You have a couple of options for getting your car from point A to point B when you’re moving. You could drive it yourself. If that’s not an option, you’ll have to look into other modes of transport. One option among movers is to transport a car by train. As long as you’ll be able to get to the departure station, it could be the most cost-effective choice. Note: Options are limited to the Amtrak’s Auto Train service if you are moving a personal vehicle.

There are a couple of big benefits to choosing to transport a car by train aside from just the price. Below, we’ll go over why it may be worth considering for your next move. We will also cover how much you should expect to spend and tips to ensure the process is easy.

How does car shipping by train work?

Moving vehicles as rail freight involves loading the vehicle on a train and transporting it as rail cargo. It’s a safe option, though not necessarily a faster one than using a truck. The process is pretty straightforward. The car is loaded onto a train and transported from the point of departure to your point of destination, then unloaded.

Limited locations as a downside

Flexibility is a big deciding factor in shipping your car. With shipping a car by train, your pickup and drop-off points are limited to the rail stations along the line, which could be a problem. This applies both to the consumer and commercial car shipping by rail. And you might be in an area with limited locations. Some areas of the country, like the East Coast, have a developed rail infrastructure, while some areas and states do not. Trains also tend to go through major cities, so if that’s where you’re moving from and to, you’re in luck. Otherwise, the amount of time and money spent driving to the train hub at the point of departure and driving to the final destination upon arrival might not be worth it.

Consumer car shipping

For those who want to transport a personal vehicle the only choice these days is Amtrak’s Auto Train. Otherwise, car shipping by train is really only available to commercial users. The route is limited to the East Coast between Lorton, VA (just outside of Washington D.C.), and Sanford, FL (just outside of Orlando). So, unless you live near the route and are moving somewhere also along the route, shipping your car by train is not a likely option. The choices for commercial clients are much more varied.

Amtrak’s Auto Train

Amtrak Auto Train makes daily trips for travelers and their cars between Lorton, VA, and Sanford, FL. Amtrak provides enclosed shipping containers as part of the standard package.

Check out Amtrak’s Auto Train boarding and vehicle requirements for more information on the logistics for moving with a car using this service. The train can also accommodate a select number of smaller vehicles, such as motorcycles, jet skis and boat trailers. With Amtrak, you can pack your car like a suitcase, but be sure to bring a carry-on bag. Each Auto Train traveler may bring two personal items (25 lbs. and 14 x 11 x 7 inches each) and two carry-on items.

Amtrak auto train prices

Fares start at $115 for a passenger ticket, plus the cost to transport your vehicle. Based on the prices we saw on Amtrak’s website, a standard vehicle would cost about $466-516, an extended vehicle would be $536-594 and a motorcycle is $292 to transport via Amtrak’s Auto Train. Priority vehicle offloading costs an extra $158. This option is an upgrade that your vehicle is one of the first 30 offloaded from the train. This option is not available for motorcycles.

*Prices based on Auto Train prices from Amtrak.com July 2022 for trips throughout 2022 and 2023. Keep in mind that pricing and availability are subject to change.

Why transport a car by train?

Auto transport by rail is similar to shipping your car by truck, but it’s often cheaper to do. It’s not the most common auto transport option, but could be the most cost-effective option under certain circumstances. Plus, if you need to transport more than one car (say, you are a two-car family), you might want to choose to drive one and ship the other. Some people prefer to ship by train because it’s a more eco-friendly way to move a vehicle. Others like this option because not driving their car themselves lets them avoid toll fees, save on the cost of fuel, minimize the risk of accidents, and just relax en route.

In addition to the cheaper price tag, some choose this method because auto transport by rail allows you to fill up your car with boxes and other items. As a result, you might end up saving extra money in shipping costs for your belongings and could even spare yourself the expense of a truck rental, provided you’re not shipping furniture or anything else that won’t fit in a car.

Getting a car ready for rail transport

You must take proper steps to prepare your car any time you ship it, including transporting a car by train. Amtrak can provide you with all of the information that you need to know about how to prep your car for train travel, but just in case, be sure to keep the following tips in mind.

• Remove all valuables. Amtrak allows shipping belongings in your car when you transport by train, but you shouldn’t put anything in there that you can’t risk losing. This includes important documents, medications, any valuables, and items with sentimental value that you treasure. We recommend that you move with these items on your person.
• Check your car’s tires and battery before traveling. You don’t want your car to arrive at its final destination and then not be able to drive it off the lot. Ensure that your car’s tires and battery are in good condition so that everything will be good to go when your vehicle arrives at its end terminal.
• Take pictures of any existing damages. Some light vehicle damage is possible, so it’s best to take pictures of your vehicle immediately before it goes on the rail so that if there is damage, later on, you can prove that it wasn’t there originally.
• Wash, clean and declutter. A clean car will make it easier to spot any dents or other damages, and to take pictures of them. And, while in transport, the car might experience some bumps, so any items in the car might get shifted and tossed. We recommend that you remove any spare change, air fresheners, and anything that can get tossed around. 
• Disable the alarm. Some vehicles have very sensitive alarm systems and the movements of the train can cause them to go off. Be sure you disable any alarm systems your vehicle may have.
• Lock the car. Also, lock the car for transport. There’s no reason for it to stay open while in transit, and it will reduce the risk of theft. You won’t have access to your car while in transit. Amtrak advises packing a carry-on bag you can have with you as it doesn’t have the checked bag service.

Commercial car shipping

Commercial car shipping has more options than by Amtrak, and commercial shipping providers won’t take a personal vehicle.

Open vs. enclosed rail transport

 Just like when you ship a car by truck, you’ll most likely have the choice when transporting a car by train between an open container or an enclosed one. Open-container shipping is almost always the cheaper option, but the cars will be exposed to the elements. Still, you shouldn’t have much to worry about with open-container rail shipping aside from needing a car wash when your vehicles arrive.

Enclosed-container shipping is the more expensive option, but you get much more assurance. This isn’t a major concern for most movers, but if you’re looking to transport a car by rail that is rare, antique, valuable, or otherwise better suited to a bit of extra protection, opt for enclosed transport.

The cost to transport a car by train

Shipping a car by train is an affordable alternative to other car shipping methods. That’s because trains require less fuel to run and are thus more impervious to variances in fuel costs. While you’ll need to do your research to get an exact quote, expect to spend less than the standard cost for auto transport by truck, which, according to CostHelper, is $600 to $1,000 for coast-to-coast shipping of a sedan, and $800 to $1,070 if you’re shipping an SUV, small van or pickup truck. HomeAdvisor’s estimates are higher, estimating that the average cost to ship a car is anywhere from $700 to $1,200. It’s best to err on the higher side of the estimates.

The total price that you end up paying will depend on a few factors:

• The rail line or service you choose to transport your car with
• The distance that your car needs to travel
• Whether you choose to ship in an open container or a closed container
• Whether you’re in a region with an abundance (or lack) of rail terminals
• The size and weight of your car (the bigger and heavier your vehicle is the more it will cost to ship it)
• The model and make of your car (luxury and classic cars might require more attention and protection, and maybe additional insurance)