Limited train car shipping is available in the US, primarily through Amtrak's Auto Train, serving only Virginia to Florida. Most cross-country car shipping uses truck transport, which offers better coverage, faster delivery, and competitive pricing.
Key Takeaways
Train car shipping is extremely limited for cross-country transport. Only Amtrak's Auto Train operates between Lorton, VA, and Sanford, FL - not an accurate cross-country service.
Essential facts about train vs truck shipping:
Train availability: One route only (VA to FL)
Cross-country coverage: Truck transport required for most routes
Cost comparison: Truck shipping is often more affordable and flexible
Speed: Truck transport is typically faster for long distances
Best way to ship your car: To reliably ship your car across the country, pick well-known truck transport companies that serve the whole nation and have a history of successful deliveries.
What You'll Learn
This guide covers:
Current train car shipping options and severe limitations
Cost comparison between train and truck transport
Why truck shipping dominates cross-country routes
Current State of Train Car Shipping in 2026
Train car shipping for cross-country transport remains extremely limited in the United States. Despite interest in rail transport, only one passenger service exists for personal vehicles.
Available Train Services:
Amtrak Auto Train: Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL only
Route distance: 855 miles (not cross-country)
Service frequency: Daily departures
Travel time: 17 hours
What This Means: You cannot actually ship your personal car across the entire country by train from one coast to the other. The only available train route covers less than half of the distance across the United States.
Why Cross-Country Train Shipping Doesn't Exist
Several factors prevent widespread train car shipping development across the United States.
Infrastructure Limitations
Freight priority: Existing rail lines prioritize commercial freight
Passenger conflicts: Personal vehicle trains compete with passenger service
Loading facilities: Limited terminals with car loading capability
Economic Challenges
High setup costs: Building a nationwide car transport rail network
Low demand: Insufficient volume to justify infrastructure investment
Operational complexity: Coordinating schedules across multiple rail companies
Geographic Barriers
Mountain ranges: The Rocky Mountains and the Appalachians complicate routing
Urban bottlenecks: Major cities create rail traffic congestion
Rural gaps: Many destinations lack rail access
Amtrak Auto Train: The Only Option (Limited Route)
Amtrak's Auto Train represents America's sole train car shipping option, but serves only a narrow East Coast corridor.
Service Details
Route: Lorton, VA (near Washington, DC) to Sanford, FL (near Orlando)
Cost: $89-$1,100+ depending on accommodation
Vehicle fee: Additional $208-$278 for standard cars
Requirements: Must purchase a passenger ticket
Major Limitations
Single route only: No cross-country service
Mandatory passenger travel: Cannot ship a car without traveling
Limited pickup points: Only two terminals nationwide
No flexibility: Fixed schedule and destinations
Total Cost Reality: $300-$1,400+, including passenger fare, makes this expensive for the limited service area.
Cross-Country Car Shipping: Truck Transport Dominates
When you need to ship a car across the country, using a truck is the most practical way to do it. Trucks can go almost anywhere, and their prices are fair.
Truck Shipping Advantages
Nationwide coverage: Service to all 48 continental states
Flexible pickup/delivery: Door-to-door service available
Multiple options: Open and enclosed transport methods
Competitive pricing: $800-$1,500 for cross-country transport
Route Examples and Pricing
Los Angeles to New York: $1,100-$1,400 (2,800 miles)
Seattle to Miami: $1,200-$1,500 (3,300 miles)
Denver to Boston: $900-$1,200 (2,000 miles)
Delivery Timeframes
Cross-country routes: 7-14 days typical
Regional routes: 3-7 days
Express service: Available for time-sensitive needs
Cost Comparison: Train vs Truck Shipping
When train shipping is available, costs often exceed truck transport when all factors are considered.
Amtrak Auto Train Total Costs
Base passenger fare: $89-$500+ per person
Vehicle transport: $208-$278
Premium accommodations: Up to $1,100+
Total range: $300-$1,400+ for limited 855-mile route
Truck Shipping Costs
VA to FL route: $400-$600 (same route as Amtrak)
Cross-country: $800-$1,500 (2,000-3,500 miles)
No passenger requirements: Ship the car without traveling
Flexible scheduling: Multiple departure options
Shipping by truck is a better deal, especially for longer trips where Amtrak doesn't have a direct route.
