, we didn't have to worry about where to put the souveneirs. It was crowded while in the car (we live near the NJ shore) but it wasn't so bad. It WOULD'VE been awful, had we driven down in a car that packed, with all the necessary stops for diapers & feedings and overnight hotel stays (I'm cool driving straight down, Mrs. Magoo, not so much).

Now our situation is probably different from yours. And if you've gotta drive significantly northwards to get the Auto Train, it might be less advantageous. And since it runs from around 4pm to 9:30, you won't see all that much, especially in December. But your ticket includes a full dinner and a continental breakfast (because of the baby, our porter aranged for us to eat in our private room, SO appreciated) there's a bar and lounge car where they'll show a movie, outlets for laptops or portable DVD players...there are certainly perks. Of course, the downside is you're subject to their schedule & their travel conditions, but hey, you drive, you're subject to weather & traffic & detours and stuff like that, too. And if you fly, you gotta pay extra, you're stuck in a tube with recirculated air at the height of the flu season, you've gotta measure your fluids, and who doesn't love being treated like a suspected felon during the secuirty check?

No mode of transportation to get to WDw is perfect, but they're all worth it

 

[Phonedave]

I have not made the same bus trip, but have (unfortunately) made a train/bus trip from the midwest to Orlando and agree 100% with Dave's post above. Both were HORRIFYING, and would NEVER consider either one again, no matter the distance or price. Trains are really only a decent mode of transportation for a very, very limited area (NY, mostly). They do not follow a reliable schedule, despite what they may tell you, so your departure/arrival time could be anything. They're hot, stuffy, uncomfortable, and the food is bad. And if the train is really off-schedule, they may put you on a bus, which is even hotter, more uncomfortable, and you'll have to rely on gas station stops for food. Best of all, there's no guarantee of a seat!

I hate flying too, so I understand. However, driving is really the only sane option.

I took the bus when I was in college (Spring Break !!! Woo Hoo )

The bus from Newark to Datona Beach makes about a dozen stops along the way, where you much change busses. Sometimes laying over at a bus station for an hour, sometimes at 2:00 AM. Sometimes very *interesting* individuals who are on their way home from juvie decide to sit next to you and engage you in conversation. Sometimes your friends luggage does not stop at Newark on the way home, but takes its own road trip up to Canada - comming home 3 days later. And Greyhound does NOT deliver it, you have to haul yourself back to the bus station if you want it.

As far as the train is concerned, I take the Metroliner between Newark Penn and Washington/Virginia/Baltimore every so often. When you factor in all the airport wait times, its faster than flying. I can also plug my laptop in on the train and use my air card and be connected and working the entire trip.

-dave

 

[timeman]

Drive.

I drive every time I go to Florida. I live in Tappahannock which is about an hour NE of Richmond and it usually takes me around 12 hours to get to Orlando. I usually pack a lunch to eat and stop at the South Carolina Welcome Center to eat. The other thing is that if you have a laptop and want to check your email on it and maybe a couple of sites on it you can do that when you hit Florida as the Florida Welcome Center on I95 offers free WiFi.

It usually costs me only $150 round trip for gas and I get an average of 35 mpg. I usually fill up before I leave Virginia and don't have to get gas again until I am in South Carolina. My next stop for gas isn't till I get near the Daytona Beach area. Depending on your gas mileage and size of your gas tank you should only have to fill it up a total of 5 times unless you do a lot of driving around Florida then at the most 6 times.

To figure out the best and cheapest places to get gas on your way down you can check out http://autos.msn.com/everyday/GasStationsBeta.aspx. You can zoom in anywhere on the map to get the most recent recorded prices.

 

[Susan Savia]

It would cost less to drive. We live just outside of DC and it takes 15 hours (which we divide into two days). You'd have your own car then, to get around. We always enjoy a short break at the beach in Daytona on our way down. We like stopping into Walmart for snacks during the week and the ease of getting into and out of the parks is wonderful.

 

[foreverbelle]

We are trying to figure out our trip down from Northern VA in February, last Aug we drove down it actually wasn't to bad if you can manage it. Right now we are having trouble figuring out if we want to fly or drive. Our factor is we will have a 1 year old with us this go around and have neither flown with a baby nor taken that long of a trip. But if you can drive I would say go for it if you are not that concerned with maintenance and what not.

 

[luvlifeinfl]

We took the auto train from Lorton, VA last yr. we had coach seats. it cost under 1k for four people & my mini van. it included dinner & contin.bfast.So you figure that to be $250 per/person round trip.

This yr we are also taking the auto train, there are 3 of us, we are getting a sleeper car & of course my van. It is a little under 1200.00. That works out to be around $400. per person round trip, again that includes dinner & breakfast. Then if we did fly the cost of a rental car was so much more.

Before we took the auto train we used to drive and the killed us, we would put the kids in the van around midnight, and my DH would just take turns & drive through. With the cost of getting the van maintanced before we went, the wear & tear on the van, stopping for gas & food, potty breaks. the train became the best economical answer.

Also the Auto train is a straight through. No stop overs, it arrives at Sanford, FL around 10am the following day of your departure. It takes around 17 hours. The station is about a hr NW from Disney.