Amtrak Auto Train tickets starting at $75 for travel this summer

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information and offers.
Just in time for the unofficial start of summer, Amtrak is back with a deal for Auto Train service , which runs nonstop between Lorton, Virginia, and Sanford, Florida. Amtrak’s Auto Train uniquely allows passengers to travel with their vehicle of choice (it will accommodate everything from a car to a Jet Ski) for an additional fee.
Amtrak fans can buy coach fares from $75 through July 31 for the summer travel season. Also, kids ages 2 through 12 can ride for free in coach and first class using the same promo code.
Discounted fares start at $75, plus the cost of a vehicle.
Deal basics
AMTRAK.COM
Carrier: Amtrak
Routes: Valid on travel between Lorton and Sanford
How to book: Through Amtrak’s sale page , using the code “C521”
Cost: Starting at $75 one-way, plus the cost of a vehicle
Travel dates: May 24-Sept. 2
Book by: July 31
Note that reservations for this sale must be made at least three days before travel for coach seats and first-class private rooms. No upgrades are permitted, and this sale cannot be combined with other discounts.
Sample routes
AMTRAK.COM
As mentioned, this sale is for discounted Auto Train travel between Lorton (a census-designated place in Northern Virginia outside of Washington, D.C.) and Sanford (a small city a little less than 30 miles north of Orlando), starting at $75 for a one-way ticket.
When you search for this deal, enter the discount code under “Travelers,” as illustrated below.
AMTRAK.COM
Based on a test search for this story, a one-way trip from Lorton to Sanford can be booked for June 3 for the advertised price tag of $75.
AMTRAK.COM
This sale is for Value fares, which do not permit changes and incur a 25% fee for canceling before departure.
AMTRAK.COM
In addition to the ticket price, you’ll need to pay to add your vehicle; the fee will vary based on the size of the vehicle you’re trying to transport. In this case, adding a standard vehicle costs an additional $570. Note that carry-on requirements still apply. Auto Train travelers may bring one personal item and two carry-on items.
Maximize your purchase
If you book this deal, use a  credit card  that earns bonus points on travel, such as:

Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card : 2 miles per dollar spent on everyday spending
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : 2 points per dollar spent on all travel purchases
American Express® Green Card : 3 points per dollar spent on travel
Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard®: 2 points per dollar spent on Amtrak travel
Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard®: 3 points per dollar spent on Amtrak travel

The information for the Amex Green, Amtrak and Amtrak Preferred cards has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Bottom line
Amtrak Auto Train riders can book this deal for travel through September.
This deal affords the luxury of time, with the booking window available through July 31. However, there already appears to be limited availability.
Book via amtrak.com or the Amtrak app by July 31, but don’t wait if you plan to take an Auto Train trip this summer.
 Related reading:

Amtrak Guest Rewards: How to earn and redeem points with train travel
Amtrak boosts Northeast Regional service by more than a million seats annually
The best credit cards for Amtrak and train travel
Amtrak debuts new seating layout on Northeast trains, including rear-facing seats

Amtrak debuts new self-check-in option on Acela trains