Preparing for Cross-Country Car Shipping
Preparing your car properly is important for a smooth shipping experience, whether you choose the less common train option or the more typical truck transport.
Pre-Shipping Requirements
Clean vehicle thoroughly: Document existing condition
Remove personal items: DOT regulations prohibit personal belongings
Disable alarm systems: Prevent activation during transport
Fuel level: Keep tank 1/4 full or less
Documentation Needed
Vehicle registration: Current and valid
Insurance proof: Active policy required
Photo identification: Government-issued ID
Special instructions: Note any vehicle issues
Choosing Transport Method
Open transport: Most affordable option ($800-$1,200)
Enclosed transport: Premium protection ($1,000-$1,500)
Express service: Faster delivery for urgent needs
Why Truck Shipping Works Better for Cross-Country Transport
Professional truck transport offers superior cross-country car shipping compared to limited train options.
Coverage and Flexibility
All 48 states: Complete continental US coverage
Door-to-door service: Pickup and delivery at your location
Multiple weekly departures: Not limited to a single daily schedule
Route optimization: Direct paths reduce transit time
Safety and Reliability
Professional drivers: Experienced car transport specialists
Insurance coverage: Comprehensive protection during transport
Tracking capabilities: Updates on shipment progress
Established networks: Proven delivery systems
Cost Effectiveness
No passenger requirements: Ship the car without traveling yourself
Competitive pricing: Better value than limited train options
AmeriFreight Auto Transport: Cross-Country Specialists
AmeriFreight Auto Transport provides reliable car shipping services across the continental United States.
Our car shipping services include:
Nationwide pickup and delivery coverage
Competitive pricing for long-distance transport
Customer service support throughout the shipping process
For cross-country car shipping needs, our experienced customer service agents can provide information about available routes, pricing, and delivery timeframes.
Final Thoughts
As of 2026, you cannot ship your car across the entire country by train. Amtrak's Auto Train only travels between Virginia and Florida. This means that for most long-distance car shipments, you'll need to use a truck.
If you need to ship a car across the country, using a truck is generally the best option. Truck transport offers better service to more places, good prices, and flexible times for pickup and delivery. Companies that specialize in shipping cars by truck operate all over the country, have a good history of safety, and are known for delivering vehicles reliably.
Currently, the U.S. doesn't have a very good train system for shipping personal cars. Until a lot of money is invested in improving our railroads, most cars shipped across the country will continue to go by truck.
AmeriFreight Auto Transport
AmeriFreight Auto Transport ships cars all over the United States. We use trucks to move vehicles across the country, especially when shipping by train isn't possible or doesn't make sense.
Get Your Free Car Shipping Quote
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can Amtrak transport your car?
Yes, but only on one route from Lorton, VA to Sanford, FL. This service isn't a true cross-country option, and you'll need to buy a passenger ticket to travel with your vehicle.
Is there a train that takes your car?
Amtrak has a special train called the Auto Train. It's the only passenger train in the US that can carry cars. However, it only travels between Virginia and Florida, so you can't use it to send your car across the entire country.
What is the cheapest way to ship a car across the US?
Shipping a car across the country by truck with an open carrier usually costs between $800 and $1,200. This is a better deal than shipping by train, which has fewer options and doesn't cover as many areas.
How much does a freight train car cost?
You can't ship your personal car on a freight train. Amtrak's Auto Train costs between $208 and $278 to transport a vehicle. You also have to pay for a passenger ticket, which brings the total cost to $300-$1,400 or more.
Why isn't cross-country train car shipping available?
It's difficult to send cars by train across the country because there aren't enough train tracks, it costs a lot to set up the service, not many people want to do it, and freight trains get priority on the tracks.
What's the best alternative to train shipping for cross-country moves?
Shipping your car by train across the country is a good idea. Professional truck transport can pick up your car anywhere in the country and deliver it right to your door. The prices are fair, and you can schedule it when it works best for you. This is a dependable way to ship your car across the country.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Transportation options, pricing, and availability may vary by location and carrier. Always verify current services and requirements directly with transport companies before making shipping decisions.
