Auto Train Vehicle & Check-In Requirements
Bring your automobile, van, SUV, truck or motorcycles nonstop between Lorton, VA, and Sanford, FL.
Check-in begins at 11:30 am on the day of departure. So we can provide every customer with a comfortable and stress-free journey, all vehicles must be checked in prior to boarding; check-in times vary based on vehicle type (exceptions cannot be made). Vehicles should be reserved at time of booking.
Vehicle Dimension Guidelines
Factory-model standard vehicles, extended vehicles (trucks, vans and 3-row SUVs) and two-wheel motorcycles are accepted on the Auto Train. Dual wheel, gull wing and scissor door vehicles cannot be accepted. We also accept certain special vehicles.
Standard Vehicles
Check-In by 2:30 pm
- Maximum length: 192 inches (16 feet), including racks
- Maximum height: 85 inches
- Maximum width: 84 inches, including mirrors
- Ground clearance: 4+ inches
- Maximum tire width: 14 1/2 inches
Extended Vehicles
Check-In by 2:30 pm
- Maximum length: 216 inches (18 feet)*, including racks
- Maximum height: 85 inches
- Maximum width: 84 inches, including mirrors
- Ground clearance: 4+ inches
- Maximum tire width: 14.5 inches
Two-Wheeled Motorcycles
Check-In by 2:00 pm
- Maximum length: 102 inches
- Maximum height: 72 inches
- Maximum width: 51 inches
- Ground clearance: 5+ inches
- Tire maximum: 7 inches wide, 2 1/2 inches deep
Oversize Vehicles Require Special Arrangements
* Any oversize vehicle greater than 18 feet long requires special arrangements for a second vehicle space reservation and additional payment. Call 1-877-SKIP-I-95 (1-877-754-7495) to make these reservations.
Special and Prohibited Vehicles
Each Auto Train departure includes a limited number of spaces to carry specialized vehicles.
Check-in for special vehicles closes at 2:30 pm.
- Small trailers, limousines, jet-skis, trikes and choppers may be accepted.
- An additional fee may apply for special vehicles.
For vehicle specifications and to book a trip with a special vehicle, call 1-877-SKIP-I-95 (1-877-754-7495).
Prohibited Vehicles
Can-Am motorcycles, Rewaco trikes and Polaris Slingshots are not permitted.
Rack Information
Does your vehicle include a rack on the roof or at the rear?
- Roof-mounted racks are permitted if they are factory-installed roof racks and remain empty during the trip. Temporary luggage racks or bicycle racks attached to the roof are not permitted. Roof-mounted racks will count in your vehicle’s maximum height requirements.
- Bicycle racks attached to the back of the vehicle only. Bicycles cannot be brought onboard. You must sign a loss or damage waiver for bicycles transported on the back of the vehicle. Bicycles and their racks will count towards your vehicle’s maximum length and width requirements.
- Luggage racks must be removed from the top of your vehicle and stored inside the vehicle prior to check-in.
Vehicle Responsibility
Personal effects and baggage remaining in your vehicle during transit are solely your responsibility. Amtrak is unable to accept responsibility for these items. In the unlikely event of damage to your vehicle in transit or during loading or unloading, Amtrak will accept responsibility only if you report the damage to an authorized Amtrak representative before leaving the terminal; the Amtrak representative must determine that the damage occurred while the vehicle was in Amtrak custody.
Tips for You and Your Vehicle
Plan Ahead
Ensure you give yourself enough time — including traffic considerations surrounding DC and Orlando — to arrive at the station. No exceptions can be made to our check-in times.
Pack a Carry-On Bag
Pack your car like your suitcase. Bring a carry-on bag with overnight necessities onboard. The Auto Train doesn't have checked baggage service and you will not have access your car during the journey. Valuables should not be left in your vehicle.
Deactivate Car Alarm
Remember to deactivate your car alarm system before you drop off your car. Failure to do so may result in a dead battery if your alarm goes off en route.
Consider Priority Offloading
Ensure your vehicle will be one of the first 30 off the train upon arrival. Subject to availability, Priority Offloading is available when you purchase your ticket or during check-in at the station.
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