Cross Country Auto Transport In 2025
The cross-country shipping process may seem very complica...
9 November 2021
Shipping your car can be a logistical puzzle. You’re juggling options, weighing costs, and considering convenience. Auto transport by train, also known as shipping by rail, might seem like a romantic and eco-friendly solution. But in 2025, is it truly a practical way to ship your car by train?
In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of shipping a car by train, including cost of shipping a car by train, convenience, and flexibility. We’ll also compare auto transport by train to shipping a car by truck. While Amtrak is the only company that currently ship car by train, Compare The Carrier can help you compare rates and find the best option for your needs.
But don’t take our word for it; this article is the quick preview you need if you’re contemplating auto transport by train in 2025.
How Does Auto Transport By Train Work?
It’s important to understand that auto transport by train in 2025 operates under significant limitations. While the idea of train transport offers certain appeals, the reality is more constrained.
The Reality of Train Transport Today:
The primary (and almost exclusively available) option for auto transport by train is Amtrak’s Auto Train service. This service operates on one route: between Lorton, Virginia (near Washington D.C.) and Sanford, Florida (near Orlando). This severely restricts its usefulness for the vast majority of people.
Here’s a breakdown of how the process works (on the available route) and its inherent limitations:
Company That Is Offering Shipping Cars By Train
If you want to ship your car by train, Amtrak is your only choice.
Amtrak Train
Amtrak is a nationwide auto-train transport service for you and your vehicle, whether SUV, jet-ski, motorcycle, or van. They are really experts in their field, as their company focuses solely on this kind of transportation. But you can only ship a vehicle by train through a single route from Washington DC to Florida, Sanford. Amtrak promises comfort, enclosed carriers, and free WiFi.
Using this shipping method to move, you can leverage lower prices and fill your car with things rather than use a moving truck.
Compare Vehicle Shipping Companies
If you intend to move your vehicle anywhere other than the two Amtrak-served cities, we advise comparing the best car shipping companies.
#1. Sherpa Auto Transport
If trust and having a variety of options are what you are looking for, then Sherpa Auto Transport has what it takes to do the job. The company is considered a trusted name in the car shipping industry, offering swift door-to-door delivery to clients.
#2. Montway Auto Transport
Montway Auto Transport is another notable auto shipping company with great reviews. The company is known for simplifying the whole car shipping process for customers and should be one of your top choices for auto transport by train. Montway includes the insurance cost in their price, and they have an easy quote process.
#3. Nexus Auto Transport
Nexus Auto Transport is a Chicago-based shipping company that also offers auto transport by train. The company offers customers refundable deposits in case they change their shipping plans, and their quote process is straightforward to follow.
#4. AmeriFreight
AmeriFreight is well-known in the shipping industry for its coast-to-coast delivery and various discounts it offers users. There are discounts that students, military personnel, and seniors can leverage. If you need auto transport by train, consider AmeriFreight.
#5. Easy Auto Ship
Although Easy Auto Ship is relatively new in the industry; it is slowly becoming a good option for auto transport customers. Great reviews highlight Easy Auto Ship’s dedication to a range of shipping options, including international, motorcycle, classic, and more.
Train Car Transport Rates
Auto transport by train may not be the cheapest way to ship a car cross-country, but it is still one of the cost-effective ones that offers convenience. The train car transport rates might range from $500 to $900 but may vary depending on the type of car.
Room prices on board a train depend on the time of the year you’re shipping, and how far in advance you made bookings. A coach seat might cost you around $100 or lower, while high-end private rooms can cost around $1,200.
Vehicle Size | Pickup Locations | Drop-off Locations | Vehicle Cost | Average Cost |
Standard | Washington DC | Sanford, FL | $466-516 | $581-1916 |
Extended | Washington DC | Sanford, FL | $536-594 | $651-1994 |
Motorcycle | Washington DC | Sanford, FL | $292 | $407-1692 |
* Average shipping cost for shipping vice versa is the same. Prices are based on the rates from Amtrak.com in July 2024. Keep in mind that pricing and availability are subject to change.
However, you still need to ask your carrier for exact quotes as the actual cost depends on factors like the rail service you select, availability, open container or enclosed shipping, and the total distance.
