New Sanford Florida Auto Train Station

On October 18,  2010, the new southern terminus of the Auto Train opened in Sanford, Florida outside of Orlando.  It is located at 500 South Persimmon Avenue.  The $10.5 million terminal is located 45 minutes from popular Central Florida attractions.  The Auto Train operates daily service from Sanford to Lorton, Virginia outside of Washington, DC.
It is a great area to stay in if your trip to the Orland area also includes one of the following:

• Ride on the Auto Train (of course)
• Visit to Disney World, Universal Studios and other Orlando area attractions
• Trips to the East Coast Beaches and Cape Canaveral 
• Great golfing in Florida 

The Sanford train station opens at 8:00 am and vehicles are accepted starting at 11:30 am on the day of departure.  The new station has a full-service gift shop and cafe.  If you wish to get last minute items you may want to travel 10 minutes west of the Sanford station to the Seminole Towne Center.The Seminole Towne Centre is a shopping mall anchored by Dillard's, JC Penney's, Macy's and Sears.  There are over 120 stores including restaurants, a food coat and a children's play area.  On the outskirts of the mall you find other restaurants.  Next to the mall is the Marketplace at Seminole Towne Centre that is anchored by a Super Target.

If you are staying in the area or get there early, you may wish to visit the Historic Stanford Welcome Center on 1st Street in downtown Sanford just minutes from the Amtrak station.  Sanford is the county seat of Seminole County and with its location on Lake Monroe, it has a rich railroad and marine history.  There is a Riverwalk along the lake shore and historical buildings close by where you will find restaurants, art galleries, antique stores, gift shops and much more.  The city of Sanford provides complimentary shuttle service from the train station to historic downtown Sanford between noon and 2:40 pm to coincide with the Auto Train schedule.

If you decide to stay in the Sanford area before or after your Auto Train trip, I recommend the Holiday Inn Express Sanford/Lake Mary, located about five miles southeast of the station.  The hotel is located just off of I-4 so it is easy to get to.  The hotel provides complimentary breakfast and is close to restaurants such as the International House of Pancakes, Ker's Winghouse and a Colorado Steakhouse.  An outdoor pool and business center are available for hotel guests.  Guest rooms includes triple sheeted beds, complimentary high-speed internet access, refrigerators and microwaves.