Hi, I'm Jim Fuhrmann from West Hartford, Connecticut. When I delivered a family friend to the Lorton Auto Train (November 21, 2025), I saw stressed passengers scrambling because they didn't know what to pack. Once your car is loaded, you won't see it for 17 hours — everything you need must fit in a small overnight bag.
Here's my printable checklist — tested on the real trip. Print it, check it off, board stress-free.
| ✅ DO THIS | ❌ DON'T DO THIS | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| ¼ tank gas | Full tank | Amtrak weighs cars — saves you $10–$20 + faster loading |
| Car alarm OFF | Alarm ON | 🚨 Alarms go off in train = 3 AM chaos for everyone |
| Priority Offload ($60) | Standard | First 75 cars off in Sanford = 8 AM vs 11 AM on road |
| Loose items in trunk | Items on seats | Trunk = secure. Seats = fly around during loading |
| Windows cracked 1" | Windows sealed | Ventilation prevents mold (17-hour trip) |
| Category | ✅ PACK THIS | ❌ LEAVE IN CAR |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | 📱 Phone + charger 💳 Wallet + ID 💰 Cash ($20–$50) 🔑 Car keys (Amtrak tags them) |
Laptop, iPad (luggage cars = fine) |
| Comfort | 👕 1–2 changes clothes 🦶 Slip-on shoes 🧦 Socks + underwear 🦷 Toiletries (travel size) |
Full wardrobe, dress shoes |
| Train Life | 🎧 Earplugs + eye mask 📖 Book/Kindle 💧 Reusable water bottle 🍎 Snacks (cooler OK) |
Cooler >10 lbs, hot food |
| Health | 💊 All medications (2x dose) 🩹 Band-Aids, pain reliever 🤧 Tissues, hand sanitizer |
Large first aid kit |
| Docs | 📄 Printed tickets + confirmation 📋 Vehicle tag # 🗺️ Paper map (AAA!) |
Only digital copies |
Pro tip: Pack in a duffel or rollerboard — easier to carry through 6 train cars to your room.
✅ Priority Offload = $60 well spent
First 75 cars unload = you're driving by 8 AM vs waiting until 11 AM.
✅ Eat breakfast BEFORE boarding
Lorton station has no food (just pricey Faber News). McDonald's 2 miles away = $8 vs $13 station sub.
✅ Tag your bag clearly
"Jim Fuhrmann - Roomette #123" = zero confusion at Sanford pickup.
Packing is the easy part. The 439-mile drive to Lorton? Let me take that stress off your plate.
Safe travels 😊🙏
Jim Fuhrmann
West Hartford, Connecticut
📱 Call/Text:
✉️ Email:
📚 VMIPub: @JimFuhrmann
References happily provided!
