The Amtrak Auto Train is a rare treat many don't get to see, and has some bragging rights over traditional car shipping companies if you're relocating to Virginia from Florida, or vice versa. If at all possible, this once-in-a-lifetime experience should be taken advantage of if only because it's such a rare experience. Then again - perhaps that's a bit premature.

Amtrak Auto Train Not-so-Fun Facts

If you have some romantic notion that riding this rail car will be a blast from the past, where a passenger was almost royalty, you're in for a slightly rude awakening. Sure, you almost get treated like you count, but that's part of the "uniqueness" and definitely the ambiance of the trip. This isn't a plane ride, folks. There are no options: this is a one-way trip from Virginia to Florida that's centered around Amtrak, not you.

This is an 800 mile trip from Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL - normally taking 3-4 days, peppered with tons of visits to gas stations and bathrooms along the way. Amtrak manages this trip in about 18 hours, which sure beats congested freeways any day.

However, that aside, the service isn't customer-friendly. For example: the schedule is inflexible, leaving at 4 p.m. and arriving at the other end at 9:30 a.m. the next morning. That's it, no need to ask the conductor, there's not another train coming. The food is typical, mass-transit food, possibly expired MRE's from the Civil War containing remains of a mystery animal in gray gravy or on a bun. People don't ride this train for the five-star restaurant experience. To top it off, Amtrak isn't going to put money in your pocket, the ROI is dismal: it's more expensive than any other transportation means.

On the uptick: you get the bragging rights, you get to kick up your heels and catch up on some R & R, and you get to ship your car on your train chock-full of luggage if you want to.

Car Transport Companies Seem the Way To Go

This is all a matter of tastes and priority, honestly. If you simply need to get from Virginia to Florida or vice versa, then get a solid car transporter. If you want to have about a day to relax for once, then the train may be the way to go. Shipping cars to or from Virginia can certainly be cheaper and far more convenient than this train, but when will you ever ride a train again?

The Virginia Vehicle Registration Process

The first step is to visit your local Virginia DMV or visit: www.dmv.state.va.us/webdoc/pdf/dmv140.pdf

There you'll find an easy how-to brochure with all you need to know. The following information was taken from that brochure.

Minimum liability coverage in Virginia:

Bodily injury or death of one person: $25k

Bodily injury or death of 2+ people: $50k

Property damage: $20k

Please keep in mind: if at the time of registry, your vehicle is not covered by liability, there will be a $500 penalty, suspension of your driver's license and registration(s), and higher premiums for the next 3 years!

Make sure you're insured before registration-even if you don't plan on operating the vehicle, it must be insured before you can do business in Virginia. Upon registration, your vehicle must also be compliant with Virginian emissions standards. Emissions inspections run no higher than $28, and are good for two years. If you have a valid emissions certificate from certain states (inspections within the last 12 mo's), and this is the first time the vehicle is being registered in Virginia, then it can be titled and registered without the inspection. Those states exempt from the emissions test include: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Colombia, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Washington or Wisconsin. More information can be found at www.deq.virginia.gov (Department of Environmental Quality), or 1-800-275-3844.