The Auto Train leaves either Lorton VA or Sanford FL every day at 4:00 P.M. Cars have to be at the train 1 hour before departure and are driven on by Amtrak employees. The trip is non-stop and takes 17 1/2 hours arriving at the other end at 9:30 A.M. afterwhich it can take up to 1 hour to get the cars off (again, by train employees). Inasmuch as it is an overnight train there are two choices of sleeping accomodations and the dinner and breakfast meals are included in the fare. For more information call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245) or click here:
http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/Conten...=1241245666320