Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Automobiles are carried in specially designed bi-level railcars
while their owners ride up front in either coach or sleeping-car
accommodations. Only passengers with cars can ride the Auto
Train. (If you're heading for Florida without a car, the other Flor-
ida trains will be faster and more convenient anyway.)
This is by far the longest train Amtrak operates, frequently
consisting of as many as 44 cars. Because about half of those are
basically freight cars, operationally that's the way this train per-
forms—as a freight train. That only means you'll be traveling at
somewhat slower speeds. Almost by definition, people who ride
the Auto Train take it in both directions. For what it's worth, the
southbound trip will be the most scenic—through Virginia and
much of the Carolinas during daylight hours.
Southern Trains
Carolinian (79, 80)
Stops:
New York City, Philadelphia,
Washington, Richmond, Raleigh,
Charlotte
Frequency:
Daily
Distance:
704 miles
Duration:
13¼ hours
Equipment:
Amfleet coaches, business class, cafe
car
For some years, the Carolinian's southern terminus was at
Raleigh, North Carolina, but the route has since been extended
to Charlotte, which added 175 miles and 3½ hours to the sched-
ule. The Carolinian follows pretty much the same route as the
Florida trains, but it travels at a somewhat more leisurely pace
and makes some additional stops.
Search WWH ::




Custom Search