Using Amtrak Auto Train from VA to FL with the Mustang

[scazea]

Hi all
Moving to FL and trying to find out if i can travel from VA on the Amtrak Auto Train from Lorton,VA to Sanford,FL
ive been told that the ride on the road is not that safe, so trying for this option.
But on the Amtrak Website, the requirements mentions that the wheel max width cannot exceed 14.5....
Anyone has experience or has tried the train before? Or is the road that unsafe?
Thx

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[Kevi]

I drive to Florida from Maryland 3-4 times a year. What's unsafe about it? I mostly drive at night. Wake up 3-4 in the morning so I can get passed Richmond before rush hour traffic. After that it's a relaxed drive. If I'm going to the pan handle I'll stop over in Gatlinburg or nearby, and if I'm going to south Florida I'll stop near Myrtle or Charleston. Stop at any big Loves or Buccees for gas and you won't have any issues off the highway.

 

[scazea]

I drive to Florida from Maryland 3-4 times a year. What's unsafe about it? I mostly drive at night. Wake up 3-4 in the morning so I can get passed Richmond before rush hour traffic. After that it's a relaxed drive. If I'm going to the pan handle I'll stop over in Gatlinburg or nearby, and if I'm going to south Florida I'll stop near Myrtle or Charleston. Stop at any big Loves or Buccees for gas and you won't have any issues off the highway.

Thanks for your answer! Ive never drove that way, but i was told that you have to be careful on the Florida/Georgia border. Im not planning on stopping there anyway!
I'd prefer to ride than to use the train, so glad you say its relaxed after Richmond!

 

[GrabThatBlue]

As a non US resident I drove through 25 states. I don't see what is unsafe about it.

 

[scazea]

As a non US resident I drove through 25 states. I don't see what is unsafe about it.

Great. Thx for the reply !
Feel more comfortable now doing the drive.

 

[GrabThatBlue]

I would love to do that drive.

The first thing I would do is plan myself a route on Google Maps that's the most scenic one on the eastcoast. Find all hotspots, viewpoints and nice cozy place to sleep and make myself a little roadtrip.

You have a very exciting roadtrip ahead of you. Don't waste this opportunity.

And if you don't like the drive, give me the keys and I will do that roadtrip for you and will deliver it at your Florida home

 

[krisk]

Thanks for your answer! Ive never drove that way, but i was told that you have to be careful on the Florida/Georgia border. Im not planning on stopping there anyway!
I'd prefer to ride than to use the train, so glad you say its relaxed after Richmond!

I live right by I-75 at the Georgia/Florida border.
1. Don’t speed more than 6-7mph over the limit.
2. Don’t drive like an idiot.
3. Don’t carry drugs, loads of cash or illegal weapons, especially if you choose to ignore 1&2.

The cops are all over the interstate, not just state and county, but all the little towns that are right off the interstate and use traffic stops as town’s piggy bank under the guise of “keeping their citizens safe.”

As far as crime, it’s not significantly different than most places in the Southeast. Stop at major gas stations, stores and restaurant and you’ll be fine (barring a statistical anomaly).

 

[scazea]

I live right by I-75 at the Georgia/Florida border.
1. Don’t speed more than 6-7mph over the limit.
2. Don’t drive like an idiot.
3. Don’t carry drugs, loads of cash or illegal weapons, especially if you choose to ignore 1&2.

The cops are all over the interstate, not just state and county, but all the little towns that are right off the interstate and use traffic stops as town’s piggy bank under the guise of “keeping their citizens safe.”

As far as crime, it’s not significantly different than most places in the Southeast. Stop at major gas stations, stores and restaurant and you’ll be fine (barring a statistical anomaly).

Thx for the advice,n not planning to speed, but try to enjoy the ride. Probably will stop somewhere in North florida, and continue next day, but all depends how the first day goes,how early I can start, and how many pitstops I made on the t,rip! I may do all in one day!
Thx again!

 

[Zig]

Thanks for your answer! Ive never drove that way, but i was told that you have to be careful on the Florida/Georgia border. Im not planning on stopping there anyway!
I'd prefer to ride than to use the train, so glad you say its relaxed after Richmond!

If you don’t give a reason chances are they won’t

 

[RLE55]

Lot of construction sites on I95, that 11 hr. drive may take upwards of 15+. I'd definitely find a halfway point, stay the night, finish on day 2.

 

[scazea]

Lot of construction sites on I95, that 11 hr. drive may take upwards of 15+. I'd definitely find a halfway point, stay the night, finish on day 2.

thxnks for the tip. its not that long trip, ill try to start early but i think you are right, i might need 2 days

 

[Zig]

thxnks for the tip. its not that long trip, ill try to start early but i think you are right, i might need 2 days

The timing of lunch and end of day play a part in congestion when nearing incorporations (keep an eye out for when you arrive in an area - you get there around lunch, expect lunch time traffic, you get there at quitting time expect congestion).

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