Today, we’re proud to announce the launch of the Floridian!
This train combines two iconic routes — the Capitol Limited and Silver Star — and will offer traditional dining throughout the full journey. pic.twitter.com/XZbtfUptJq
— Amtrak (@Amtrak) September 23, 2024
Amtrak is launching a new route called the Floridian that will run daily between Chicago and Miami starting on November 10. The route will combine two existing Amtrak services, the Capitol Limited which runs from Chicago to Washington, D.C. and the Silver Star which goes from Washington to Miami. The new service will allow passengers to travel from the Midwest to Florida without having to change trains.
Stops along the way include Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Richmond, Raleigh, Columbia, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Tampa. The entire trip from Chicago to Miami will take about 46 hours. From Cleveland to Orlando, it will be a 32 hour journey.
Hmm, should I plan a direct @Amtrak trip via their new Floridian route to visit my niece and nephew who are currently living in the Miami area?https://t.co/rXMTslBQIF
I could visit the site where my dad's cousin ran the Hawaiian Isle tiki hotel.https://t.co/Umt8QZzHaE
— John Greenfield (@greenfieldjohn) September 24, 2024
Coach tickets start at around $180 for that segment.
While it's not the same route, and a temporary move while the East River Tunnel Rehabilitation Project gets underway in NY, but @Amtrak's "Floridian" is making its grand return as a single-seat ride between Chicago & Miami.
Get all the details here: https://t.co/93jYn52H40
— Rail Passengers Association (@RailPassengers) September 23, 2024
Amtrak spokesperson Marc Magliari said the Floridian route is being introduced temporarily to reduce the number of trains that need to be serviced in New York City during upcoming construction on the East River Tunnels there.
Amtrak adds new Midwest-Florida route
He indicated the Chicago to Florida service will likely operate at least until that tunnel project is completed. “This provides a service that has been long sought in the Midwest,” stated Magliari. Jim Mathews, CEO of the Rail Passengers Association, said “Our members have had a long-standing dream of restoring a one-seat ride from the Midwest to Florida, and we’re thrilled that a new generation of American passengers will be able to experience this service for themselves.”
The Floridian will offer both coach seating and private rooms.
Roomettes and larger bedrooms include beds, restrooms and showers. First-class passengers receive complimentary dining service and lounge access at major stations. The train will have a dedicated dining car serving chef-prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Amtrak did previously operate a train called the Floridian between Chicago and Miami back in the 1970s. However, that service had a different route, passing through Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee rather than Ohio and Pennsylvania. It was discontinued in 1979 due to track issues that impacted reliability and ridership.
