Anyone ever take their bikes on this? Bike stowed well? Is it worth upgrading to a sleeper?

 

I have not used to ship a bike. Upgrading to a sleeper is a must!!!

 

I did the Florida to Virginia route, coming back from Key West. Road from Northern VA to Key West. Road from Key West to Sanford, FL and took the autotrain back. Your bike will be safe - stowed real good, not going to go anywhere. You even help with the load into the bike pallets - you ride it up to the pallet and hold on to it until it's tied down in the front. The wheels are in a groove so the bike will not slide sideways.

I did not do the sleeper but wished I did. It was noisy, people walking up and down. Seat was not really that comfortable for me, even though it had LOTS of legroom and width. Food was good though.

I would do it again if the need ever arises - like going to Daytona Bike Week.

 

We took the auto train from FL to VA this past summer. They want you to arrive early to get the bike on the loading rack. The guys that did mine took their time and did a good job of strapping it down. We went with 15 other bikes and all arrived in Va safe and sound.

Two things to think about as a passenger: 1) spend the money and get the sleeper. Those seats look nice and comfortable but they start to suck the longer you sit in them. When we go again next summer, I'll get the sleeper for sure. 2) If you don't get the sleeper, ask to sit away from the lounge car. People stumbling back and forth all night will keep you awake. The doors between the train cars remided me of the sound the elevator doors in the old star trek movies made as they open and closed. I think the only time I slept was when the train was stopped in Florance, SC for a crew change.

One other thing that might be of interest: Beer and drinks are high dollar in the train lounge. Next time we will get to the Sanford station a few hours early and get the bike loaded. They have a van that will take you back to town and return you in time to board the train. I'm going take the van in and get a cheap throw away cooler at a store, fill it with some beers and ice and bring it back to the train.

 

Yes good deal, would skip the sleeper as I can sleep through anything, similar to flying business class.

 

Had a buddy do it from VA to Fla and back this past summer, he had nothing negative to say about it. I don't know if he got the sleeper. Good luck.

 

If the sleeper rate is reasonable do it. I took this route both ways and sleeping is tough thing in those seats. As said above, they look big and comfy but hours into it not so much. Took a car not a bike.

 

Does anybody know how far north the auto train goes?
Can you pick it up in anyware in New England?
Sounds like a good idea to go to Datona for bike week.
Thanks,
Dave

 

and the price, having a helk of time with the amtrack website
I'm in Seattle, just a general amount, thanks
Jon

 

About $400 roundtrip for you and your bike.