Most common auto carriers offer door-to-door delivery without charging extra for it. Door-to-door saves you the time and stress of going to the train station to collect your car, with the shipping company driving it to a location you choose by truck.
However, keep in mind that rail car transport companies do not offer it, you may have to arrange with third parties to get such service when you use auto transport by train.
When you factor in the cost of getting your car to and from the terminals, the price of train transport can start to look a lot less appealing. Even Thomas the Tank Engine would raise an eyebrow at those extra expenses!
So What Should I Choose?
Ship A Car By Train Or By Car Hauler?
No doubt car transport by train has its benefits. You get convenience, environmentally friendly transportation, and you can ride with your car. Auto transport by rail might be cheaper than shipping it on a car hauler.
This makes a solid choice for people running on tight budgets. However, if you choose between shipping a car by train or a car hauler, the odds are stacked against train shipping, especially if you want to ship across the country.
Rail is relatively not an effective way to transport your car because the rail system isn’t as flexible as car haulers. Though train transportation is mostly cheaper than using a car hauler transportation.
But the fact that there is only one route that is available for transportation makes it less appealing.
Car haulers have a variety of routes and can make multiple stops that allow them to divide the cost among the multiple car owners rather than one customer and offer better service with more delivery options for almost the same price. And with space limited on trains, there is little room for negotiations.
What’s more, the risk of vandalism is more when you take auto transportation by train than when you entrust your vehicle to car haulers. This is because cargo rail cars aren’t adequately secured, making it an unenthusiastic choice for shipping classic vehicles or antique cars.
Also, the rough ride of the train tracks can mess with fragile, antique vehicles, so you might be better off sticking to car haulers.
Preparing Car For the Shipping by Rail
& The Papers You Need To Check
If, after considering all the limitations, you decide that Amtrak’s Auto Train is the right choice for your specific situation, careful preparation is key. Here’s what you need to do:
Documents You Need for Auto Transport by Train
Just like shipping your car using car hauling services, you may need some documents or papers. Here are some of the ones that are likely to come up, with some optional:
While Amtrak may not always require these documents, it’s a good idea to have them on hand.
The Bill of Lading is a critical document that:
Make sure to review and sign the BOL carefully before your car is loaded onto the train.
A valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license, may be required for verification purposes.
While not always mandatory, having proof of insurance is a good precaution. Check with Amtrak or your transport provider to confirm their requirements.
To ensure you have all the necessary documentation in order, consider using a vehicle shipping document checklist.
Conclusion
Auto transport by train can be a practical, eco-friendly option if you’re traveling along Amtrak’s Lorton–Sanford corridor and don’t mind handling the extra logistics of terminal drop-off and pickup. However, for most other routes in the U.S., door-to-door car haulers offer broader coverage, flexible scheduling, and often comparable or better pricing once all costs are considered.
Before deciding on any transport method, it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons, gather multiple quotes, and review each carrier’s policies. By doing so, you’ll not only protect your investment but also ensure your vehicle arrives safely and on schedule—whether it travels by train or truck.
Safe travels!
FAQ
Can you ship a car by train across the country?
No, you cannot ship a car by train across the country because there are no regular train routes allowing auto transport by train across the U.S. But if you need to ship a vehicle across the country in a fast and reliable way, you can use auto transport by truck or car haulers.
How long does it take to ship a car by train?
It takes approximately 17 hours to ship a vehicle by train via the Amtrak route. This route runs from Sanford, Florida, that’s near Orlando to Lorton, Virginia, just the outskirts of Washington D.C.
Can I ship my car by train with personal belongings inside?
Amtrak’s auto train generally allows you to keep some items in your vehicle’s trunk, but vehicle shipping guidelines prohibit storing valuables or excess belongings. If you have a large quantity of personal goods to move, or if you need door-to-door shipping, it’s often better to arrange a car hauler or professional moving service that specializes in transporting household items alongside your vehicle.
Do seasonal fluctuations affect the cost of auto transport by train?
Yes. Car shipping costs can vary by season, with peak travel months—such as summer or major holidays—often driving up prices due to higher demand. If possible, plan your auto transport by train during off-peak times and compare a car shipping quote from train services with quotes from car haulers for the best rate.
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